The MicroCast

By Microcosm Coaching

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Category: Running

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Episodes: 231

Description

The Microcosm Coaching Podcast helps endurance athletes—whether you're a road runner, trail runner, or training for your first marathon or 100-miler—get more out of their training with evidence-based advice, effort-based coaching, and expert mindset support. Hosted by professional coaches and athletes, each episode explores practical strategies for race prep, running recovery, mental performance, and sustainable training. If you want to build fitness, avoid burnout, and find more joy in running, you're in the right place.

Episode Date
AI vs. Human Coaching, Hiding Your Heart Rate in Races, Cramps & Training in Humidity
Jun 10, 2026
Building the Long Run: Endurance, Fueling, and the Mental Game of Going Long
Jun 03, 2026
How to Know If Your Training Is Actually Working (The N of 1 Experiment)
May 27, 2026
The 5 Metrics That Actually Matter in 2026 (And Why Most of Your Data Is Noise)
May 20, 2026
Running Economy Explained — 5 Levers That Work, 4 Myths to Ignore
May 13, 2026
How Hydration and Sodium Make or Break Your Race
May 07, 2026
Why You Should Always Be Training + Coach TJ's Canyons 100k Race Recap!
Apr 29, 2026
5 Reasons Your Fitness Is Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)
Apr 22, 2026
The Science of Periodization: How to Actually Structure Your Training Year
Apr 15, 2026
5 Signs You're Ready to Race (And 5 Signs You're Not)
Apr 08, 2026
UTMB Chianti Castles UTCC 120k Race Recap + Fueling Short Runs and Psychedelics for Running?
Apr 01, 2026
The Performance Trap: What Elite Male Athletes Get Wrong About Discipline, Leanness, and Control
Mar 17, 2026
5 Most Overhyped Ideas in Endurance Training (And What Actually Works)
Mar 11, 2026
Should You Run Twice a Day? The Science Behind Running Doubles
Mar 04, 2026
What Good Running Coaching Actually Looks Like (And How to Find It) with Cliff Pittman, CTS Coaching Development Director
Feb 25, 2026
Is Running 30 Ultras a Year Actually Destroying Your Body? The Science
Feb 18, 2026
The Science of Going Long: How to Train Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Feb 10, 2026
7 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Runners Make (And How to Fix Them)
Feb 04, 2026
6 Principles for Training Through Big Life Changes
Jan 28, 2026
How to Return to Running After Time Off , Plus: Burrito League and Plyometrics!
Jan 21, 2026
When Cross-Training Helps Runners (And When to Just Run More)
Jan 14, 2026
5 Signs Your Runs Aren't Easy Enough
Jan 08, 2026
5 Off-Season Habits That Will Make You a Stronger Runner in 2026
Dec 31, 2025
Coaches' Mailbag — Your Running Questions Answered
Dec 23, 2025
5 Running Studies That Actually Matter in 2025 (Skip the Hype)
Dec 17, 2025
5 Running Lessons I Wish I Learned Sooner | Advice from Experienced Runners
Dec 10, 2025
11 Things Every Runner Should Do to Reach Their Potential
Dec 03, 2025
RED-S Explained: Why Underfueling Hurts Your Performance More Than You Think
Nov 25, 2025
5 Science-Backed Ways to Prevent Running Injuries: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)
Nov 19, 2025
Stop Overthinking Your Training: How to Simplify and Run Better
Nov 12, 2025
Running Recovery Myths and Metabolism Mistakes: What Actually Works for Endurance Athletes
