Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

Is every step you take a "withdrawal" from your joint bank account? In this high-stakes episode, Letty and Ryan tackle the 4 Most Googled Questions of 2026 and burn the old rulebook to the ground.We dive into the mind-blowing MRI research that proves running doesn't thin your cartilage—it can actually make it thicker and stronger. Ryan breaks down the "Thicker Cartilage Paradox" and the "Sponge Effect" that keeps your joints oiled, while Letty discusses the 120g carb-loading revolution and her final preparations for the Boston Marathon.If you’ve been running in fear of injury or hitting the wall, this episode is your biological wake-up call. Your body isn't a machine that wears out; it’s a system that levels up.In this episode:The Hypertrophy Reveal: Why runners' knees often look healthier on an MRI than non-runners'.The 120g Carb Ceiling: the new gold standard of fueling.The 50mm Stack Height Trap: Is your "super-shoe" sabotaging your stability?Heavy Lifting for Speed: Why the strongest runners are becoming the fastest runners.Boston UpdatesStop guessing. Start adapting.Get the full research links and the Boston Marathon event schedule at MarathonJournal.com.

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we dive into everything you need to know for the historic 130th running of the Boston Marathon in 2026. Host Letti Lundquist breaks down the evolution of the race from its 1897 roots to the modern-day "Mecca" of marathons. We explore the high-stakes qualifying standards, the unpredictable New England weather patterns, and the "victory lap" atmosphere of the surrounding race weekend.We also feature a deep-dive technical course review with Coach Kristen, specifically focusing on how to survive the punishing opening downhill miles without "trashing" your quads before you hit the hills. Finally, we provide the essential 2026 updates, including the shift to a six-wave start and the exact mile markers for on-course fueling.Why You Should Listen:Tactical Analysis: Learn how the new wave starts will affect course congestion and your personal start time.Fueling Map: Exact locations for Maurten Gel stations (including caffeine vs. non-caffeine).Logistics Mastery: A step-by-step guide to Gear Drop at Boston Common and the Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton.The Social Map: Insights into the 2026 "Pop-up" culture on Boylston and Newbury Streets, including track relays and brand activations.Our guest this episode: Coach Kristen (Course Strategy Specialist)Connect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

We sit down with James McKirdy, founder of the coaching collective McKirdy Trained, to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to produce elite-level results without the "bogus" cookie-cutter methods saturably found on social media.We dive deep into the thrilling 2026 Los Angeles Marathon finish where McKirdy athlete Nathan Martin secured a victory by a razor-thin 0.01 seconds. James breaks down the tactical brilliance behind Nathan’s performance—specifically how he executed a masterful negative split (dropping from a 5:02/mile to a 5:00/mile close) despite the grueling Michigan winter and hilly LA course.We also explore the viral story of Daniel Mesfun at the Dublin Marathon. James explains why Daniel’s decision to literally stop and run backward for a dropped hydration bottle wasn't a mistake, but a calculated execution of the McKirdy fueling philosophy. From "gut training" to the specific electrolyte needs of different athletes, this episode is a masterclass in the intersection of sports science and human psychology.Updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.The "Anti-AI" Approach: Discover why James believes human relationship and "pencil, not ink" adjustments beat automated training plans every time.Negative Splitting 101: Learn the physiological "tells" in training that indicate if you are actually ready to chase a specific marathon goal.The Nutrition Audible: Get the hard rules on why McKirdy athletes "never skip fuel" and how to train your stomach to handle 100+ calories every 15–20 minutes.Coaching the "Underdog": James shares stories of athletes ranging from 5-hour marathoners to 69-year-olds running faster than they did 20 years ago.Our guest this episode: James McKirdy | McKirdy Trained Website 🔗Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalWhy You Should Listen:Connect with Us:Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we dive into the role of AI in marathon nutrition. I sit down withregistered dietitian and endurance nutrition expert Alex Larson, founder of Alex Larson Nutrition (you can find her at https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/) to discusshow AI tools are shaping the way runners fuel their bodies—and where they canquietly sabotage performance.We cover real-world examples of AI missteps,including underfueling, medical contraindications, and the limits of automatedmeal plans. Alex shares actionable insights on how marathoners can combine AI with human expertise, improverecovery, and maintain confidence in their fueling strategies. If you want tostay ahead of the curve in marathon training and learn how to make technologywork for you—not against you—this episode is packed with expert guidance andpractical tips.Why YouShould Listen:·      Learn how AI can help or hinder marathonnutrition·      Discover common fueling pitfalls and how toavoid them·      Get expert advice on combining technology withhuman insight for optimal performanceOurguest this episode:Alex Larson, Registered Dietitian & Endurance Nutrition Specialist | AlexLarson Nutrition🔗Connect with Us:·      Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast·      YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal·      Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode we are trying something different. We are taking a deep dive into the current state of the marathon. We talk about what is going on currently, including all the controversies. LA marathon's 18 mile marathon distance, the LA marathon finish and unfortunate events of their racers being led of course. We talk about Kipchoge running Cape Town, Shanghai being on schedule for becoming a world major, Sebastian Sawe vs. Kiplimo at the London Marathon, and so many more things. 🔗 Connect with Us Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607  

