This conversation is with Coach Claire Bartholik, a certified running coach and sports nutrition specialist. She coaches vegan, plant-based, and plant-curious runners from those on a walk/run program seeking general fitness all the way up to high level athletes. She is also an athlete herself and is a multiple time Boston Marathon qualifier, state Master’s Marathon Champion and a competitive Master’s athlete.   We discuss: How Claire learned to love running What it’s like running the Boston Marathon Running for weight loss vs running for performance Being thin doesn’t equal faster The problem with running fasted first thing in the morning Importance of keeping easy runs easy Slow runs and Zone 2 training Why you need to incorporate rest days Limiting long runs to 3 hours or less for optimal performance Using speed workouts to get faster Why you should incorporate running strides into your easy runs Strength training after your hardest runs If treadmills should be on incline Connect:  Claire’s website: https://theplantedrunner.com/ YouTube: The Planted Runner Instagram: @theplantedrunner Connect with me: @casswarbeck   Resources:  Book: The Planted Runner  The Planted Runner Podcast Free Nutrition Guide for Runners Theme music: Tyler Gaudon   Audio editing and processing: Wyatt Pavlik  *Please appreciate that any information discussed is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the opinion of a physician or qualified healthcare provider*