s5e11 Redefining Your Athletic Identity as a Multi-Sport Athlete with Alex Parker and Meredith Root | The Running Explained Podcast
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
In this new episode, Coach Elisabeth chats with Alex Parker & Meredith Root of Tactic Nutrition about their personal journeys from traditional careers to thriving as nutrition coaches and fitness entrepreneurs. They discuss their unique coaching philosophy, which prioritizes consistency over strict dieting, helping athletes build healthier, more flexible relationships with food. They dive into endurance fueling strategies, covering everything from Fig Newtons to liquid fuel options, and explore the ever-changing landscape of running shoes, including the rise of carbon-plated designs.
Beyond nutrition and gear, they explore the broader world of multi-sport training, balancing running with strength work, and how cross-training plays a crucial role in injury prevention and overall fitness. They reflect on personal pressures in athletics, the evolution of their own training identities, and the importance of redefining goals to maintain motivation. Finally, they discuss the importance of fostering community support and building friendships through sport.
What You’ll Learn:
Why consistency in nutrition matters more than strict dietary rules: Long-term success comes from sustainable habits, not perfection. Alex and Meredith break down how small, steady changes create lasting results without the pressure of "doing it right" all the time.
Why normalizing diverse fueling preferences is essential: There’s no one way to fuel for long runs or races. Whether it's whole foods, gels, or unconventional options, they encourage runners to experiment and find what works best for their own bodies.
The balance between running and strength training for longevity in sports: Strength training isn’t just a supplement to running—it’s a key factor in preventing injuries and improving performance.
How multi-sport athletes navigate pressure to specialize: Right now, there’s a big push to focus on a single sport, but variety builds resilience. Running can complement rather than replace other activities like cycling, lifting, and more—and sometimes, switching gears can make you a better athlete overall.
How fitness should be holistic, not just about one sport: Fitness isn’t just about miles logged or weights lifted—it’s about mobility, strength, endurance, and overall health.
How community & support can shape the fitness journey: Surrounding yourself with like-minded people—whether it’s an online group, local running club, or training partners—can make all the difference in motivation and longevity.
Sound Bites:
“Getting someone to be really consistent and persistent with what they're doing is kind of where progress is made.”
“it's not science, it's not information that compels most people. It's progress. It's actually like sticking to something.”
“There's this weird, like you have to be only a runner if you're gonna be a runner. But we know that's not true. We know you can be an athlete who does a variety of sports and running can be one of them.”
“I'm not a runner. I'm not a CrossFitter. I've always just done both. And I do feel like running is the ultimate fitness. It translates over into everything.”
“I do think that strength training for longevity is so important and maintaining muscle mass, especially as a woman, is really important. And I don't want to give that up for a 2:50 marathon.”
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Alex and Meredith
02:59 - Career Transitions and New Ventures
05:59 - Unique Approaches to Nutrition Coaching
08:50 - Fueling Strategies for Endurance Sports
12:08 - The Quest for the Perfect Running Shoe
16:16 - The Discontinuation of Saucony Freedom Shoes
20:49 - Navigating the World of Carbon-Plated Shoes
29:56 - The Balance of Multi-Sport Training
32:15 - The Evolution of a Multi-Sport Athlete
35:54 - The Cost of Competitive Athletics
38:19 - Defining Fitness: A Holistic Approach
40:11 - The Risks of Sport-Specific Training
42:45 - Injury Prevention and Cross-Training
46:34 - Nutrition and Weight Management in Running
49:39 - Finding Joy in Movement
52:48 - The Importance of Play in Fitness
57:01 - Reevaluating Goals and Personal Motivation
58:20 - The Pressure of Performance and Identity
59:52 - Exploring New Avenues in Fitness
01:00:55 - Finding Balance in a Busy Life
01:01:47 - The Importance of Strength Training
01:06:28 - Simplifying Training for Better Results
01:10:37 - Looking Ahead: Future Events and Goals
Connect with Alex & Meredith:
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About Your Host
Elisabeth Scott is a running coach, educator, and the founder of Running Explained, where she helps runners train smarter, run stronger, and enjoy the process. After getting sober at 29, she laced up her running shoes with the goal of finishing a 5K—and never looked back. Since then, she’s gone on to complete multiple races, including marathons with a Boston Qualifying time, all while deepening her expertise in endurance training.
With a science-based approach, Coach Elisabeth is passionate about making complex running concepts accessible and actionable for runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on building a strong aerobic base, improving running efficiency, and developing a whole-human approach to training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and sustainable progress.
Through Running Explained, Elisabeth offers training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, her guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.
📲 Learn more at RunningExplained.com
📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained
![[Research Rundown] The Key to Better Marathon Times? Fueling!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/75612b_c09e237ede464b79a412a15a7e27ca08~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_544,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/75612b_c09e237ede464b79a412a15a7e27ca08~mv2.png)
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