A while ago I stopped listening to music while running. This was for a few reasons, including safety and wanting to enjoy the experience of running, while also focusing on my workout. However, a few years ago I decided to try listening to podcasts during some of my longer runs. Today I’m sharing the best running podcasts to listen to on a long run! (This was originally written in 2020 and updated in 2023.) In case you missed it, I also wrote a new post with my favorite podcasts for treadmill runs!
When I listen to podcasts I keep the volume low, I use AfterShokz headphones so I can still hear my surroundings, and I only listen to them when I am not trying to follow a workout. I would say I maybe listen to podcasts while I run about 3 times month.
The Best Running Podcasts to Listen to on a Long Run
The following are podcasts that I listen to regularly when I am doing long runs. Each week before my long run I set up a playlist in my Apple Podcasts app and I always check these podcasts to see if there are new episodes I want to listen to.
Ali on the Run Show
I started reading Ali’s blog back in 2011, when I was getting ready to run my first marathon. Now she has a fun podcast and interviews all different people. While there is plenty of running talk, the conversations are not just about running. She has some really interesting guests on her show and it’s always entertaining to listen to these episodes!
Recently Ali was diagnosed with breast cancer and just had surgery. She has talked about this a few times on her podcast and isn’t sure how much she will be able to keep up with new episodes over the past few months. I’ll be planning to continue supporting her by listening whenever I can. There is also a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for her medical expenses.
Some Work All Play
This has become one of my favorite podcasts over the last few years. It’s hosted by David and Megan Roche, authors of “The Happy Runner” book. They talk about all different topics, including running, and are running coaches who also have degrees in law and neuroscience. I always learn so much from these episodes!
I’ll Have Another Podcast
This podcast is hosted by Lindsey Hein and she interviews all different runners. It feels like you’re just listening to a conversation between two runners, and these episodes are easy to listen to on a run. Lindsey also has another podcast called “Why is Everyone Yelling” that is about various parenting topics! (She is a mom of 4 boys.)
Rambling Runner Podcast
I first started listening to the Rambling Runner when Ali (see above) started doing a series with Matt called “Ramblings on the Run”. Then I joined in the Rambling Runner race series this spring when all the races were getting cancelled. During that time he did some podcasts leading up to the races. This is another easy to listen to podcast with a focus on amateur runners who are doing great things.
The Strength Running Podcast
On this podcast Jason Fitzgerald interviews guests and talks about everything related to running, from running faster, to preventing injuries, to getting stronger. There are lots of good tips in here with some great experts from different areas of running.
Hopefully this list will give you seem new ideas of podcasts to listen to on your long run! If you don’t listen to running podcasts, I definitely recommend giving some of these a try!
You may also like:
Top 10 Running Books to Help You Run Your Best
How Can You Maintain Motivation for the Long Run?
Avoiding Boredom While Marathon Training
Review of Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones
- Do you listen to running podcasts?
- What other running podcasts do you recommend?
- Do you prefer listening to music/podcasts/audiobooks while you run or not listening to anything?
I don’t listen to anything while I’m running, but I do like to listen to a good podcast on longer road trips. We might have one or two coming up in the next few months, so this will be a helpful list.
I used to read Ali’s and Tina’s blog too!
Podcasts are a great way to pass the time in the car!
Some nice suggestions here that I’m definitely going to check out. I have just started listening to the Strength Runner podcast in the past couple of months and have already got loads from it.
I also tend to like to listen to non-running podcasts when I’m out running, and as I’m a film nut I really like ‘Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review’ podcast. It is a BBC podcast involving two oldish (i.e. roughly the same age as myself 🙂 ) presenters (a film critic and a radio DJ) wittering on about life in general and films in particular.
For anyone else who already listens ‘Hello to Jason Issacs’ 😉
Strength running has so much great info! And your other podcast sounds interesting too.
I have not gotten into podcasts…yet. With all my biking this fall, I’ve gotten used to heading out sans headphones & haven’t looked back LOL
Sometimes its really nice to just leave the headphones at home!
Admittedly, I never got into podcasts. A few of these are new to me and sound really interesting. I did see that Nat was starting one and I bet she is fantastic. Saving for a day I need some inspo! thanks for the list
Sometimes its just nice to listen to people having conversations about running when you need a way to pass the time on a run. I get bored listening to music but podcasts keep me entertained.
I’m still a music gal. I haven’t tried podcasts. I like to get into my head when I run! But I’ve heard really good things about all of these.
There are definitely some days when I prefer to leave the headphones at home! But on long runs it can be nice to listen to other runners chatting and sharing helpful information.
I used to be a music runner but I’ve switched to podcasts when I run alone.
I listen to many of the same Ali, Lindsay, Tina. Thanks for the new recommendations.
I also listen to Another Mother Runner.
I think I tried listening to AMR a while ago, but couldn’t get into it for some reason. Maybe I need to give it another try!
I actually don’t listen to anything on the run. I rarely listen to podcasts either — not enough hours in the day — but some of those caught my interest, because I’ve followed Jason Fitzgerald for years, and also because I’m all about good nutrition! Thanks for sharing.
I would add the Another Mother Runner podcast. I’ve listened a time or two, but again — not enough hours. Much easier to fit that in when you’re listening on the run!
Yes, the only time I have for listening to these is when I run! I used to sometimes listen during my commute to and from work, but not anymore!
I love podcasts in winter when I’m on the treadmill more. The SWAP one is a new favorite of mine! I also listen to Nail Your Nutrition and the Morning Shakeout often.
I always forget about the Morning Shakeout! I’ve heard of it but have never actually given it a try.
I very rarely listen to podcasts. I don’t absorb as much aurally as I do visually, so it’s hard. However, I love true crime and serial killer type stuff. It’s weird, I know, but that’s what really gets me. Then, I can forget about running and get absorbed in the twisted stories and the miles click right on by.
I think it’s easier for me to listen to the running podcasts that are just conversations between runners. The ones that are more informative are a little harder to focus on.
I still haven’t listened to a podcast (I usually listen to a book) but I have also known most of these people through blogging and feel like I know them (especially Natalie who I “know” know).
Fun story about Natalie. She’s an amazing runner and just gets faster every year. I did find out that back in 2000 when I ran a very cold and rainy LA Marathon with a girlfriend (so cold I had hypothermia afterward and had to use my inhaler multiple times) that Natalie was not only in that same race but finished about 10 seconds ahead of us! Long before I knew her, of course.
That’s so funny! I’ve been following Natalie for probably like 5 years now. She is an amazing runner!
All except Ali new to me, so thank you for this. I enjoy Marathon Training Academy even though I’m one and done. It’s fun to find new podcasts through guests on ones we know
Yes, exactly! And most of the time I choose podcasts based on who they are talking to (I prefer people who I am familiar with). I also just browse the topics and choose the ones that interest me.
We have a road trip coming up this weekend and I’ll make sure to download these podcasts beforehand. It makes a trip so much more interesting! Thanks for these, Lisa!
Okay, I’ll say it: I have never listened to a podcast. Not one! I’m not proud of this, it just hasn’t happened. Yet lol. These all sound great though.
Fabulous list.
Podcasts aren’t my favorite. I struggle with comprehension when I just have to listen to things. I need something visual to give me full meaning. Boo.