Nov 05, 2025
The Science of the Long Run, Plus: Creatine & Burnout
Oct 29, 2025
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Training Year
Oct 21, 2025
Steady State vs. Tempo vs. Threshold
Oct 14, 2025
5 Ways to Rock Your Recovery + Why Is Treadmill Running So Hard?
Oct 07, 2025
5 Ways to Nail Your Next Workout & Staying Motivated Through Injury
Sep 30, 2025
When to Take a Down Week & Weighted Vests and Fatigue Resistance
Sep 24, 2025
Run Rabbit Run 100 Race Recap: Storms, Strategy & Mental Flexibility
Sep 16, 2025
5 Ways To Nail Your Taper, Plus: Mental Fatigue, Simplified Logistics, and Race-Week Execution
Sep 10, 2025
Minimizing Muscle Damage, Talking through the Colon Cancer Study, and How Social Media Slows You Down
Sep 02, 2025
Aid Station Efficiency, Fat Adaptation Myths, and Training Volume Explained
Aug 26, 2025
5 Science‑Backed Pacing Rules for Ultras
Aug 19, 2025
Who Gets to Be an Athlete? Endurance Fueling Myths, Carb Periodization & Race-Day Resets
Aug 14, 2025
5 Workouts Every Runner Needs to Get Faster (Without Burning Out)
Aug 05, 2025
Protein: Hype vs. Reality
Jul 29, 2025
Fuel Smarter, Run Stronger: Endurance Nutrition Myths Busted
Jul 22, 2025
TJ's Silver Rush Recap + Training For Busy Runners
Jul 16, 2025
5 Myths Holding Your Running Back
Jul 08, 2025
Master Downhill Running: Technique, Strength & Mindset for Trail Runners
Jul 01, 2025
Block vs. Mixed Training, Best Gels for Running, and Making Data Actually Useful
Jun 24, 2025
How to Train for High Altitude Races: Acclimatization & What Actually Works
Jun 17, 2025
Top 5 Science-Backed Reasons Runners DNF – And How to Prevent Them
Jun 03, 2025
How to Set Your Running Zones: VO2 Max, Lactate, and Why Your Zones Might Be Wrong
May 28, 2025
Heat Training for Runners: What Works, What’s Hype, and How to Do It Right
May 21, 2025
How to build Real Mental Toughness and the Limits of AI Coaching
May 13, 2025
The 5 Most Debated Ideas in Endurance Training—And What the Science Actually Says
May 06, 2025
Stress Is Stress: Strength Training Timing, Gut Myths & the Truth About Recovery
Apr 30, 2025
The 5 Running Studies Every Athlete Should Know (Training, Fueling, Injury Risk + More)
Apr 22, 2025
How Long Does It Actually Take to Get Fit? Training Timelines, 200-Milers, and Coaching at the Edge of Science
Apr 15, 2025
Ultra Recovery, Speed Training Myths & Mid-Run Bananas: Hot Takes + Science-Backed Advice
Apr 08, 2025
UTMB Chianti Recap: We Hitchhiked to a UTMB Race and Ran Through Castles
Apr 01, 2025
Goal Setting, and Staying Motivated Without Racing
Mar 25, 2025
The Race Weight Trap: How It Can Hurt Your Performance
Mar 18, 2025
Why You Slow Down in the Second Half of a Race (and How to Fix It!)
Mar 12, 2025
Evidence-Based Training: How Science Should (and Shouldn’t) Guide Your Training
Mar 05, 2025
How Much Training Can You Skip Without Losing Fitness? (The Science of Minimum Effective Dose)
Feb 26, 2025
Why Your Longest Run Isn’t What Matters - and Should You Train by Time or Mileage?
Feb 19, 2025
Mental Training For Runners and How To Prevent Running Injuries
Feb 11, 2025
How to Fix Your Running Form and to Run Easy!
Feb 05, 2025
Building Training Volume: Tips for Running Longer Distances (Even Your First Ultra!)
Jan 28, 2025
Road Shoe Power Ranking & Lactate Threshold Training For Runners
Jan 21, 2025
High-Carb Fueling, Breaking Through Training Plateaus, and Gel Power Rankings
Jan 15, 2025
Coach Kylee and Zoe Answer Your Nutrition and Diet Questions!
Jan 10, 2025
Want to Get Better at Running? Nail the Fundamentals.
Jan 09, 2025
How Runners Can Navigate Injury Recovery
Dec 18, 2024
Nutrition Periodization For Runners
Dec 11, 2024
Ask A Running Coach Anything!
Dec 05, 2024
Coach TJ's Spartan Race Recap and Post Race Recovery Tips!
Nov 27, 2024
11 Things Every Runner Should Do
Nov 21, 2024
How Long Does It Take To Get Faster?
Nov 13, 2024
Strength Training For Runners
Nov 06, 2024
Running and Training Through Menopause
Oct 29, 2024
"Blue Collar" Training for Runners with Physically Demanding Jobs
Oct 22, 2024
Hybrid vs. Block Training Periodization for Runners, and What Data Actually Matters
Oct 15, 2024
Our Top Ten Favorite Workouts for Runners
Oct 07, 2024
The Bad Ideas Draft. Worlds Worst Nutrition, Training, and Running Advice Ever!
Sep 30, 2024
The "Best" Running Cadence, Running on Soft Surfaces, and Transition Season!
Sep 24, 2024
Fatigue, Perfectionism and Cycle Syncing!
Sep 18, 2024
Coach Zoë on For The Long Run!
