When my friends *cough* Kurtis *cough* Melissa *cough* ask if I've heard the new INSERT SINGER HERE's song, I politely say "No. I either listen to podcasts or NPR 24/7". That ain't no lie. Give me my running podcasts, give me my public radio and no one gets hurt. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite running podcasts with you fine people. These are kind of in order as much as possible, and I've done my best to rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 burritos (🌯), which I affectionally call "the Burritometer".
House of Run 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯
This is one of the longer-running, running-related podcasts available. Hosted by two dudes that have known each other since high school track and XC, Kevin Sully and Jason Halpin, they discuss all things running-related. They do a really great job of getting into the weeds with the professional and elite running world, and even have the occasional original song sent in via voice memo by Robert Goulet. Their guests are second to none; hosting guests ranging from Malcolm Gladwell to Ato Boldin. The quality of the show is really solid and they don't take themselves too seriously. If you are a bit of a running nerd like me, you'll dig it. House of Run can be found on iTunes, Stitcher and Soundcloud.
The Citius Mag Podcast 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯
The Citius Mag Podcast is hosted by Chris Chavez, who is a writer for Sports Illustrate and specializes in the world of running/track and field. Citius hosts some really great guests; boasting such pros as Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, Molly Huddle, Nick Symmonds and Kyle Merber. While the sound quality is sometimes lacking, they dive into a myriad of topics with these pros, as well as chronicle the stories of the Citius team. The personality of the Citius group is a ton of fun, and some of their Q&A episodes are my favorite; especially when they get into the really childish and sophomoric "Would you rather...?" type of questions. Chavez is a legit running journalist and knows his stuff.
Pace the Nation 🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯
Pace the Nation is unique, because it was really created to cater to runners in the DC/Northern Virginia are; but I've been a loyal listener since the start. Launched by the crew from Pacers Running (a running store chain in the DC area), they actually do a really good job of creating some good content. While some of the discussion is geographically specific, the hosts have such a good dynamic that it really doesn't matter. They've had a stable of really superb guests like Olympians Matt Centrowitz and Molly Huddle. The content on a show-by-show basis is really broken up and diversified, so the hour-long (give or take) show seems to fly by. The personalities of the hosts are so different that they complement each other really well. If you start with episode 1 (which was kind of rough, admittedly), you'll probably find enjoyment in the ongoing inside jokes - like the fact that one host, Chris Farley, is horrible at geography, or that Joanna Russo has some really weird transportation stories.
The 1609 Podcast 🌯🌯🌯🌯
Know why they call it "The 1609 Podcast"? Anybody? Bueller? There are 1609 meters in a mile. Well, technically 1609.34 meters, but it doesn't have the same ring. This is a relatively new podcast, launched in 2017. It's hosted by a couple of friends, Evan and Alex, and they discuss a very broad-range of topics from: shoes to their training to the various goings-on in the running world. While they don't have the same level of guests as the aforementioned podcasts do, it's still a well-rounded show, and one that I feel comfortable enough putting higher on my list.
There are others that I listen to, but didn't make my favorites for various reasons. I still listen to these every time a new episode is released, and do enjoy them.
Run to the Top 🌯🌯🌯
Not a bad podcast, by any means, but very science-y. I tend to prefer podcasts that delve into the latest running news and trends, since none of the stupid media outlets want to cover it any longer. Add some more of the professional runners, or cut back on some of the technical/science-y stuff, and it'd definitely see the score climb.
Marathon Training Academy 🌯🌯🌯
They have a really strong lineup of guests that I listen to, but I find myself fast-forwarding through the cheesier parts of the show, and the numerous ads for hair products and Blue Apron. Take those negatives out, and it'd be either a 4 or 5 on the ole Burritometer.
Run to the Top Extra Kick 🌯🌯🌯🌯
This is a daily podcast put on by the same folks that do Run to the Top, and it's usually 10 minutes or less. They answer specific listener questions that are sometimes really useful and relevant. I give it a 4 🌯 ranking for the content, but wouldn't put it in the same league as Citius or House of Run.