We are back from our trip to Kenya and happy to share with our about our trip. If you are looking for a visual, check out our Kenya Camp videos here https://www.youtube.com/@MarathonJournalConnect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports. We sit down with Arj Thiruchelvam, performance coach at Performance Physique, to dissecta groundbreaking new study from Loughborough University that is changing how we view the "marathon wall." We ask the tough questions: Why do we collapse in the final 10K? Is it a lack of cardio, or something deeper? Arj breaks down the science of "durability" and explains why heavy lifting and plyometrics are the missing link for well-trained runners looking to maintain their economy under extreme fatigue.Why You Should Listen: You will learn why a 35% increase in time to exhaustion is possible through strength training and how to implement "bouncy" exercises like drop jumps to transform your running gait.Our guest this episode: Arj Thiruchelvam — ⁠performancephysique.co.uk⁠Connect with Us: Our website: ⁠https://www.marathonjournal.com⁠YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast⁠Followus on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports. We sit down with Arj Thiruchelvam, performance coach at Performance Physique, to discuss a brand-new study from Nature Scientific Reports that used machine learning to compare polarized and pyramidal training. We ask Arj why some runners thrive on threshold work while others need to "polarize" to see progress. Arj breaks down the 30% performance gap found in the study and explains how your training age determines your ideal intensity mix.Why You Should Listen: You will learn the difference between polarized and pyramidal distributions and how to use machine learning insights to personalize your own marathon training plan for maximum speed.Our guest this episode: Arj Thiruchelvam — performancephysique.co.ukConnect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, updates and expert insights to keepyou informed on the latest in running and competitive sports. We sit down with Arj Thiruchelvam, performance coach and founder of Performance Physique, todiscuss a groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. We asked Arj to help us redefine "how much is too much" and why your smartwatch might be giving you a false sense of security regarding your training load. We tease the "30-Day Window" and why a single-session distance spike is the most dangerous move a marathoner can make.Why You Should Listen: You will learn how to scientifically audit your training month to prevent overuse injuries and why structural "load tolerance" is different from aerobic fitness.Our guest this episode: Arj Thiruchelvam — performancephysique.co.ukConnect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollowus on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we interview registered dietitianand Ironman finisher Alex Larson to tackle the controversial topic of achievinga leaner body composition without sacrificing performance power. We discuss whymany marathoners feel embarrassed to admit they want to "lean out"and how to strategically shift your focus from simple weight loss to functionalbody composition changes. Larson shares her expert insights on"front-loading" nutrition—including the 40-gram protein breakfastrule—and explains why you should never diet during your training runs. We alsodive into the "Peanut Butter Paradox," the critical importance ofmonitoring ferritin and Vitamin D levels, and how fueling properly during theday can exponentially improve your sleep quality and recovery. This episodeprovides expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running andcompetitive sports.Why You Should Listen:·       Our guest this episode: Alex Larson (https://alexlarsonnutrition.com)·       Connect with Us:·       Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast·       YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal·       Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we dive into seven evidence-backed principles that transform your physiology to build a faster marathon. We explore how high mileage functions as a "neuromuscular rewiring" tool to turn your legs into mechanical springs, increasing tendon stiffness and lowering oxygen cost. You will learn how to master metabolic flexibility to burn fat at higher speeds, the latest research on the 90-gram carbohydrate fueling revolution, and why high-load strength training is essential for biomechanical efficiency. We also provide updates and expert insights on the benefits of "super shoes," the critical role of deep sleep in recovery, and the performance-optimizing power of the 80/20 polarized training model to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.Why You Should Listen:Our guest this episode: MarathonJournal.com 🔗Connect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

