What does it really take to become a stronger, healthier, and more efficient runner?

On this episode of the Marni On The Move podcast, I sync up with Donovan Stewart, Life Time Personal Training Lead and running coach in DUMBO, for a conversation that blends personal storytelling with performance science.

Donovan shares his journey into the fitness and running industry, the challenges he’s overcome, and how injury shaped his perspective on training, resilience, and longevity. We also discuss his decision to prioritize his eye health and how that experience influenced both his life and his running.

The conversation then shifts to performance testing as Donovan walks through my own VO₂ max results, explaining what the numbers actually mean and how runners can use metabolic testing to train smarter—not just harder. We dive into heart rate training, recovery, running efficiency, and how to leverage performance data to maximize endurance and long-term progress.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or simply looking to understand your body better, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply to your own training.

In This Episode

• Donovan Stewart’s journey into fitness and running
• Overcoming challenges and the mindset built through injury
• Prioritizing eye health and its impact on running
• Understanding VO₂ max and why it matters
• Breaking down my VO₂ max test results
• Heart rate zones and training with purpose
• Recovery strategies for improved performance
• Fine-tuning running technique and efficiency using performance data

CONNECT
Life Time on Instagram and Donovan Stewart on Instagram
Marni On The Move Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube`
Marni Salup on Instagram and Playlist on Spotify

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