I fell in love with listening to audiobooks while running as I trained for my second marathon solo in 2006.
Over the years of training that followed, I’ve found running podcasts are not only more accessible, but provide a different level of motivation than an audiobook.
{Checkout my top 12 audiobooks for runners}.
Some people love a great story while they run, but for me it’s all about the mental benefit.
I want training tips, life hacks or motivational words from people who have been there and done that. Over the years I’ve seen podcasts come and go, I’ve gone through many that just weren’t that great and finally settled on some that are always in my weekly rotation.
Here are 19 podcasts for runners with a little something for every taste and hopefully not all one’s you’ve seen elsewhere.
Podcasts for Running
Some of these are running specific, other are fitness related, and some just cover all the basic life topics. Either way, these podcast to listen to while running are all guaranteed to get you motivated in one way or another to power through and keep running!
My tastes continue to change and evolve, so this list has been revamped 5 or 6 times now! I’ve realized that sometimes I’m in the mood for business, sometimes fitness and sometimes a little more light hearted.
The Rich Roll Podcast
I stumbled upon Rich one day after hearing him as a guest on another show and at first wasn’t sure about his podcast. They’re much longer than the norm and he tends to get off on random topics…yet he’s just a super interesting person, who manages to create really great story telling podcasts from his guests.
While Rich is plant-based and prefers long steady runs to say CrossFit, Rich is OPEN to ideas and brings on people from a variety of backgrounds to share knowledge. I personally love any episode on meditation, but there have been many others on endurance training, Vegan, CrossFit and business that also kept me entertained for my long run.
Tim Ferriss Show
Admittedly when the show first started I didn’t care for it. Which is crazy because I have LOVED all of his books, but like most of us he just needed a bit to find his grove.
I never miss an episode now because it’s always packed with useful information not just for physical training and nutrition, but mental training that makes me better in running and life.
Stop the Music. Get jazzed for a run with these 19 podcasts #runchat #motivation Click To TweetJillian Michaels Show
I know, I know, but for some reason her voice MAKES me run. Her new shows aren’t always the best and I don’t agree with everything she says, but it gets me going.
Older episodes are more informative for fitness and include a lot of great interviews, so really I recommend listening to anything she did prior to the middle of 2013…after that is fine, but a little more focused on her life than helpful lessons. Newer episodes are more focused on her passion for building your best life, interviewing influencers, and less on talking about fitness.
Ben Greenfield Fitness
If biohacks and off the wall ways to improve your life are the kind of thing that get you going, then this is the show for you. It’s another where I don’t listen to every episode, but instead pull those of the most interest me (which is fine because he puts out a ton). Like last week I listened to an older interview on body alignment for injury prevention and it was a great reminder not only while I was running, but afterwards to do some things differently.
Arm Chair Expert
OMG, friends kept telling me about this one, but I had put it on the back burner. However, once I started listening to Dax Shepard I was sucked in and found many runs going all too quickly. I can’t tell you that you’re going to leave these a better human, but you are going to laugh and find yourself sucked in to what’s happening.
Endurance Planet
I have literally just found this podcast, so I don’t have tons to tell you yet. BUT if you’re an endurance runner looking to improve how your body performs by taking care of it through nutrition this is the place to be. Tawnee talks with some of the top minds like Dr Phil Maffetone and Dr Tim Noakes. Also great for those of you in triathlon as there is more talk of that here.
No Meat Athlete
A great option for those attempting to go Vegan and those just wanting to find out how cleaning up your food could improve your running. It’s also great for those looking to push the boundaries and go for an Ultra. I admit this is one I don’t listen to very frequently, but tend to pull out topics of interest when I see them pop up. It’s a conversational podcasts that’s more relaxed and less educational focused like Ben Greenfield.
The Morning Shakeout
I haven’t listened to a ton of these, but one’s that caught my attention to start listening were fabulous. First there was the multiple chats with Desi, then a talk with Bart Yasso that made me smile for the duration of my run! Hosted by Mario Fraoli a high caliber running coach and writer, they’re usually great insightful conversations.
Trail Runner Nation
A focus on real people doing pretty amazing things. This trail runner podcast is obviously going to offer a lot more for you trail runners with tips that are specific to nutrition, footing, ultra events and more. Though I loved that they tackled CBD recently.
Run This World
Nicole Deboom the founder of SkirtSports is all about empowering women and in this podcast she dives in to all the issues that impact us as female athletes. Her conversations are wide ranging and easily relatable for many people, with real life stories to help you see what might work in your own life.
Diz Runs
Interviews with runners of all different abilities who have something to offer each of us. You might learn from say little ol’ me or an elite runner different tips for cracking the two hour half, hitting your Boston stride or fueling right.
BONUS: Here are 5 podcasts where I’ve been a guest!
And no I didn’t list the Runner’s World Podcast, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because you likely already tried that! Hopefully, I’m giving you some other ideas!
And no I didn’t mention the Another Mother Runner podcast, again not because it’s not good. I really enjoyed it for a time, but as noted I cycle through things and lately it just hasn’t worked for me. I wasn’t getting motivated listening to their daily back and forth.
What podcasts do you listen to?
Do you like them to be fitness related or not?
Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish
Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Get more running tips: Pinterest
genna says
August 23, 2015 at 12:42 pmi used to listen to the series podcast. it was the first time i ever ran with my phone to listen. Now that it's over i have listened to a few books but jut downloaded the jillian michaels and i am friends with Debbie who does Mojo :)
My recent post SLS3 Review and Giveaway!
RunToTheFinish says
August 23, 2015 at 1:08 pmLOVE when people actually know someone because they often have some great insights about it! I never tried Series, might have to find the old one's.
Kristin says
August 23, 2015 at 5:44 pmShe might mean Serial. Which you should listen to if you haven't. I like to listen to running podcasts while running, and other topics if I am walking, doing dishes, etc. I also like Another Mother Runner (even though I don't have kids), and the Running Lifestyles show (somehow she gets big running personalities on her show).
Carla says
August 24, 2015 at 6:04 amI LOVE the GILMORE GUYS podcast :-) but Im quirky that way.
My recent post Starting my second life.
fruitionfitness says
August 24, 2015 at 6:21 amThanks for such a great list! I recently started listening to Pat Flynns podcasts on my tempo runs and I'm really enjoying it!
My recent post Weekend Race Recap + Expectations
RunToTheFinish says
August 24, 2015 at 6:40 amLove him too!! I thought I might be getting too many business one's so I didn't include that or Entreprenuer on fire but I like it too
Allie says
August 24, 2015 at 6:27 amI absolutely love Runner's Connect (and Tina!), Another Mother Runner podcasts often have great guests like the one with Summer Sanders, and Jillian Michaels? Really? :-)
This is well timed since I'll be doing a lot of miles all alone very soon and NEED a podcast to keep my brain occupied. When is Serial coming back????
My recent post The Rundown – A Week of Firsts and Lasts
RunToTheFinish says
August 24, 2015 at 6:40 amSee I thought they were done with episodes for some reason I couldn't find them or i would have included it!
@ThriveFit says
August 24, 2015 at 8:15 amI like music when I run but podcasts when I walk. Happier by Gretchen Rubin is one of my favs. So is Pop Culture Happy Hour.
RunToTheFinish says
August 24, 2015 at 9:29 amI adore Gretchen, but couldn't get in to the podcast. Maybe I would like it better if I wasn't running, I'll have to try again!
Coco says
August 24, 2015 at 9:59 amGreat round up. I’m more likely to listen to podcasts on my long dog walks, but running is always a great topic to hear about. ;-)
Charlie says
August 24, 2015 at 12:15 pmThis is so great for my long runs! I love listening to audiobooks and podcasts, I often take advantage of audible sale books, which means I listen to some pretty random books!
thisrunnersrecipes says
August 24, 2015 at 12:49 pmI love podcasts, and this list gives me so many new ideas of what to listen to! Runners Connect and Marathon Training Academy are two current favorites of mine. I used to listen to Jillan Michaels back in 2012 and 2013, and I agree – not as good past mid-2013.
My recent post Cumulative Fatigue {Marathon Monday} + Portland Training Week 12
Tina Muir says
August 24, 2015 at 1:38 pmThanks so much for the recommendation Amanda! I am so happy to hear you are enjoying them, and I am trying to find guests that will suit every runner, so this means a lot to hear that you are suggesting your listeners check it out. If you have any guests (or anyone else reading) you would like to hear from, let me know, and I will see what I can do :)
My recent post Track Doesn’t Have to Be For Just Younger Runners. Read Our Masters Guide
adarling575 says
August 24, 2015 at 1:50 pmSuch a great list – thank you!! I have just recently started to listen to podcasts, and I listen to a lot of news / politics / current affairs podcasts during "normal life" – but when training I ALWAYS listen to a sport-related one so will be checking out some of yours. I find Trail Runner Nation so interesting – they recently did a few episodes with Ann Trason and she is a hero of mine (if you are reading this and haven't heard of her google her as she is incredible!) but I do find them incredibly annoying at times…. Like when they did an entire podcast basically bashing triathletes. As a triathlete and a runner I didn't enjoy that!
I also really like Marathon Talk – it's from the UK but the two hosts have really good banter between them, and they have some very interesting interviews with different people throughout the running world. Recently they've been talking a lot about the doping scandal in athletics and interviewing various people about that.
And finally I like the DC Rainmaker podcast – he writes basically the biggest sports tech blog in the world (don't ever buy anything without reading his reviews) and his podcast is really interesting and informative!
Gunnar Bruun says
August 25, 2015 at 3:14 amMarathon talk.
Part goofy, part funny, part serious, totally entertaining.
recipeforabeautifullife says
August 28, 2015 at 1:52 pmGreat list! I am always looking for new listening material for those sometimes dreaded long runs. I am a big fan of Marathon Training Academy. Definitely give them some more play time!
EAUG says
September 2, 2015 at 7:03 amIn portuguese, in Brazil, we have the podcast Por Falar em Corrida (something like Talk about running), the older podcast about running in Brazil. Check it out!
My recent post Atrás da distância correta
Caitlin Edwards says
May 31, 2018 at 11:19 amI’ll have to try some of these! My favorite is I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein. She interviews runners, mostly women, and its such a relatable podcast!
http://www.themilestraveled.com
amanda says
May 31, 2018 at 5:19 pmoh I need to check that out, I feel like I’ve heard about it a few times!