The Runner’s Journey: Insights from Coffee with Coaches Podcast

In a recent episode of the Coffee with Coaches from “Maybe Running Will Help Podcast” podcast , hosts Jeff Horowitz, Bart Yasso, and Nicky Tamberrino engaged in a thoughtful discussion on the evolving relationship runners have with their sport. Covering topics like injury recovery, aging as a runner, and the importance of community, the episode offered deep insights for both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.

Running Through Injury: The Mental and Physical Battle

One of the focal points of the conversation was Jeff Horowitz’s personal experience with quadricep tendonitis while training for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler and the Buffalo Marathon. He shared his frustration, saying, “This whole week, mentally, I’ve been in a bad place,” highlighting how injuries can be as mentally taxing as they are physically limiting.

Bart Yasso, known as the “Mayor of Running,” emphasized the importance of recognizing how injuries often cause runners to unknowingly compensate in their movement, which can lead to further issues. “The keyword with injury is compensation. You don’t even realize you’re adjusting your gait, but your body does, and that’s when things spread,” he explained. Their advice? Cross-train, be patient, and respect the healing process.

Aging and Running: A Shift in Perspective

As runners age, their approach to training and racing inevitably changes. The conversation touched on how younger runners assume they’ll always bounce back quickly, while older runners often face the fear that an injury might be the one that sidelines them permanently.

“I used to win races, but I love being part of the running community even more,” Bart reflected, explaining his transition from competitive running to focusing on community involvement. Nicky Tamberrino, once a highly competitive runner, shared her own shift in mindset. “I used to run on a lot of emotion—anger, stress. But now, I’m in a different place, and I don’t need running in the same way. I love showing up for the community.”

The Power of Community in Running

The hosts all agreed that the camaraderie of running is what keeps people engaged for the long run. Jeff shared a powerful story about Teens Run DC, a mentorship program that pairs young runners with experienced athletes to help them develop life skills through running. On race day, these kids experience something transformative: “They look around and suddenly see they’re part of this massive community that understands them,” he said. “And that’s magical.”

Bart emphasized that for many new runners, their first race is the moment they realize running is about more than speed. “They think everyone is super fast until they get to a race and see people just like them. That’s when they know they belong.”

The Evolution of a Runner

The discussion concluded with reflections on how a runner’s relationship with the sport evolves over time. Jeff posed an interesting thought experiment: What would your younger self think of you now?

“I think back on the way I was 20 years ago. That person was fast, durable, competitive. But I love who I am now—experiencing races in a different way, coaching, writing, traveling. The me from back then would be impressed by the me now,” he said.

This episode of Coffee with Coaches highlighted a universal truth for runners: while our goals and abilities may change, the joy of running remains constant. Whether racing, coaching, or simply showing up for the community, runners continue to find meaning in every mile.