Marathon Training Academy

This is our annual book episode! Angie and Trevor discuss the books they enjoyed in 2025– top picks for both fiction and nonfiction. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you can focus on what really matters: Getting out there! AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. The Book Episode: Our Top Reads in 2025 Angie got through a total of 241 books in 2025. (95 fiction and 146 nonfiction)(audio = 144, hardcopy = 94, ebook = 3). Authors We Interviewed on the Podcast Here are the books we featured on the podcast this year. See links to the author interviews. Think Like a Runner by Jeff Horowitz How to Run the Perfect Race by Matt Fitzgerald The Norwegian Method by Brad Culp The Explorer’s Gene by Alex Hutchinson Ballistic by Henry Abbott Extreme Balance by Joe DeSena The Runaway Housewives of the Appalachian Trail by Kitty Robinson Fuel for Thought by Renee McGregor Don’t Call it a Comeback by Keira D’Amato Lootie’s World Run by Marie Leautey The Running Ground by Nicolas Thompson Angie’s Top 10 Non-Fiction Reads: The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr Memoir is one of my favorite genres and this book takes a peak behind the scenes on writing an engaging memoir. In fact, Mary Karr weaves in so many personal anecdotes that it doesn’t feel like a how-to book at all. Some of the core principles she talks about have to do with dealing with the truth as you remember it, turning vulnerability into art, and finding your unique story. Everyone from the casual reader to someone who wants to write a memoir will enjoy this book. Awake by Jen Hatmaker I’ve followed Jen Hatmaker on Instagram for a number of years and she has a very funny and relatable way of sharing her life. Her latest book is a memoir and talks about the dissolution of her 25 year marriage and how she had to come awake to many important areas in her life as a result. Bad Therapy- Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Shrier The author is an investigative journalist who argues that aspects of the mental health industry is harming American children by over-diagnosing and over-treating normal struggles. It’s important to get children the mental health help that they need but Shrier warns that normal developmental challenges and emotions are sometimes mislabeled as mental disorders which can lead children to adopt an “illness identity.” It Didn’t Start With You -How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn This book talks about how trauma and epigenetic are linked. Trauma can change how our genes work and influence stress responses, health, and mood and these alterations can be passed down to future generations, which can help explain intergenerational trauma. This was a very eye opening book and helpful for anyone processing struggles linked to family history. The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs by Joel Salatin Since reading Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, I’ve been working on getting the meat our family eats from ethically sustainable sources. Joel Salatin, owner and operator of Polyface Farms, makes the case for how farming and ranching practices need to change (for the good of the environment, the animals, the farmer, and society in general). Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy This is a book that was first published back in 2009 and was updated in 2020. It has been used by many professional athletes and high achievers to develop a stronger mental and emotional game. NFL player, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, was filmed reading this book on the sidelines of a January 2025 playoff game and the book started selling thousands of copies. Some of the principles in the book that resonated with me were detaching self-worth from outcomes so that your identity isn’t tied to results or achievements. Instead of asking, “How did I do?” Ask, “What did I learn?” Another important take-away was learning to gain control over my inner world. We don’t have to believe everything our mind tells us. Yes, we should recognize emotions and thoughts but then come back to our core values to develop self-mastery. Estrogen Matters -Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women’s Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer (Revised and Updated) by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris As a woman in perimenopause I’ve been educating myself on how to make this transition in life work for me. As a result I started using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) two years ago and it has improved my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thankfully the FDA removed the black box warning on HRT in 2025 after years of misinformation. This book is a must read for women in their mid-30’s and up, those who have experienced surgical menopause, or anyone who wants to understand the role of estrogen more completely. From Strength to Strength– Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks Brooks is a Harvard professor and happiness columnist for The Atlantic. He draws on philosophy, social science, biography, and spirituality to offer a helpful roadmap for aging well in the second half of life. In order to embrace, and not fight, the inevitable decline we need to redefine success (moving away from being primarily validated by money or job titles) and look to internal measures like a deeper sense of purpose, wisdom, strong relationships, and service to others. Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobson Annie Jacobson is one of those authors from which I will read anything she writes. In this rather bleak (but fascinating) book she lays out the history of nuclear programs throughout the world and presents a scenario in which nuclear weapons are used. Spoiler alert- there are no good outcomes. Breath- The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor I’ve struggled with allergies since childhood, dealing with a lot of nasal congestion. As a result I was a mouth breather and this book challenged me to take a look at my breathing patterns and make some changes. Over the course of a year I trained myself to breathe through my nose during the day (but nighttime was a bigger challenge). A few months ago I started using mouth tape at night (and an airflow clip nasal dilator called Snore Less Now to open up my airway). I’ve experienced better mouth hygiene and deeper sleep as a result. Honorable Mentions (nonfiction) Hidden Potential by Adam Grant All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert Slow Productivity by Cal Newport Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose Revenge of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher Angie’s Top 10 Fiction Reads: The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (#19 in the Armand Gamache series) and The Black Wolf (#20 in this series) If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers this series is excellent. I’ve particularly enjoyed listening to them on audiobook since I’m not a French speaker and would probably mispronounce many names and places otherwise. The Life Impossible by Matt Haig I’ve enjoyed every book that author Matt Haig has written and this one was no exception. The Life Impossible follows a retired math teacher named Grace who is grieving the loss of her husband and son. She receives an unexpected inheritance which forces her outside of her comfort zone, helping her to deal with her past and find new purpose for the future. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver This book is a modern retelling of Charles Dicken’s David Coperfield. It follows a boy named Damon Fields who is born into poverty in modern rural Appalachia. He has a very tumultuous life particularly because of the weakness of the foster care system. The book deals with some very heavy subjects but it’s ultimately a story of resilience and the power of finding hope in community and through art. The Burning White by Brent Weeks This is the fifth and final book in the Lightbringer Series, a modern fantasy set in a world governed by light and the magic of Chromaturgy. In this world, some people called drafters have the ability to harness light to create a physical substance called “luxin.” Each color has unique powers and identity and the drafter is changed over time. Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown My teens had read this series a few years ago so I was a bit late to the game. But once I finished the first book, Red Rising, I devoured the other five in this fantasy/sci-fi series and am eagerly waiting for the final book to be released in the summer of 2026. The series centers on class warfare because of a rigid caste system and the main character gets involved in an attempted revolution. This fast paced series is full of action and violence and is set in space. The Measure by Nikki Erlick In this book everyone who reaches a specific age receives a box revealing their lifespan. The story follows eight people who wrestle with the decision whether to open their boxes or not and what to do with the information they get. Ultimately it’s an uplifting book that encourages us to live life to the fullest. Twice by Mitch Albom This is a magical realism novel about a boy named Alfie who discovers that he gets two chances at everything in his life. It has a very engaging storyline (which kept me g

