This week’s episode is a throwback to one of your favorite formats—a good old-fashioned Q&A! But it’s also extra special because I’m officially launching the Running Explained Patreon! 🎉 I break down what the Patreon is, what’s included at each membership level, and how joining directly supports me and the future of the show.

After that, we dive into your questions! I’m answering everything from how long it takes to rebuild your aerobic base after injury, to whether you need to run a 20-miler when training for a half marathon, and what to do when your heart rate zones don’t seem to match your workout paces.

In This Episode I Talk About:

• What the Running Explained Patreon is and how you can join

• The difference between feeling “normal” and “race fit” after injury

• Why a 20-mile long run probably isn’t necessary for half marathon training

• If you need to add more running days to finally break that sub-2:00 half

• What a “workout sandwich” really means (and why it matters!)

• How to manage heart rate zones in the summer heat

• What might be holding back your 5K progress (spoiler: it’s not just speedwork)

• The real meaning behind lower heart rate at the same pace

• How to return to training after illness without blowing up your plan

• What to do when your heart rate doesn’t match the threshold pace your coach gives you

🎙️ The Running Explained Patreon is here!
Want bonus episodes, ad-free listening, priority Q&A, voting on guests and topics, and more?
Join the community at 👉 patreon.com/runningexplained

Let’s Connect:

• Website: www.runningexplained.com

• Instagram: @runningexplained

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Parker and Meredith Root, co-owners of Tactic Nutrition—two amazing athletes and coaches who are runners AND... compete in CrossFit, strength training, cycling, and more. They’re here to talk about how embracing your identity as a multi-sport athlete can not only help prevent burnout but also make you a better overall athlete.

But it’s not just about doing different sports for the sake of variety. We also talk about WHY we tend to pigeonhole ourselves into a single spoint, struggle with burnout when we try to do it all at the same time, and dive into fueling properly for all these activities. Alex and Meredith share how their approach to nutrition helps athletes fuel for multiple sports without feeling restricted or overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Ditching the "One-Sport Only" Mentality: Alex and Meredith open up about their journey from focusing solely on one sport to embracing multiple sports. They talk about how stepping away from just being “a runner” has been a game-changer for their identity and overall health.

• How to Fuel Like a Multi-Sport Athlete: When you’re juggling running, strength training, and cycling, fueling is key. Alex and Meredith share their strategies for staying energized and performing well across different sports.

• Tactic Nutrition: With their company Tactic, Alex and Meredith focus on helping athletes build a positive relationship with food and understand how to fuel for different activities. It’s not about restrictive dieting—it’s about nourishing your body for optimal performance in whatever sport you love.

• Preventing Burnout & Finding Balance: Running is great, but is it enough? We discuss how incorporating other sports can prevent burnout, give you new goals, and improve your performance, all while keeping the joy in your training.

• Strength Training & Cycling: No, you’re not less of a runner if you add strength training or cycling to your routine. Alex and Meredith explain how these activities have actually helped them become better, more resilient athletes.

• Reclaiming Your Identity: Is your identity tied too tightly to running? We talk about how easy it is to lose the fun in fitness when you feel like you “have to” do something, and how adding variety can reignite your love for movement.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tactic Nutrition: Instagram | Website

• Follow Alex on Instagram: @aaparker1⁠

• Follow Meredith on Instagram: @meredith_root

Key Takeaways:

• It’s important to find balance—embracing multiple sports in your training not only prevents burnout but also enhances your performance as an athlete.

• Strength training, CrossFit, cycling - or whatever other sports you enjoy - can help you become a stronger, more resilient runner (and athlete overall!).

• If you’re feeling burnt out or stuck in a “one sport only” mentality, it might be time to explore new ways of training that bring back the fun and help you stay motivated.

• It’s OK to try different things. Whether it’s a different sport or mixing up your running routine, variety is not just good for your body—it’s great for your mind too.

  
  

Want More?If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe to The Running Explained Podcast for more conversations on how to make running and fitness enjoyable, sustainable, and rewarding. And if you’re stuck in a training routine that feels more like a chore than fun, share this episode with a friend who might be looking for a change!

This week on The Running Explained Podcast, we’re talking about a different kind of destination—the kind that comes with epic views, cultural immersion, and no clock in sight. I’m joined by Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who’s on a mission to redefine what it means to run and travel.

Michael shares how Rogue Expeditions creates immersive, joy-filled running experiences around the world—think Sahara Desert sunrises, winding trails through the Atlas Mountains, and post-run tajines in Morocco. These trips aren’t about chasing PRs; they’re about community, connection, and experiencing the world on two feet.

We talk about what goes into curating these off-the-beaten-path adventures, how he went from “not a runner” to leading global running trips, and why sometimes the best way to explore a new place… is just to lace up and run it.

Also! I’m beyond excited to share that I’ll be joining Rogue Expeditions in Morocco this November—and you can come too! If you've ever dreamed about turning your run into a passport stamp, this is your chance! runningexplained.com/morocco

In this episode, we dig into:

• How Michael’s unexpected running journey turned into a global adventure business

• The difference between racing and running to explore

• What makes these trips so unique, welcoming, and transformational

• Behind-the-scenes of designing routes in Morocco, Patagonia, and the Dolomites

• Why running can be the best way to see the world

• Tips for preparing for a running trip (spoiler: it’s not about doing 80-mile weeks)

• And more!

Come Run Morocco With Me!
I’ll be heading to Morocco this November with Rogue Expeditions for a week of incredible running, culture, and connection—and you’re invited. Want to be on the interest list? Head to runningexplained.com/morocco for all the info!

Resources & Links:Rogue Expeditions → rougexpeditions.com
Instagram → @rougexpeditions

Stay Connected:Follow me on Instagram → @runningexplained
Coaching, training plans & more → runningexplained.com

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