Running Lean
Running Lean is hosted by Patrick McGilvray - NASN Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist, NASN Certified Personal Trainer, UESCA Certified Running Coach, Master Life & Success Coach, experienced marathoner and ultrarunner, and The Weight Loss Coach for Runners. Patrick helps runners properly fuel their bodies and their minds so they can achieve peak performance and optimal health and fitness. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get stronger, run faster or further, or improve your mindset, you'll learn it all in this informative, inspirational weekly podcast. Learn more at www.runningleanpodcast.com
288. Dumb Stuff Runners Do (And What to Do Instead)
We’ve all done it—worn cotton socks on a long run, tried something new on race day, asked a Facebook group to diagnose our injury.
Runners are awesome… but we also do some pretty dumb stuff sometimes.
The good news? Every dumb mistake is just an opportunity to learn and grow.
In this episode of the Running Lean podcast, I’m laying out Dumb Stuff Runners Do (And What to Do Instead)—a light-hearted but brutally honest look at the common mistakes runners make that can lead to injury, burnout, or stalled progress.<...
287. How to Eat for Fat Loss Without Losing Performance
One of the biggest myths in the running world is that you can’t lose fat and keep running strong at the same time.
Well…I’m here to tell you that’s just not true.
The key is learning how to fuel your body so you burn fat efficiently and support your training and recovery.
In this episode of the Running Lean podcast, I’m breaking it all down for you in How to Eat for Fat Loss Without Losing Performance.
You’ll learn exactly what types of foods promote fat loss (an...
286. How to Train Smart When It’s Stupid Hot
Summer is here, and that means the heat and humidity are officially in full swing.
If you’re training for a race or just trying to stay consistent with your running this time of year, you’ve got to adjust your approach.
Trying to run the same way you do in cooler weather can lead to frustration, fatigue, or even dangerous health issues.
In this episode of the podcast, I’m talking all about How to Train Smart When It’s Stupid Hot.
You’ll learn how running in the heat affects yo...
285. The Top 5 Leg Strengthening Exercises for Runners
Building leg strength is one of the most effective—and most overlooked—ways to improve your running. In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing the top 5 leg strengthening exercises for runners. These are simple, proven moves that will help you build strength, boost endurance, improve running form, and reduce your risk of injury.
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym or lift heavy weights to get results. In fact, I’ll give you bodyweight alternatives for every single exercise so you can get started right away—no equipment required.
We’ll also talk a...
284. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: How to Stop Arguing for Your Limitations
If you’ve ever said things like, “I can’t lose weight,” “I don’t have time,” or “I’m just not strong enough,” then you’ve experienced the power of limiting beliefs.
These are the deeply held thoughts that shape your actions—and often keep you stuck exactly where you are.
In this episode, I’m breaking down what limiting beliefs really are, how they develop, and why they’re so hard to let go of.
I’ll explain how you always act in accordance with your most dominant thoughts and how this shapes your results.
...283. Want to Transform Your Body? Shift Your Mindset.
Struggling to lose weight even though you’re putting in the miles?
It might not be your training plan or your nutrition—it might be your mindset.
In this episode of the Running Lean Podcast, I dive into the powerful difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how this mental shift can be the key to finally transforming your body.
You’ll learn how to catch the thoughts that are holding you back, reframe them in a way that builds confidence, and start showing up as the committed, empowered runner you wa...
282. Why Runners Struggle With Strength Training (And How to Fix It)
If you’re a runner, you’ve probably heard that strength training can help you run faster, stay injury-free, and perform better overall.
But knowing it’s important and actually doing it are two very different things.
In this episode, “Why Runners Struggle With Strength Training (And How to Fix It),” I’m breaking down the most common reasons runners avoid the weight room—and how to overcome each one.
Whether you’re afraid of bulking up, confused about what exercises to do, or just can’t seem to stay consistent, this episode will give you clar...
281. Replay: Weight Loss Is Not the Goal
Most people think the key to better health is simply losing weight.
So they set a goal, like “lose 30 pounds by August,” and go all in.
But somewhere along the way, they hit a stall, get frustrated, and often give up.
The truth is, this approach is totally backward.
In this episode of the podcast, I’m explaining why Weight Loss Is Not the Goal.
Real, lasting weight loss doesn’t come from obsessing over a number on the scale — it comes as a natural result of getting healthy.
When...
280. How to Fix Your Relationship with Food
Are you constantly stressing about what to eat, feeling guilty after meals, or using running to “earn” your food?
You’re not alone — and it’s time for a change.
In this week’s episode of the Running Lean Podcast, I’m diving into How to Fix Your Relationship with Food.
