Marathon Training Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

[powerpress] We have another international running adventure planed this year and you are invited. We are going to Ireland to run the Dublin Marathon on October 26th 2025. Do you want to go? We have 6 spots left. Please email us or sign up with this link. Enter code MTA at checkout. Dates: Friday October 24th to Tuesday October 28th 2025 (3 night or 4 night options) The Dublin Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in Europe and requires a lottery or charity entry. The lottery has ended but worry not, we have guaranteed race entries through our sponsor Sports Tours International. The course is relatively flat course with a 7 hour cut-off. It passes through many of Dublin's famous 18th century Georgian streets and the beautiful Phoenix Park, Europe's largest urban park. The race crosses the city, north and south of the river Liffey. [box] What is included: Guaranteed race bibs for up to 2 runners 3-4 nights accommodation at the 4 star Hyatt Centric The Liberties Hotel Daily complementary breakfast Welcome reception Friday evening Shakeout run Saturday morning and escorted trip to the expo. MTA meet-up later that day Post-race party for all guests [/box] The Jamison Extension The next day, for those who want to stay an extra night, we are visiting the Jamison Distillery where the famous Jameson whiskey is made for a cask draw and tasting. We will have a guided tour of their warehouse and hear all about our ‘Grain to Glass’ process. Then we plan to visit a famous pub or two like the Temple Bar Pub.   Spots are limited, so please email us if you are interested or sign up on the Sports Tours website with this link: https://sportstoursinternational.com/event/irish-life-dublin-marathon/ Enter code MTA at checkout to get notified about special events and meetups with Trevor and Angie in Dublin! Cheers!

In this episode we interview Henry Abbott -sports journalist and author of the book 'Ballistic, The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance'. Plus, Angie and I run down our 7,000 mile road trip across the USA.

In this episode we visit with Olympic runner and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden. Hear about how she has used the words of doubters to her advantage; her shift to ultra and trail running; her thoughts on super shoes and more! [powerpress] About Des Linden After being a two time all American at Arizona State University Des decided to give professional running a try. She went on to represent the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics women's marathon. In 2018, she became the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon. She holds the women's 50K world record of 2:59:54 set in 2021. The 2025 Boston Marathon was her final professional road race. Des and her husband make their home in norther Michigan and operate a coffee company together. Des is sponsored by Coros, big thanks to Coros for arranging this interview! Don’t forget that you can use code MTA and get an additional free watch band with your purchase of a Coros watch.  [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. COROS Watches will help you train according to heart rate. Use code MTA and get an additional free watch band with your purchase! Just pick the band you want, add it to your cart, and use code MTA. Riverbend Ranch -quality beef raised on American Ranches without hormones or antibiotics. Taste the difference for yourself. Use code MTA at checkout to receive $25 off your first order. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America's Friendliest Marathon! The Drury Hotel Company -we stayed at the downtown Cleveland Location and loved it! Use our link for 10% off! AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Des Linden Instagram: @des_linden [/box]

[powerpress] In this episode Coach Angie and Coach Erin answer questions about heart rate training, running in the heat, warm up drills, hydration, electrolyte sources, strength training, anxiety before long runs, finding time to train, and more! Thank you to everyone who sent in a question! Coach Angie Spencer has run 70 marathons and ultras, including a marathon in every US state.  She is a RRCA and USATF Certified Running Coach and Registered Nurse. Angie loves books and dark chocolate. Coach Erin Palos is a Certified Running Coach and professional photographer. When she began her running journey it was all she could do to run a mile but she now she is a Boston qualifier, 12X marathoner, ultra runner and Half Ironman finisher. Erin lives in LA and loves to run with her huskies! [box] Linis Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. COROS Watches will help you train according to heart rate. Use code MTA and get an additional free watch band with your purchase! Just pick the band you want, add it to your cart, and use code MTA. Run the London Marathon in 2026! Preregister now for a travel package with Sports Tours International. Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.  Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. [/box]

In this episode we speak with Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, about the storied history of the marathon and the land that birthed the legend -Greece. And in the quick tip segment, Coach Angie answers a listener question about how to improve your marathon time as a masters runner. [powerpress] Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. Among his many accomplishments, he has run 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. He’s run across Death Valley in the middle of summer, and he’s run a marathon to the South Pole. On ten separate occasions he’s run a 200-mile relay race solo, racing alongside teams of twelve. His list of competitive achievements include winning the World’s Toughest Footrace, the Badwater Ultramarathon, and winning the 4 Deserts Challenge, racing in the hottest, driest, windiest and coldest places on earth. A New York Times bestselling author, Dean is a frequent speaker and panelist at many running and sporting events worldwide. [box] Mentioned in This Episode Golden Marathon Tours Athens VIP Package -Dean's tour company Jet Insoles -uses dynamically flexible carbon fiber that fully activates at ANY pace - generating the same propulsive force that you'd get out of $300 super shoes for a small fraction of the cost. Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.  Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. [/box]