It’s time for our annual Year In Review where we take a look back at the top records, breakthroughs, and notable stories to come out of the running world in 2025. We bring you both the inspiring and the bizarre, it’s all in here! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Join the Academy and access our new course Optimizing Your Running Form by Coach Athena! Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people.

In this episode Coach Athena joins the podcast to answer questions about optimizing running form. Athena ran her first marathon in 2002 and she learned some lessons the hard way! Listen as she answers questions about over-striding, heel striking, glute activation, core strength, proper form while running hills, and if it makes sense to tinker with your natural running form. Enjoy! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Join the Academy and access our new course Optimizing Your Running Form by Coach Athena! Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Get 30% off during their Black Friday Sale (no coupon code needed) or use code MTA for 15% off your first order the rest of the year. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. Coach Athena has a Masters degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is an Exercise Physiologist. She is also a RRCA Level 2 Certified Running Coach, UESCA
Ultra Run Coach a Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance
Enhancement Specialist, and Certified Coach in Menopause for Athletes and Women Are Not Small Men courses and Menopause Fitness Specialist. She has completed 18+ marathons (5 Boston qualifiers), 11+ ultras, countless half marathons and numerous obstacle race 1st place finishes. She lives and trains in San Antonio, Texas.

In this episode we bring you an interview with Doug Mayer -writer, ultra runner, and founder of Run the Alps. Hear Doug’s thoughts on cultivating an endurance mindset, new trends in trail running, and what it’s like to run in the Italian Dolomites. Plus, Trevor shares key takeaways from his journey to North America’s largest trade show for runners. Links Mentioned in This Episode 2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites with Run the Alps. See this page for details. The tour starts on June 16th 2026. (8-nights, 9-days). Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. UCAN -get the Trial Sample Pack for free with our link, just pay shipping! Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Drury Hotels -Get 10% off your stay with our link! Doug Mayer grew up skiing in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and in a past life he worked as a Producer for the NPR show Car Talk. Today he is the owner of Run the Alps and writes for a number of trail running media outlets, including Outside, Trail Runner, and Ultrasignup. His latest book is ‘The Last of the Giants’, a graphic novel about running Italy’s 330-km long Tor des Géants trail race. He also wrote ‘The Race that Changed Running: The Inside Story of UTMB‘.  He lives in Chamonix, France, with his partner and dog Izzy.

