I’ve had the privilege of working with this week’s guest on the podcast for nearly four years. Thomas Shanabruch came to me as a gifted runner who was looking to push himself to the next level, while staying healthy as a master’s runner.

This is the story of the last few years and how he has notched PR after PR in a variety of distances from the 5k to the marathon (but his progression in the marathon is just stunning!).

Tom and I discuss a variety of factors that have contributed to his string of PRs, including:

Taking your your workouts AND your recovery seriously
The importance of setting bold goals
Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether it’s in a 5k or in the weight room
How to make time for strength work, day in and day out
The importance of mindset - taking the training seriously without it becoming a burden

What’s next up for Tom? He’ll be running the Boston Marathon in 2022 and as well as the Berlin Marathon to complete the world marathon majors. Although most of us aren’t as fast as Tom, everyone can learn from his love of running and racing, and his continued commitment to improvement!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Get your own PR Race Plan
Learn how weightlifting can help you get faster
Read more about strength training for marathon runners
Learn more ways to PR as a master's runner

Thank You InsideTracker!

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet. Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.

233. How to Set Massive PR’s in Your 40’s (a behind-the-scenes coaching call)

The Strength Running Podcast

233. How to Set Massive PR’s in Your 40’s (a behind-the-scenes coaching call)