Marathon Handbook Podcast

Jess McClain is one of the most compelling figures in American distance running right now and this conversation is a perfect example of why.Alex Cyr sits down with the Brooks-sponsored pro for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation that covers the full arc of Jess's career: the early promise, the painful burnout that led her to step away from the sport entirely, the unlikely comeback through a casual marathon in Arizona, and the extraordinary run of near-misses and controversies that have defined her return to elite competition.Jess speaks publicly for the first time about being led off course during the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta — a moment that cost her a shot at the US World Championship team, prize money, rankings points, and potentially shoe contract bonuses. She walks us through exactly what happened on the course, how she handled the chaos in the moment, and what she thinks needs to change so athletes are never left in that position again.She also revisits the Paris situation — being flown over as an Olympic alternate for the marathon, sitting on the bench all week, and being told the day before the race that she wouldn't be needed. And she talks with remarkable grace about finishing fourth at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials, just 15 seconds outside the team.With Boston 2026 on the horizon and a World Championship bid still in play, Jess is as motivated as ever — and as level-headed as you'll find at this level of the sport.Topics covered:Stepping away from pro running and losing the love for itThe Mesa Marathon comeback and rediscovering joy in the sport4th place at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon TrialsBeing flown to Paris as an alternate — and not racingSigning with Brooks and taking ownership of her own careerThe self-coaching period and eventually linking up with David RocheTraining structure: mileage, workouts, and effort-based runningThe Atlanta USATF Half Marathon Championships — being led off courseThe full financial and competitive cost of the incidentSkepticism around elite marathon times and racing with integrityBoston 2026 goals and race strategyThe evolution of women's marathon longevityFast Money RoundFollow Jess McClain on Instagram: @jesstonnPhoto credit: Bryan Garcia LunaMarathon Handbook: marathonhandbook.com

Come to our LIVE SHOW in Boston! Join Alex, Katelyn and Michael and some very special guests, + giveaways and prizes!📅 Saturday, April 18, at 6:45 p.m📍 Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury Street 🎟️ It’s free to attend, but make sure to RSVP now, as space is limited: https://forms.gle/sFk28hfMYznrsNxMAIt's the final installment of Spring Mailbag Madness, and it's a big one. Michael Doyle and Katelyn Tocci answer 12 listener questions: from Boston Marathon pacing strategy (including why 72% of Boston runners go out too fast and pay for it later) to Achilles injury decisions, Norwegian Singles training, shoe rotation questions and training for a marathon while playing hurling all summer. Yes, hurling.James Copeland’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Norwegian-Singles-Method-Subthreshold-Running/dp/B0G4D8438ZKatelyn’s article about Norwegian Singles:https://marathonhandbook.com/norwegian-singles-training/Send us an audio question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/THIS EPISODE'S QUESTIONS:Nell (17, Swiss Alps) asks: is there an ideal age to start running marathons?Mark asks about the Norwegian Singles method — plus Michael teases a major upcoming announcement involving the man who actually invented it, Marius Bakken.Cynthia (Seattle) sends a voice note with two questions: how does coaching change for experienced runners over 65? And what advice do you have for running safely as a woman in an unfamiliar city?Jason wants to know if the ASICS MEGABLAST and SUPERBLAST 2 are different enough to justify owning both.Chris (Australia) just ran three marathons in six months and now has a 10K on the calendar. Should his training look different?A second Chris asks how to pace Boston with a 10-minute PR on the line — specifically how to survive (and exploit) that notorious opening downhill.Zach shares his ambitious progression plan toward a Boston qualifier and asks if he's being too aggressive.Pat (Ireland, now in Toronto) is moving back to Ireland for the summer and plans to play hurling while also training for the Valencia Marathon in December. Can he do both?Taylor sends a follow-up from the winter mailbag — she's going for sub-3 at Boston and has two questions: should she run slightly faster than her planned pace, and how does she protect her toenails before her August wedding?Deepak is running Vancouver and wants to know if he should push to a faster pace given his recent half marathon time.Zach (a different Zach) has a marathon in less than two weeks and an ongoing Achilles injury. Should he race?An anonymous listener has Achilles tendonitis, a stress reaction in the fibula, and a half marathon registered for April 5th. Same question.Send us your voice notes via SpeakPipe — link at marathonhandbook.com — and email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com. We read and answer everything, even if it takes us a little while.Subscribe to our free newsletter at marathonhandbook.com/newsletter — 287,000 runners every morning at 5:05 AM Eastern.

