Alex Hetherington is the race director for the Marine Corps Marathon - but he's not your typical race director. Alex is a retired Marine aviator and a member of the All-Marine running team for 14 years. His resume includes a win at the Armed Forces Marathon Championship in 1998 as well as an astounding 27 finishes at the MCM.
Our conversation focuses on what you can expect from this year’s race:
Links & Resources from the Show:
Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously.
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Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal - better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.
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Optimize Hydration with DrinkLMNTA big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best.
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My favorite flavor is watermelon salt, but citrus salt is also a banger. I’m drinking one a day now to help me get enough fluids in our dry Colorado air. It’s tasty and delicious and I find that I’m not peeing every 45 minutes throughout the day, which might be an indication I wasn’t eating enough sodium.
There’s now mounting evidence that higher sodium intake levels are not unhealthy – and athletes need substantially more than your typical sedentary person. Of course, ask your doctor if you’re worried. But for those athletes running outside in the heat, an electrolyte replacement makes a lot of sense. So check out DrinkLMNT to try their new flavor or get a free sampler pack.
194. Coach Kevin Carr on Functional Training, Multiplanar Exercises, and Movement Quality
193. Running and Identity: How Endeavorun CEO Jake Tuber is Making a Comeback and Navigating Uncertainty
192. Dr. Stacy Sims On Female Physiology and Training Differences Between the Sexes
191. Icon Dean Karnazes on the Future of Ultras, His Competitive Drive, and His Advice to You
190. New Coaching Call! How to Train For Your First Hilly Trail Race
189. Former LA Lakers Strength Coach Tim DiFrancesco on Why Runners Must Get Strong
188: Harness the Power of a Growth Mindset with Professor Alison Pope-Rhodius
187. Get to Know the Coach: An Interview with Strength Running Founder Jason Fitzgerald
186. The Physiology of Altitude: What Training at 10,000 Feet Does to Your Body
185. Ultrarunner Candice Burt on Running 800 Miles, Hallucinating, and Discovering Yourself
184. How to Engineer a Marathon Breakthrough: A Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Call
183. Dr. Duncan Simpson on Brain Training and Why Focus is the Top Mental Skill
182. Tension, Impact Force, and Energy Return: A Running Technique Masterclass
181. Trail Runner Magazine’s Zoe Rom on Environmental Justice and Why it Matters
180. Pro Dana Giordano on Betting on Yourself, Taking Risks, and Making Running More Fun
179. Dr. Caitlin Alexander on Long-Term Injuries, Self-Treatment, and Disrupted Motor Patterns
178. Are Minimalist Shoes For You? Xero Shoes CEO Steven Sashen on the Promises of Minimalism
177. How to ‘Make the Leap’ and Create Your Next Performance Breakthrough
176. Unlocking Dominance: Exploring Ethiopia’s Running Culture with Professor Michael Crawley
175. Injury Expert Jay Dicharry on the 4 Physical Skills Needed for Pain-Free Running
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