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LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field
LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field
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LetsRun.com's weekly podcast where we go behind the scenes of the professional running, marathoning, and track and field world. If you want a second podcast every week join out Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
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Oregon's Simeon Birnbaum joins the LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast after off a breakout NCAA indoor season. The former South Dakota high school phenom - who left the high school ranks #2 all-time at 1500 & 3200/2-mile - finished second in the NCAA indoor 3,000m and reveals the tactical mistake that cost him the title. Birnbaum says the Habtom Samuel DQ was "pretty soft" and discusses how running fast means nothing, all that matters is winning titles. He opens up about choosing Jerry Schumacher over other programs, the injuires that derailed his early college career, Schumacher's strict no-Strava policy, the NIL landscape for track athletes, and why he picked Diadora over Nike.
🎁 🎧 Join the Best Club in running -Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe use code GOAT50 to save 50% off your first year Question email wejo@letsrun.com
Timestamps
0:00 Start
2:43 Birnbaum's Breakthrough NCAA Season
3:18 What Cost Him The NCAA 3,000 Title
6:05 Birnbaum On The Habtom Samuel DQ
8:54 Balancing Oregon Travel And Classes
10:51 Outdoor Goals: NCAA Titles In The 1500 And 5,000
13:01 Long-Term Goals And LA 2028
13:33 Why He Chose Oregon And Jerry Schumacher
18:35 Adjusting To Jerry Schumacher's Training
20:39 How He Finally Stayed Healthy
27:28 NIL Deals And Choosing Diadora Over Nike
32:02 The Sunglasses Origin Story
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About The LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
🏃 Have you thought about joining the best club in running? The LetsRun.com Supporters Club Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for the bonus podcast, premium content, a free running shirt, and special event perks. Sign up at https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Jonathan Gault and Robert Johnson break down Jane Hedengren's astonishing 10,000m collegiate record and debate whether the hype around her long-term medal prospects is getting ahead of reality. They also react to Sha'Carri Richardson's season-opening win at the Stawell Gift, dig into World Athletics' plan to remove the marathon from the World Championships, and examine Jimmy Gressier's rebound, Botswana's sprint surge, and the latest Michael Norman what-ifs before closing with an interview featuring Oregon star Simeon Birnbaum at 63:08.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
LINKS
LetsRun.com newsletter
LetsRun.com Supporters Club
LetsRun.com 2026 April Fools’ Page
Irish Times Writeup About Our April Fools’ Page
Chat GPT Can’t Record Mile Times
Video: Rojo Says Usain Bolt Did Not False Start In Berlin - Yohan Blake Did
Jonathan Gault Tweet About Sha’Carri / Sprint Expert Nat
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro Music
00:22 Newsletter And Episode Intro
05:30 Jane Hedengren's 10,000m Record And Ceiling Debate
17:41 Who Is America's Best Women's 10,000m Runner?
21:29 Alicia Monson Update And The Medal Standard
26:58 Sha'Carri Richardson Returns At The Stawell Gift
36:39 World Athletics Splits Off The Marathon Championships
47:37 Jimmy Gressier's Rebound And Botswana Sprint Buzz
53:15 Michael Norman, Quincy Wilson, And Sprint What-Ifs
60:18 Supporters Club Pitch And Boston Preview
63:08 Simeon Birnbaum Interview Begins
65:28 Birnbaum's Breakthrough NCAA Season
66:03 What Cost Him The NCAA 3,000 Title
68:50 Birnbaum On The Hampton Samuel DQ
71:41 Balancing Oregon Travel And Classes
73:37 Outdoor Goals: NCAA Titles In The 1500 And 5,000
75:47 Long-Term Goals And LA 2028
76:18 Why He Chose Oregon And Jerry Schumacher
81:22 Adjusting To Jerry Schumacher's Training
83:25 How He Finally Stayed Healthy
CONTACT
Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
Like this pocast? Join the Supporters Club today! This podcast was out 3 days ago for Supporters Club members. Join our club. Money back guarantee, bonus podcasts, exclusive content. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public
Josh Kerr is going after one of the most historic world records in the sport, Hicham El Guerrouj's mile world record. After winning his second straight World Indoor 3000m title in Torun, Kerr sat down with LetsRun.com to lay out his plan to break the 27-year-old mark of 3:43.13 at the London Diamond League on July 18th. He wants a negative split, he's picking his own pacers, and he's not moving the race if it rains. Kerr talks race field politics, whether Cole Hocker or Jakob Ingebrigtsen could crash the party, the mile vs. 1500 debate, his bicarb usage, the rise of Western milers, and what it would mean to join Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, and Steve Cram as a British mile world record holder. Plus: Danny Mackey, Brooks Beasts, and Josh's daily trainer pick, the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the workout shoe: Brooks Hyperion Elite
LINKS
Josh Kerr's Mile World Record Announcement
Josh Wins World 3000 over Cole Hocker
Hicham El Guerrouj's Mile World Record (3:43.13, 1999)
Brooks Glycerin 23
Brooks Hyperion Elite
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Music
00:33 Intro and Welcome
02:25 World Indoor 3000m Race Tactics
05:18 How Satisfying Was the World Indoor Title
07:23 Bouncing Back and Building for 2025
09:10 The Mile World Record Announcement
12:39 Weather Worries and Why London
