Ever heard of imposter syndrome?    You'd think that once you set a new record on the PCT* you'd feel like you earned your stripes as a trail runner.   Yet, after doing exactly that, Heather still struggled with self-doubt. She continued to feel as though she was "just lucky".    So, in 2015, Heather set out to overcome this internal story by going after the AT** record. She was ready to prove to herself she wasn't a fraud at all.    This podcast is her story of overcoming imposter...

This is the beginning of an ongoing series where Steve and I reveal how running is teaching us with every step we take.In each moment, running is inviting us to understand what's real and what stories we're telling ourselves.And with every story we pierce, we don't only grow stronger, we also find more peace in ourselves.In this episode, we explain:- how to expose those stories- how they determine your results- How they shape your experience of runningWe also cover how running helps you...

You can be barefoot strong in "normal" running shoes.So you don't even have to ditch your Vaporfly's on race day to benefit from strong feet.In our conversation Anton, barefoot specialist, shares:- why strong feet can make you run faster- as well as less injury-proneAnd how to actually make your feet grow stronger. Social links: IG: https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_belgium/ Website: www.barefootbelgium.com Barefoot specialists: https://www.ebfaglobal.com/ ...

Why does your motivation come and go? Why do you feel bad when you can't stick to the training plan? Why do you struggle to believe in yourself?You've likely already experienced that there's bigger challenges in reaching your goal than just the physical training.Motivation, race nerves, perfectionism, dealing with setbacks, confidence…the one even more elusive than the other.You're aware of it, but you wonder how you can do something about it.That's why I wanted to have this conversation...

Nick Fowler, in a self-supported attempt, was on pace to beat the supported PCT record by 2 days*.And then he got stuck in a cave for 41 hours, dodging a hurricane in the Sierra.To make matters worse, he started peeing red, got washed away by several river crossings, and tore his quad.But he still ended up breaking the self-supported record by over 3 days.We were lucky enough to run into Nick halfway through our own FKT attempt. And his energy (he was running by himself for over 3 weeks at...

No one had asked me this before.But I. Loved. The. Question.I've done many solo podcast episodes but stopped doing them because I genuinely thought "they were too much" and no one got what I was saying.So, when Steve asked me to make an entire series out of my episode on "true performance" I couldn't believe it.Skeptical that someone could be so interested in my perspective, I was hesitant at first. But after a couple of DM's, my guards quickly came down.In this episode, we are actively...

You're probably familiar with the performance benefits of caffeine and nitrates. Maybe you've even heard about the benefits of bicarbonate.   But what about cordyceps and lion's mane? Medicinal mushrooms that can serve as a clean source of energy, help your breathing, and even boost your ability to focus.   Endorf is rethinking the way we think about optimizing performance through supplementation.   Through their holistic approach, they don't just settle for supplements that target the...

Nature, retreats, curiosity, and passion.That's how I would describe the conversation I had with Mauricio.And those exact themes are just as much the throughline in what they do at Aire Libre.If you know that the "crying rate" is the metric they use to reflect on retreats, you know they don't host regular running camps.With deep respect for the local environment and culture, they design stunning and moving retreats. Just check out their IG and you'll know what I mean.But what struck me the...

How do you reintegrate into a fast-paced society after having run a marathon a day for 2 years straight?In 2016, Seba Vandermolen started his 25 000km long journey (together with Weking Van Reeth) from the northernmost part of Alaska to the southernmost point of South America.The idea alone is insane (and I'm an ultra runner).It took them 2 years to finish the 25 000km.But it seemed that the real journey started when Seba came back home.Having gotten so used to the natural rhythm of each day,...

I was running down from La Flégère to make it into Chamonix in time.Not because I was racing myself, but because I wanted to see Maximilien finish his Marathon du Mont Blanc.We haven't had many Belgians contend at the international level, so I was excited to see how he'd do this time.But being the current European champion trail running, it was no surprise he was shooting for the podium before he finished 6th.Earlier that weekend, Florian Descamps and Laura Van Vooren had finished 7th and 3th...

What if you get jealous of the exact person you're crewing on their FKT?I feel uncomfortable sharing about the topic. Especially because I feel a lot of shame about this 5-year-old part of myself. But it is real and it was looking for ways to express itself.It's not what I expected the conversation with Chris to revolve around, but I'm incredibly grateful I got to talk through the experience with him.He just got back from crewing a 76-day FKT (raising £300 000 in the process), where he had a...

How do you balance your running aspirations with family & business life?   Mike Kratzer, father of 3 and working at a creative agency is still out to hit his best marathon times.   But wanting to perform while being busy comes with specific challenges. And these specific challenges require specific tools.   That's why we talked about how to: live out your priorities know if you should train or rest handle unexpected projects at work navigate "running tension" in your...