In this episode we speak with Nicolas Thompson -CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book, ‘The Running Ground -A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports’. Hear his reflection on how running helped him amid personal crises; getting faster after 40; and how he finds time to fit running into his day. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. Nicholas Thompson (born 1975) is an American technology journalist, author, and media executive. He has been the chief executive officer of the American magazine The Atlantic since February 2021. Thompson previously worked as editor-in-chief of Wired and The New Yorker’s website. He is the author of two non-fiction books, is a contributor for CBS News, and regularly appears on CBS This Morning and CBSN. Thompson competed in running as both a high school student and briefly on his college team at Stanford. In 2021, Thompson set the American 45-49 age-group record at the 50-kilometer distance after running 3:04:36 at the Brooks Row River 50K in Oregon. As of 2025, he had completed the New York City Marathon 12 times, running his fastest time of 2:29 at the age of 44.

In this episode we take you to Charm City Run in Frederick, Maryland, to speak with store owner Josh Levinson about running shoe tech and terminology. How are running shoes engineered these days and what is the insider terminology you should know? Learn about stack height, heel-to-toe drop, stability, energy return, carbon and nylon plates, midsole foam durometer, torsional rigidity, gusseted tongue, and more. Josh and Kara Levinson opened their first specialty running store in 2002. Charm City Run now has 7 locations (six in Maryland and 1 in Delaware) and 200 employees! Special thanks to Academy member Stefanie Smith for arranging this interview! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Get 30% off during their Black Friday Sale (no coupon code needed) or use code MTA for 15% off your first order the rest of the year. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. The Virginia Credit Union River City Half -March 7 in Richmond, Virginia. 2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites with Run the Alps. See this page for details. Athens 2026 Marathon Tour with MTA and Dean Karnazes. It’s going to be epic!

In this episode Coach Angie recaps the New York City Marathon and answers the question: does it live up to the hype? She shares her trepidation going into the race -especially after running a marathon the previous weekend. Hear tips on race-day logistics; and what’s it was like to run through the Five Boroughs. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs for London, Berlin, Sydney, and Cape Town! Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. UCAN -get the Trial Sample Pack for free with our link, just pay shipping! AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2.

Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed to make an important announcement! Next summer we are hosting a running retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and are inviting any listener to the podcast who wants to go! The Dolomites are known for their unique jagged appearance and mix of Italian and Austrian culture and cuisine. We will trail run from village to village through this mountain paradise and finish at the famous resort town of Cortina‬ D’Ampezzo where the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held. The tour starts on June 16th 2026. Please email us if you are interested in going! SEE THIS PAGE FOR DETAILS: https://www.marathontrainingacademy.com/running-retreat-in-the-dolomites

In this episode we bring you to the Dublin Marathon in Ireland for one of our “World Famous Race Recaps”! Hear voices of MTA Podcast listeners we met in Ireland, inspiring stories, and various shenanigans. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs for London, Berlin, Sydney, and Cape Town! Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! UCAN -get the Trial Sample Pack for free with our link, just pay shipping! The Irish Life Dublin Marathon was held for the 42nd time on Sunday, October 26, 2025. This is the largest mass participation sporting event in Ireland and one of the top five marathons in Europe. Special thanks to the listeners to the MTA podcast and spouses who met us in Dublin! Jennifer and Ryan David and Melissa Sarah and Chris Kevin and Lynn Heidi Cortney and Jon Pat and Monica Louise and Rachel Kelsey and Clayton Kathleen Thanks also to Irish runners Niall, Djin, Kevin, Eoin from Sports Tours, Rose, Stephen, and Des! Race morning Gap of Dunloe Cliffs of Kerry