15:17 Who Gets to Race and the Business of Running
19:13 Pacing Strategy and Negative Splits
23:09 Biggest Rival and the Golden Age of the Mile
25:26 British Mile Legacy and Chasing History
28:50 Mile vs 1500: Which Record Is Harder
33:50 Bicarb and the Rise of Western Runners
36:37 Danny Mackey, Jakob, and Looking Ahead
41:52 Shoe Picks: Glycerin and Hyperion
🏃 Flagstaff All-Star Coaching Clinic Diljeet Taylor, Marius Bakken, Mike Smith, Greg McMillan, and Ben Rosario, along with mental performance consultant Shannon Thompson. Sponsored by Nike and Final Surge. July 13–15 in Flagstaff, AZ. Meet athletes from the Nike Swish Track Club, run the Flagstaff trails, and learn from the best. Space is limited — sign up at mcmillanrunning.com/flagstaff-all-star-coaching-clinic. (sponsored)
🏃 Aletheia Run Run stronger, avoid injury, and know why. Aletheia's lightweight wearable sensor tracks motion from your center of mass, revealing hidden breakdowns in your form and helping you train smarter. Free 30-day trial + 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10 https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trialhttps://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial
🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
EPISODE SUMMARY
Josh Kerr has announced Project 222, targeting Hicham El Guerrouj's Mile World Record of 3:43.13 at the London Diamond League on July 18th, a record that has stood since 1999. The crew debates his chances, Cole Hocker's potential spoiler role, and whether the Bowerman Mile at Pre could see the record fall first. In Australia, 19-year-old Cam Myers ran 3:30 for 1500m, demolishing world indoor medalist Adam Spencer by seven seconds. Shelby Houlihan didn't come close to Alicia Monson's American record at 10,000m but was still a pretty decent run. A Rojo Rant erupts over the Berlin Half Marathon, where pacer Dennis Kipkemoi was seemingly told not to win after bridging past leader Andrea Kiptoo. Plus, details emerge on Adaejah Hodge's secret 17-month doping ban and the AIU's controversial use of silent suspensions.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
LINKS
Flagstaff Coaching Clinic (sponsor)
Josh Kerr Announces Project 222 Targeting 3:42 Mile World Record at London DL
Berlin Generali Half Marathon — Dennis Kipkemoi Pacing Controversy
Shelby Houlihan Wins The Ten in 30:50
Tate Taylor Runs 9.92 at Texas 6A State Meet
Gout Gout vs Lachlan Kennedy 200m at Maurie Plant Meet
Gout Gout Viral Sprint Video
Thread of the Week: Jude Ritzenhein Runs 4:10.95 1600m as a Ninth Grader at Altitude
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Flagstaff Coaching Clinic
00:39 Aletheia Sponsor
01:38 Episode Preview and NCAA Tournament Chat
07:28 Josh Kerr Announces Project 222
13:28 Brooks Speed Suit and Record Logistics
18:07 Can Cole Hocker Crash the Party?
25:26 Niels Laros Injury Update and the Mile's Future
28:53 Cam Myers Puts On a Show in Melbourne
30:57 Hobbs Kessler and Teen Phenom Expectations
35:44 Gout Gout, Texas Sprinting, and Young Phenoms
43:34 Rojo Rant: Berlin Half Marathon Scandal
49:48 Should Pacers Be Allowed to Win?
53:31 Integrity of Competition and Rabbit Ethics
59:09 Shelby Houlihan's 10K and US Women's Distance Depth
62:58 Adaejah Hodge's Secret Doping Ban
68:06 Silent Bans and Anti-Doping Transparency
72:58 Youth Doping Crisis and Unanswered Questions
76:35 Previewing the Top US Runners for 2026
78:54 Outro and Supporters Club
CONTACT
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
🏃 Presented by Aletheia Run stronger, avoid injury. Aletheia's wearable sensor gives you a force portrait of every run. Free 30-Day Trial + 10% Off with Code LETSRUN10 (sponsored): https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial
Or just give your email address here to win a free sensor and subscription.
Cooper Lutkenhaus, 17, became the youngest men's individual world champion in any track event by winning the 800 at World Indoors in Torun, Poland, then celebrated at McDonald's with a Big Mac and a gold medal around his neck. Keely Hodgkinson obliterated the women's 800 field by over three seconds and anchored Britain's four-by-four relay within the hour. Africa was completely shut out of the running medal podium for the first time in World Indoors history. Off the track, World Athletics granted the US seven women's entries at the World Road Running Championships half marathon after the Atlanta course debacle, and reports surfaced that the London Marathon may expand to two days in 2027.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links
LetsRun.com Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
LetsRun.com Shop — https://shop.letsrun.com
Jonathan Gault's recap of Cooper Lutkenhaus's World Indoor gold
Cooper Lutkenhaus World Indoor 800 thread on LetsRun message board
Cooper Lutenkhau's coach Chris Capeau podcast after World Indoors
Cole Hocker's Instagram post on his silver medal perspective
The Guardian: Revealed — Secret Plans for Two-Day London Marathon
World Athletics announcement on US women's half marathon entries
Aletheia — Free 30-Day Trial + 10% Off with Code LETSRUN10
Aletheia free sensor giveaway — enter your email
Timestamps
00:00 Supporters Club and Sponsor
00:58 World Indoors Recap Overview
02:19 Cooper Lutkenhaus Wins World Indoor Gold
06:49 Cooper Meets Let's Run at McDonald's
10:32 Cooper's Tactical Masterclass Breakdown
13:09 Youngest Men's World Champion in History
15:23 Managing Expectations for a 17-Year-Old Champion
18:48 Cooper's Ceiling, Wanyonyi, and the 800 Meter Rivalry
22:20 Dreaming of LA 2028 and Keeping Cooper Grounded
25:38 Coach Capeau's Open-Minded Approach
27:16 Keely Hodgkinson Dominates the Women's 800
33:52 Jordan Anthony and Sprint Stars Shine
37:54 Biggest Winners and Losers From Torun
45:20 Cole Hocker's Perspective and Men's 1500 Parity
