Running Lean

Recovery is the secret weapon of every successful runner — it’s where the real growth happens. If you’re training hard but not giving your body what it needs to bounce back, you’ll end up feeling flat, sore, and maybe even burned out. That’s why this week on the Running Lean podcast I’m sharing The Fat-Adapted Recovery Formula. This simple, three-part approach is designed specifically for runners who follow a low-carb or fat-adapted lifestyle. You’ll learn why protein is the #1 nutrient for muscle repair, why electrolytes are critical for performance even when it’s not hot outside, and how carbs can actually help you recover when used strategically. If you want to keep running strong and avoid the dreaded post-run crash, you don’t want to miss this one. Tune in and discover how to make recovery your new superpower.

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This week marks a huge milestone for the podcast — episode 300! To celebrate, I’m sharing something very special: 20 Principles to Help You Get Leaner, Get Stronger, Run Better, and Live Longer. After nearly six years and 300 episodes, I’ve covered just about everything from fat-burning nutrition to strength training, endurance building, and mastering your mindset. But the truth is, all of that boils down to a handful of timeless principles. These aren’t quick fixes or hacks. They’re the core truths every runner needs to live by. These are the principles that will guide you to becoming the strongest, leanest, most resilient version of yourself — and keep you running well for life. So, in honor of episode 300, I’m laying it all out for you.

The post 300. 20 Principles to Help You Get Leaner, Get Stronger, Run Better, and Live Longer appeared first on Running Lean with Patrick McGilvray.

A lot of runners I talk to are obsessed with burning calories, cutting carbs, and logging endless miles trying to get leaner. And while running does burn some calories, it’s actually not the most efficient way to change your body composition. The real magic happens when you build lean muscle mass. Today, I’m going to break down exactly how muscle boosts your metabolism, increases your fat-burning potential, improves your running economy, and helps you stay lean for life. By the end of this episode, you’re going to have a whole new appreciation for your muscles—and hopefully some motivation to start strength training if you haven’t already.

The post 299. Muscle is Your Metabolic Secret Weapon appeared first on Running Lean with Patrick McGilvray.

Zone 2 running gets talked about like it’s the magic bullet for weight loss. It’s often labeled the “fat-burning zone,” and runners everywhere are logging easy miles expecting the pounds to just melt away. But here’s the truth: Zone 2 training is amazing, but not for the reasons you’ve been told. In this week’s episode of the Running Lean Podcast—What Zone 2 Running Really Does (and Doesn’t) Do for Fat Loss—I’m breaking down the myths, clarifying the physiology, and explaining what Zone 2 actually does for your endurance, your metabolism, and your ability to tap into fat as fuel. I’ll also clear up what it doesn’t do—especially when it comes to changing your body composition. If you’ve ever wondered whether Zone 2 is really the key to fat loss, or if those easy runs are worth your time, you won’t want to miss this one.

The post 298. What Zone 2 Running Really Does (and Doesn’t) Do for Fat Loss appeared first on Running Lean with Patrick McGilvray.

So many runners tell me they want to lose weight, get stronger, or train smarter—but they keep stalling because they’re “not ready yet.” They want the timing to be perfect, their schedule to clear up, their motivation to kick in. But here’s the truth: that day never comes. You don’t suddenly wake up one morning feeling 100% ready to change your diet or run your best marathon. Readiness isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create through action. Every small step you take, even if it’s messy or imperfect, builds confidence and momentum. In this episode of Running Lean—“Stop Waiting to Feel Ready”—I’m breaking down why waiting keeps you stuck, why imperfect action is the key to progress, and how you can finally stop stalling and start moving toward your goals today.

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