Let’s be honest, there are times when running can get a little boring. Hitting the same trail or route each week can become pretty monotonous. And if you run alone, the sound of your own thoughts might be enough to make you head to the gym where there’s at least a television to watch.
The good news is, there are thousands of podcasts available to you right at your fingertips (and most of them are free). Here are seven top podcasts guaranteed to get you excited about your next run.
Science meets psychology in this weekly podcast hosted by J. Matthew Bodnar. Guests range from neuropsychologists and entrepreneurs to FBI hostage negotiators and mindfulness gurus. The goal of the show is to get you thinking about your potential for success and learn ways to become a better version of yourself.
Length of podcast: approximately 60 minutes
You can’t do a roundup of podcasts for runners without including the mother of them all. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell, both runners and mothers, have found success with a simple formula: They’re like your best running friends, ready to go at any time. Another Mother Runner features interviews with experts on fitness, nutrition, health, motivation, running, and more. The best part of this podcast? These women pretty much say what you’re thinking.
Length of podcast: approximately 60 to 120 minutes
Ali talks about working hard, running hard, and doing whatever it takes to break a physical and mental sweat. Each week, she interviews guests about everything from marathon training and yoga to mental health and wellness. Ali does a fantastic job of keeping the podcasts conversational. It’s almost like she’s in your living room chatting it up after a long run.
Length of podcast: approximately 45 to 75 minutes
One of NPR’s top picks, this podcast — which is hosted by Guy Raz — features the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists of our time. They talk about building something from nothing, what it’s like to find success, and tips for those just starting out.
Length of podcast: approximately 40 to 60 minutes
There is a certain subset of people who are brilliant when it comes to finance. And then, there’s the rest of us. If you’ve ever read the finance section of a magazine and went “huh,” then this podcasts for you. This twice-weekly show breaks down what’s going on in the economy and gives you information about finance that actually makes sense.
Length of podcast: approximately 18 to 30 minutes
Ferriss is the author of the famous series The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef. In his weekly podcast, he interviews experts in various fields on everything from personal and character development, to exercise routines, acting, venture capital, and metaphysics.
Length of podcast: approximately 60 to 120 minutes
Love legal crime thrillers? Get ready to PR while you’re listening to this thriller. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, this podcast tells the true story of a teenager accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in 1999. The story unfolds over the course of several episodes (think chapters in a book) and listeners are taken through each detail of the participant’s life, the trial, and life in jail.
Length of podcast: approximately 45 to 55 minutes
What is your favorite podcast to listen to while running? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
