How Jenn Lichter Became a Trail Running Powerhouse
From a Colombian orphanage to professional trail running champion, Jenn Lichter's story proves that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations.Jenn Lichter is a 29-year-old professional trail runner who competes primarily in distances ranging from marathon to 50-mile races. Born in Bogota, Colombia, she grew up in an orphanage before being adopted at nine years old and moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin.Her trail running career took off after working as a hiking guide at Glacier National Park, where she discovered her passion for mountain running during her off days. In September 2021, she competed in The Rut, her first major trail race, which led to her being discovered by The North Face team manager Esther. She signed with The North Face in 2022 and has been with the brand since.Lichter has achieved significant success in her professional career, winning races like Broken Arrow (setting a course record in 2022) and Speedgoat, where she placed second after taking a wrong turn. She won the 2024 Broken Arrow 46K and notably won a beer mile competition between Broken Arrow and Western States that same year.Beyond running, Lichter identifies as an artist, describing art as her "first true love". She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. Currently, Lichter is preparing to debut her first 100K race at Black Canyon, marking a step up from her established success in the 50K distance. She is sponsored by The North Face and Tailwind Nutrition and works with agent Kelly Newlon to manage her professional career.Jon chats with Jenn about:victories at Broken Arrow and other raceshow Jenn handles suffering and discomfort during races by honoring past training effortsthe role of curiosity in Jenn's approach to running and explorationrecovery from eating disorders and partnership with Tailwind nutritionapproach to authentic brand partnerships and social media presenceStay connected:Follow Jenn:https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlichter/This episode is supported by:Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!
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Ryan Montgomery on Unlocking a Mind, Body, and Environmental Connection Through Professional Running
While most professional athletes choose between excellence and everything else, what happens when you refuse to pick just one lane?Ryan Montgomery’s impressive resume includes over 50-60 ultra marathons, with 17-18 of those being 100-mile events, demonstrating their particular affinity for the longest distances the sport offers.Currently balancing a professional running career with graduate studies in strategic sales management, Ryan exemplifies the modern multi-dimensional athlete. He's also a Team Janji athlete and passionate advocate for inclusivity in trail running, organizing annual retreats for the queer running community.Jon chats with Ryan about:revisiting Ryan's running journey and ultra marathonsmind-body connection in trail runningmanaging injuries and recovery strategiesbalancing multiple professional roles successfullyLGBTQ+ advocacy in running communityStay connected:Follow Ryan:https://www.instagram.com/ultra.ryan/This episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Tailwind: Fueling shouldn’t be complicated. Tailwind offers all-in-one nutrition that’s easy to digest, gut-friendly, and made by athletes, for athletes. Use code FTLR20 for 20% off your first order here.
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Aisha Praught Leer’s Three Key Elements of Creating a High-Performing Team
From cheerleader to two-time Olympian - discover the 'secret sauce' that transformed an accidental runner into a world champion.Aisha Praught Leer is a two-time Olympian and holds seven national records for Jamaica, most notably as a gold medalist in the steeplechase at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She is a founding member of Team Boss in Boulder, CO, and a community organizer, an advocate for the world's best athletes as a member of the World Athletics' Athletes Commission, and works full-time in tech. Jon chats with Aisha about:having a process vs. outcome focusthe three key elements of creating high-performing teams training and racing with elite athletes like Emma Coburn and Usain Boltthe transition to corporate work (making 150 cold calls per week)training in altitude and the local running community in BoulderStay connected:Follow Aisha:https://www.instagram.com/aishapraughtleer/This episode is supported by:Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.For November: Use code FTLR 2026 for 10% off any race for 2026. You’re not going to want to miss Boulderthon in 2026!
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Amanda Brooks on Coaching the Middle Pack: Turning Running Punishment into Purpose
From faking knee pain to avoid running to coaching over 1,000 runners - Amanda Brooks knows exactly what it's like to be in the middle of the pack, because that's where most of us actually are.Amanda Brooks has been a running coach for over 13 years, working with thousands of runners to find more enjoyment in the process. She’s also known for the thousands of reviews on her site and her highly rated book, "Run to the Finish," geared towards the middle of the pack.Jon chats with Amanda about:when do you become a “real” runner?finding motivation to run when you’ve lost it (not race goals)time management strategies when running with a full time jobstereotypes that runners NEED to breakwhat Amanda considers when trying a new shoeindustry and shoe predictions for 2026Stay connected:Follow Amanda:instagram.com/runtothefinishwww.runtothefinish.comHer Book, “Run to the Finish:”https://a.co/d/i9rM7OFThis episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.
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Sara Vaughn on Boulder Living, Marathon PRs, and Running for Something Bigger
At 35, Sara Vaughn was just getting started—landing her first professional contract and proving that sometimes the best chapters come when you're brave enough to rewrite the story.Sara Vaughn is mom of 4, placed 6th in the NYC Marathon in 2024, is a top American and 2X top 10 at the Chicago Marathon.Jon chats with Sara about:living the fullest Boulder lifestyleher marathon training structurethe winning mindset to have at the start linepost-race recovery techniquesthe go-to PUMA shoes that have lead to PRsStay connected:Follow Sara:https://www.instagram.com/saravaughn_realtor/https://www.instagram.com/vaughnchildcarefund/This episode is supported by:PUMA: Get your pair at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!Janji: Use code “FTLR” at checkout when shopping at janji.com for 10% off your order and see why Janji is the go-to for runners who want performance gear made to explore. All apparel is backed by a 5 year guarantee, so you know it’s meant to last!Eternal: Eternal is a performance health company for runners, endurance, and anyone serious about their training, with expert guidance to keep you healthy and performing your best.AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at http://bit.ly/4ojbflT and use code “FTLR” for 10% off.Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for 10% off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
About For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running
Exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated. Running is a sport that has the power to unite us all and we are here to share conversations about how running has shaped the lives of people within our community, as well as how running has created community in itself.
From pro runners and Olympians to ultramarathoners running their first big race to business owners who use running to improve their entrepreneurial journey, we believe in creating community and expanding the running world for all.
Hosted by running enthusiast, Jonathan Levitt.
Listen to For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running, P1 with Matt and Tommy and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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