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Running isn’t a punishment — it’s an opportunity to discover what you’re truly capable of. In this episode of The Anthony Amen Show (formerly Health & Fitness Redefined), Anthony — a self-proclaimed running hater — sits down with veteran running coach Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Strength Running and one of the most respected voices in endurance training.
Jason shares his own surprising origin story: he wasn’t a prodigy, and he didn’t even like running at first. “When I started, I wasn’t very good at it — and I hated it too,” he laughs, giving hope to anyone who currently dreads lacing up. Over 15 years of coaching, he’s helped countless runners go from complete beginners to confident, capable athletes through smart programming, strength training, and a mindset built around growth.
We break down the fundamentals most people never learn. Jason explains the key difference between aerobic and anaerobic running, how training shifts between short and long distances, and why strength training is essential for every runner — not just competitive athletes. His simple but powerful framework of “sandwich runs” (dynamic warm-up → run → post-run strength work) lays out a clear blueprint for performance gains and injury prevention. It’s the same principle we use at Redefine Fitness in Stony Brook and Mount Sinai, where blending strength and conditioning creates long-term resilience.
But the heart of this episode is running’s psychological power. Unlike lifting, which requires intense focus in short bursts, running tests your focus and grit minute after minute, mile after mile. “Mental toughness is the ability to solve problems constructively without panicking,” Jason explains — a skill that transfers to work, relationships, fitness, and every challenge life throws your way. Running teaches you how to stay calm under pressure, break through plateaus, and push beyond limits you thought were fixed.
Whether you’re already a runner or someone who’s avoided running for years, this episode offers a fresh perspective. As Jason puts it, “Running isn’t as hard as you think it is. If you give it time and approach it strategically, you can become a much better runner than you think you can be.”
Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs a mindset reset, and leave a review to help more people discover why fitness is medicine — and how running can be one of the most transformative tools for both body and mind.
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Learn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