In this episode we speak with Alexi Pappas -Olympian, filmmaker, actor, and bestselling author. Listen as Trevor and Angie chat with Alexi about goal setting, navigating change, the importance of mentors, how she gets through the later miles of a race, and more! Bio: Alexi Pappas was an NCAA All American athlete at Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon. She is a dual citizen and represented Greece in the 2016 Olympics setting a 10,000 meter national record. She has served as a guide runner for a para-athlete named Lisa Thompson in marathons and triathlons and is still chasing her own running goals. Her first book is called, ‘Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and other Big Ideas’ and she is currently at work on her second book. She hosts the Mentor Buffet Podcast and makes her home in Los Angeles where she loves running trails. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you focus on what really matters:  Getting out there. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs for London, Berlin, Sydney, and Cape Town!

In this episode we speak with Marie Leautey -a French runner who became the fastest woman to run around the world: 4 continents, 680 marathons, and 28,249 kilometers! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. The Virginia Credit Union River City Half -March 7 in Richmond, Virginia. IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Athens Marathon Tour with MTA and Dean Karnazes Bio: Marie Leautey who goes by the nickname “Lootie” is a former international CFO turned record breaking runner. Always a nomad at heart, she finally embraced her true passion in 2022, becoming the second woman- and fastest ever- to run a complete circumnavigation of the globe. She is the author of the book Lootie’s World Run- The Extraordinary True Story of the Fastest Woman to Have Run Around the World and currently lives in Greece with her partner.

In this episode we speak with three runners from Team Abbott — a community of runners who have faced serious health challenges but didn’t let those challenges define them! About Our Guests Elizabeth Pehota (Boston, MA): Three days out from running the 2022 Berlin Marathon, Elizabeth Pehota experienced a feeling of pins and needles in her hands, feet and thighs, and an unnatural resistance while running. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. As someone who shares her daily life on social media, Elizabeth, @healthy_cheers on Instagram, only recently opened up about her diagnosis, but has already formed relationships with other MS patients around the world. Elizabeth is an Abbott World Marathon Major Six Star Finisher and received her seventh star in Sydney. Ed Barnes (Douglas, MA): Ed was born with a congenital heart condition and at age 15 he started to experience frequent dizziness – to the point of nearly passing out – leading him to undergo open heart surgery to receive an Abbott artificial aortic heart valve. This year, after completing the Boston Marathon, Ed became the first person with an artificial heart valve to finish all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors.   Mary Tawney Suarez (Fullerton, CA): Just before the pandemic, Mary started experiencing seizures and was diagnosed with Epilepsy and a brain cyst. One year later, she started experiencing back pain and numbness in her legs, which was revealed to be the degeneration of the cerebral and lower part of her spine. Despite these obstacles, Mary has continued running, and just finished the Berlin Marathon. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. The Virginia Credit Union River City Half -March 7 in Richmond, Virginia. Drury Hotels -Get 10% off your stay with our link or use the code RN2025. Team Abbott -a community of runners, many of whom have overcome health challenges, who are committed to inspiring others through their running journeys. To submit your story for a chance to join Team Abbott, visit abbott.com/marathons.

In this episode Coach Angie Spencer and Coach Erin Smith answer questions about running two marathons in the Fall, tune-up races, Fartlek runs, hill training when you live in a flat area, hip pain, IT band pain, sore legs, and more! Coach Angie Spencer has run 70 marathons and ultras, including a marathon in every US state. She is a RRCA and USATF Certified Running Coach and Registered Nurse. Angie loves books and dark chocolate. Coach Erin Smith has run everything from a 5ks to 100 milers as well as timed events and multi-day stage races. She is a RRCA Certified Running Coach and school teacher. Erin loves trail running, yoga, and helping runners with big goals. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. The Arcus2 RB9X by IceBug -the ultimate shoe for running in any condition!

In this episode we apply the famous Hero’s Journey framework to marathon training and talk about how you can overcome obstacles, transform into a stronger runner, and gain the wisdom to inspire others! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. STEP SPORTS TOKYO -a newly renovated flagship running store. Show them this episode and get 7% off plus tax-free service. Valid until the end of March 2026. Shokz– the industry leader and pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. Use code MTA for $10 off! IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. AG1 Next Gen has three new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2.

