Few people embody the intersection of endurance and intellect quite like Nicholas Thompson.

He's a runner, writer, and CEO of The Atlantic, and in his new book, The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports, Thompson explores how running has shaped his resilience, his leadership, and his pursuit of meaning in a relentless world.

It's a story of motion–literal and metaphorical–from chasing split times on the road to navigating the fast-evolving media landscape.

A lifelong competitor, Nicholas has defied convention by getting faster with age. At 44, he ran a blistering 2:29:12 marathon in Chicago; at 46, he set the American 45–49 age-group record in the 50K (3:04:36); and in April 2025, at 50, he won the Lake Waramaug 50-Mile in 5:43:08.

His regular "run commutes" through New York and obsession with sleep have become trademarks of his disciplined, data-guided approach; one that keeps him thriving as both an athlete and executive.

As CEO of The Atlantic since 2021, Thompson has led the publication into a new era of growth, championing thoughtful journalism amid a fractured digital age. But behind the boardroom and the headlines is a runner who sees training as a mirror for leadership–patience, discomfort, and long-term vision.

He's here to reflect on the lessons behind The Running Ground:how running taught him to manage pain and purpose, how endurance builds empathy, and why mastering the miles has made him a better human.

Whether you're chasing a PR or perspective, his story is a testament to running not just as a sport, but as a way of thinking–and living–in motion.

Tap into the Nicholas Thompson Special.

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Three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury knows firsthand the strength and resilience it takes to train at the highest level, especially through pregnancy and motherhood.

Now, she’s bringing that same elite mindset to a new arena: women’s health. Alongside her co-author, Jessica Dorrington, a leading pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist, Rowbury has created the definitive guide for expectant and new mothers seeking to stay active, confident, and empowered in every stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Their upcoming book, Strong as a Mother: Your Complete Pregnancy-to-Postpartum Health Program, launching February 17, 2026, blends Olympic-level athletic insight with evidence-based medical expertise.

Drawing on years of research and personal experience, Rowbury and Dorrington challenge outdated advice that tells women to slow down or avoid movement. Instead, they show that pregnancy can be a time to build strength, connection, and confidence–when guided by the right science and support.

With clear, medically-grounded guidance, Strong as a Mother addresses the questions every pregnant athlete and active woman asks: “What’s actually safe? How can I keep training?” From strength training and mobility to recovery and mental health, Rowbury and Dorrington offer a comprehensive, empowering roadmap rooted in both athletic performance and women’s health.

Endorsed by Allyson Felix, Jordan Hogan, and Dr. Rachel Goldman, Strong as a Mother is already being hailed as a must-have resource for mothers and mothers-to-be. This will mark the start of a movement to redefine what strength looks like in motherhood.

Tap into the Shannon Rowberry and Jessica Dorrington Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

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S H O W N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

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Blending Stanford smarts with relentless drive, Cole Sprout is emerging as one of America’s most exciting young pros.

Cole was the NACAC U23 Champion in the 5,000m in 2023 while also coming in 8th at the USATF Championships in the 5,000m the same year.

His PRs include a 7:42.41 in the 3,000m indoors in March of 2025; a 13:24.38 in the 5,000m indoors in 2022; a 27:42.42 in the 10,000m in 2022; a 3:56.53 mile in 2022; and a 3:42.27 1,500m in 2021.

His time at Stanford from 2020–2024 saw him become a five-time All-American; secure 4th outdoors in the NCAA championship in the 10,000 (2022); run an indoor 3,000m in 7:43.10 (which is number two in school history at the time); and show steady leadership on the grass.

Cole recently came in second at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5k in New York amidst an extremely competitive field. He’s also now training under Jerry Schumacher and has his sights set on a whole lot more.

He stands at the crossroads of promise and breakthrough, ready to turn potential into podiums on the world stage.

Tap into the Cole Sprout Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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