Come to our LIVE SHOW in Boston! Join Alex, Katelyn and Michael and some very special guests, + giveaways and prizes!📅 Saturday, April 18, at 6:45 p.m📍 Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury Street 🎟️ It’s free to attend, but make sure to RSVP now, as space is limited: https://forms.gle/sFk28hfMYznrsNxMABoston Article:https://marathonhandbook.com/could-boston-marathons-qualifier-problem-be-solved-by-going-two-days/Michael and Jessy are back with the top five running stories of the week — and there's a lot to unpack. Before they dive in, a quick celebration: Jessie ran her debut half marathon over the weekend, clocking a 1:34 after just six weeks of run training. Not bad for a professional cyclist.Story 1: London Marathon Eyes 100,000-Runner, Two-Day EventThe Guardian has reported that the London Marathon could expand to a two-day, 100,000-runner event as early as 2027. The proposal would see the men's and women's elite races split across Saturday and Sunday, each with 50,000 mass participants. With 1.1 million ballot applicants this year and London's status as the world's largest single-day charity fundraiser, the upside is enormous — but the logistical hurdles are just as big. London Marathon Events has not confirmed or denied the report.Story 2: Emma Bates Claims She Was Dropped by Sponsor for Being PregnantIn an Instagram video, American elite marathoner Emma Bates revealed that her nutrition sponsor UCAN ended their partnership after she told them she was pregnant. UCAN pushed back, saying the decision was made in September 2025 — before they knew about the pregnancy — as part of a broader strategic shift away from elite athlete sponsorships. With no clear evidence either way, it's a he said/she said story that has stirred significant debate in the running community.Story 3: US Half Marathon Championship Controversy Gets More ComplicatedFollowing the Atlanta debacle where lead runners Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Edna Ker were sent off course during the US Half Marathon Championships, World Athletics has approved a one-time expanded entry of seven athletes (up from four) for the World Half Marathon Championships this fall. The catch: there will be an A team (four scoring runners) and a B team (three non-scoring runners wearing different kits). The big unresolved question — who earns the A team spots? Michael and Jessie weigh in.🎙️ Listen out this weekend for Alex Cyr's exclusive one-on-one interview with Jess McClain — her first time speaking publicly about the Atlanta controversy.Story 4: Modesto Marathon Winner Disqualified After Lead Bike ErrorBenjamin Enowitz crossed the finish line first at the Modesto Marathon in California — and was immediately handed a DNF. He'd been led short of the halfway turnaround point by the lead vehicle and didn't complete the full distance. It's not the first time the Modesto race has had a lead vehicle incident, and it's part of a wider pattern the team has noticed: course errors caused by lead vehicles are becoming a weekly story in 2026.Story 5: Chaos at China's Shang Do World Heritage MarathonThree separate incidents at the same race in China generated headlines worldwide. First, a runner with the surname Wang stopped mid-race to do the splits and pose for photographers — earning a two-year race ban. Then, a runner named Zang was photographed carrying a clear drawstring bag stuffed with hundreds of free race gels — also disqualified and banned for two years. Finally, a third runner received a lifetime ban from the Chengdu race after a bib-swapping incident.Breaking News (just before recording): Former New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir has reportedly tested positive for EPO or an EPO-derived substance. Full coverage next week.

In this episode, we’re joined by Des Linden — Boston Marathon champion, Olympian, and one of the most respected voices in distance running.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.comAt this stage of her career, Des is stepping away from elite road racing and embracing something completely different: ultrarunning.She’s preparing for the Marathon des Sables, a multi-day race across the Sahara Desert — and somehow also planning to be at Boston… and London… right after.We cover:Why she’s taking on Marathon des SablesHow her training has changed (heat, weight, and nutrition)Her transition from marathon to ultra distancesThe mindset shift after “retirement” from elite racingBoston Marathon strategy and adviceThe current state of elite runningDoping, trust, and the future of the sportHer podcast with Kara GoucherWhat’s next for her careerThis is a candid, insightful conversation about evolving as an athlete and what comes after you’ve already reached the top.—🎧 Listen to more Marathon Handbook Podcast episodes🏃‍♂️ Training guides, gear reviews & more at Marathon HandbookIf you enjoyed the episode, leave a rating ⭐ and share it with a fellow runner!

