The Patience Train Kept Chugging Along

Well, we’re another month in on the patience train, as I wrote about last month, and I’m finally back up to consistently running at least 30 miles a week. I’m writing this on Saturday, and I’m planning to long run tomorrow, which will put me up to almost 50 this week.

I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere again, and just in time, too. I’ve got the Aspen Backcountry Heavy Half in two weeks, and the Grand Traverse in six weeks. I’m going to do my best to get in a couple of 20 milers ahead of time, and am only a bit nervous to be running double that distance on race day.

I signed up for GT for the adventure, and I’m definitely going to have an adventure out there!

This last week brought a couple of fun events with Boulderthon and PUMA hosted by Fleet Feet, to celebrate the launch of the Velocity 4 and Deviate Elite Trail, which I think is the fastest trail shoe out there. If you are running a fast trail race, I highly suggest it! Here’s my review! 👟

I’m now more than a month into self-employment and have had absolutely zero regrets. I’ve been having some really fun conversations on my new podcast, Long Run Labs, about the business side of the sport, and building some impactful partnerships for a collective of 14 podcasts in the running space, and writing a lot more about all of this on my new Long Run Labs substack, which you can check out here.

I’ll keep this newsletter (the one you’re currently reading) focused on the actual running part of the sport, and more related to For The Long Run, since that’s what you signed up for. 🤗 

Thanks for being a part of this community. A bunch of you (about 75!) have signed up for Boulderthon, so I’ll plan to organize something in person this fall over race weekend! As a reminder, you can use the code FTLR20 on the half or full, which will be selling out soon! And let me know if you will be here!

What are you training for this summer/fall? I’d love to hear more! Is there anyone you want to hear from on the podcast? Let me know!

— Jon Levitt, Host and Creator of For The Long Run 

Your Opportunity to Support Running Innovation 🚀

I am excited to share that Avelo, the world’s smartest running shoe designed to help every athlete run faster, stronger, and more resiliently, is launching their Kickstarter today. The founder is a former colleague and good friend of mine, and I’ve been an advisor with the brand since 2023.

I am so stoked to see this Kickstarter go live, and if you’d like to learn more, check out the link below. Royi and I talked through his founder’s story and the why behind the brand in a recent episode of FTLR a few weeks ago.

Check them out and let me know what you think! 

From Farm Fields to Finish Lines: Yuri Hauswald’s Unconventional Ride to Gravel Greatness

Yuri Hauswald didn’t take the traditional path to becoming a Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer. He grew up on a farm in Northern California, played lacrosse in college, and spent over a decade teaching elementary school before the bike found him, and everything changed.

After winning Unbound Gravel in 2015, he’s remained a powerful force in the sport, now leading athlete partnerships at GU Energy Labs.

In this interview, Yuri reflects on how gravel cycling offered more than just competition. It gave him community, purpose, and a sense of belonging. He dives into what makes gravel culture so magnetic, how GU is walking the talk when it comes to inclusion, and why great athlete partnerships go way beyond podiums and finish lines.

Whether you're an endurance athlete, a brand builder, or just someone who loves a good story about purpose and reinvention, you’ll want to hear this one.

Return to Ultra 👟

This year, I’ve been documenting my process of coming back to ultras. I ran Black Canyons earlier this year, and have two more races on the books that I’m psyched about.

But the training process doesn’t always go to plan. Injuries, life stuff, work stuff. It all can get in the way. New video on where I’m at 👇

To keep you running for the long run 👇

Thanks to our major sponsors this month, Shokz, PUMA, Hyperice, Boulderthon, Pillar, GOES, Superfilliate, and Tifosi. By supporting our sponsors, you are supporting the show and the whole team behind it. Y'all are the best!

More goodies we love 👇

As a newsletter subscriber, you get any of the discount codes and special promos that we work out with our partners:

1. BonkBreaker - These are my FAVORITE energy chews, they taste incredible. Get yours directly from the company here or on Amazon here and get 20% off when you use those links!

2. SaltStick FastChews - Get your chewable electrolytes directly from SaltStick here or on Amazon here and get 20% off when you use those links!

3. Skratch Labs - Get all your sports nutrition and hydration needs at Skratch. Use code FTLRPOD for 20% off.

4. Huron - The best men's soap and hygiene products. 15% off at this link!

5. Ketone-IQ - 30% off your first order!

6. Sidekick: want a great recovery tool for you to prevent injuries in your training? Check them out to support the show. Or take the tool quiz to get $5 off.

7. Running Warehouse: if you want to support the show, use this link to get all your running shoes.

8. 1Password: need better protection for all your important passwords? Try 1Password for 14 days on us by using this link. 

9. velofix/AVT bike: whether you're looking to purchase a bike, upgrade your current bike, or just add some parts, use FTLR for 10% off.

10. BOCO Gear: FTLR for 15% off website orders on the retail site.

11. REI: Support the show while shopping at REI by clicking here!

12. BetterHelp - Use the code FTLR at this link for 10% off your first month.*
    *As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jonathan is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter.