Send a text

In today’s episode of Running with James, we break down one of the hottest topics in hybrid and endurance racing right now:

The release of the new Puma Deviate Nitro Elite HYROX race shoe.

With major brands officially stepping into the HYROX-specific market, what does this mean for race day strategy? Is a dedicated HYROX shoe necessary? And how should athletes think about choosing between a carbon-plated racer, a hybrid trainer, or a more traditional run shoe?

We dive into:

• What makes the Puma HYROX drop significant for the sport
• Race day shoe vs training shoe — why they shouldn’t always be the same
• Carbon plate benefits (and when they’re overkill)
• Grip, stability, and compromised running in HYROX
• Our personal favorite race day shoes right now
• What we actually train in week to week

If you’re preparing for HYROX, a marathon, or just trying to dial in your gear, this episode will help you make smarter decisions — not just trend-driven ones.

Because the right shoe won’t fix bad training…

But the wrong shoe can definitely slow you down.

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

We talk about the 80% all the time — the easy miles, aerobic base, discipline, and patience.

But this week on Running with James, we’re talking about the 20%.

The hard stuff.

The uncomfortable reps.

The moments that separate the novice from the great.

In Part 4 of Coach’s Clipboard, we break down why 80/20 only works if you respect the 20% — the intensity that sharpens you, exposes your weaknesses, and teaches you how to execute under pressure.

Inside this episode:

• Why the 20% builds competitors, not just fitness
• Getting comfortable being uncomfortable
• How to train hard without training reckless
• Why composure under fatigue determines race-day results
• The difference between surviving workouts and training to race well

Pressure doesn’t create weakness — it reveals it.

If you want to race well, you have to learn how to stay composed when it burns.

Train easy enough to go hard.

Train hard enough to matter.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

In this episode of Running with James, we’re talking about intentional effort—why every run, lift, and workout should have a purpose. Not every day is meant to be easy, and not every hard effort is smart just because it looks good on Strava.

We break down:

•Why “going easy all the time” can stall progress

•How to assign a goal to every effort

•The danger of vanity runs and chasing numbers for likes

•How Garmin data can help—or hurt—when it starts bullying your mindset

If you want to train smarter, race better, and stop letting ego dictate your effort, this episode will help you reset your approach and run with intention

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

In this episode of Coach’s Clipboard, James pulls back the curtain on one of the most common mistakes he sees with runners and hybrid athletes:

Training more… and getting worse.

From extra miles and unnecessary intensity to skipping recovery and chasing fatigue, this episode breaks down why “more” often leads to stalled progress, injury, and burnout.

You’ll hear real coaching conversations, athlete patterns that show up every season, and the difference between productive fatigue and destructive overload.

This is the stuff coaches talk about off the clock — the conversations that don’t make Instagram.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, constantly tired, or confused about why your fitness isn’t translating on race day, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• Why adding volume isn’t the same as adding progress
• The warning signs you’re overtraining (before injury hits)
• The difference between being tired and being under-recovered
• How smarter training beats harder training every time

This isn’t about doing less.

It’s about doing what actually works.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

Stepping into a new season of training, leadership, or life often brings an unexpected feeling: Maybe I don’t belong here.

In this episode of Running with James, Coach James opens his clipboard and talks honestly about imposter syndrome—what it really is, why it shows up when you’re leveling up, and why feeling unready is often the clearest sign that you’re growing.

Drawing from real coaching conversations with athletes navigating new goals, bigger stages, and higher expectations, this episode reframes discomfort as development and fear as part of the process—not a reason to quit.

If you’ve ever hesitated to step into something new because you felt underqualified, behind, or unsure… this conversation is for you.

Coach’s Clipboard is a series dedicated to the conversations athletes need—but rarely hear on social media.

Topics include: imposter syndrome, mindset, growth, endurance training, hybrid athletes, confidence through commitment, and long-term development.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

Season 5 starts with a reset. We’re talking New Year goals that actually stick, how to build a real plan instead of relying on motivation, and why letting go of old habits is the key to leveling up. Sometimes good isn’t bad—but it can still be the enemy of great. If you’re ready to stop repeating the same year and start running, training, and living with purpose, this season is for you.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

In this Season Finale of the Running with James Podcast, James looks back on an incredible year—celebrating the wins, the work, and the people who made it possible.

This episode also features a special appearance by Dr. W.E. Hutchins—Senior Pastor of the Church of Champions, host of the Courageous Faith Podcast, Ambassador to the United Nations, James’ mentor, and dad. Dr. Hutchins brings wisdom, encouragement, and perspective on faith, leadership, purpose, and staying faithful to the process in every season of life.

More than a recap, this episode is a moment of gratitude—thanking the listeners, the athletes, the BC Fitness community, and especially Lauren and Carlos, whose leadership and joy continue to shape the heart of this podcast.

One season ends.

Another begins—with clarity, excitement, and purpose.

Thank you for running with us.

The next season starts now.

CHECK OUT THE COURAGEOUS FAITH PODCAST:

https://youtube.com/@churchofchampionshouston?si=_VQJQ5CnSqJSIyoQ

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Send a text

You can Google workouts, training plans, nutrition advice, and race strategies in seconds—but does that actually make you better?

In this episode of Running with James, we tackle the question every athlete asks at some point: Can Google coach you? We break down the difference between information and transformation, why more data doesn’t always equal better results, and what’s missing when you try to train without real feedback, accountability, and context.

If you’ve ever felt stuck despite “doing all the right things,” this episode explains why coaching isn’t about having answers—it’s about having the right guidance at the right time.

🎧 Perfect for runners, HYROX athletes, and anyone trying to level up without burning out.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Become a member and support the show:
https://patreon.com/RunningwithJames?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link