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth dive into one of the wildest weeks in running news.We cover a major shake-up ahead of the London Marathon as Sifan Hassan withdraws due to injury — and what it means for the elite field.Then, a controversial NCAA doping case explodes into the spotlight after athletes stage a dramatic podium walk-off in protest.Plus:• A bizarre Strava upload that exposed the location of a French aircraft carrier• Clayton Young’s surprise move from ASICS to Brooks just weeks before Boston• A marathon in China where the winner was literally stopped meters before the finish• We also preview Boston, talk London contenders, and share details about upcoming live shows.

Got running questions? We’ve got answers.In this second March Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci tackle listener questions on super shoes, marathon fueling mistakes, hydration myths, and how to break through mental barriers like chasing a sub-3 marathon.We cover:• The BEST super shoes for your next marathon (and how to choose)• Why you might be bonking at 30K (hint: it’s not always hydration)• Carbon-plated shoes for heavier runners• How to bounce back after a failed race• Smart pacing strategies for a sub-3 marathon attemptAnd a fun debate: what should we rename the half marathon?Plus: Alan Turing’s marathon time vs modern runners, fueling strategies, and race-day mindset tips.Chapters:00:00 Intro – Mailbag Madness Returns00:30 Listener Questions Overview (Shoes, Hydration, Fun Topics)05:30 Best Super Shoes for Your First Marathon10:00 Carbon-Plated Shoes for Heavier Runners18:30 Break – Sponsors & Gear Talk21:00 Marathon Bonking: Hydration vs Fueling Explained27:30 Hydration Strategies (Vest vs Aid Stations)29:00 Carbs, Fueling & Avoiding the Wall37:30 Renaming the Half Marathon (Fun Debate)44:30 Alan Turing’s Marathon Time (How Fast Today?)50:00 Sub-3 Marathon Strategy & Mental Game55:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt After a Bad Race01:01:00 Pacing Strategy for Sub-3 Attempts01:02:00 Outro + How to Submit QuestionsSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comLagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. 📩 Email us your questions here:podcast@marathonhandbook.comSend us an audio question here:marathonhandbook.com/podcast👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your questions in the comments!#running #marathon #supershoes #marathontraining #runningtips #sub3marathon

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down one of the most chaotic weeks in running news this year.A little-known Ethiopian runner stunned the world at the Barcelona Marathon, running 2:10:53 in her marathon debut — the fastest debut ever and the second-fastest women’s marathon in history. But with the current world record clouded by doping controversy, what does this performance really mean?We also discuss Eliud Kipchoge’s 2026 race calendar, which includes marathons on three continents: Cape Town, Brazil, and Melbourne.Plus:NYC Half Marathon resultsHelen Obiri’s dominant performanceGrant Fisher’s pro road debutRandi Zuckerberg’s impressive 82-mile FKTNike’s new ultra runner residency programIf you enjoy running news, marathon analysis, and the biggest stories in endurance sports, tune in every week for The Running Story.

In this Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer listener questions about training, racing, injuries, and running gear.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.comTopics include building a long-term plan to qualify for the Boston Marathon, whether runners should race a half marathon before their goal marathon, and how hard workouts should feel during a training block.We also discuss returning to running after Achilles and plantar fasciitis injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and whether runners actually need a shoe rotation to improve performance and reduce injury risk.Questions answered in this episode:How should I structure a multi-year Boston qualifying plan?Is racing a half marathon 8 weeks before a marathon a good idea?How fatigued should you feel during training?How do you safely rebuild mileage after injury?Do runners really need multiple pairs of running shoes?Plus: running stories, weird animal encounters on the run, and Alex’s now-infamous runner feet.Have a question for the show?Email podcast@marathonhandbook.com

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down the five biggest stories shaping the running world.First up: Jacob Kiplimo runs 57:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon, potentially reclaiming the half marathon world record pending ratification after last year’s controversy over pacing vehicles. Next, Eliud Kipchoge announces he’ll run the Cape Town Marathon, marking the first time the marathon legend will race on African soil in a marathon — and possibly positioning him to become the first eight-star finisher if Cape Town becomes a World Marathon Major. We also dive into two major LA Marathon controversies:A stunning 0.01-second finish after the race leader was misdirected off course near the finishA heated debate after runners who took a heat-relief shortcut at mile 18 were still awarded finisher medals. Finally, the NYC Marathon lottery results are out — and the odds are tougher than ever, with around 1% of applicants accepted.

Connor Mantz is the American marathon record holder, but his journey to the top hasn’t been straightforward.After a breakout 2025 season that included a record-breaking 2:04:43 at the Chicago Marathon, Mantz looked poised for even bigger things. But a sacrum stress fracture forced him off running for nearly three months.In this episode, Alex Cyr sits down with Mantz to talk about his recovery, his build toward the 2026 Boston Marathon, and what it takes to compete with the best marathoners in the world.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comLagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. They discuss:Setting the American marathon record in ChicagoThe injuries that derailed his trainingHow elite runners approach recovery and cross-trainingWhether Americans are closing the gap on East African runnersSuper shoes and how they’ve changed racingDoping concerns in professional runningWhy Utah produces so many elite distance runnersHis long-term goal of winning an Olympic medal in 2028Plus a rapid-fire round covering shoe rotations, breaking two hours in the marathon, and who he trusts most to babysit his future child.00:00 Intro00:47 Meet American Marathon Record Holder Conner Mantz02:30 Injury After Chicago & The Road Back04:30 Running Through Injuries06:30 The Sacrum Stress Fracture Explained11:00 Cross Training While Injured14:30 Returning to Running After 12 Weeks Off17:40 Boston Marathon Build & Training Strategy22:00 Benchmark Workouts Before a Marathon24:00 Can Conner Mantz Win Boston?25:30 Choosing Marathons: Legacy vs Prize Money28:30 Olympic Gold vs Winning a Major31:00 The Sour Patch Kids Doping Scare36:00 Doping in Elite Running44:30 The Enhanced Games Debate49:00 Are Americans Catching East African Runners?54:00 The Super Shoe Effect57:00 Why Some Runners Improve So Fast58:30 What Makes Conner Mantz a Great Marathoner1:00:30 Why Utah Produces So Many Elite Runners1:04:00 Goals for 2026 & Olympic Dreams1:06:00 Rapid Fire Questions1:15:00 Where to Follow Conner Mantz

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack one of the most dramatic weeks in running so far this year.We start in Tokyo, where the first World Marathon Major of 2026 delivered a blistering three-man sprint finish and a stunning women’s course record performance.Then we dive into the chaos at the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, where a lead vehicle reportedly took a wrong turn — costing Jess McClain a national title and a potential automatic World Championships spot.Plus:Ironman bans on-course photography, phones, GoPros, and wearable camera glasses — is this about safety or squeezing athletes into buying official photos?Olympic superstar Eileen Gu’s surprisingly strong running résuméHonoring the legacy of Jeff Galloway, 1972 Olympian and pioneer of the run-walk methodIt’s a packed episode covering controversy, brilliance, and legacy in the running world.Follow the show for weekly deep dives into the biggest stories in running.Read Amby Burfoot's interview with Jess McClain.00:00 Intro2:00 Tokyo Marathon 2026 Recap5:06 Jeff Galloway Remembered (1945–2026)8:15 Eileen Gu: The Elite Runner That Never Was11:25 US Half Marathon Championships Controversy17:54 Ironman Bans On-Course Photography

Recorded moments after the elite races finished, we break down everything from the 2026 Tokyo Marathon. Brigid Kosgei stormed back into world-class form with a stunning 2:14:29 course record (14:25), while Tadesse Takele defended his title in a 2:03:37 thriller that came down to the final meters (23:51). We unpack the women’s race coverage issues and what we missed early (06:16), the bold front-running move that shaped the men’s race (17:58), the Japanese national record battle (26:40), standout performances and surprises (31:03), and what the shoe wars looked like on both podiums (40:00). Plus: our honest take on the broadcast, the app frustrations, and whether Tokyo just moved up — or stayed put — on our personal majors bucket lists (46:24).#tokyomarathon #WMM #WorldMarathonMajors #marathon #running

In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down everything you need to know about the first World Marathon Major of 2026: the Tokyo Marathon.We deliver a complete race preview — from course strategy and congestion to race-day weather, elite storylines, and bold predictions. If you’re racing Tokyo, chasing a marathon PR, or just love major marathon season, this is your full guide.We cover race basics and how to watch live (04:37), including start times and logistics, plus just how hard it is to get into Tokyo’s infamous 2% lottery (09:00). Then we dive into a full course breakdown (12:30), race etiquette and on-course rules (17:30), and Tokyo’s unique aid stations and fueling setup (29:10). We analyze the race-day weather forecast and conditions (32:20), and explore Tokyo Marathon history and course records (35:57).On the elite side, we break down the women’s field (41:52), including whether Sutume Kebede can three-peat (43:00), and what Sara Hall racing both Tokyo and Boston means (45:00). We debate why Tokyo still hasn’t produced a world record (48:50) before turning to the men’s field (51:52), the Japanese national record showdown (53:30), and dark horse breakout potential (56:00).Finally, we make our official predictions for the winners (1:02:55) and close with our World Marathon Majors Power Rankings — PB edition (1:09:56), before final thoughts and how to follow the race live (1:18:30).Topics include:• Elite field predictions (men’s & women’s)• Course record potential• The Japanese national record battle• Why Tokyo hasn’t produced a world record• Course strategy & race-day tips• Weather forecast analysis• Is Tokyo secretly the fastest major?• Could Cam Levins break the North American record?If you’re running Tokyo, planning your next major, or gearing up for marathon season — this is your complete race preview.Subscribe, rate, and follow the Marathon Handbook Podcast for weekly running news and marathon analysis.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com#tokyomarathon #WMM #WorldMarathonMajors #HarryStyles #marathon #running

