We love the idea of a breakthrough—the dramatic finish, the record-shattering time, the race where it finally clicks.

But what if that moment you’re chasing isn’t about magic… but mindset?

Returning to the show today is Alex Ostberg, former NCAA standout and the thoughtful voice behind The Rundown. In this episode, we dive into the psychology of high performance and unpack four of Alex’s most powerful recent essays.

We begin by debunking the myth of overnight success, revealing how real progress is built quietly—through patient, consistent effort. From there, Alex explores how belief isn’t just motivational—it’s foundational. Because if you don’tbelieve you’re capable, your body won’t act like it is.

We then tackle what it means to find “the edge” as a runner—and why growth begins the moment you step beyond your comfort zone. Finally, we discuss the internal narratives that unfold on race day, and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape—or sabotage—our performance.

This episode is more than a conversation about running. It’s about mindset, identity, and learning how to rewrite your limits from the inside out.

In today's conversation, Alex tackles key subjects like breakthroughs, the central governor theory, breaks down scientific studies that you can apply directly to your running/life, how to deal with pre-race nerves, pressure, anxiety, and more.This episode is VALUE packed and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Tap into Alex Ostberg Special.

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Some people push the limit. Kim Gottwald treats it like a starting line.

Meet Kim Gottwald: ultra-endurance athlete, viral content creator, and founder of Rappid Runs, a running apparel brand built for the brutal reality of long-distance races.

If his name isn’t on your radar yet, it will be. Kim just co-won the Go One More Ultramarathon in Texas, racking up a mind-bending 378 kilometers (234 miles) before the race was shut down for extreme weather.

But here’s what really sets Kim apart: it’s not just his mileage. It’s his grit. His no-filter honesty. His ability to blend raw toughness with sharp humor.

He’s run 100K on an 800-meter loop in Cologne. He has blown up on TikTok for telling it exactly like it is. He’sredefining what an ultra athlete looks and sounds like.

In this episode, we’re talking last man standing races, the mental warfare of endurance, and what it actually feels like to hit hour 50 of a run with no finish line in sight.

Whether you're a hardcore runner, an intrigued outsider, or just into seeing what the human body—and mind—can reallydo, you’re in for a ride.

Strap in. Kim Gottwald is here.

In today's conversation, Kim takes us deep into the untold stories behind his 234-mile effort — from hallucinations and heartbreak to the mindset shifts that kept him moving through the dark, the mental tools he used to survive it, what it really takes to go beyond your limits when your body is begging you to stop, and his thoughts on lining up again in 2026.

Tap into the Kim Gottwald Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

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-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

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-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Charlie Vause didn't just make waves this past season — he tore through the high school cross country scene like a storm, and today, we're fired up to welcome him back.

Charlie, a senior at Rio Rancho High School in New Mexico, returns to the podcast after emerging as a standout in U.S. high school cross country during the 2024–2025 season. His achievements include winning the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) and being named the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.

Vause has committed to run at Brigham Young University (BYU) after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was honored as the 2025 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, presented by Olympian Grant Fisher, recognizing his athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

Vause clinched the national title at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals with a time of 15:28.1, finishing 2.5 seconds ahead of the runner-up.

He has PRs of 14:30 5k, a 4:01 converted Mile, 1:51.86 in the 800m, 8:51 two mile.

In today's conversation, Charlie takes me through the last six months after winning NXN, his track season, handling newfound pressure and expectations, his goals for Festival of Miles, and why he shows up when it matters the most.

This is Charlie's last chance at the 4:00 minute barrier. Expect him to put on a show.

Tap into the Charles Vause Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz