Chris Chavez is Telling the Track and Field Stories That No One Else Will

Running is a massive participation sport. About 50 million Americans (or 15 percent of the U.S. population) participate in some form of running, according to a 2020 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Yet very few elite runners are true household names these days. Sure, there might be some stories that capture the world’s attention, usually around the Olympic Games, but overall there is a disconnect between running for yourself and being a true fan of the sport. Our guest on today’s episode of the Run to the Top Podcast is out to change that. Chris Chavez is a writer for Sports Illustrated and is the founder of Citius Mag, a track and field media triumvirate of podcast, blog, and YouTube channel. Chris’s mission with Citius Mag is to share and grow the passion for track and field into a thriving community. What’s even more interesting is that Citius Mag has grown from a way for Chris to report more on the sport, to becoming one of the leading media players in track and field. And he’s not even 30. In this episode, we talk about: why track and field is such a great spectator sport and why it falls short creating fans how better storytelling and new ways to reach audiences is changing that, and Coach Claire also asks him about his viral stunt last year racing Malcolm Gladwell, another literary track and field nerd, in the mile. This was such a fun conversation and if you are not already a fan of track and field, this just might change your mind. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community  RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week’s show brought to you by: LMNT Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery.  That’s why we recommend all runners check out Element this summer. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends.   To get this special offer and make sure you’re hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect. BIO Pro + As we get older our body slowly stops producing the natural hormones, HGH, responsible for muscle repair, growth and recovery. BioPro+ is a non-synthetic alternative to prescription HGH growth hormone treatments. It’s a natural way to replace the growth hormones you lose as you age. There’s no injecting, no prescriptions, and it’s all natural. If you’d like to learn more, go to runnersconnect.net/bio. Read the science for yourself and see if it’s something you’d like to try. If so, use the code runnersconnect and you’ll also get $30 off.