If you are looking for a concrete, practical way to boost your motivation, maintain consistency, and find a sense of community in your running journey, listening to running podcasts while training can transform your routine.
The best running podcasts do more than fill your miles with chatter – they deliver actionable tips, inspiring stories from everyday runners and elites, and mindset frameworks that help you push through mental barriers.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K, chasing a Boston Qualifier, or using running for mental clarity, there is a podcast that can meet you exactly where you are.
Below you will find top, battle-tested running podcasts, each explained thoroughly with a dedicated table showing episode length, key hosts, focus, and why they resonate with runners worldwide.
1. The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich Roll’s podcast is one of the most renowned in endurance sports and wellness, featuring long-form, deeply human conversations with athletes, coaches, scientists, and wellness experts.
Rich, an ultra-endurance athlete and bestselling author, brings an empathetic yet probing interview style that makes each episode an engaging experience, perfect for long runs.
The Rich Roll Podcast Overview
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Host
Rich Roll
Average Length
90–120 minutes
Focus
Endurance, mindset, plant-based lifestyle
Best For
Long runs, learning during easy miles
Top Episodes
David Goggins, Courtney Dauwalter, Zach Bitter
Why It’s Motivating
Deep personal stories of overcoming adversity and practical mindset strategies for endurance sports
Why It Works for Runners
Rich’s guests often share stories about pushing through mental walls, injury setbacks, and training in extreme conditions, making them relatable whether you are heading out for a tempo run or facing burnout.
You will walk away feeling inspired but also with tangible mindset shifts to apply during tough miles.
2. The Strength Running Podcast
Hosted by coach Jason Fitzgerald, The Strength Running Podcast offers practical, evidence-based training strategies, injury prevention tips, and interviews with elite runners, coaches, and sports scientists.
The Strength Running Podcast Overview
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Details
Host
Jason Fitzgerald
Average Length
45–60 minutes
Focus
Training science, injury prevention, mental strategies
Best For
Mid-week runs, post-run listening
Top Episodes
Matt Fitzgerald on Mental Training, Jay Dicharry on Biomechanics
Why It’s Motivating
Gives you concrete steps to improve your running while providing success stories to keep you inspired
Why It Works for Runners
Jason’s episodes often focus on breaking plateaus and building consistency, providing runners with frameworks for training plans, strength routines, and race strategies.
The podcast fuels your motivation by combining actionable guidance with real-world running success stories.
3. Ali on the Run Show
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Ali Feller’s podcast is loved for its authentic, uplifting conversations with runners of all levels, from Olympians to everyday runners balancing jobs, family, and marathons.
Ali’s energy and candid style make it feel like a conversation with a running friend during your miles.
Ali on the Run Show Overview
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Host
Ali Feller
Average Length
45–70 minutes
Focus
Personal running stories, mindset, community
Best For
Easy runs, treadmill sessions
Top Episodes
Des Linden, Shalane Flanagan, Meb Keflezighi
Why It’s Motivating
Real stories of balancing life with running, reminding you why you love the sport
Why It Works for Runners
The podcast humanizes the running journey, focusing on joy, community, and resilience. It helps you reconnect with your reasons for running, ideal when you are in a motivation slump or need company on a solo run.
4. Running for Real with Tina Muir
Tina Muir, a former elite runner, brings deeply honest conversations about the realities of running, including mental health, body image, overcoming injury, and the psychological aspects of training.
Running for Real Overview
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Host
Tina Muir
Average Length
50–75 minutes
Focus
Mental health, performance, real-life stories
Best For
Recovery runs, long walks, reflective moments
Top Episodes
Alexi Pappas on Mental Health, Kara Goucher on Resilience
Why It’s Motivating
Emphasizes overcoming mental and emotional barriers in running
Why It Works for Runners
Tina’s honest discussions create a safe, motivating space for runners who might be struggling with comparison, burnout, or mental blocks in their training.
It reminds you that it’s okay to be human while pushing your limits.
5. Trail Runner Nation
@trailrunnernation Ah, yes, the classic “I’ve run 10 miles and it feels like I’ve just set a world record” moment. You start off with all the energy in the world, full of hope and ambition, thinking, “This is it, I’m going to conquer the world!” And then, by mile 5, you’ve convinced yourself that if you keep going, you’ll be the first human ever to cross into the next dimension! Full episode is now available on our YouTube channel. #trailrunnernation ♬ original sound – Trail Runner Nation
If you love trails, Trail Runner Nation is an excellent motivational companion, featuring discussions on trail running adventures, gear, training for ultras, and the community culture around trails.
The podcast has a conversational, friendly style that makes you feel like you are running with a group.
Trail Runner Nation Overview
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Hosts
Don Freeman, Scott Warr, and guests
Average Length
60–80 minutes
Focus
Trail running, ultra-endurance, gear, community
Best For
Long trail runs, weekend adventure miles
Top Episodes
Courtney Dauwalter on Mindset, Training for 100 Miles
Why It’s Motivating
Celebrates the joy and challenge of trail running while providing practical advice for endurance pursuits
Why It Works for Runners
Trail Runner Nation helps you embrace the adventure mindset of running, encouraging you to explore nature while gaining practical insights on nutrition, pacing, and mental strategies for long distances.
6. The Morning Shakeout with Mario Fraioli
Mario Fraioli shared this piece from Pope Francis in the The Morning Shakeout Newsletter this morning. It’s about solidarity and unity. Worth a read no matter your religious affiliation. ❤️ https://t.co/aTEOSVrJcX
— Dylan Bowman (@dylanbo) November 28, 2023
Hosted by coach and writer Mario Fraioli, this podcast offers deep-dive interviews with athletes, coaches, and creators in the running community.
It also covers current running news and trends, making it an ideal listen for those who want to stay connected to the running world while finding motivation.
The Morning Shakeout Overview
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Host
Mario Fraioli
Average Length
60–90 minutes
Focus
Elite insights, current events, training discussions
Best For
Weekend long runs, commutes
Top Episodes
Des Linden, Nick Willis, Lauren Fleshman
Why It’s Motivating
Offers a professional yet approachable look at running culture, fueling your connection to the sport
Why It Works for Runners
The podcast is structured yet casual, providing inspiration through in-depth stories while giving insights into training methods, race tactics, and lifestyle habits from top names in the sport.
Conclusion
Running is as much mental as it is physical, and these podcasts give you the mental fuel to keep going when motivation wavers.
By plugging into these top running podcasts, you surround yourself with stories of resilience, concrete training tips, and a sense of community that helps you lace up your shoes, even on tough days.
Whether you’re grinding through speed intervals, enjoying a weekend long run, or walking during recovery days, each of these podcasts will keep your mind engaged and your motivation high.