Most runners know Keira D’Amato as the realtor-turned American record holder who is as famous for her humor as she is for her speed, but in our latest sit-down, we deliberately skipped the origin story to focus on the mechanics of how sheoperates today. Shifting her training to Utah under coach Ed Eyestone, D’Amato has replaced the traditional high-volume grind with a masterclass in efficiency, utilizing "fatigue simulation" to mimic the final miles of a marathon without the physical toll of excessive race-pace mileage. Fromrebuilding her 5K speed to create aerobic headroom to implementing a strict 6-day training week, her current blueprint is a professional look at how elite performance is evolving toward longevity and structural durability.Connect with Us:·      Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast·      YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal·      Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we dive into whyyour solitary training miles might be hitting a plateau and how to smashthrough your personal bests by becoming a "skilled racer." Weinterviewed Chris Knighton,founder of Knighton Runs and author of Run Faster Marathons, to discuss the psychologicaland physiological necessity of the tune-up race.We asked Chris about the "isolationist" trapmany marathoners fall into and how to strategically bridge the gap betweentraining fitness and race-day performance. We tease the "GoldStandard" of tune-up distances, the dangers of tapering too early, and whyyour GPS watch might be lying to you about your potential. Plus, stay tuned forexpert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitivesports.·      The 100% Effort: Learn why you can't replicate truerace intensity in solo time trials and how "exposure therapy" for thebrain prevents race-day panic.·      The 18-Week Roadmap: A breakdown of the three stagesof development—from baseline time trials to the "Specific Stage"crescendo.·      Data Over Guesswork: Why Chris advocates for VDOTformulas over heart rate or watch-based predictors to set your goals.·      The "Train-Through" Method: How to race ontired legs to prepare for the final 10K of your marathon without burning out.Our guestthis episode: Chris Knighton (KnightonRuns.com)Connect withUs:·      Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast·      YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal·      Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607Why You Should Listen

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with Luca Ciccone, Director of Product Engineering at Saucony, to demystify the complex world of running shoe technology.Ever feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of shoe foams? We ask Luca to break down the science behind PEBA, EVA, TPU, and TPEE. He helps us understand which materials offer the most energy return, which are the most durable, and why certain shoes carry a higher price tag. Whether you are a casual jogger or a competitive marathoner, this deep dive into the "foam pyramid" provides the expert insights you need to make an informed decision on your next pair of trainers. Stay tuned for updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.If you've ever wondered if "super foams" are worth the investment or why your shoes feel different after 200 miles, this episode provides the technical clarity you've been looking for from an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience.🔗 Our guest this episode: Luca Ciccone, Director of Product Engineering at SauconyOur Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-ciccone/Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastWhy You Should ListenConnect with Us:Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with professional runner and coach Erica Weitz to break down the mechanics of starting—and staying—in the sport. We dive into the why your heart and lungs often outpace your bones and tendons, leading to the common injury cycles that sideline many beginners.We ask Erica about the physiological benefits of the Galloway Run-Walk Method, the danger of "makeup miles" after a week of illness, and we whether you are chasing your first 5K or rebuilding your base, this episode provides the blueprint for a durable, long-term running career.Our guest this episode: Erica Weitz, Founder of Exclusive Endurance. Website: https://www.exclusiveendurance.com Instagram: @ericaweitzrunsWhy You Should Listen:Understand the "Chassis" Principle: Learn why musculoskeletal adaptationtakes months, not weeks.Master Consistency: Get a realistic approach to lifestyle integration for runners over 40.Injury Prevention: Learn to manage your workload ratio effectively.🔗 Connect with UsOur website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607Tags: #MarathonRunning #RunnersOfInstagram #BeginnerRunner #RunningTips#GallowayMethod #InjuryPrevention #RunningPhysiology #ExclusiveEndurance#MarathonJournal #RunWalk #SuperShoes

In this comprehensive year-end wrap-up, we take a deep dive into the most historic and headline-grabbing moments of the 2025 running season. We celebrate staggering athletic achievements, from Jacob Kiplimo’s sub-57-minute half-marathon world record to Marcel Hug’s unprecedented sweep of all seven World Marathon Majors. This episode also highlights the incredible rise of American distance running, led by Connor Mantz’s record-breaking performances, and the inspiring longevity of "ageless" runners like Gene Dykes and Jeanie Rice. Whether you're tracking elite split times or looking for the next fast "non-major" course like Valencia or Dubai, we cover the data and the drama that defined the year.Beyond the podiums, we tackle the "not-so-fun" facts and controversies that shook the running community in 2025. Wediscuss the fallout from Ruth Chepngetich’s three-year doping ban, the abrupt weather-related cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon, and the logistical nightmare of the Niagara Falls course error. We also explore the intersection of sports and politics following the arrests at the Kish Island Marathon and the financial collapse of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track series. Closing on a high note, we celebrate Sydney’s induction as the seventh World Major and share our top tips for making 2026 your best running year yet.Our Camp: https://www.runcampkenya.com  CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE HTTPS://WWW.MARATHONJOURNAL.COM We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns·  Our Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast/ ·  Our Amazon Storefront: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/runningpodcast·  Join our Facebook group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedstriders/ · 