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down five of the biggest headlines in distance running.The NYC Half Marathon elite fields are officially set, and the matchups are electric. Grant Fisher makes his highly anticipated half marathon debut, while Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri renew one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.On the track, Keely Hodgkinson takes down a long-standing 800m indoor world record in dominant fashion.In ultrarunning, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19:34 to break the women’s 100-mile world record — but her past suspension raises questions that the sport can’t ignore.Plus, a Florida man is federally indicted under the Rodchenko Anti-Doping Act in connection with an Olympic sprinter — a case that could have serious implications for elite sport.And finally, the Boston Marathon unveils its 2026 finisher medal. Is it a classic… or a step backward? We debate.Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the biggest stories in the running world.0:00 Intro1:15 NYC Half Marathon Preview5:36 Florida Doping Indictment8:05 100-Mile World Record10:51 800m Indoor World Record13:15 Boston Marathon 2026 Medal Debate📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter📬 Subscribe to the Marathon Handbook newsletter for daily training insights

What’s next in running shoes — and are we entering a new era?In this episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down the biggest Spring 2026 shoe releases and the state of the super shoe arms race.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comLagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. We cover:• ASICS Superblast 3 and the “do-it-all” trainer debate• Salomon’s aerodynamic Phantasm 3 — does aero matter for runners?• On’s LightSpray expansion and what it means for performance footwear• The latest super shoe developments from Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Puma• Why elite marathoners may be racing in shoes you can’t buy• The rapid evolution of daily trainers• Buy, Hold, or Sell: Our quick takes on the newest releasesWe also discuss whether brands are innovating too fast, if super shoes are becoming inaccessible, and what everyday runners should actually buy in 2026.If you're training for a spring marathon, planning a fall race, or just trying to keep up with the latest shoe tech, this episode is your complete 2026 preview.Follow Marathon Handbook for weekly running news, race coverage, gear reviews, and training insights.Chapters:00:00 Intro – Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview01:30 ASICS Superblast 3 Deep Dive07:30 Superblast 3 vs Mega Blast – What’s the Difference?11:40 Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (Aerodynamic Super Shoe?)20:30 On LightSpray Update & Cloudmonster 3 Hyper26:00 2026 Running Shoe Trends27:00 Creative Daily Trainers (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, ASICS)33:30 Is the Classic Daily Trainer Dead?38:40 Are Super Shoes Advancing Too Fast?50:30 Super Shoe Watch – Nike Update53:30 On Racing Shoe Updates55:00 Adidas Pro Evo & Mystery 97g Shoe57:00 ASICS MetaSpeed Developments58:30 Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 401:00:00 Saucony, Brooks, New Balance & HOKA Super Shoes01:07:00 Buy, Hold, or Sell – Rapid Fire Shoe Takes01:27:00 Wrap-Up & Where Shoes Are Headed in 2026