50:12 Prediction Contest and Aletheia Sponsor
55:22 Team USA's Medal Haul at World Indoors
59:21 Africa Shut Out of the Podium
63:47 US Women's Half Marathon Selection Controversy
66:08 USATF's Seven-Woman Solution Breaks Down
73:56 London Marathon Eyes a Two-Day Event
80:49 Grand Slam Track Bankruptcy Update
84:45 Outro and Supporters Club
Contact us:
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
Get the full podcast, join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club at 50% off with code GOAT50 https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public
or watch for free on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpdHnChkn3g
Cooper Lutkenhaus, just 17 years old, became the youngest world champion in World Indoor Championships history, winning the men's 800 in Toruń, Poland — on spring break. His coach Chris Capeau joined the show live to break down the race tactics and what makes Cooper different. Keely Hodgkinson dominated the women's 800 in 1:55.3, then stunned with a 50.1 anchor on Britain's 4x400. Georgia Hunter Bell claimed 1500 gold, capping a historic day for British distance running. East Africa went home without a single distance medal, and Mariano Garcia pulled off a brilliant wire-to-wire 1500 win for Spain.https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Timestamps
00:00 Music
00:22 Intro / Cooper Lutkenhaus Wins World Gold
02:42 Coach Chris Capeau on Cooper's Race Tactics
05:42 Why Cooper Ran a Full Indoor Season
09:04 Cooper's Family and What Makes Him Different
11:57 World Champion on Spring Break
16:14 Coach Capeau Watches the Final From Texas
18:17 From Tokyo Flame-Out to World Champion
20:17 Cooper's Winter Training and Leveling Up
24:10 Farewell to Coach Capeau and Bold Predictions
27:00 Men's 1500: Mariano Garcia Goes Wire to Wire
32:26 Women's 1500: Georgia Hunter Bell Takes Gold
35:58 Keely Hodgkinson and Women's 800 Results
39:00 Biggest Winners and Losers of the Meet
41:16 Nikki Hiltz: Seven US Titles but Can They Win Gold?
44:03 Keely's 4x400 Anchor and Non-Distance Highlights
47:54 NCAA, Cole Hocker, and Final Thoughts
Contact
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
**Want the full podcast?**Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public
If not you can watch for free on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clKJYKEfoAE
Josh Kerr outmaneuvered Cole Hocker to take the men's 3000 and claim his third world title, throwing Hocker's signature celebration back at him. Cooper Lutkenhaus dominated his 800m semifinal with the fastest time at World Indoors since 1997, positioning the 17-year-old Texan as a legitimate gold medal threat. Sprint upsets rocked the straightaways as Julien Alfred and Trey Cunningham both fell short of expectations. Simon Ehammer broke Ashton Eaton's heptathlon world record, while Emily Mackay delivered a stunning silver in the women's 3000m and Nadia Battocletti got gold.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Sponsor / Intro
00:23 Introduction and Race Preview
02:44 Men's 3000m Final: Kerr vs Hocker Showdown
05:01 Hocker's Tactical Missteps
06:43 The Celebration and Rivalry
11:12 Jan Shrub's Stunning Bronze
13:10 Nuguse Disappoints, Beamish Off the Pace
16:55 Women's 3000m: Emily Mackay Silver, Batocletti Gold
21:11 John, Let's Turn to the Women's 3K
24:31 East Africans Struggle at World Indoors
24:56 Sprint Upsets: Alfred and Cunningham Stunned
27:06 Cooper Lutkenhaus: A Star Is Born
28:38 World Record in Heptathlon, Mondo Wins Pole Vault
29:34 Two-Section 400m Finals Debate
31:18 Men's 400m: Morales Williams vs McCray Battle
33:00 Lutkenhaus: From Prodigy to World Stage
39:12 Can Lutkenhaus Break the World Record?
40:06 Final Preview and Calf Sleeve Mystery
41:34 Women's 800 and Sunday Preview
45:29 On Location in Toruń, Poland
Contact us:
Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.
Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes?
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The LetsRun.com crew previews the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Poland. The men's 3000m headlines with a Paris Olympics rematch featuring Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, and Geordie Beamish. Seventeen-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus attempts to become the youngest world indoor champion ever. On the women's side, Georgia Hunter Bell and Nikki Hiltz battle for 1500m gold with Faith Kipyegon absent, while Keely Hodgkinson enters as the prohibitive favorite in the 800m.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
LetsRun.com World Indoors Prediction Contest
Timestamps
0:00 Music
00:23 Intro and World Indoors Preview Setup
01:50 Men's 3000m: Hocker vs Kerr vs Beamish vs Nuguse
07:36 Men's 800m: Can 17-Year-Old Cooper Lutkenhaus Win?
12:18 Men's 1500m: Isaac Nader Seeks Validation
14:31 Men's 60m: Star-Studded Sprint Showdown
16:50 Women's Sprint Preview and 1500m Battle
21:25 Women's 3000m: Battocletti vs Hailu
23:35 Women's 800m: The Keely Hodgkinson Coronation
26:28 Closing and Supporters Club Plug
Contact us:
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
🏃 Win a free Aletheia Run sensor
Clip the Aletheia Run Sensor to your belt for real-time force portrait data, personalized drills, and running form improvements. Win a free sensor — just enter your email here, or you can try for free for 30 days with code LETSRUN10 here.https://www.letsrun.com/news/2026/03/win-a-free-aletheia-run-sensor/****
Jane Hedengren announced herself as the most electrifying American freshman in NCAA history, front-running to double gold at NCAA Indoors. Colin Sahlman capped a remarkable weekend with the 3,000 title amid a controversial DQ, while Carter Cutting pulled off a surprise win in the NCAA mile.
Grant Fisher's 14th-place NYC Half debut sparked a sharp debate about his road future, and Fotyen Tesfay stunned the world with a 2:10:51 marathon debut in Barcelona.
Then Adaejah Hodge's secret doping suspension before she led Georgia to the NCAA title, and the protest at D3 nations of Seth Clevenger's wins.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Use code GOAT50 for 50% off your first year.
LINKS
2026 NCAA Indoors Men's Recap: Sprint Madness & 3K Drama
Who Is Fotyen Tesfay, and how did she run the second-fastest women's marathon ever (2:10:51) - in her debut?
Should Jane Hedengren Go Pro? (Forum Thread)
Meet the Winners of LetsRun's Team for Worlds 2026
Win a Free Aletheia Run Sensor
Joe Fast on the LetsRun Podcast
Ronnie Delany — 1956 Olympic 1500m Final (Video)
D3 athletes walking off the medal stand
Seth Clevenger / LetsRun investigation
Aja Hodge doping ban — AIU announcement
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro / Sponsor / World Indoors Preview
06:00 Jane Hedengren Dominates NCAA Indoors
13:25 Shoudl she go pro
19:16 Sprint Fireworks and Team Titles at NCAAs
24:38 Colin Sahlman's Big Weekend and the 3,000 Controversy
26:58 The DQ
33:37 NCAA Mile: Carter Cutting's Surprise Win
41:54 Rojo Voicemail: Grant Fisher's Half Marathon Debut
43:06 Reaction to Grant Fisher's NYC Half Performance
52:20 Alex Maier and Other Americans Shine in New York
57:58 Fotyen Tesfay Runs 2:10:51 at Barcelona Marathon
1:11:49 Aja Hodge's Secret Doping Ban Revealed After NCAA Title
1:23:22 Seth Clevenger's D3 wins and podium protests
1:37:33 Supporters Club / Outro
CONTACT
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
The LA Marathon delivered the closest finish in race history but controversy erupted when video revealed leader Michael Kamau avoiding a spectator on the course followed a lead vehicle off course and ending us losing $15,000 by the slimmest of margins. Jacob Kiplimo cemented his half marathon dominance with a 57:20 world record in Lisbon without a pacer, and the crew debates whether runners without Olympic track gold can be considered all-time greats. Grant Fisher makes his much-anticipated half marathon debut at the NYC Half on Sunday, Fred Kerley's two-year whereabouts ban is officially confirmed , and Michael Johnson faces fraud allegations as Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy heats up.
🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:
Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club
Links
LA Marathon crazy finish + leader Follows Lead Vehicle Off Course
Jacob Kiplimo 57:20 Half Marathon World Record - Lisbon
Grant Fisher 4x2 Mile Workout - Track All Access on YouTube
Michael Johnson Accused of Fraud in Grand Slam Track Collapse (Front Office Sports by Margaret Fleming)
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and Supporters Club
02:32 LA Marathon Sprint Finish and Leader Runs Off Course
13:30 What Went Wrong at the LA Marathon Finish
23:28 Kiplimo's Dominance and Half Marathon World Record
29:55 Barstool Sports Tweets Running and Kiplimo Goes Viral
37:20 Defining All-Time Greats Without Olympic Gold
39:12 Grant Fisher's NYC Half Marathon Debut Preview
40:13 Can Fisher Contend for the Win?
51:18 Fisher's Training Breakdown and Race Expectations
56:07 GPS Watches and Training Technology Evolution
61:57 LA Marathon's 18-Mile Finisher Medal Controversy
66:38 Fred Kerley's Two-Year Ban and Enhanced Games
82:21 NCAA Indoor Championships Preview
85:48 Grand Slam Track Fraud Allegations
Contact us
Email: podcast@letsrun.com
Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/8a7275fd-3248-4b3d-aed1-39b889a0b198
🏃 Presented by Aletheia Run Run stronger, avoid injury, and know why. Aletheia's lightweight wearable sensor tracks motion from your center of mass, revealing hidden breakdowns in your form and helping you train smarter. Free 30-day trial + 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10 https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial
USA Indoors delivered chaos, breakthroughs, and greatness. Cole Hocker won a classic 3000, then failed to make the world team in the 1500 less than 24 hours later. Seventeen-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus made his US title #1 look easy. Nikki Hiltz made it an amazing seven straight in the 1500. Meanwhile, the U.S. Half Marathon Championships unraveled when the lead vehicle sent the top women off course, and we dig into our investigation into NCAA Division III doping allegations and a loophole that needs fixing.
🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
Aletheia Run — Free 30-Day Trial + 10% Off with Code LETSRUN10 (sponsored)
Letsrun.com Investigation: A Track Star, Doping Allegations, & The NCAA's Anti-Doping Policy Expose
Men’s 3000 Instant Reaction Podcast
LetsRun.com Message Board Discussion on Iowa State Suspensions
USATF Half Marathon Championship chaos
Tokyo Marathon 2026
Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club
Timestamps:
00:00 Aletheia Sponsor / Intro
00:51 Episode Overview
04:21 Cole Hocker's Stunning 1500m Loss at USA Indoors
06:23 Why a Slow Pace Made This Race So Unpredictable
09:05 Tactical Breakdown: What Went Wrong for Hocker and Nuguse
13:44 Nathan Green, Luke Houser, and Davis Bove Make Their Mark
15:51 Women's 1500: Nikki Hiltz Wins a Record 7th Straight US Title
19:32 The World Standards Debate: Why Can't a Mile Count?
23:24 Lindsay Butler's Breakout and the Art of Closing Off the Rail
29:31 Nikki Hiltz vs. Elle St. Pierre: Who's Really Better?
40:43 Cooper Lutkenhaus: 17-Year-Old US 800m Champion
44:51 Cooper at World Indoors: What to Expect in Poland
49:28 Texas High School Sprinting Is Absurdly Loaded
52:17 Men's 3000 Rewind: Nico Young's Positioning Problem
55:03 Noah Lyles, Nike's Rough Weekend, and Other USA Indoors Notes
56:01 USATF Half Marathon Chaos: Top Women Led Off Course
59:39 How Should USATF Fix the Half Marathon Mess?
71:49 Tokyo Marathon: Kosgei Returns, Sprint Finish in the Men's Race
79:44 The Wildest Pacing Decision You'll See This Year
85:02 Brigid Kosgei's Comeback and the Shoe Technology Theory
87:38 Rita Jeptoo Busted Again and a Suspicious US-Based Suspension
89:50 D3 Doping Investigation: The Seth Clevenger Story
97:03 NCAA's Broken Drug Policy and What Needs to Change
107:50 Wrap-Up / Outro
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com Call or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/73824aa5-9062-4875-8a11-5f5362a33d04
🏃 Presented by Aletheia Run
Aletheia Run makes a sensor designed to help improve your running form, run stronger, and avoid injury. Get a free 30-day trial for LetsRun visitors, plus save 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10. https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial
Day 1 of USA Indoors delivered a men's 3000m classic. Cole Hocker edged Yared Nuguse by hundredths of a second after Nico Young's costly mistake, cost him a World Indoor spot.
Emily Mackay upset Elle St. Pierre in the women's 3K, Sage Hurta Klecker crashed out in the 800m prelims, and 17-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus looked like a future star. Plus: Tokyo Marathon preview and the USATF TV streaming disaster.
Timestamps
00:00 Sponsor / Intro (Aletheia Run use code LETSRUN10 )
01:00 Men's 3000m Instant Reaction: Hocker, Nuguse, Young
02:30 Hocker Wins Epic Three-Way Battle
10:35 Nico Young's Costly Tactical Mistake
18:01 Could Nico Young Still Make the Team? (1500m Double Entry)
22:11 Women's 3000m: Emily Mackay Upsets Ellie St. Pierre
24:10 Pete Julian Coaching Mackay
30:27 Women's 800m: Sage Hurta Klecker Out in Prelims
34:31 Men's 800m: Cooper Lutkenhaus' Tactical Masterclass
37:08 Debating Cooper Lutkenhaus Race IQ
45:04 Tokyo Marathon Preview
51:05 USATF TV Streaming Disaster
52:48 Day 2 Preview and Closing
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/d57e9ce1-651d-4740-8742-0d23e9923229
🏃 Presented by Aletheia Run *Aletheia is an American company making a wearable sensor designed to improve your running form. Their motto is *Run Stronger. Avoid Injury. And Know Why. Get a free 30-day trial plus 10% off your first year with code LETSRUN10. https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial
In one of the coolest stories in running, Ethan Shuley went from a 2:46 marathoner to 2:07:14 in just 15 months — making him the sixth fastest American ever. The 27-year-old unsponsored runner living in Tokyo has shocked the running world. Just two years ago, he hadn't broken 15 minutes for 5K. He ran only one race in college with an 8:45 for 3,000 meters.
How did this happen? We dive into his journey — from quitting running at BYU due to injuries, to the Japanese racing philosophy of "send it and die gracefully," training 125+ miles per week on six days, and why he's now a 2028 Olympic contender being coached via Instagram DMs.
🎁 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:Join the Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
Ethan Shuley's Strava Profile
Ethan's YouTube Channel - Dating Apps in Japan Video
Brett Larner's Japan Running News Coverage
Jake from Run.Japan YouTube Channel
Aletheia Run - Get Free 30 Day Trial + 10% off with code LETSRUN10
LetsRun.com Prediction Contest - Win Free Aletheia Sensor
Timestamps:
00:00 Sponsor / Intro
03:53 Ethan's 2:07 Marathon at Osaka
08:06 Race Strategy and Cramping
12:55 The Japanese Racing Philosophy
14:41 The Kobe Marathon Experience
17:55 Training Philosophy in Japan
22:20 Training and Mileage Breakdown
25:57 Life in Japan and Going Pro
30:10 Working Full-Time While Training
31:33 High School and College Career
36:01 The Comeback - Lifting to Ultras
38:05 Adapting to Japanese Culture
40:29 Moving to Japan and Language Learning
43:59 Ultra Running and Speed Work
47:51 Doping Questions and Testing
49:48 Injury History and Recovery
56:15 Training Solo vs. With Groups
57:15 Training Partners and 2028 Olympic Goals
60:07 Coaching with Isaac Wood
61:35 Dating in Japan
67:00 Sponsors and Closing
Contact us:Email podcast@letsrun.comCall or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/182bc6ce-7f8f-4411-a41d-81ce85176414
🎧 Want a 2nd podcast every week & bonus content? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club → https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public
Keely Hodgkinson ran 1:54.87 to break the indoor 800m world record. Can she get the outdoor record next? Ethan Shuley, a 27-year-old American living in Japan who finished one college race, proved Dreams Become Reality as he ran 2:07:14 at the Osaka Marathon to become the sixth-fastest American ever on a record eligible course. The guys debate what a 2:07 means in the super shoe era.
Plus: Tshepiso Masalela was DQ'd for a finger gun gesture at Azeddine Habz in Toruń, drawing comparisons to Noah Lyles' celebration. USA Indoors preview features a stacked men's 3K (Nico Young, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Ethan Strand). Sam Ruthe wrapped his US tour with a 7:43 3K, and Oregon's DMR team survived travel chaos to qualify for NCAAs.https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
Keely Hodgkinson 1:54.87 Analysis
Who is Ethan Shuley?