Our Camp: https://www.runcampkenya.com Even if you aren't planning to pack your bags for Iten, this episode is a masterclass in the Kenyan mindset and the science of high-performance running that you can apply to your own training right at home. Join us as host and coach Hugo pulls back the curtain on why this small village produces more champions than anywhere else on Earth, diving into the "We Culture" of community training and the specific mental tools elite athletes use to conquer the world stage. From the technical benefits of altitude to the simple, powerful lifestyle shifts that can make anyone a stronger runner, this conversation is packed with "Kenyen flat" wisdom and inspiration to fuel your next personal best. Whether you’re a 15-minute miler or chasing a Boston qualifier, tune in to learn how to bring a piece of the "Home of Champions" to your local trails.Mindset Shifts: Learn why the Kenyan "community-first" approach to training beats the "lone wolf" mentality every time.Scientific Insights: Hugo explains how elite training methods can be scaled for everyday runners to improve efficiency and recovery.Cultural Immersion: Hear what life is really like in a town where world record holders pass you on your morning jog.Mental Toughness: Discover the "mental tools" Hugo teaches his athletes to help them push through the toughest miles of a marathon.CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE HTTPS://WWW.MARATHONJOURNAL.COM We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns·  Our website: www.marathonmedia.us ·  Our Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast/ ·  Our Amazon Storefront: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/runningpodcastWhy You Should Listen:·  Join our Facebook group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedstriders/ ·  Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@RunningPodcast

For a visual, check out our video on YouTube www.youtube.com/@lettyrunsAlso Check out our newest platform www.marathonjournal.com The world of running footwear is undergoing a radical shift! Tune in as we unveil the biggest 2026 running shoe trendsseen at the International Running Expo and The Running Event. The major takeaway? Global challengers like Anta, HiRacer, 910, 361, Kiprun and Swiftwick are bringing high-performance carbon plate shoes to the US market at unprecedented low prices (think $130 super shoes!). We break down the specs of these game-changing, affordable racers and cover the simultaneous rise of max cushion shoes (like the Rad UFO) focused on durability and recovery. Find out which new brand offers the best value for your next marathon and how this price war benefits your training.Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this content, be sure to give this video a like and subscribe to the channel for more marathon content.🔗 Connect with UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast/?hl=en   My personal Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607   Website: https://www.marathonmedia.us/  

Feeling the post-marathon blues or struggling with off-season funk? You’re not alone. In this video, Coach Todd from Smart Approach Training breaks down why runners often feel off after a big race — physically, mentally, and hormonally — and shares strategies to reset both body and mind. Learn why rest doesn’t mean regression, how to set mini goals, and why winter training can be the key to long-term progress.Whether you’ve just finished a marathon or are navigating the quieter weeks between races, this video gives practical tips to stay motivated, recover effectively, and plan for your next big running goal. From gentle movement to cross-training and reflection on achievements, Coach Todd explains how to turn downtime into an opportunity for growth.📌 Resources & Connect with Coach Todd:Website: smartapproachtraining.comInstagram: @runcoachtoddFacebook Group: I Love to RunThank you for watching! If you enjoyed this content, be sure to give this video a like and subscribe to the channel for more marathon content.🔗 Connect with UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast/?hl=en   My personal Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607   Website: https://www.marathonmedia.us/   

In this powerful episode, mental health advocate and runner Tony Rossi helps us confront the most challenging obstacle in running: our own minds. We dive deep into the psychology of performance, providing runners with practical, real-time tools to silence the inner critic and transform self-doubt into genuine mental strength. You will learn about:Identify Your Inner Critic: Recognize the common negative "scripts" your mind uses during a tough run and distinguish between genuine physical fatigue and mental resistance.Interrupt Negative Thinking (The Intervention): Get actionable, real-time tools for reframing thoughts—including how to build personalized, non-cheesy mantras and use evidence-based self-talk to push through the hardest miles.Build Long-Term Mental Resilience: Understand how practicing discomfort, focusing on process goals, and embracing acceptance can train your mind just like your body to achieve consistent self-belief.If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps,  running news, running shoe reviews, and more! Our guest: https://www.instagram.com/tony.rossi/ 🔗 Connect with UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast/?hl=en  My personal Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607   Website: https://www.marathonmedia.us/   Mental Toughness, Running Psychology, Inner Critic, Self-Doubt, Cognitive Reframing, Runner Mindset, Mental Health, Marathon Training, Race Strategy, Tony Rossi.———————————————————————