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Run.nrg Podcasts

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This is a podcast about how runners can live better lives through consistent self-improvement. Unlike other running brands, The 1% Better Runner focuses on how small, daily habit improvements ripple into broader life success, helping runners perform better both on and off the road, track, or dirt. I’m Daren DLake: Certified running and nutrition coach, Sub-3-hour marathoner and 10-hour Ironman finisher. Since 1996, I’ve been helping other self-coached runners, researching, and experimenting ...
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What if the reason your Achilles pain keeps coming back isn't because you're not resting enough, but because you're doing the wrong type of recovery exercises entirely? Achilles pain can sneak up on any runner, turning easy miles into a constant battle. This episode breaks down exactly why it happens and gives you the clear, professional-grade prot…
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What if the reason you're struggling through runs isn't because your legs are weak, but because you're literally using the wrong breathing technique that's sabotaging every step? Running isn’t just about strong legs or logging more miles—your lungs hold the secret to smoother, faster, and more enjoyable runs. In this episode, I break down simple bu…
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I learned the hard way that buying the latest shoe doesn’t replace real training. I’ve come to realize that shiny gear isn’t the magic bullet most of us think it is. In this episode, I dig into why focusing on day-to-day consistency and small training tweaks leads to real progress. You’ll hear practical tips on choosing basic yet effective gear, pl…
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Most runners are accidentally avoiding the exact training that would make them fastest. If you’ve ever wondered why your training feels hard but race day still falls short, this episode connects the dots. I break down the difference between Zone 2, threshold, and VO₂ Max so you can finally see how they work together instead of against each other. T…
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The worst mistake new runners make isn’t skipping strength—it’s ignoring knee pain until it’s too late. If you’re a new runner and your knee started hurting after your first 5K, this is for you. You’ll learn that the pain isn’t just bad luck or overuse—it’s your body telling you something’s missing in your training, and the fix isn’t more stretchin…
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Building muscle the right way nearly wrecked my running—because tendons don't play by the same rules. Ever felt like you're doing everything right—strength training, stretching, foam rolling—only to end up injured anyway? In this episode I break down the unexpected reason why runners who lift can still wind up with nagging calf and Achilles issues.…
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Your running form doesn't break down because your body is weak—it breaks because your focus shatters first. Most runners think they have good form until they see their race day photos—hunched shoulders, shuffling feet, looking nothing like the smooth stride they practiced in training. The truth is your form doesn't break down because you're tired; …
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Most runners think nutrition is about eating healthy, but what works in the gym doesn't work for the long run. Are you sabotaging your runs with your diet—even if you think you're eating clean? Most runners approach nutrition like bodybuilders—obsessing over "clean eating" and restrictive diets that actually sabotage performance when you're logging…
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Your fancy smartwatch is lying to you about your VO2 max, and chasing that number is sabotaging your race times Most runners obsess over VO₂ max, but few really understand what it means or how to use it. In this episode, I break down the truth about what VO₂ max actually measures, why your watch might be misleading you, and how to train in a way th…
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What if running faster isn't about pushing harder, but about subtle shifts you're overlooking? In this episode, I break down the counterintuitive truth about performance gains that most runners completely miss. I reveal how tiny 3-5% improvements in seemingly unrelated areas can compound into massive performance breakthroughs that feel almost effor…
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What if the secret to marathon success isn't running more miles, but spending more time rehearsing the tiny details everyone ignores? I thought I was ready for this race. I had the fitness. But a few small mistakes — like when and how I took in water, what I carried (or didn’t), and how I paced the early miles — taught me some hard truths. In this …
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Most runners are training for a time they think they should hit, not the one they're actually ready for. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the same 5K time no matter how hard you train, this episode is for you. I'm joined by coach Mike Trees—ex-pro runner, triathlete, and a guy who’s coached thousands, where we break down the overlooked mix of endurance…
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The difference between hitting your goal time and missing it often comes down to what you consume, not just how you train. If you're a runner who wants to train smarter, not just harder, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed strategies to fuel better, recover faster, and race stronger. I break down key tools and tactics that go way …
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Your tempo runs aren't making you faster—they're actually making you slower, and I spent years proving this the hard way before finally figuring out what actually works. Threshold training can be a total game-changer or a complete waste of time if you’re doing it wrong. In this episode, I break down five common mistakes that most runners make with …
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What if the best strength work for runners doesn’t need any weights? Running more won’t fix what weak glutes, unstable hips, and lazy posture break down. In this episode, I cover the 5 most powerful bodyweight strength training moves every runner should do. You’ll learn how to do each one with perfect form, why it matters for running performance an…
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Your expensive running shoes are actually preventing you from feeling where your foot should land, creating the exact problem they claim to solve. Overstriding is one of those sneaky mistakes that most runners don’t even realize they’re making—and it could be the thing holding you back. In this episode, I break down what overstriding actually is (h…
