What does it mean to show up with joy even in the midst of the hardest seasons?

Annie Kalter is a 15-time Boston Marathoner, a mom, a school culture professional, and a woman with an extraordinary story of resilience. After surviving a heart attack that required her to be revived four times, Annie defied the odds to complete her 15th Boston Marathon just five months later.

Listen to hear about:

• Annie’s entry into running and how she unexpectedly discovered the marathon was her distance

• Building a 15-year Boston streak and what it means to be a streaker

• Missing a sub-3-hour marathon by just one second and how she found peace with it

• Surviving a spontaneous coronary artery dissection and learning to run again afterward

• The mental shift from chasing times to embracing the journey and helping others

• How joy, gratitude, and rest are now central to Annie’s version of success

• The healing power of community and movement—even when you have to slow down

Whether you’re a runner or not, Annie’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to keep going, to adapt, and to lead with love.

Stay connected:

• Follow Annie Kalter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniek259/

• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod

• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt

• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

• GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program, plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool!

• Hyperice: Innovative recovery tools for all types of training. My favorite are the Normatec leg boots and Normatec Go portable calf sleeves. Reach out to me on Instagram for a discount code to use at hyperice.com.

Hoping to make time for your goals even when you have a million obligations to manage?

Allison Baca is a professional trail runner for HOKA. She juggles parenting a 3-year-old and working full time in finance while squeezing in training to compete in big mountain races.

Listen to hear about:

• Getting into endurance sports with triathlons and transitioning to trail running
• Challenges of balancing training, work, and family life
• Alignment of values with Allison’s sponsor, HOKA
• Importance of picking races responsibly in order to not over-race
• Positive influence of running on physical and mental health
• Impact of small victories on overall well-being
• Running community and desire to inspire and support others

Stay connected:

• Follow Allison Baca on Instagram: instagram.com/allisonlbaca
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
• Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.
• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders.

Athletes face a lot of mental and physical pressure around fueling, so we need to break taboos.

Kate Ringwood is a licensed therapist that specializes in eating disorders in athletes. Kate's personal experience navigating her own recovery while competing in cross country and track influenced her passion in helping others.

Listen to hear about:

• Kate’s personal story of an eating disorder and then rediscovering her love for running
• Getting back into training with less pressure
• Reduce shame and stigma around eating disorders and body image issues
• Misconceptions about athletes and eating disorders
• The nuances of recovery, failure, and mental health in running

Stay connected:

• Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/serendipity.counseling
• Kate’s website: serendipitycounseling.com
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• PUMA: Get 20% off any PUMA run or train products from shoes to apparel with code FTLRQ1 at www.puma.com.
• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
• Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Use code FTLR2025 at this link for 15% off your pair.
• GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.