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down the biggest stories in the running world.Cole Hocker runs 3:45.94 to set a new American indoor mile record — the second-fastest indoor mile ever. What does it mean for the global mile scene?Faith Kipyegon surprises everyone by racing her first-ever road 10K in Monaco. After dominating the 1,500m for years, is this the beginning of a move toward the marathon?Check out our Barkley Marathon episode!https://youtu.be/F0XU2NqKCxASuper Shoe Rankings:https://youtu.be/Jbb1KIH-3qIWe also discuss:Sam Ruth’s latest performance on US soilOn’s new super shoe prototype approved by World AthleticsThe Super Bowl halftime performer who logged his show on StravaTruett Hanes running 2:36 at the Austin Marathon — in full-length jeansWhether the “Jeans Guy” can realistically qualify for the US Olympic Marathon TrialsNew episodes of The Running Story drop weekly, covering the biggest stories in track, road racing, and marathoning.00:00 – Intro: This Week in Running News00:30 – Barkley Special Episode Mention01:10 – Story 1: Cole Hocker Breaks Indoor Mile Record02:30 – Sam Ruth’s Big Test Against Elite Milers04:50 – What’s Next for Sam Ruth in 202605:45 – Story 2: Super Bowl Halftime Show Logged on Strava06:30 – Viral Sugar Cane Costume Workout Explained07:30 – How Strava Got Him a NYC Marathon Bib08:45 – Story 3: On’s New Super Shoe Prototype Leak09:30 – World Athletics Approval & Prototype Rules10:15 – Helen Obiri’s London Marathon Opportunity11:00 – New Midsole Tech and Cloudboom Updates13:15 – Can On Compete With Nike & Adidas?14:30 – Story 4: Faith Kipyegon’s Surprise Road 10K Debut15:30 – Negative Split Win in Monaco16:30 – Could Faith Kipyegon Run a Marathon One Day?19:30 – Story 5: Truett Hanes “Jeans Guy” Austin Marathon20:40 – Running 2:36 in Denim: How Serious Is He?21:45 – Olympic Trials Standard: Still a Long Way to Go22:45 – Tearaway Jeans vs Racing Shorts Debate24:50 – Wrap-Up & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes

The 2026 Barkley Marathons delivered one of the most brutal editions in race history — and for the second year in a row, no one finished.In this episode of The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack everything that happened at this year’s Barkley Marathons in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.They discuss:Why the February start made this year historicHow cold rain, fog, and creek crossings shaped the raceThe shockingly low Loop 1 completion rateThe lone “fun run” finisherThe top women’s performancesThe mysterious reporting style of the BarkleyWhether Lazarus Lake made the race too hardWhat 2027 might look likeIs the Barkley Marathons supposed to be nearly impossible — or has the balance tipped too far?If you love ultrarunning, trail running, and deep race analysis, this episode is for you.Read our feature on Keith Dunn:⁠⁠https://marathonhandbook.com/meet-keith-dunn-the-mad-tweeter-of-the-barkley-marathons/⁠⁠New episodes of The Running Story drop weekly.

If you could run any race in the world next year… what would you choose?SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.comIn this episode, we host our second annual Marathon Handbook Fantasy Race Draft, building the ultimate 2026 race calendar.Each of us must draft:A Spring & Fall 5KA Spring & Fall 10KA Spring & Fall Half MarathonA Spring & Fall MarathonOne true ultra (50K+ trail)One wildcard raceAnd we can only pick one race per country.From the London Marathon and NYC Marathon to UTMB, Valencia, Athens, Patagonia, Japan’s iconic relay culture, and some unexpected 5Ks — we debate speed vs experience, strategy vs bucket list, and which races are truly worth traveling for.Who built the best year of racing?Let us know what YOUR dream race calendar would look like.

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack one of the strangest controversies in recent running history.A men’s half marathon world record — the fastest ever run — has officially been disqualified nearly a year later. We break down why World Athletics made the call, how much advantage pacing vehicles really provide, and what it means for the sport moving forward.Plus:Eliud Kipchoge shows up at the Winter Olympics in a surprising Nike activationBrooks posts massive global growth and quietly becomes running’s most dominant brandFemke Bol debuts at 800m and immediately makes historyAndre De Grasse swaps the track for the NBA All-Star Celebrity GameFrom elite performance to brand strategy and Olympic storylines, this episode covers everything runners need to know this week.🎙️ New episodes every week from Marathon Handbook📌 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the biggest stories in running, track & field, and endurance sports.📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter

Running is often called a “cheap” sport — but anyone training seriously knows that’s not the full story.In this episode, the Marathon Handbook team takes on a challenge inspired by listener feedback: build a full year of training, racing, shoes, gear, and nutrition for under $2,000.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comWe cover:Realistic race schedules and entry feesHow many shoes you actually needWhere to save (and where not to)Budget alternatives to expensive nutritionSmart strategies for buying last-year’s gearEach host creates a completely different runner avatar — from beginner to experienced marathoner — and defends every dollar spent.If you’ve ever wondered how to make running more affordable without cutting corners that matter, this episode is for you.Chapters/Topics:3:07 The Rules8:22 Goal Races26:04 Shoes46:26 Apparel1:18:13 Tech1:28:40 Nutrition1:40:57 Grand Totals1:42:42 Biggest Splurges1:46:34 Largest Compromise?1:47:27 What Would You Cut?1:48:39 What Would You Upgrade?1:50:23 Budget Advice for New Runners