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Hydration alone won't save your race; unless you master the science behind it, you're probably doing it wrong. Most runners think they know how to hydrate and fuel, but they're making critical mistakes that destroy their performance when it matters most. In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact hydration and fueling strategies that will help yo…
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Lactate threshold is the one pace that impacts everything from your long runs to race day performance, yet 90% of runners train it wrong. If you’re somewhere between jogging for fun and grinding it out at VO₂ max, you’re likely skipping over the most valuable pace in your training—threshold. In this episode, I break down what threshold running actu…
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What if the best way to PR was to start slower, not faster? You don’t win your half marathon in the first 5K—you survive it. In this episode, I coached Brandon through his real race plan to run a smart, sub-1:40 half without blowing up. We talk pacing science, elevation strategy, cold weather tactics, and how to finish fast with fuel still in the t…
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Most runners don’t fuel right and it’s costing them performance and recovery. Ever wondered why your runs sometimes feel effortless while other days your legs feel like lead? It might not be your training—it could be your nutrition. In this episode, I’ll give you real, science-backed strategies to fuel smarter before and after your runs. You’ll lea…
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Most running injuries don’t come from running too much—they come from running too much, too soon. This episode breaks down exactly how I help runners rebuild fitness after injury without wrecking their bodies. From gym strength to VO2 max, from tempo runs to elliptical intervals, this is the blueprint for stacking fatigue the smart way. If you’re s…
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The most successful athletes aren't the ones who train the hardest; they're the ones who know exactly how much they can handle without breaking. What if you’ve been doing it all wrong—pushing too hard or not hard enough—without even realizing it? In this episode, I unpack the real difference between being slightly overtrained versus slightly undert…
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What if the cross training activity you love most is actually the least effective for improving your running performance? If you’ve ever wondered whether your spin class or Sunday hike is actually helping your running, this episode is for you. I break down the truth behind popular cross-training activities to reveal which ones actually translate to…
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Most marathoners show up on race day hoping for the best—but this workout reveals the truth about your fitness long before you toe the line. What if you could predict your marathon outcome before race day without guesswork or hoping your long runs were enough? In this episode, I walk you through a powerful workout almost nobody is using—but should …
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Rolling out of bed and straight into running is the fastest way to guarantee injury—and I used to be guilty of this exact mistake for years. Have you ever started a run feeling stiff and sluggish, wishing you could feel loose and ready to go from the first step? In this episode, I'll share my personal three-step warmup routine that has transformed …
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I trained for six months to avoid the medical tent—and still almost ended up there. After months of disciplined heart rate-based training, I took on the marathon to see if the low-intensity aerobic engine I built could carry me across 42.2 kilometers of real-world terrain and unpredictable conditions. What followed was a humbling, high-stakes exper…
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Your smartwatch knows more about you than your coach, so why isn’t it helping you train smarter? What if your smartwatch actually understood you—not just your steps or heart rate, but your lifestyle, goals, and even those off days when your body says “not today”? This episode breaks down the core flaws in current running AI and smartwatch tech, rev…
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What if the key to running faster wasn't about running harder, but about remembering how to skip like a kid? What if the secret to unlocking faster, more joyful running isn’t another grueling workout, but something so simple you’ve likely been ignoring it? In this episode, I dig into the counterintuitive power of short, controlled bursts that could…
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The fitness tech industry is failing runners, and no one’s talking about it. Ever felt like your smartwatch or running app just doesn’t get you? You crush a hard workout, and it calls it "unproductive." You take a rest day, and your fitness score drops. The truth? Most fitness tech is stuck in the past; obsessed with data but clueless about what ru…
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Sprinting might be the most dangerous—and most effective—thing you’re not doing. In this episode, I break down how distance runners can safely and effectively use drills like skips, strides, windups, and sprints to get faster, feel better, and stay injury-free. You’ll learn why skipping is the glue that holds your fast running together, how to dose…
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Are you training to feel good, or are you training to actually get better? We dive deep into how long runs can become the ultimate dress rehearsal for race day. You’ll learn why messing up your fueling, running without a watch, and embracing small failures during training builds the confidence you need on the big day. We’ll cover pacing, gut traini…
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For years, I thought cross-training was just a filler on recovery days — I couldn’t have been more wrong. This episode flips the script on cross-training. Instead of seeing it as “extra credit” or just something to do when you’re injured, you’ll hear how it can actually help you increase volume, boost recovery, and stay fast without piling on risky…
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What if 80,000 tiny mistakes were the reason your body feels destroyed after a race? Most runners don’t need to completely change their form—they need to understand it. This episode breaks down heel, midfoot, and forefoot striking, and why overstriding—not the footstrike itself—is the biggest problem. You’ll learn the science behind impact forces, …
