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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Blagrove, an applied exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, and author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners.

We break down how runners can use strength training to improve running economy, reduce injury risk, and build long-term durability. Dr. Blagrove shares practical, evidence-based guidance on how to structure strength work alongside running, including when to schedule sessions, how to individualize your approach, and what actually matters for performance.

You’ll also hear how strength training differs for middle-distance versus marathon runners, why calf strength is so important for endurance athletes, and how to think about long-term progression in your training.

In this episode, I cover:

• How strength training improves running performance and efficiency
• Best practices for integrating strength into your weekly schedule
• Key differences in programming for middle-distance vs. long-distance runners
• Building resilience and reducing injury risk
• The importance of consistency and individualized training

Learn more from Dr. Richard Blagrove:
Email: r.c.blagrove@lboro.ac.uk

Book: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners

Dr. Blagrove continues to contribute to the field through ongoing research, so I encourage you to follow his work and keep an eye out for his latest and upcoming publications.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

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In this episode, I sit down with my friend Adam Freudenthal, former professional runner, ultrarunner, and cancer survivor, to talk about resilience, identity, and redefining performance after a life-changing diagnosis.

Adam competed at an elite level with ASICS Greenville Track Club Elite, running 14:15 for 5K and 1:05 for the half marathon. In 2020, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery and intensive chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free later that year.

We dive into his journey through cancer treatment, the mental and physical challenges of returning to running, and how his relationship with training has evolved from high-performance road racing to a more sustainable approach and transition into ultrarunning. We also discuss burnout in competitive running, shifting identity after injury or illness, and how to build a healthier, long-term approach to endurance training.

If you’re a runner navigating setbacks, returning from injury or illness, or looking to build a more sustainable training mindset, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and encouragement for your own journey.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Jon Shield, one of the most accomplished extreme racers in the world. From winning across the Beyond the Ultimate Global Race Series to tackling brutal multi-day events like the Spine Race, Jon has built a reputation for performing in the harshest conditions imaginable.

Now, he’s just weeks out from the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, often called Britain’s most brutal, chasing redemption and a sub-70-hour record.

We dive into:

• How Jon is balancing injury, recovery, and peak performance
• Why resilience matters more than fitness in ultra-endurance
• The reality behind social media, sponsorships, and coaching
• Lessons from racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and the Arctic
• What it actually takes to keep going when everything starts to break

This is a raw, honest conversation about pressure, setbacks, and pushing beyond perceived limits.

Follow Jon Shield:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonshieldrunsultras
• Jon Shield - YouTube
• Website: https://www.jon-shield.com
• Pain Cave Headwear: https://paincaveheadwear.com

You can also view this discussion on my YouTube channel, Coach Hannah Witt, in my series, The Performance Collective. Coach Hannah Witt - YouTube

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner and race director Bob Becker, who at 80 years old became the oldest finisher in history of Badwater 135, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

Bob shares his journey into ultrarunning, including his early experience at the Marathon des Sables, and what it takes to train, fuel, and stay resilient across decades in the sport. From racing in extreme heat and managing sleep deprivation to building durability and preventing injury, this conversation is packed with insights for runners at every level.

I also dive into Bob’s work as a race director through Ultra Sports, LLC, where he created and leads iconic events like the KEYS100 Ultramarathon (https://keys100.com/) and the Daytona 100 Ultra (https://daytona100ultra.com/). His races have introduced thousands of athletes to ultrarunning while supporting charitable causes including cancer research.

Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon or looking to stay consistent long-term, Bob’s story offers a powerful perspective on longevity, mindset, and what’s possible at any age.

🔗 Learn more about Bob Becker: https://bob-becker.com/

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Follow and DM me on Instagram at coach_hannah_witt. You can also email me at hannah@maximummileagecoaching.com. I want to hear from you!

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Foster to explore how running became the catalyst for a complete life shift.

Before chasing performance goals, Sam spent years in the hospitality industry navigating long hours, heavy drinking, and feeling stuck in a cycle that was hard to break. What started as a simple decision to go for a run gradually turned into something much bigger.

We talk through Sam’s journey into sobriety, the challenges of building consistency, and the lessons learned along the way, including the importance of fueling properly, strength training for durability, and taking a more structured approach to training.

This conversation is a reminder that running is not just about performance. With the right structure and support, it can be a tool to rebuild confidence, create direction, and build something sustainable over time.

You can follow Sam’s journey on Instagram at @run_weasly_92.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’re flipping the mic and Nick’s interviewing me, Hannah Witt, so you get the full backstory.

I grew up in a tiny town in Tennessee, didn’t even start running that early, and somehow ended up running in college and building a life around this sport. Along the way, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, learned a lot, watched way too much YouTube (Old Gregg, “I like turtles” kid…you know the vibe), and played an unreasonable amount of Chip’s Challenge.

Now I live in the mountains, coach runners, have four cats (plus a stray I feed), and genuinely just love running. Like…running is great. It really is.

We talk about how I found my way into coaching, why I care so much about helping runners actually understand what they’re doing, and how I use science to build training that’s flexible, individualized, and actually makes sense for real life.

Also:

• Why your training shouldn’t feel like a rigid spreadsheet
• How to build consistency without overthinking everything
• And how to keep running fun (because it should be)

If you like running, learning, or mildly chaotic but thoughtful conversations…this one’s for you.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with Dawn Lisenby, ultra runner, coach, and CEO and race director of East Coast Trail Racing, for a conversation that I think so many runners need to hear, especially this time of year. We talk about what happens when training starts to catch up with you, how small issues can turn into bigger injuries, and why strength and mobility are not optional if you want to keep running long term. Dawn shares her experience with a serious labral tear, how she avoided surgery, and what she learned, sometimes the hard way, about building a body that can actually support your goals.

We also dive into her Run Natural Coaching philosophy, including her thoughts on form, footwear, and why so many runners are missing the foundational pieces that keep them healthy. Beyond her own running, including multiple 100 mile finishes, we talk about the incredible community she has built through East Coast Trail Racing and what it really takes to create safe, challenging, and meaningful race experiences.

If you are dealing with aches, coming back from injury, or just want to train smarter so you can stay in this sport for the long run, this episode is for you.

You can connect with Dawn and learn more about her coaching at runnaturalcoach.com, or follow her on social media at @runnaturalcoach and @eastcoasttrailracing.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, I sit down with exercise physiologist Mike Weiss of Alta Health and Performance Solutions to dig into the science behind endurance performance and what it really means to train smarter.

We start by exploring Mike’s background and his specialization in environmental physiology, including how the body responds to altitude and heat. We break down what is actually happening at altitude and why it is not about less oxygen, but less pressure, and how that impacts your performance.

We also get into practical takeaways you can apply right away, like why checking your iron and ferritin levels matters for adaptation, how hydration and fueling needs shift at elevation, and what signs your body might be giving you when something is off.

Then we dive into metabolic testing, a core focus of the work Mike does at Alta Health and Performance Solutions. We talk about what it is, why it matters, and how it gives you a much more individualized and accurate picture than wearable data alone. This is the kind of information that can help you train more efficiently and reach your potential faster.

If you have ever wanted to better understand the why behind your training, this episode is for you.

How to Get in Touch with Mike Weiss

Mike Weiss is an exercise physiologist and the founder of Alta Health and Performance Solutions, where he specializes in environmental physiology and metabolic testing for endurance athletes.

To learn more about Mike and his work:
🌐 https://www.altahps.com/about-us

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/