In this episode we chat with Keira D’Amato author of the new book, ‘Don’t Call it A Comeback -What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs and Started Chasing Happiness’. Keira ran competitively in college but was sidelined with an ankle injury and decided to step away from running. After having two children she started running again to get in shape and have time for herself. Fast-forward to 2022, she broke the American record in the marathon, at the age of 37, with a blazing-fast time of 2:19:12! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. UCAN -get the Trial Sample Pack for free with our link, just pay shipping! The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America’s Friendliest Marathon! Shokz– the industry leader and pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. Use code MTA for $10 off! Don’t Call It a Comeback -book by Keira D’Amato to be released on September 9th 2025.

In this episode we speak with Christina Henderson about the current state of the running industry and trends that are bringing more people into the sport.  Brands today are focusing on: localism, sustainability, digital integration, and experiential retail.  What does that mean for you as a consumer of running-related products and culture? Christina Henderson is the director of The Running Event -North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show. She has been recognized as one of the “25 Women to Watch” in the running industry. Christina is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America’s Friendliest Marathon! Drury Hotels -clean rooms and free food and drinks at the 5:30 Kickback. Use our link for 10% off! The Running Event -massive trade show and industry conference on December 2-4, 2025.

In this episode we speak with Renee McGregor -sports dietitian and author of the book, ‘Fuel for Thought: A Practical Guide to Fueling for Your Adventures’. Renee McGregor is a leading sports dietitian, specialising in Eating Disorders, REDs, The Female Athlete, Athlete Health and Performance. She’s worked with athletes across the globe, including supporting Olympic (London, 2012), Paralympic (Rio, 2016) and Commonwealth (Queensland, 2018) teams. We want to give listeners a head’s up that we will be talking about eating disorders and REDs during this episode. What is REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) The basis of REDs is low energy availability, or insufficient energy in the body to allow for the work that the individual wants to do. Low energy availability comes with a cost to our sport but also is costly to all the biological processes in our body, including the brain, heart, lungs, hormonal, and digestive systems. When low energy availability is combined with under recovery (training and general life stresses can all contribute to this) it throws the body into REDs. Some people can have unintentional or accidental REDs where the person doesn’t understand how much energy is required to maintain their biological functions and the training load. On the other hand, intentional REDs is a conscious decision to restrict intake or overtrain and usually involves some aspects of disordered eating and/or exercise dependency. Sponsor Links Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. Shokz– the industry leader and pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. Use code MTA for $10 off! MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached! See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Limited to the first 30 people. AG1 Next Gen has new flavors: new flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry. Get a free Welcome Kit with your first order which includes 5 AG1 Travel Packs, a shaker bottle, metal canister, and a bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. Fuel for Thought -book by Renee McGregor

In this episode we speak with Kitty Robinson, a listener to the podcast who shares what it’s like to keep running through pregnancy, raising a large family, and surviving both brain and heart surgery. Kitty exemplifies the saying, “You can do hard things”! She’s author of two books: ‘Sometimes Courage’ and ‘The Runaway Housewives of the Appalachian Trail’. Links Mentioned in This Episode Shokz– the industry leader and pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. Use code MTA for a discount! IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000.. AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs!

In this episode we bring you to the Swiss Alps as we run from village to village with listeners to the MTA podcast. Plus we recap the legendary Eiger Ultra Trail race, which is part of the UTMB World Series. *Special thanks to James and Susie Jin, Brad Rudler, Marcia Salovitz, Ryan Shea, Bekah Shininger, Robin Walters, Liz Sur, Marcia Mathison, Candis Ubiles, Mindy McCune, Kate Mattern, Alistair Crompton, Marion Giro, and Run the Alps! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. COROS Watches will help you train according to heart rate. Use code MTA and get an additional free watch band with your purchase! Just pick the band you want, add it to your cart, and use code MTA. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! UCAN -get the Trial Sample Pack for free with our link, just pay shipping! The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America’s Friendliest Marathon!

In this episode we speak with Joe De Sena an accomplished athlete, leader, and founder and CEO of Spartan. His goal is to get 100 million people off the couch. His new book is called, Extreme Balance: Paradoxical Principles That Make You a Champion. Life will throw many obstacles in your path, learn how an “unfixed mindset” can truly elevate your game. Links Mentioned in This Episode Shokz– the industry leader and pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. Use code MTA for a discount! IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000.. AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs! The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America’s Friendliest Marathon! Extreme Balance -book by Joe De Sena, Ben Askren, and David Sacks, Ph.D.