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My form was fine… until I ran slower. Form breakdown doesn’t always happen when you're tired—it can hit at your "comfortable" marathon pace. In this episode, I break down how a mild hamstring strain led me to reassess everything I thought I knew about run form. You’ll hear how I tested drills, cadence changes, and strength work to fix overstriding …
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I suck at threshold running—and that’s exactly why I train it. If you’ve ever pushed too hard in training and felt wiped for days, this episode is for you. I take you along on a real sub-threshold workout—three sets of controlled discomfort just below the redline—and explain why this “missing” zone is where real aerobic strength comes from. We’ll b…
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I finally realized small tweaks, like a race predictor test, proper taper, sauna and sleep could make a big impact on race day. I share how simple tests, proper tapering, and everyday habits boost my running performance without drastic changes. By focusing on easy-to-implement tools—like short sauna sessions, specific race predictors, and a solid s…
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I didn’t realize how bad my form was… until I slowed it down. What happens when a run coach steps into the athlete role and gets his form analyzed? In this episode, I react to a full slow-motion breakdown of my running stride—flaws, habits, wrist flicks, helicopter arms and all. With the help of a top-tier running physio, I uncover the subtle ineff…
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At kilometer 17, everything got quiet—and that’s when it got real. This episode dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in marathon training: the fast-finish marathon pace long run. We push through 25K at race pace to test mental and physical readiness five weeks before race day. Learn why using effort over data matters, how to sim…
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A long stride doesn’t make you faster—it can slow you down and invite injuries. I dive into seven detailed tips to refine your running form—from better posture and healthier footstrikes to aligning arm swing and cadence for smoother, more efficient movement. Each tip helps you reduce injury risk, build stronger habits, and make running feel more en…
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My watch tracks every mile, but it doesn’t warn me about toxic air. I’m diving into how air pollution can creep into every run without you even noticing. This episode shows you real-time data tools to dodge dirty air, simple adjustments to protect your lungs, and ways to sharpen performance over the long haul. It’s all about making cleaner, smarter…
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VO2 max training can make or break your race—are you doing it right? VO2 max training is essential for endurance, but most runners are making mistakes that limit their progress. In this episode, we break down the best ways to train your VO2 max, how to balance it with Zone 2 running, and why lactate threshold matters even more for long-distance rac…
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Training on hills won’t always prepare you for a flat race—here’s what you need to know. Flat marathon courses might seem easier, but they come with unique challenges that can make them just as tough—if not tougher—than hilly races. In this episode, we break down how to train effectively for a flat marathon, avoid burnout, and make key adjustments …
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What if missing a run was actually helping you get faster? Trying to be the perfect runner? That mindset might be what’s holding you back. In this episode, I dive into why perfectionism leads to burnout and how embracing consistency—flaws and all—can actually help you run faster and stronger. I’ll break down the simple mindset shifts that turned my…
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Why is a 5K the perfect race to kick off your running journey? Here's what makes it ideal. Starting to run can feel daunting, but this episode simplifies the process into manageable steps. Learn how to go from zero to running consistently with proven tips like walk-run intervals and staying consistent without burnout. Once you’re on your feet, disc…
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Your race performance can be 90% decided before you even cross the start line. Here’s how. You’ve trained for months. You’ve put in the work. But race day is where it all comes together—or falls apart. In this episode, I break down 17 race day tools and tactics that can give you the edge, whether you’re aiming for a new PR or just want to avoid com…
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Can you really train for speed and endurance at the same time? Here’s what the science says... TLDR -- both/kinda?! In this episode, we dive into the science of aerobic and anaerobic fitness, debunk myths about lactic acid, and explain why “thresholds” are more gray zone than clear-cut. Learn how to set goals that fit your life, train more effectiv…
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How do you know if you’re pushing too hard—or not hard enough? David Goggins’ hardcore training philosophy is legendary—but is it actually good for distance runners? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of his approach, from mental toughness to the risks of overtraining. Learn how to push yourself without breaking down, and discover wha…
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Is your smartwatch sabotaging your progress? Learn why most metrics might be steering you wrong. Relying on data from your smartwatch might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we uncover the flaws in running metrics and show you why defining your goals and simplifying your approach can lead to better performance. From avoiding injuries t…
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I learned the hard way that buying the latest shoe doesn’t replace real training. I’ve come to realize that shiny gear isn’t the magic bullet most of us think it is. In this episode, I dig into why focusing on day-to-day consistency and small training tweaks leads to real progress. You’ll hear practical tips on choosing basic yet effective gear, pl…
  continue reading
 
What does a smarter marathon training plan actually look like?" When marathon training pushes your limits, the line between progress and injury becomes dangerously thin. In this episode, we break down a 79-minute half marathoner’s aggressive training plan, where it went wrong, and how smarter strategies can unlock better results. Learn the key adju…
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