Ethan Shuley's YouTube Channel
Japan Running News – Brett Larner's Osaka Marathon Recap
Maurice Greene Fire Extinguisher Celebration Video
Noah Lyles gun salutes: 2022 and 2024
2014 Gabriele Grunewald DQ Controversy- Tons of articles
Jimmy Wyner DQ talk
https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=3007879 DMR Engelhardt! I still don't believe I just saw that
LetsRun.com Message Board
Timestamps:
00:00 Music
00:23 Start
05:15 Winter Olympics Coverage and What Track Can Learn
13:30 Ben True's Running and Skiing Career
16:30 Keely Hodgkinson's Indoor 800m World Record
18:16 Can Keely Break the Outdoor World Record?
26:52 Cooper Lutkenhaus vs Keely Hodgkinson World Record Debate
30:30 Ethan Shuley's Stunning 2:07 Marathon in Osaka
38:00 Ethan Shuley's Marathon Progression and Japan Training
44:29 What Does a 2:07 Marathon Mean in 2026?
48:00 Super Shoes and the Changing Marathon Standards
52:36 Masalela-Habz DQ Controversy and Noah Lyles Comparison
58:00 Noah Lyles Comparison and Celebration Debate
63:50 USA Indoor Championships Preview
68:34 Sam Ruthe's US Tour Recap
73:00 Sam Ruthe's Progression and Training Philosophy
77:57 Oregon's DMR Travel Saga and BU Meet Highlights
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.comCall or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/2d7d839a-ce7b-4769-8f7a-e4a012fc677f
🏃 Like this podcast? Joint our Supporters club to get a 2nd podcast every week. Get a bonus podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks.https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Cole Hocker breaks the American indoor mile record, Nico Young drops an amazing kick to win the 3,000, and Cooper Lutkenhaus keeps rising in the 800 as the guys debate how these performances translate to USA Indoors and World Indoors.
Then it’s over to the women: Keely Hodgkinson’s 1:56.33 and what it means for the 800 (and the world record chase), plus Elle St. Pierre’s postpartum American record. After that, the conversation bounces through a wild BU 3,000 finish, marathon and road action, and Noah Lyles’ Tyson Invitational appearance before closing with an interview with Amanda Heidecker and Taylor Wheaton, the co-chairs behind the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, about what it took to pull it off — crowds, logistics, volunteers, and whether Tallahassee would ever host again.
🎁 Support LetsRun.comJoin the LetsRun.com Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
LetsRun.com Supporters Club
Cole Hocker 3:45 mile + ASICS Sound Running
Can the US men sweep world indoors?
Elle St. Pierre in Boston
Seville Marathon finish video
Noah Lyles Tyson Invitational 200m Video
Visit Tallahassee
Timestamps:
00:00 Sponsor / Intro
07:30 Cole Hocker’s American Indoor Mile Record
18:00 World Indoors Plans And Qualifying Standards
20:45 Sam Ruthe Learns The Pro Game
29:00 Media Pressure And Post-Race Interviews
34:48 Cooper Lutkenhaus And Nico Young Break Out
40:00 800 Tactics: Can Cooper Medal?
47:00 USA Indoors Preview: The Depth Chart
50:00 Asics Sound Running Invite: Atmosphere And Takeaways
53:00 Grand Slam Track Fallout
56:00 Josh Hoey Vs. Cooper Lutkenhaus Debate
1:02:30 Keely Hodgkinson And The Women’s 800 Boom
1:06:50 Lievin Preview And The New 800 Break Line
1:10:04 Elle St. Pierre’s Postpartum American Record
1:17:00 Elle Vs. Nikki Hiltz At USA Indoors
1:22:40 NCAA Mile Record And Age Debate
1:23:55 BU Men’s 3000: Langan-Sands Controversy
1:29:42 Marathon Madness: Alisa Vainio’s Breakthrough
1:34:17 Weini Kelati’s Barcelona Half Marathon Record
1:39:00 Noah Lyles At Tyson Invitational
1:45:04 Interview: Amanda Heidecker And Taylor Wheaton
1:49:00 Tallahassee Feedback, Attendance, And Crowd Energy
1:56:00 How You Host World Athletics: Logistics And Standards
2:01:30 Volunteers And The Behind-The-Scenes Operation
2:07:30 Would Tallahassee Host Again?
2:15:00 The Course, Infrastructure, And What’s Next
2:20:00 Wrap-Up
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.comCall or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/b7790054-9478-48fc-82cd-b92881312c3a
Femke Bol made her 800m debut. What did we think?
Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy plan will pay the athletes nearly everything they are owed, but vendors only 1.5%.
Plus: Why track and field will never be popular year-round (and why that's okay), USATF Outdoor Championships are coming to New York for the first time since 1991, and Robert shares his thoughts on ski jumping regulations that you won't believe.
The guys also preview this weekend's stacked meets including the ASICS Sound Invite featuring Cole Hocker vs. Sam Ruthe in the mile and Cooper Lutkenhaus in the 800m, answer listener emails, and debate whether cross country running belongs in the Winter Olympics.
🎁 Support LetsRun.comJoin the LetsRun.com Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
LetsRun.com VPN recommendation
Weldon Johnson: Pay the Athletes 85%, Save the League - Inside Grand Slam Track's Bankruptcy Plan
USATF Outdoor Championships to be held in New York for first time since 1991
'Penisgate' at Winter Olympics: ski jumpers' acid penis health risks
LetsRun.com forum: Jakob Ingebrigtsen injury speculation thread
LetsRun.com forum: Cross country in Winter Olympics discussion
LetsRun.com forum: Femke Bol 800m debut discussion
Femke Bol "Super Bol Sunday" image
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Achilles Surgery
07:59 Cross Country in the Winter Olympics Debate
15:59 Why Track & Field Will Never Be Popular Year-Round
17:59 Femke Bol's 800m Debut: Encouraging or Disappointing?
