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#128 - Are you a runner looking to level up your performance? Whether you're training for your first 5K or aiming to PR in your next half marathon, strategic training is key to becoming a faster, stronger runner; I share training techniques that can help you run faster and with more confidence.

We will break down essential training techniques that can transform your running game while guiding you through my personal journey of setting ambitious goals for 2025, having a well-rounded training plan, and addressing the mental aspect of training.

Topics Covered:

• The role strength training plays in your running performance
• How the right mindset can be the key to success
• The types of runs that help with speed and endurance

Your Host

Richard Conner

Richard is a strategic marketing professional with experience in B2B marketing. Richard is the founder of Inspire to Run and is passionate about helping others reach their goals. He is a Connecticut native, a husband, dad, writer, Star Wars fan, and, of course, a runner!

Resources:

• Incrediwear: Code for 10% off RICHARDCONNER

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“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

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#127 - Finding the sweet spot between commitments in life and fitness goals can feel challenging. In this episode, elite athlete and certified exercise physiologist Raquel Faires, shares her journey of balancing intense training with family life, including raising two young children just 13 months apart. As a former D1 cross-country athlete, Category One cyclist, and elite DEKA athlete, Raquel brings unique insights into sustainable training approaches and important mindset insights.

Drawing on her professional expertise and personal experience with burnout and recovery, Raquel offers practical strategies for maintaining fitness while juggling life's demands. We also discuss topics ranging from heart rate training to managing self-doubt, providing actionable tips that runners can apply to their own training journeys.


Topics Covered:

• Training Mindset: How to overcome comparison trap and self-doubt during workouts
• Smart Training Strategies: Understanding Zone 2 training and why athletes train slower to perform better
• Life Balance: Practical tips for fitting training around family commitments and busy schedules
• Recovery and Burnout: Signs of overtraining and strategies for sustainable training progress

Today’s Guest

Raquel Faires

Raquel Faires, a dedicated fitness professional from Indianapolis, IN, holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. A former Division I cross-country and track athlete at Indiana University Indianapolis, Raquel’s passion for endurance sports began early in life, progressing from junior high track meets to competing at the State Championships in high school. Her athletic journey has taken her through triathlons, road bike racing as a Category 1 cyclist, and now as an elite hybrid athlete in DEKA competitions. Over the years, she has competed at three DEKA World Championships, earning podium finishes and setting her sights on future challenges like Ruck events and ATLAS in 2025.

Beyond competing, Raquel shares her expertise as a personal trainer and coach at EDGE Fitness & Strength and also leads the girls' cross-country team at Carmel High School, where she helped guide them to the 2024 State Championship and Nike Nationals. As a mom to three children, Raquel thrives in balancing family, coaching, and her personal fitness goals.

Follow Raquel Faires:

• Instagram - @coachfaires
• Instagram - @deka_indy

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Join the community and cl

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#126 - In this episode, I talk about five daily fitness habits to help you succeed in your health and fitness journey in 2025. I also share tips and tricks to build healthy habits and experiences from my personal fitness journey.

Topics Covered:

• Learn five daily fitness habits to help you succeed in 2025
• Tips and Tricks to help you build healthy habits
• Discover books and podcast episodes to help you in your journey

Your Host

Richard Conner

Richard is a strategic marketing professional with experience in B2B marketing. Richard is the founder of Inspire to Run and is passionate about helping others reach their goals. He is a Connecticut native, a husband, dad, writer, Star Wars fan, and, of course, a runner!

Resources:

• Incrediwear: Code for 10% off RICHARDCONNER

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Inspire to Run Podcast is truly inspiring!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the healthy life that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Join the Inspire to Run community:

• Website - Inspire to Run
• Facebook - @InspiretoRun
• Instagram - @InspiretoRunPodcast
• Strava - @InspiretoRun

For more information, visit Inspire to Run.

Join the community and click the subscribe button!