Sep 10, 2024
How To Set Better Running Goals - And Train Without Goals!
Aug 27, 2024
Coach Zoë's Leadville 100 Race Recap!
Aug 19, 2024
How to Get Better at Running Downhill and Leadville 100 Preparation!
Aug 13, 2024
The Most Common Questions Coaches Get About Running
Aug 05, 2024
The Six Biggest Training Mistakes Athletes Make
Jul 29, 2024
Your Diet Sucks - The Zero Calorie Ultra
Jul 24, 2024
Introducing Your Diet Sucks - Why Athletes Fall For Diet Bullsh*t
Jul 24, 2024
Supplements That Work, and How To Track Your Training
Jul 22, 2024
V02max Matters For All Runners. Here's How to Improve Yours.
Jul 15, 2024
Altitude Training For Runners plus a Silver Rush 50 Recap!
Jul 09, 2024
Coach TJ's Western States Endurance Run Recap!
Jul 02, 2024
How To Train For Your First 100 Mile Race. Plus, Injury Prevention!
Jun 11, 2024
How To Get Better At Running Uphill
Jun 04, 2024
Should You Actually Be Heat Training?
May 27, 2024
How Specific Should Your Training Be?
May 20, 2024
How To DNF Your First Ultra
May 06, 2024
Why Runners Should Train by Effort, Not Heart Rate
Apr 29, 2024
Faster as a Master: Training For Athletes Over 40
Apr 22, 2024
When Should You Wear Carbon Supershoes? And Lake Sonoma Recap!
Apr 15, 2024
Spring Trail Training Tips and Using Races to Train For Ultras
Apr 08, 2024
The Inside Out Athlete with Mental Performance Consultant Lucie Hanes, M.S. Applied Sports Psych
Mar 11, 2024
11 Guiding Principles for Athletes Who Want to Reach Their Potential. Plus Real Foods Hot or Not.
Feb 26, 2024
Coach Zoë Rom is back! Partner Race Swap, What to Focus on To Reach Your Potential, Plus Alcohol Use for Athletes
Feb 19, 2024
The Curiosity Mindset with Jonathan Levitt, For The Long Run Podcast. Plus Developing Your WHY and Leaning into Joy.
Feb 12, 2024
The Zen of Performance with Author, Athlete and Philosopher Francis Sanzaro, PhD
Feb 05, 2024
Planning for Your A Race + Stretching, Foam Rolling, Chiros & N/A Beverages with Coach Zack Russell
Jan 24, 2024
Thinking about New Year's Resolutions? Try a habits and outcome based approach instead.
Jan 15, 2024
2023: A Year in Review & Celebrations, Peloton, The Real Core Work Runners Need & Normatech Boots
Jan 12, 2024
Our Favorite Influencer, The Essentials of the Coach-Athlete Relationship, Managing New Life Stress Strategies & WSER Waitlist Mindset
Dec 11, 2023
Intention versus Commitment & Progress - Plus Loop & Out and Back Races as well as Xtraining!
Nov 13, 2023
Microcosm 3.0 - What We've Learned. Plus Transition Season, Running Dates and Friends That Don't Run. Are they the best kind?
Nov 01, 2023
The Bad Ideas Draft. Worlds Worst Nutrition, Training, Internet Takes, Gear and Wild Cards! From Low Carb High Fat Diets to Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches to 100 Mile Weeks and Run Streaks.
Oct 09, 2023
Our Top 10 Favorite Workouts and WHY, plus The Importance of Hobbies and What we do for FUN, Thoughts on Running with Music and so much more!
Oct 02, 2023
Run Rabbit Run 100 Recap & Takeaways + Blood & Sweat Test Hot Takes & Community Coaching Reflections
Sep 21, 2023
Brand Ambassadorship, The Bear and La La Land plus Training Adaptations and Timelines for Adaptation
Sep 08, 2023
How to Become a Sustainable Runner: Mind, Body, Community and Planet + Hot or Not + Boot Camps & Non-Linear Recovery
Sep 01, 2023
Leadville 100 Recap + Hot or Not + Book Reviews + Worlds Most Tired Proposal
Aug 25, 2023
Leadville 100 Training & Chatter, Hot Water Immersion, Dealing with Uncertainty, Books & Hot or Not!
Aug 14, 2023
The Biggest Obstacles We've Faced & How We Dealt With Them. Plus Working Remote, Book Tour Vulnerability, Training While Traveling Takeaways & Bonus Hot or Not.
Jul 27, 2023
Challenges Covering Hard Rock 100, Business Decisions, Inspiration from NF's "Hope," plus TJ's Silverton Alpine Marathon Win and How We Got Into Running!
Jul 20, 2023
San Juan Summer Solstice 50 Recap, The Champions Mindset, Comedy of Failures and Living a Values Driven Life
Jul 07, 2023
microCHAT with Coach and Athlete Kristen Schindler - Resilience, Grit and Insights Through Injury
Jun 30, 2023
A rising tide lifts all boats! The WHY Behind the MicroCOMMUNITY. Plus "Yes, And," FOMO & Protein with bonus Hot or Not takes!
Jun 23, 2023
Mindset from Racing in Argentina, Taylor Swift & Matthew McConaughey
Jun 16, 2023
Insights Through Injury & Failure with Professional Climber and Coach Dan Mirsky
Jun 09, 2023
microCHAT: 100 Millas Sierras Del Bandoleros with Athlete Zena Robinson
Jun 02, 2023
UTMB Valhöll Recap with Coaches Zoë Rom and TJ David
May 19, 2023
Deep Dive into Parenting while Pursuing Running at a High Level with Coaches & Athletes Sarah Strong and Drew Conner
Apr 28, 2023
Habits of the Successful Athlete
Apr 14, 2023
Long Run & Race Day Fueling w/ Kylee Van Horn, RDN
Mar 24, 2023
Planning for Your First Ultra Q&A
Mar 17, 2023
Beginners Q&A
Mar 03, 2023
The Big Thing Effect with Jeff Patterson, Author & Success Coach
Feb 24, 2023
Building Running Confidence
Feb 10, 2023
Mental Performance Tools
Jan 27, 2023
The Never Enough Mentality
Jan 20, 2023
When is it time to level up? Is work-life-training balance real? Plus a brief xtraining discussion.
Jan 13, 2023
Exploring Purpose, Multiple A Races, Races That Don't Fit Your Skill Set & Difficult Adventures
Dec 16, 2022
Training Perspectives on The Menstrual Cycle & Birth Control + The Impacts of Low Level Activity Post Training
Dec 09, 2022
2022 Takeaways, Planning for 2023 and Winter Running Tips
Dec 02, 2022
The 2022 Gratitude Call
Nov 18, 2022
Coach 2022 Takeaways & Off Season Training
Nov 11, 2022
Puerto Vallarta by UTMB Recap & Working Through Setbacks Pt. III
Nov 04, 2022
Working Though Mental Setbacks Pt. II, Running Form, Athletic Greens
Oct 21, 2022
Responding to Training Setbacks Pt. I
Oct 14, 2022
Rapid, Not So Rapid Fire Friday! Travel w/ Nutrition, Protein During Long Races, Picking A Races, Aid Stations and Drop Bags, Think Beyond One Season!
Sep 30, 2022
Hill Training 101: Your Guide to All Things Hills
Sep 23, 2022
Rapid, not so Rapid Fire Friday! Treadmill Runs, Easy Running, Self-Supported Long-Runs, Mental Performance
Sep 16, 2022
The ins and outs of Group Runs!
Sep 09, 2022
Coach TJ CCC Recap & Takeaways
Sep 02, 2022
CCC Training Update & Mental Performance
Aug 23, 2022
Athlete/Coach Communication Roundtable
Aug 05, 2022
Adjusting Recovery Expectations, Training Flexibility & Types of Sugars
Jul 29, 2022
Silver Rush Race Takeaways with Coach TJ - Plus Was it Really a Bad Run? & Taper Science
Jul 22, 2022
Strong and Stable Legs + Building Strength Into Your Plan w/Coach Megan Flanagan, CPT
Jul 18, 2022
The Mental Side: Giving Up Saturday's for Long Runs, FOMO and Social Media
Jul 11, 2022
WSER Recap! Using Ice During Races & Getting Vulnerable on Race Day
Jul 01, 2022
Summer Training & How to Deal with the Heat
Jun 19, 2022
Strength Training for Runners with Coach Megan Flanagan, CPT
Jun 10, 2022
Rapid Fire Friday with Coach Zoë
Jun 06, 2022
Planning and Running Your First Ultra
May 20, 2022
Collegiate Peaks with Coach Z, Electrolytes 101 with Coach Kylee, Dog Running and More!
May 13, 2022
Earth Day, CBD and Recovery, Rigidity and Flexibility in Training
Apr 22, 2022
Managing The Stress of Longer Long Runs & Coping with Pre-Race Nerves
Apr 08, 2022
Why Long Run Variations and Long Run Fueling 101
Apr 01, 2022
How to Run Strides & How Training Structure Works
Mar 28, 2022
Crewing and Pacing -- Runner and Crew/Pacer Perspectives!
