The Herd | Edition No. 11

Author

Micah Kinde
March 29, 2025

The Herd | Edition No. 11

Welcome to the eleventh edition of the Herd! This week, we’re covering American distance runner Grant Fisher, staple foods you should use to fuel your run, and the 2025 Raleigh Relays. Let’s get started!

Grant Fisherʼs journey to becoming an Olympian is marked by exceptional talent, relentless drive, and record-breaking performances. Born on April 22, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Fisher’s family soon moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan, where his running career began to flourish. In high school, he became one of the most celebrated distance runners in U.S. history, winning multiple state titles and becoming just the seventh American high schooler to break the four-minute mile barrier. His success continued at Stanford University, where he earned 12 All-America honors and won an NCAA title in the 5,000 meters. After turning professional in 2019 with the Bowerman Track Club, Fisher quickly established himself as one of the top distance runners globally, setting multiple American records.

In February 2025, Fisher achieved a historic milestone by breaking two indoor world records within six days. At the Millrose Games in New York City, he shattered the indoor 3,000 meter world record with a time of 7:22.91, surpassing Ethiopian Lamecha Girmaʼs previous mark. Just days later at the Boston University Valentine Invitational, Fisher obliterated the indoor 5,000 meter world record with a stunning time of 12:44.09, eclipsing the legendary Kenenisa Bekeleʼs 21-year-old record. These achievements solidified Fisherʼs position as one of the greatest middle- and long-distance runners of his generation and showcased his ability to compete at an elite level across multiple distances (1, 2, 3).

Fisherʼs success at the 2024 Paris Olympics further cemented his legacy. He became the first American man to medal in both the 10,000 and 5,000 meters at a single Games. In the 10,000 meters—the fastest race in Olympic history—Fisher claimed bronze with a time of 26:43.46, finishing behind Ugandaʼs Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopiaʼs Berihu Aregawi (4, 5). A week later, he earned another bronze in the 5,000 meters with a dramatic final-lap surge that saw him move from ninth to third place (5, 6). These performances not only marked personal milestones but also made history for American distance running, inspiring future generations of athletes to compete on the global stage (5, 6).

5 Foods Every Runner Should Have on Deck

Fuel smart, recover stronger, and support those hardworking muscles with these runner-approved staples:

🥣 Oats – The ultimate pre-run carb. They digest slowly, giving you steady energy for the long haul. Bonus points for adding banana and a splash of honey.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes – Loaded with complex carbs, potassium, and vitamin C, they’re perfect for refueling after tough workouts or long runs.

🥚 Eggs – Packed with protein and amino acids, eggs help rebuild muscles and keep you strong for the next session.

🥛 Greek Yogurt – A creamy combo of protein, calcium, and gut-friendly probiotics—ideal for recovery with a side of flavor. Toss in some berries or granola and you're set.

🥜 Nut Butter – Whether it’s peanut, almond, or cashew, this is a great source of healthy fat and protein for lasting energy.

2025 Raleigh Relays, March 27 - 29

Liam Murphy - Villanova athlete, NCAA men’s 1500m record holder. Liam Murphy ran a blistering 1500m at the Raleigh Relays finishing in 3:33.02. In the process, Liam also broke the previous Villanova school record which had stood since 1981.

Coming Next Week:
Not all snacks are created equal—especially before a run. In the next edition of The Herd, we’ll break down 5 Foods to Avoid Before a Run so you can skip the stomach cramps and hit your stride feeling your best.