What do punk and running have in common?   And how about running Western States and spirituality?   It all comes together in Chris Z's latest collection Route of Samsara for his clothing brand Willpower.   A running clothing brand that he founded because Nike & Adidas were just not his cup of tea.   Much more than about being fast or being a fashion brand, Willpower is about values.   So Chris is not afraid to take political stances. Their collection against racism is probably...

Today Nick & myself share our recent race experiences. How it went, what we take away from it, and what's coming next.From embracing the running lifestyle even more to accepting we just have a lot of fun doing this.And I'll keep saying this.We're just getting started. let me know the #1 that sticks in the comments on ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠linkedin

I always wondered how ultra cycling and running compared. And when I started talking to Nol from Fatpigeon, I knew I had found the right guy for the conversation.   He loves exploring the most unique places riding his bike, however long it takes him.   Through sheer passion and the fact he loved filming his own adventures, he even made his job out of riding his bike.   We discuss the differences and similarities between both ultra cycling and running, from community to fueling an...

This man committed to running 3100 miles (nearly 5000km) in 52 days around a block in Queens, NYC.For 4 days he got pulled off the course by the organizers because his feet were literally falling apart. But he still got up at 5 am each morning to get to the starting line.When it was clear that he was not going to be able to complete the full 3100 miles he still continued regardless.And when he completed his 52 days with over 4000km, there was no sense of regret. Not a trace of...

Today, running is much more than a way to compete. It's a place for community, a way to take care of your body & mind, and a form of self-expression.   Running crews were key in making running more accessible to anyone who didn't grow up running track & field.   Ben, photographer, director, and athlete is one of the founders of Melbourne-based AM:PM.   Founded 9 years ago, AM:PM is a second-wave running crew and they're still going strong.   That's why I thought Ben was the...

Ryan Willms, creative director, endurance athlete, host of the Mindful Endurance Program & podcast, and overall inspiration for what I do at In the Zone.   I love his Zen vibe and I'm honored to have him on the show.   Ryan is currently recovering from adrenal fatigue. It's a journey that is taking him deep into the wisdom of the nervous system.   Combined with his earlier spiritual work, we had an amazing conversation about how spirituality and endurance naturally come...

Yes, Stefaan went from a 3h53 to a 2h59 marathon in 18 months.   But what inspires me the most is the peace and confidence he radiated before he toed the starting line in Rotterdam last month.   18 months ago, Stefaan would've been worrying about each split and anxiously forcing his race when things didn't go according to plan.   Last month, he was hardly concerned about the outcome, knowing he was just there to give it his all. Perhaps it was enough to hit the goal. And perhaps it...

"Feeling stuck in a life of "have to's", Anthony got confronted with the impact of his high-paced lifestyle. Not only did he turn into a "high functional whining person"* without realizing it. He also went through nervous exhaustion syndrome. But it took him several relapses before he realized something had to change. At age 45 and with a family of his own, he faced a daunting new reality after parting ways with his previous employer. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, he recognized...

Thomas inspired me to go on my run across Belgium.   So, when I heard he was going to be part of Barkley, I just couldn't wait to hear everything about his experience.   I thought I knew a thing or 2 about the race. I've probably watched every Barkley documentary out there.   So, I was shocked to hear it's so much more intense than I thought it was: Sliding down hills & falling trees Memorizing the course while keeping up with the veterans Trying to get your calories in while...

After a break, the podcast is back. And how! I'm excited to kick-off our next line of guests with non other than my partner in crime Nick Cusseneers. It's been a while since we shared about our own journey. But many exciting projects are cooking and we no longer wanted to withhold them from you. We both changed since our last conversations, so in this one we also expanded on how our perspective on running and performance are changing. Social links: Instagram

Did you know "Running while black" is an issue affecting Black runners when they go out to log their miles?   I can't even imagine what it would be like having to worry about that every time I happen to go for a run in the dark.   But it's just one of the many examples Terrance shared.   To be honest, I felt anxious about this episode.   Not only do I feel ashamed I know so little about the specific challenges of the black running community, I also feel like a total noob talking about...

George, a Melbourne raised runner, living in the Scottish Highlands who loves running, eating, and travel. In our conversation, we talk about his journey from: Working at a travel agency to riding Deliveroo, and ending up creating running retreats for Aire Libre We also ended up covering: The struggle of outgrowing friendships And how he went from non-stop racing to only picking goals that mean something to him and training for them in a way that feels fun George is a mountain...

2 years ago, Thomas' mind didn't have an off switch and his emotions felt like Pandora's box. But when he continued to run into the same triggers in his relationship he somehow was drawn into the discomfort instead of scared away from it. Today, it feels like he's living out Thomas 2.0. I keep being amazed to hear stories about how quickly your life can turn around when you're ready to consciously turn into, instead of unconsciously away from, discomfort. Thomas was excited to share so...