Mar 18, 2022
Finding Light in Dark Times & Celebrating The Highs!
Mar 11, 2022
Coach/Athlete Sarah Strong Wins Up for Air! Full recap plus Balancing Big Goals with Life!
Mar 04, 2022
Process Oriented Goals 101 & Comparison Traps
Feb 25, 2022
The Finite & Infinite Mindset Paradox
Feb 18, 2022
Fueling Under Stress & When Busy! Running Economy & Workouts by Effort
Feb 11, 2022
Coach Zoë Talks Boundaries plus Running with Your Partner
Feb 10, 2022
Coach TJ & Coach Kristen Talk Rest, Recovery & WHOOP
Feb 08, 2022
Coaches Corner! When should I take an extra rest day? How do I gain more autonomy in the training process?
Feb 04, 2022
Coach Habits & Routines Check-in plus Prioritizing Long Term Health
Feb 04, 2022
Coaches Corner! Dealing with COVID Uncertainty in Training & Racing plus Forming Sticky Habits!
Feb 03, 2022
Winter Fueling with Kylee Van Horn, RDN
Feb 02, 2022
UTMB and Coach Race Recaps
Sep 13, 2021
Downhill Running and Fun Vs. Focus on Long Runs
Sep 13, 2021
Overthinking, Efficiency and Race Reports
Aug 18, 2021
Hydration Packs, Flat Races, New Shoes, And Partners Who Don't Run
Aug 18, 2021
Coach Race Recaps, Reframing Fear, Commitment and Competitiveness
Aug 10, 2021
Boundary Setting, Perceived Effort And When To Pause Your Watch
Aug 10, 2021
Morning Runs, Disappointment and Motivation!
Aug 10, 2021
TJ & Zoë Community Call
Aug 10, 2021
Strava, Comparison, Competition and Role Models
Aug 06, 2021
Masters Athletes and Heat Adaptation
Aug 05, 2021
Give Yourself Permission To Go For It!
Aug 05, 2021
Adventure Imperfectly!
Aug 05, 2021
Big Dreams, Air Quality and Cultures Of Excellence
Jul 28, 2021
Wildlife Encounters and Nutrition!
Jul 28, 2021
Cadence, Perspective & Building Training Plans
Jul 28, 2021
Coaches Corner: Running for Time Vs. Mileage and Garbage Miles
Jul 12, 2021
Metrics That Matter
Jul 12, 2021
Understanding Identity
Jun 04, 2021
Music, Hydration, "Real-Foods" and Anti-Racism
May 14, 2021
VO2 Max Tests, Long Run Recovery, Downhill Running, Runners Highs, Stress Relief and FKT's!
May 07, 2021
Race Day 101
May 03, 2021
Daily Check-Ins, Run Streaks, Alcohol, Splits, and Goal Setting!
Apr 30, 2021
Downtime, Antidepressants, Race Selection, Self-Criticism, Guilt Vs. Shame and Yoga!
Apr 26, 2021
Bad Days & Building Mental Toughness
Apr 26, 2021
Rest Day 101
Apr 23, 2021
Earth Day For Endurance Athletes!
Apr 22, 2021
Rapid Fire Friday!!!
Apr 19, 2021
Burnout Is Real!!!
Apr 16, 2021
Your Brain Is A Body Part!
Apr 06, 2021
Rest Days, Comparison, Cross-Training, Social Media and Balance!
Apr 02, 2021
Simplify Your Training!
Mar 26, 2021
Rapid Fire Friday!!!
Mar 19, 2021
Mental Health Matters!
Mar 12, 2021
Train Smarter, Not Harder
Mar 05, 2021
Shoes, Glutes, The Flu and More!
Feb 26, 2021
Nutrition Q & A with Kylee Van Horn!
Feb 19, 2021
Tips For Busy Athletes!
Feb 12, 2021
Coach Q&A: Heart Rate Variability, Race-Specific Training, Confidence on Group Runs and Running in the Rain!
Feb 11, 2021
Goals 101: How To Set Running Goals
Feb 05, 2021
Coach Q&A!
Feb 01, 2021
You are a runner!
Feb 01, 2021
Stress Management For Athletes
Jan 22, 2021
Winter Training 101!
Jan 18, 2021
Motivation, Goal-Setting and Nachos!
Jan 15, 2021