You’ll learn how to ditch the guilt, fuel your body the right way, and finally make peace with food — without sacrificing your performance or your sanity.
This isn’t another diet or meal plan — it’s a mindset shift that leads to real, last...
279. Unlock Metabolic Flexibility: Become a Better Fat Burner and Boost Your Endurance
Want to run longer, feel stronger, and avoid hitting the wall?
Then you’ll definitely want to check out this week’s episode of the Running Lean Podcast: “Unlock Metabolic Flexibility: Become a Better Fat Burner and Boost Your Endurance.”
In this episode, I’m diving into what metabolic flexibility really means and why it’s such a powerful tool for endurance runners.
When you train your body to become a better fat burner, you can spare precious glycogen, avoid energy crashes, and keep going stronger for longer.
Most runners rely too heavily...
278. The 5 Biggest Lies We Tell Ourselves About Diet and Exercise
Let’s be real—when it comes to diet and exercise, we’re all guilty of telling ourselves a few little lies. You know the ones: “I’ll start on Monday,” or “I don’t have time,” or even “I deserve this cheat meal because I worked out today.” These stories might sound harmless, but over time, they create major roadblocks to progress. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five most common lies we tell ourselves when it comes to health, fitness, and nutrition—and more importantly, how to stop falling for them. These mindset traps might be keeping you stuck w...
277. Runners: Stop Trying to Lose Weight! Do This Instead.
If you're constantly chasing the scale, thinking weight loss will make you faster or fitter, this one's for you. I'm flipping the script on the outdated belief that lighter always means better. In this episode, I’ll dive into why focusing on body weight can actually hold you back—and what you should prioritize instead to boost your running performance, strength, and overall health. Whether you're a new runner or a seasoned athlete, it's time to rethink the goal of weight loss and train smarter.
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276. Does Coffee Help or Hurt Your Running Performance?
Today’s podcast is all about a question that many runners have asked me: “Does coffee help or hurt your running performance?” You probably already start your day with a cup of coffee — but are you using it to your advantage when it comes to fat loss, endurance, and strength gains? In this episode, I’ll break down the real science behind caffeine and how it impacts runners, both positively and negatively. You’ll learn how to make coffee work for your training — not against it.
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275. How to Handle Injury or Illness the Right Way
If you’ve ever been sidelined by injury or illness, you know the frustration, fear, and doubt that come with it. But time off doesn’t necessarily mean falling behind—it’s an opportunity to rebuild stronger, both physically and mentally. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the mindset shifts and strategies that help runners learn how to handle injury or illness the right way. From reframing setbacks to practicing gratitude, I’ll provide the tools to help you navigate this challenge with confidence. Because running isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about learning to trust the process, e...
274. Taking Full Ownership of Your Results
If you’re a runner trying to lose weight but keep hitting roadblocks, I’ve got news for you—your results are 100% your responsibility. No more blaming bad genetics, lack of time, or anything outside of your control. The moment you take radical ownership of your actions, everything changes. In today’s episode, Taking Full Ownership of Your Results, I’m breaking down the excuses holding you back and helping you shift into an empowered mindset that puts you in control of your success. Get ready for some tough love and real talk—because your next breakthrough starts with ownership.<...
273. Why Runners Should Be Lifting Heavy Weights
I hear this almost every single day from runners all over the world: “I hate strength training.” I get it, I used to feel the same way many years ago. I thought running 30-40 miles a week was enough to keep me strong and fit. The cold hard truth is…it is not. Runners, more than just about anyone else, need to be doing consistent resistance training to build a stronger muscular system from head to toe. In this episode of the podcast, I explain why runners should be lifting heavy weights and how it will dramatically improve your runnin...
272. Breaking Through Weight Loss Plateaus
Hitting a plateau or a stall in your weight loss journey is inevitable. It will happen. The problem isn’t that you hit a plateau, the problem is how you deal with it. Most people hit a stall and get super frustrated and give up on themselves. This is not the preferred way of dealing with this situation, by the way. Today on the podcast, breaking through weight loss plateaus so you can continue making progress toward your goals.
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271. Top 10 Biggest Myths about Weight Loss
There is so much information out there these days about the right and wrong way to lose weight. Do this, not that, eat this, not that, and all these different diets and exercise routines all designed to help you lose weight. But how accurate is all of this advice? Will following the advice of a 20-something non-runner on TikTok work for a 50-something endurance athlete? I think we all know the answer to that. Today on the podcast, I take a deep dive into the top 10 biggest myths about weight loss and how all of this applies to you...