26:14 800m Pacing Analysis with Justin Rinaldi
35:14 Robert's Ski Jumping Joke
38:14 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships Moving to New York
49:13 Grand Slam Track Bankruptcy Plan Explained
62:14 Preview: ASICS Sound Invite & Valentine Invitational
68:14 Listener Emails: Western Runners & Doping Conspiracy Theories
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/153b9cb9-1446-409f-aa2b-4a39f698171e
The 118th Millrose Games delivered a great show and we break it all down. But the biggest performance of the weekend was in Boston not Millrose as Sam Ruthe, just 16 years old, ran 3:48 in the mile to become the youngest man ever under 3:50 by more than a full year. Cam Myers dominated the Wannamaker Mile in 3:47, Colin Sahlman broke a 37-year-old NCAA 800m record with a 1:44.7 victory, and Cole Hocker looked every bit the world's best distance runner in winning the two mile. Meanwhile, Roisin Willis set the American indoor 800m record in Boston, Nikki Hiltz got a big win, and Cooper Luktenhaus added another high school record to his collection.
But it wasn't all celebrations. Is Bryce Hoppel's window closing? Why can't Ollie Hoare find his form? Is Hobbs Kessler's injury excuse a relief or a red flag? The episode also digs into the controversial decision by World Athletics to invalidate Jacob Kiplimo's 56:42 half marathon world record due to drafting behind the lead vehicle. Plus: Is it good for young stars to experience defeat? Should Cam Myers skip World Indoors for a domestic meet? And what exactly happened with the Millrose pacing lights?
🎁 Support LetsRun.comJoin the LetsRun.com Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeGet a bonus podcast every week, savings on running shoes, and a free t-shirt when you join for a year.
Links:
Sam Ruthe's family running history thread: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=13396729
Thread: Biggest winners of the weekend: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=14027044
Thread: Cole Hocker is the #1 distance runner in the world right now: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=14027201
Jacob Kiplimo's world record invalidated: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=14027173
Millrose two mile pacer responds: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=14024895
Post of Week on Faster Times
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro and Soccer Banter
02:55 Jon's Birthday
05:06 LetsRun Meetup in SF
09:32 Sam Ruthe's Historic 3:48 Mile at 16
11:00 Comparing Teen Phenoms: Ruthe, Ingebrigtsen, Laros, and Myers
26:23 Colin Sahlman's 1:44 800m and NCAA Record
40:08 Bryce Hoppel, Donovan Brazier, and the Men's 800 Landscape
46:00 Cole Hocker Wins Millrose Two Mile
47:23 Is Cole Hocker the World's Best Distance Runner?
55:00 Cam Myers Dominates the Wannamaker Mile
59:00 Hobbs Kessler's Struggles and Ollie Hoare's Decline
64:50 Athing Mu, Jane Hedengren, and Learning to Lose
70:20 Nikki Hiltz Wins the Women's Wanamaker Mile
73:13 Can Hiltz win Olympic gold in LA 2028, what about Faith Kipyegon?
82:30 Cooper Luktenhaus's High School 600m Record
86:00 Roisin Willis Sets American 800m Record
96:25 Jacob Kiplimo's Half Marathon Record Invalidated
100:14 Millrose Pacing Controversy and Weekend Wrap-Up
Contact us:Email podcast@letsrun.comCall or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation:
Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/49680b23-530d-48a7-a115-48a0ba8b22f3
🏃 Join our Supporters Club & Get our Millrose Preview Podcast on FridayGet exclusive access to a second weekly podcast, premium articles, a super soft shirt, and forum perks. Join today at https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
The 2026 indoor season exploded with two world records and jaw-dropping performances at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Josh Hoey, with the help of his brother, got the 800m world indoor record (1:42.50), breaking Wilson Kipketer’s 29-year-old mark. Hobbs Kessler closed in 26.3 to set the 2K world record and beat Grant Fisher. Elle St. Pierre won her comeback race against Jessica Hull. In NY, Cooper Lutkenhaus opened with 1:45.23.
Sunday’s Millrose Games has two stellar matchups: the Wanamaker Mile with Cam Myers, Kessler, and three-time defending champion Yared Nuguse, and the two mile where Cole Hocker, Grant Fisher, Josh Kerr, and Geordie Beamish square off and try to go sub-8. Plus, we dig into Grand Slam Track bankruptcy documents revealing Michael Johnson personally loaned $2.7 million to keep the league afloat.
Links:
Discussion: Biggest Winner of the Weekend — Kessler, Hoey, St. Pierre, Myers?
Josh Hoey 800m World Indoor Record coverage
Justin Rinaldi’s classy message board post
Hobbs Kessler 2K World Record
Jon Gault on all the American world records
Cooper Lutkenhaus 1:45.23
Elle St. Pierre comeback win
Cam Myers 7:27 3K win
MJ loan and Grand Slam Track bankruptcy
LetsRun San Francisco Meetup (Timeout Tavern)
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro / Super Bowl Talk
03:10 Josh Hoey’s 800m World Indoor Record
12:07 The Hoey Family Story and Justin Rinaldi’s classy post
17:10 Should Hoey Run USA and World Indoors?
