For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

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.

Whether you just won the NCAA title or you just sucked in that race… the sun comes up tomorrow, and we're going back to work in the morning.
Emma Coburn is a middle-distance runner who specializes in the 3000-meters steeplechase. She’s a world champion, world silver medalist, Olympic bronze medalist, three-time Olympian and 10-time US National Champion in the steeplechase.
Her approach to training and competition emphasizes consistency, discipline, and focusing on process over outcomes. She believes that "belief comes from working hard" and executing training day-to-day rather than relying on hope alone. Her philosophy is grounded in the idea that "you can't just hope your way to the Olympics" but must work consistently despite setbacks.

Jon chats with Emma about:
resilience through discipline and routine

food culture and fueling without restriction

mental strategies for race performance

building sustainable habits for long-term success

moving forward after setbacks and losses

Stay connected:
Follow Emma:
https://www.instagram.com/emmacoburn/
Emma’s Website:
https://emmacoburn.com/

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

Success in running often comes from hitting rock bottom. This was the case for Terence Gerchberg, who transformed his gambling addiction into a mission to help others find their footing, one mile at a time.

In the words of Terence, “Running changed and saved my life. Today, I have the privilege of helping others do the same through Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of those experiencing homelessness and addiction through the power of running and community.”

Jon chats with Terence about:
overcoming gambling addiction through running 

Back on My Feet nonprofit mission

ultra running and Leadville race attempts

community support in running groups 

finding purpose through helping others

his definition of success (not money)

Stay connected:
Follow Terence:
https://www.instagram.com/coachamazing/
Back on My Feet:
Backonmyfeet.org

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.
RACE Cancer Let's hold each other accountable and create momentum together in the new year by committing to at least one mile a day through RACE Cancer's Winter Challenge. Go to app.winterchallenge.org and use code “FTLR” and join our team!