On Patience and Trusting the Process

I’ve been running for 12 years now, taking it seriously the last 6-7. “Taking it seriously” means believing I’m an athlete and doing (most of) the things to help facilitate happy and healthy running. 

In that time, I’ve had my share of ups and downs, mostly brought on by not doing enough strength training or forgetting that I’m not 24 anymore. 

The latest wave of this was last month. “It’s not about avoiding the waves, it’s about learning to surf” has been my mantra in overcoming challenging times, and this was one of those. I bailed on BolderBoulder on Memorial Day weekend, thinking that was an overcorrection. My partner Kate steered me in that direction, and I’m quite glad she did.

My big goal is at the end of the summer (Grand Traverse 40 miler), and she reminded me it wasn’t worth risking it so early in the summer and setting myself back. I ended up taking 9 days off running, and have been building back verrrrry slowly with 3-4 mile runs every other day, and getting after it on the bike. 

As I write this, I’m sitting in Tahoe staring at the mountains in Olympic Valley/Palisades, a place where I thought I’d be racing a 26k this past weekend. A race I love, but didn’t get to race. There will be other races. I’m grateful to be able to run even 5-6 miles while I’m here, on some of the most beautiful trails on the planet, and where I became a trail runner. 

While living in Boston in 2016/2017, if you asked me where I ran trails, I’d have answered like a good Bay Area resident by saying, "Marin and Tahoe.”

I was more at peace with this injury cycle (formally a TFL tendinopathy and some really tight quads/weak glutes) than ever before, (mostly) confident that if I gave it time and did the PT work, I’d be back up and running soon. There were a couple days that I didn’t believe that (Kate and my PT will confirm), but here we are. Over a month later, and I’m nearly on the other side of it. 

MORE IMPORTANTLY - I’m thrilled to be in my “bet on yourself” era. I left my full-time job in early June, launched Long Run Labs Podcast a week later, and am continuing to build a business with a couple of good friends which I’ll share more about soon 👀.

As I wrote about in this update, I couldn’t do it without your support! I’m thrilled with how the launch of Long Run Labs went, so if you’re into the business of the outdoor industry, check out the new pod!

If you’ll be in Olympic Valley for Western States this week, I’d love to say hello!

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

Join us in Boulder for the PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 Launch Party

Get ready to celebrate the launch of the new PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 at Fleet Feet Boulder on July 17th! We're hosting an exciting event in collaboration with Boulderthon and Fleet Feet, and we'd love for you to join us. Whether you're an experienced runner or just beginning, this is a great opportunity to experience the latest in PUMA's running lineup, designed for both speed and comfort.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Group Run: The event starts at 6:00 PM MST with an organized group run from the store. You'll have two distance options and the chance to try out demo units of the brand new Velocity NITRO 4 during the run.

• Live Podcast: After the run, enjoy a live podcast featuring PUMA Pro Runner, Annie Frisbie, and For The Long Run. They'll be discussing what Annie looks for in top-notch running shoes.

• Sip, Socialize, and Shop: Afterward, you can mingle, enjoy cold beverages, connect with our sponsoring partners (Elements Massage, Acupuncture of Boulder, PR Sports Labs, and Boulder Community Health), and explore our fit process to find your next pair of trainers.

We can't wait to see you there!

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! 

🚨 NEW PODCAST ALERT!🚨

Long Run Labs Podcast is a new weekly podcast that explores the stories of runners building bold ideas within the outdoor industry—from brand founders and startup employees to mission-driven creatives and changemakers.

These are the behind-the-scenes stories of people using the grit and curiosity of running to shape businesses, movements, and tools that power our outdoor lives.

We released our first THREE episodes this week on the Long Run Labs feed. We came out swinging with three amazing conversations:

• Episode 1: Marketing Your Outdoor Brand with Industry Expert, Allison Lynch

• Episode 2: Bringing More People to the Trails with David Callahan, Co-CEO of UltraSignup

• Episode 3: The Current State of Trail Media with Dylan Bowman of Freetrail

We cannot wait to continue to build these stories and conversations. Make sure you’re subscribed on your favorite podcast player so you don’t miss a thing!

No-Jargon Shoe Review 👟

We posted three new no-jargon shoe reviews this month, and you can find them ALL on our no-jargon shoe review playlist over on YouTube.

One of the favorites is the PUMA Deviate Nitro HYROX - check out my thoughts below 👇

To keep you running for the long run 👇

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

Listen to this 👇

We’re only a couple of days from the Western States Endurance Run, so we caught up with a pro for an inside look at strategizing for it!

Riley Brady is a professional ultra trail runner for Nike Trail, living and training in Boulder, CO.

Jon chatted with them about:

• The process of earning a golden ticket to Western States

• How Riley’s low salt loss rate influences fueling choices

• “Collective effervescence” in an 100-miler

• Managing nausea and staying focused in ultras

• Aiming for a sub 2:36 at CIM

• Balancing personal goals with sponsorship obligations

Get stoked about this weekend and give this one a listen 🎧

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. GOREWEAR - Get all your every-weather running gear in one place. Use code FTLR25 to get 25% off!

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

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

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

7. 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.

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

9. 1Password: need better protection for all your important passwords? Try 1Password for 14 days on us by using this link. 

10. 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.

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

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

13. 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.