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The Starting Block Podcast

The Starting Block Podcast

Written by: John Nelson & Chris Scarborough
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About this listen

At The Starting Block Podcast, we want to give you, THE ATHLETE, THE COACH & THE PARENT the tools to WIN both on and off the field. Our team brings over 65+ years of combined experience in Athletics, Fitness and Sports Medicine. Our mission is to help you win and build our communities by passing on our knowledge & experiences, as well as that of our colleagues across the world. Our areas of expertise include: strength training, rehabilitation from injuries, power & speed development, nutrition as well as the mental/spiritual side of athletics.Copyright 2026 John Nelson & Chris Scarborough Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Ep. 123: Guest Interview: Kayla Girgen, Author of "Ruck Fit"
    Jan 16 2026

    In this guest interview, John and Chris welcome dietician, personal trainer and author, Kayla Girgen. Kayla joins the show to discuss her new book, "Ruck Fit" as well as share her journey from the corporate world to the fitness industry and more.

    **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast

    02:35 Guest Introduction: Kayla Girgen and Her Journey

    06:12 Nutrition Insights and the Role of Registered Dietitians

    12:04 Understanding Blood Sugar Management

    19:58 Exploring Rucking: Benefits and Community Engagement

    27:19 The Rise of Rucking and 75 Hard

    28:32 Walking as Exercise: Debating Its Value

    31:03 Progressing in Rucking: Weight and Challenge

    33:55 Rucking Mechanics: Posture and Weight Management

    36:13 Rucking for Athletes: Building Endurance

    38:13 Rucking as a Gateway to Strength Training

    40:16 Incorporating Strength Exercises into Rucking

    41:25 Choosing Between a Backpack and Weighted Vest

    47:00 Getting Started with Rucking: Tips and Resources

    Preorder Ruck Fit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ggD4Ip

    Follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/

    Sign up for Kayla's free weekly newsletter: https://wintheweek.gr8.com/

    Kayla's go-to rucking set-up: GORUCK Rucker 4.0 & weight plates

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    51 mins
  • Ep. 122: Q&A - Water Training & How Isometrics Can Influence Speed
    Nov 21 2025

    In this week's Q&A, John and Chris discuss the use of training with water based tools, how isometric lunges impact speed and protein supplementation.

    **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to the Starting Block Podcast

    02:58 Athlete Development and Training Insights

    06:09 The Importance of Female Athlete Training

    08:03 Evaluating Training Tools: Water-Filled Balls

    19:55 Iso-Extreme Lunges and Sprinting Speed

    29:39 Nutrition and Protein Recommendations

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    35 mins
  • Ep. 121: Guest Interview - Coach Anthony Cellitti
    Oct 30 2025

    In this weeks Guest Interview, John and Chris welcome Coach Anthony Cellitti to the show. The guys discuss various topics, including the importance of building relationships with athletes, the effectiveness of the 1x20 training system, and the challenges associated with training athletes in todays society due to the influence of social media and more.

    **John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast

    03:06 Guest Introduction: Coach Anthony Saletti

    05:59 Anthony's Coaching Journey and Philosophy

    08:52 Ideal Athlete Qualities and Training Dynamics

    11:51 Training Methodologies: The 1x20 System Explained

    14:52 Practical Application of the 1x20 System

    17:56 Challenges in Convincing Athletes to Train Differently

    20:58 Bastardized Training Programs: Lessons Learned

    24:31 Exploring Training Techniques and Recovery

    30:12 The Challenge of Convincing Young Athletes

    35:57 Building Relationships and Communication with Athletes

    37:17 Innovations in Training Tools and Techniques

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    46 mins
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