18:43 Cooper Lutkenhaus’s 1:45 opener
22:42 Winner of the Weekend Debate
29:17 Millrose Games Mile Preview: Hoey vs. Myers vs. Kessler vs. Nuguse
38:47 Millrose Two Mile Preview and Sub-8 Watch
42:02 American Men’s World Record Streak
43:59 Quincy Wilson’s Form and Future Questions
47:57 Noah Lyles’s Elaborate Entrance at New Balance Indoors
60:10 Grand Slam Track Financial Revelations: Michael Johnson’s $2.7M Loan
80:02 Millrose Preview Wrap-Up
82:20 Grant Fisher Joins Us
82:30 Training Between Races: New Balance to Millrose
84:00 Why Americans Are Dominating Indoor Season
87:00 NYC Half Marathon Debut: Why New York?
89:00 From 2K Shape to Half Marathon Shape
91:00 Breaking the 2K World Record but Losing the Race
95:00 World Cross Country and Injury Recovery
99:00 Can Americans Compete on the Roads?
102:00 From Miler to Marathoner: Grant’s Evolution
106:00 Marathon Debut Timeline: 2027 or 2028?
Contact us:Email podcast@letsrun.com | Call or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the “influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running,” the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a two-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast:
Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks.
Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation:
Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us:
Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email
letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/08896db6-8f80-401f-9428-814b73e5eef0
Grant Fisher — double Olympic medalist and world indoor record holder — joins the show to talk Millrose, his NYC Half debut, and what it felt like to break Kenenisa Bekele's 2K world record and still lose to Hobbs Kessler in Boston.
🎁 Support LetsRun.com Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
Links:
Grant Fisher's Instagram
Millrose Games 2 mile
NYC Half Marathon
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Grant Fisher Joins the Show
02:35 Training Between Races: New Balance to Millrose
04:24 Why Americans Are Dominating Indoor Season
07:25 NYC Half Marathon Debut: Why New York?
09:27 From 2K Shape to Half Marathon Shape
10:53 Breaking the 2K World Record But Losing the Race
13:03 World Cross Country and Injury Recovery
16:06 Lessons From 2024: The Dangers of Racing Too Much
18:19 Cross Training on the Bike
21:15 Can Americans Compete on the Roads?
24:53 From Miler to Marathoner: Grant's Evolution
26:55 Marathon Debut Timeline: 2027 or 2028?
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com | Call or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
Today's episode is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founder Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
Go Deeper:
Get the Bonus Podcast: Supporters Club members get an exclusive second podcast every week, plus premium articles and forum perks. Join the LRC Supporters Club here
Join the Conversation: Post on our world-famous forum
Contact Us: Call 1-844-LETSRUN (538-7786) or email letsrun@letsrun.com
Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/09699345-4839-4d71-b1bf-75870f74b037
🏃 Get your World XC USA gear at shop.letsrun.com — limited stock remaining on the t-shirts!
The 2026 indoor season is officially here, and it's heating up fast. This week we break down Josh Hoey's bold announcement that he's targeting Wilson Kipketer's nearly 30-year-old indoor 800m world record at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Can he do it? We debate his chances and pay homage to Kipketer's legendary 1997 season.
Plus, Cam Myers ran 3:49 in the mile, the fastest ever in January, and the teen phenom comparisons are flying. We've got updates on Jakob Ingebrigtsen skipping the indoor season entirely (should we be worried about his Achilles?), Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy drama, and breaking news from a top agent about how much athletes actually got paid.
On the marathon side, the 2026 Boston Marathon women's field is out, and while it's missing Hellen Obiri, it's absolutely stacked with American talent. Could Fiona O'Keeffe make the podium? And where the heck is Parker Valby?
🎁 Want a 2nd Podcast Every Week? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for bonus podcasts, exclusive content, and a super soft t-shirt: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeMoney-back guarantee — if you don't like it, cancel and keep the shirt!
Links:
Discuss this week's episode here
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Ross Tucker's Real Science of Sport Podcast / Jakob news
Sam Ruthe family running history thread
2026 Boston Marathon Women's Elite Field announcement
Valby training with Coburn
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix entries
Valby running NB games this wknd?
Dr. Sander Scorcher meet info
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro / World XC Merch Plug
01:02 Episode Preview: Indoor Season Heats Up
03:44 Josh Hoey Announces 800m World Record Attempt
06:58 Hoey's Unconventional Path and Self-Belief
11:16 Wilson Kipketer's Historic 1997 Season
13:00 Why Top 800m Runners Skip Indoors
17:12 Cam Myers Runs 3:49 — Fastest January Mile Ever
19:35 Teen Phenoms: Myers vs. Laros vs. Lutkenhaus
26:20 Ellie St. Pierre vs. Jessica Hull Preview
29:30 Should Hoey Defend His World Indoor Title?
31:00 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Skipping Indoor Season
34:30 Achilles Concerns and Chris Derrick Comparisons
37:35 Grand Slam Track Bankruptcy: Agent Reveals Athletes Got Overpaid
42:20 What's Next for Athing Mu?
43:41 The Incredible Depth of Men's 5000m
46:56 Sam Ruthe: 16-Year-Old Runs 1:45 in New Zealand
50:10 Sam Ruthe's Incredible Running Family History
53:12 Cooper Lutkenhaus Opens 2026 Season
57:20 The Rise of Millrose Games
59:00 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials: Phoenix vs. St. Louis
62:42 2026 Boston Marathon Women's Field Breakdown
67:35 Fiona O'Keeffe's Big Opportunity
74:38 Where Is Parker Valby?
76:38 Sponsorship Shakeups: Elle St. Pierre, Heather McLean
79:13 Outro
Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.comCall or text 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)
About the LetsRun.com Podcast
Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.
The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon World Record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together, they move beyond the PR headlines to provide the insider reporting and unfiltered debate that serious fans and industry insiders rely on.
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