270. The Number One Key to All Success
If you want to succeed at anything - losing weight, running a faster marathon - there is one thing you have to start doing. This one thing is nothing you don’t already know, but no one really likes to talk about it. In fact, it’s an incredibly simple thing to understand, but a very difficult thing to master. This may sound overly dramatic, but I say this with all sincerity - master this one thing and there is NOTHING you won’t be able to accomplish. Today on the podcast, it’s all about the number one key to a...
269. Replay: 5 Dieting Disasters Runners Need to Avoid
When it comes to losing weight, there are many, many approaches you can take - some of them will work while others definitely will not. Runners especially need to be mindful of their approach to weight loss because certain methods might help you lose weight but will also impair your running performance in big ways. In this episode of the podcast, I go over 5 dieting disasters runners need to avoid if you want to lose weight without completely destroying your running performance.
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268. When Your Weight Loss Journey Gets Frustrating
It doesn’t matter how much weight you have to lose or how long you’ve been at it, there will eventually come a time when things will get frustrating for you. You might experience a stall or a plateau in your weight, you might keep slipping back into old habits, you might even see the number on the scale go up…gasp! Rest assured that all of this is a normal part of everyone’s weight loss journey and while it might be frustrating, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Today on the podcast, what to do...
267. 5 Training Principles All Runners Need to Know
For most runners, training is just something you do. You find a training program, lace up your shoes, then get out there and follow the plan. This is great and can definitely lead to awesome results, but have you ever wondered WHY these training plans are structured the way they are? In this episode of the podcast, I’ve got 5 training principles all runners need to know in order to perform at your best.
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266. Is It Better to Run Faster or Longer?
Most of the runners I work with would like to get better at running. Some are just getting started, others would be considered seasoned athletes. Despite their abilities, they all share a common goal which is to improve their running performance. But what exactly does this mean? Should everyone who runs be training to run faster? What about those people who just want to run longer, is that a valid way to improve running? In this episode, I break it all down and answer the question: Is it better to run faster or longer?
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265. 3 Keys to Improve Your Running and Extend Your Life
There are many, many ways to improve your health and fitness and become a better runner. There are countless books and podcasts that cover these topics in great detail. There’s so much written and talked about that it’s hard to know what’s right, what’s not, and what will actually work for you. So in this episode, I wanted to focus on the 3 most important things you can do for your overall health and fitness - what I’m calling the 3 keys to improve your running and extend your life.
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264. Knowledge is Overrated
There is no lack of knowledge in the world we live in today. Just about every bit of knowledge that’s ever been known to humankind is available to us in our hands, on our phones, in just a few seconds. Yet, with all of the knowledge in the Universe literally at our fingertips, we still struggle to eat right, lose weight, or improve our running. In this episode of the podcast, why I believe that knowledge is overrated and what you should be focusing on instead.
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263. Why You Need to Ditch the Diet Mentality
There are so many ads and promotions these days for different diets, it’s almost overwhelming. I get it, I’ve tried just about every diet you can imagine and I’ve learned many valuable lessons along the way. Probably the biggest lesson I learned is that you just need to ditch the diet mentality altogether. In this episode of the podcast, why you need to ditch the diet mentality and what you should focus on instead.
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262. Forget the New Year’s Resolutions and Do This Instead
It’s the start of a new year and lots of people are making New Year’s resolutions. I’ve seen all kinds of posts on social media over the last few days from people saying they are going to run every single day this year to others resolving to quit drinking alcohol forever. These are great goals to have but there are some issues with how most people go about actually achieving those goals. Most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions within the first two weeks! So today on the podcast, why I think you should f...
261. Replay: How Your Thinking (More Than Anything Else) Determines Your Results
When it comes to fitness, so much attention is put on your actions - what you should and shouldn’t do. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t do stuff, but I think you need to stop focusing all of your attention on actions and start paying more attention to your thinking. It’s you thinking that determines whether you stick to a plan or not. It’s your thinking that keeps you going when the going gets tough. So in this episode of the podcast, how your thinking (more than anything else) determines your results.
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260. 10 Hard Truths About Fitness No One Is Talking About
There is a lot of information out there these days on what it means to be healthy and fit. My social media feeds are full of health and fitness experts spouting all kinds of opinions and ideas and principles that everyone needs to follow. But in my years of training and coaching runners on weight loss, strength, and running, I’ve found a few things that really stand out. In this episode of the podcast, I’ve got 10 hard truths about fitness no one is talking about so you can become the healthiest and most badass version of yourself yet...
259. Choose Your Hard
When it comes to accomplishing big goals, you have to expect things to get hard. For example, losing weight takes time, and for some it can be a long and challenging road to get there. Yes, losing weight is hard, but so is becoming more overweight and more metabolically unhealthy. So you can choose the hard of losing weight or choose the hard of becoming sick and unhealthy. In this episode of the podcast, what it means to choose your hard, and some practical tips to help you choose wisely.
