Hannah Long Joins Dr. Leo Running Expert and Dr. Matt Pisanelli for a Discussion on Her Career

Mind Body Marathon

In this episode of the Mind Body Marathon podcast, hosts Dr. Leo Running Expert and Dr Matt Pisanelli discuss the journey of Hannah Long, a talented runner who transitioned from Stanford to the University of Akron. The conversation highlights her impressive high school achievements, including being an 11-time state champion. Hannah shares her background, hailing from Missouri and earning her undergrad in psychology at Stanford, where she faced challenges with injuries during her collegiate athletic career.

Hannah recalls her struggles with injuries, including a significant foot fracture during her only track race at Stanford, which marked the beginning of a series of injuries. She reflects on her high school experience, attributing her injury-free status to a combination of strength from playing soccer, effective communication with her coach, and maintaining a low mileage of 30-35 miles per week.

The hosts emphasize the importance of staying healthy and not overtraining, noting that many young runners feel pressured to increase their mileage due to comparisons with peers. Hannah's experience serves as a reminder that consistent, smart training can lead to success without the need for excessive volume, encouraging listeners to focus on their individual journeys in the sport.

In this segment, the discussion focuses on the importance of durability and injury prevention in athletic performance, particularly in NCAA sports. The hosts emphasize that athletes who stay injury-free and consistently train are often the ones who excel at national competitions, even if they may not be the most talented or the hardest workers. This durability allows them to progress over time without setbacks.

Hannah Long shares her personal experience with injuries while competing at Stanford, highlighting the pressure she felt to perform and recover quickly due to being on scholarship. She describes how her eagerness to return to racing after a foot fracture led to further complications, including a sacral stress fracture. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing training intensity and injury risk in a competitive environment.

The hosts also discuss the increasing prevalence of hip injuries among runners, suggesting that these issues may not only stem from the injuries themselves but also from the mechanics affected by prior conditions. Hannah explains her current approach to running, which includes participating in road races and coaching, while still managing her injuries. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, mitigating weaknesses, and finding creative ways to continue enjoying the sport, even in the face of setbacks.

For those struggling with injuries, Hannah encourages them to stay engaged with the sport and seek support, as she herself faced moments of considering quitting. Overall, the conversation serves as a reminder that resilience and adaptability are key to maintaining a long-term running career.

In this segment, the speaker discusses their journey through injury recovery and the mental aspects of training. They emphasize the importance of identifying the cause of an injury—whether it’s mechanical or due to overtraining—before deciding on a cross-training plan. The speaker reflects on their own experiences with overuse injuries, noting that pushing too hard in cross-training can hinder recovery. They stress the value of taking time off for rest and recovery, focusing on sleep and nutrition instead of obsessively trying to maintain fitness.

The conversation also touches on the mindset of elite athletes who, when injured, often know to take time off without panic, allowing their bodies and minds to heal. The speaker shares insights on how their love for running and competition drives them, but also how they’ve learned to enjoy other activities like biking as they navigate their injuries.

They describe themselves as competitive, especially due to their upbringing with siblings, and mention how this competitive spirit extends to various activities, even in casual settings. The speaker reflects on their time in high school running, particularly cherishing their experiences in the 4x800 relay, highlighting its significance to their team and their personal achievements. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of understanding one’s body, maintaining a positive mindset, and finding joy in both competition and recovery.

They offer advice to high school athletes transitioning to college sports, encouraging them to stay true to themselves and maintain confidence in their abilities despite the overwhelming new environment. They stress the importance of supporting teammates, recognizing that everyone's journey is unique and that not everyone will experience success simultaneously.

The conversation highlights the potential for burnout among collegiate athletes, leading to fewer individuals participating in local racing scenes after college. The speaker notes a shift towards longer races, such as ultras, which may carry less pressure and anxiety compared to shorter, faster events.

Looking ahead, the speaker expresses interest in trying trail racing, believing their background in soccer and varied terrain running will benefit them. They emphasize the importance of variety in training surfaces and footwear to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Overall, the discussion underscores the value of community in sports, the importance of mental health, and the joy of exploring new opportunities in running.