For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

There's a common misconception in ultra running that it's all about toughness, but Shea Aquilano believes gentleness is more important.
Shea currently resides in Boulder, CO and focuses on ultra-distance trail events. At 24, she is a 2x US Mountain Running team member, and pro runner for Nike ACG. Shea loves a good pickle and has a knack for rationalizing almost any experience into a good one.
Jon chats with Shea about:
setting intentional pre-race goals and success definitions

pursuing longer trail running distances over shorter formats

moving to Colorado for mountain training opportunities

joining supportive running communities and trail teams

maintaining joy as central motivation in competitive running

Stay connected:
Follow Shea:
https://www.instagram.com/shea_aq/
The Trail Team:
https://www.trail-team.com/

This is episode is supported by:
AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off
Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

From suppressing emotions as a military veteran to finding freedom on Colorado trails, here’s how Jonathan Mejia discovered that running isn't just exercise, it's therapy in motion.
He came to Colorado after film school when the stars aligned and he conquered his first marathon. He’s now looking to take on his first ultra in 2026.

Jonathan talks about:
Running as freedom and a therapeutic escape

His military background influencing mental health journey

What inspired developing a consistent running habit

The trail running community

Building ultramarathon goals

Stay connected:
Follow Jonathan Mejia:
https://www.instagram.com/goodvibesjon/

Team RWB:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-set-your-next-big-hairy-audacious-goal-with/id1453616436?1=1000676194617

This is episode is supported by:
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.
Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

From residency training to ultramarathons - discover how Dr. Lauren Puretz balances life as a gynecologic surgeon with competing at the highest levels of trail running, including her breakthrough performance at UTMB and the mindset shifts that fuel both operating rooms and mountain peaks.
Lauren Puretz, DO is a board-certified OB/GYN, elite ultrarunner, and mom of 2 based in Colorado Springs. She is the co-founder of Mountain View OB/GYN and co-host of the podcast Speaking of Labias. Outside the clinic, Lauren is intentionally making the most of her time as a competitive runner, chasing big goals, embracing challenge, and having as much fun as possible along the way.
Jon chats with Lauren about:
Lauren's transition from gymnastics and soccer to cross country running

balancing medical career as gynecologic surgeon with ultra running training

building community through persistent outreach and shared running experiences

managing eating disorder recovery while fueling for endurance performance

overcoming fear to compete in challenging mountain races like UTMB 

Stay connected:
Follow Lauren:
https://www.instagram.com/lauren1642/

This episode is supported by:
Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

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.

At 20,000 feet, running feels like moving through molasses… but Erin Ton has found that climbing Colorado's highest peaks in stilettos actually makes her a more thoughtful athlete.
Erin was born and raised in Colorado. After graduating from Cornell University in 2020, she moved back to Colorado to pursue professional mountain running. Her primary focus is on Fastest Known Time (FKT) speed records, specializing on steep, technical terrain at high altitude. She currently resides in her van and can be found chasing records all across the American West and all across the world. 

Jon chats with Erin about:
High altitude running challenges and training

FKT (Fastest Known Time) pursuits

fourteeners climbed in high heels

professional athlete sponsorship journey

goal of climbing all Colorado 13ers

upcoming Aconcagua speed record attempt

Stay connected:
Follow Erin:
https://www.instagram.com/erin_ton7/
Erin’s Strava:
“Erin Ton”

This episode is supported by:
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.

Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

What if I told you that the most brutally honest performance metric you'll ever face isn't on your smartphone, can't be faked by AI, and strips away every excuse you've ever made about what you're truly capable of? It’s called running.
Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. 
In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. 
He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.

Jon chats with Nick about:
running's purity reveals personal truth and growth

multitasking training with commuting and daily life 

breaking psychological barriers through gradual exposure

how AI threatens media authenticity

setting challenging goals creates transferable resilience

Stay connected:
Follow Nick:
http://linkedin.com/in/nicholasxthompson/
https://x.com/nxthompson
https://www.instagram.com/nxthompson/?hl=en
Nick’s book, “The Running Ground” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Running-Ground-Father-Simplest-Sports/dp/0593244125

This episode is supported by:
Rocket Money Take control of your spending. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reduce the rest with Rocket Money: RocketMoney.com/GORUN

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.