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258. The Truth About Comfort Food
It’s that time of year when the days are getting shorter and colder, the holidays are upon us, and all you feel like doing is staying in and eating comfort food. And just so you know, I’m not opposed to eating comfort food, but I believe there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. I also believe there are a lot of misconceptions about using food to comfort ourselves so I want to address that here today too. In this episode of the podcast, the truth about comfort food - how do it the ri...
257. Replay: Handling the Holidays Like a Badass
The holidays can be a very difficult time of the year for a lot of people. Shopping for gifts, planning social events, spending more time with family, and the added end-of-year demands at work can all lead to feeling more stressed and overwhelmed. It can be very easy to just say “F-it” and blow off all your diet and exercise plans, stay indoors watching Netflix with a big ol’ glass of wine, and hibernate until the New Year. In this episode of the podcast, I share a few simple tips for handling the holidays like a badass so you can sl...
256. Why Runners Need Help Losing Weight
I’ve received a lot of comments on my social media posts over the years basically saying that if you are a runner, you shouldn’t need help losing weight. The main thought behind these types of comments is that if you run, you shouldn’t be overweight and that running, in and of itself, is all you need to do in order to lose those extra pounds. These are nice ideas, but they just don’t hold up in reality. In this episode, I’ll address all the reasons why runners need help losing weight, and why it doesn’t in...
255. The Shortcut to Health & Fitness Success
Everyone wants to know how to lose weight, how to get healthier, how to run faster, and how to get there as quickly as possible. Nowadays, people have no patience for anything, especially when it comes to something like losing weight which can take a long time for a lot of people. It’s not uncommon for it to take 6 months or more to lose 20 or 30 pounds. In this episode of the podcast, I’m going to let you in on a little secret - the shortcut to health & fitness success so you can get to your goals faster.
<...254. How Do I Know If I’m Self-Sabotaging?
Just about all of us will eventually engage in some type of self-sabotaging behavior. Most of the time though, you don't know when you’re doing it. Self-sabotage is often confused with failure, being stuck, or even laziness. It’s actually pretty subtle sometimes, but knowing what it looks like is the important first step in eliminating it from your life. So in this episode of the podcast, I’m going to answer the question, “How do I know if I’m self-sabotaging?” so you can start making progress toward your goals again.
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253. Lessons Learned at Marine Corps Marathon
This past weekend I had the privilege to be a part of the 49th annual Marine Corps Marathon. Just to be clear, I did not run the race, instead, I was able to be a part of this amazing event from a very different perspective, one that most people don’t ever get to experience. I came away from the race feeling all the feelings and it really renewed my love of the sport of running. In this episode of the podcast, I share some of the big lessons learned at Marine Corps Marathon and how this event has ch...
252. Practicing the Art of Discipline
When you think of discipline, what comes to mind? For some, it conjures up images of obeying rules and doling out punishment for anyone who disobeys. I never think of discipline as punishment, but rather a method of achieving whatever worthwhile goal that I want for myself. If there’s something big that you want for yourself, I’m telling you, there’s no magic formula, it just takes practicing the art of discipline to get it. So in this episode of the podcast, I'll be exploring what it means to practice the art of discipline so that you can ac...
251. How to Run Smarter with Brodie Sharpe
If you’re a runner and you’ve ever dealt with a running-related injury, then this episode is especially for you. In this informative conversation, Brodie shares his thoughts on a wide variety of topics related to running injuries and injury prevention. We discuss whether or not you should be stretching, the benefits of dry needling and shockwave therapies, when to use heat vs. cold, what causes cramping, and so much more.
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250. 3 Things You Need to Do to Get Yourself Unstuck
Have you ever felt like you just can’t seem to make any progress toward a goal? Have you ever found it difficult to get started eating right or exercising regularly? Have you ever made some progress toward a goal but then you hit a plateau and you just can’t seem to get things going again? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then congratulations…you are normal. So in this episode, I’ve got 3 things you need to do to get yourself unstuck so you can continue making progress toward those goals.
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249. Avoid These Mistakes and Crush Your Next Race
It’s that time of the year when every weekend it seems there are a ton of races going on all over the world. And a lot of runners who’ve worked really hard over the last few months will inevitably make mistakes on race day. Whether you’re a brand new runner and doing your first 5k or you’re a seasoned athlete and running your 20th marathon, I know you’ll get something out of this episode. So today on the podcast it’s all about how to avoid these mistakes and crush your next race.
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