In this episode we talk heart rate training with Dr. Phil Maffetone who is the creator of the MAF Method (180 minus your age) and an internationally recognized researcher in endurance science. Dr. Phil Maffetone has worked with endurance athletes for more than thirty-five years. He is the author of eighteen books on health and fitness. He is perhaps best known for the Maffetone Method of heart rate training. Some of his clients have included running guru Dr. George Sheehan, famed New Zealand coach Arthur Lydiard, marathon great Grete Waitz, and six-time Hawaii Ironman world champion Mark Allen. Outside the sports arena, Dr. Maffetone has coached a variety of people in the entertainment field, including musicians James Taylor and Johnny Cash, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and producer Rick Rubin. [powerpress] [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. COROS Watches will help you train according to heart rate. Use code MTA and get an additional free watch band with your purchase! Just pick the band you want, add it to your cart, and use code MTA. Joint Health Plus by Previnex -prevention is the best medicine and you need to protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order! The Richmond Marathon on November 15, 2024 -America's Friendliest Marathon! IQMIX -a zero-sugar drink mix from IQBAR that hydrates, boosts your mood and promotes mental clarity. Text MTA to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Dr. Maffetone's two websites: https://philmaffetone.com https://maffetonemusic.com/home [/box] Updated MAF 180 Formula: Subtract your age from 180. Modify this number by choosing one category below that best applies to you: If you have or are recovering from a major illness (including any operation or hospital stay), are in rehabilitation, have been prescribed any regular medication, or are chronically overtrained, subtract an additional 10. If you are injured, have regressed or not improved in training (such as poor MAF tests) or competition, get more than two colds, flu or other infections per year, have seasonal allergies or asthma, are overfat, are acutely overtraining, or if you have been inconsistent, just beginning or returning to exercise, subtract an additional 5. If you have been training consistently (at least four times weekly) for up to 2 years without any of the problems mentioned in (a) or (b), no modification is necessary (use 180 minus age as your MAF HR). If you have been training for more than 2 years without any of the problems listed above, have made progress in your MAF tests, and have improved competitively, add 5. The resulting HR is the high end of the HR range with the low being 10 beats below. Train at this heart rate to build a strong aerobic base and improve the body's ability to burn fat for fuel. What people are saying, "Excellent podcast episode! One of his interviews on MTA years ago got me started to run regularly, take care of my nutrition and many more things. I‘m forever thankful for his insights and wisdom!" -Steffen

In this episode we speak with Alex Hutchinson, author of the book 'The Explorer’s Gene -Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map'. Alex Hutchinson is the author of the New York Times bestseller 'Endure' and is a science journalist and Outside magazine’s longtime Sweat Science columnist. He has a PhD in Physics from Cambridge University and a MS in Journalism from Columbia. He was a long-distance runner for the Canadian national team and lives in Toronto. His new book, The Explorer’s Gene, refutes the myth that the age of exploration is dead. The itch to discover new things persists in all of us, expressed not just on the slopes of Everest but in the ways we work, play, live, and run. [powerpress] [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. MetPro Nutrition Coaching -speak with a Metabolic Expert about your goals and get actionable steps toward fueling for performance, losing weight, adding muscle, or changing your body composition. Get $500 off their concierge coaching. IQMIX -is a zero-sugar drink mix from IQBAR that hydrates, boosts your mood and promotes mental clarity. Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in beautiful Pocahontas County, West Virginia. With this being one of the few WV marathons, it’s great for those 50-staters out there.  The Explorer's Gene -book by Alex Hutchinson Alex Hutchinson's website [/box]

In this episode we bring you a conversation with Robin Walters -who just completed the Boston Marathon. This is a story about overcoming an acute injury, training through winter conditions, and what it's like to accomplish a goal many years in the making! [powerpress] [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. Run the London Marathon in 2026! Preregister now for a travel package with Sports Tours International. UCAN -we have been fueling with UCAN since 2013. As a listener to the podcast you can try UCAN Edge gels for FREE! all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code MTA. AG1 Next Gen -get a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit, AND 5 of the upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. [/box]

In this episode we play an interview we did on the 'I’ll Have Another Podcast' with Lyndsey Hein. Lyndsey invited us to participate in her Behind the Mic series -where she interviews fellow podcasters in the running space. Hear us discuss podcasting, parenting, travel, books, our favorite marathons, and more! [powerpress] Lindsey Hein lives in North Carolina with her husband of 15 years, Glenn and their four boys. She’s the founder of the podcast network SandyBoy Productions and host of I’ll Have Another and Why is Everyone Yelling? with Lindsey Hein. Lindsey has run 17 marathons and one half ironman. She loves podcasting, hosting live interviews and coaching runners! [box] Mentioned in This Episode Work with a Running Coach in 2025 or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. MetPro Nutrition Coaching -speak with a Metabolic Expert about your goals and get actionable steps toward fueling for performance, losing weight, adding muscle, or changing your body composition. Get $500 off their concierge coaching. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. [/box]

In this episode we speak with Brad Culp -author of the book The Norwegian Method. Plus, Coach Angie discusses the value of Zone 2 Training. Brad Culp is a sports journalist who has contributed to many triathlon publications. Culp has finished more than 100 races (including 15 marathons). He currently resides in Illinois with his wife and two children. His new book is titled The Norwegian Method-The Culture, Science & Humans Behind the Groundbreaking Approach to Elite Endurance Performance. [powerpress] [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.  Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Work with a Running Coach in 2025 or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. [/box]

In this episode we celebrate the 15 Year Anniversary of the Podcast! Listeners call in to tell us what running marathons and half marathons has taught them about life. Runners from all over the world shared their inspiring stories, mantras, and advice. Thanks to everyone who sent in a voicemail, and THANK YOU ALL for supporting the podcast for the last 15 years! [powerpress] [box] Sponsor Links Drury Hotels -our longest running sponsor! They have over 150 locations in 25 states; free food and drinks (the 530 kickback), clean rooms, great locations, indoor/outdoor pools, popcorn, reasonable rates. Get 10% off your stay with our link! UCAN -we have been fueling with UCAN since 2013. As a listener to the podcast you can try UCAN Edge gels for FREE! all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code MTA. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. [/box]

[powerpress] In this podcast episode we talk about why you should run the World Marathon Majors; and how to get into the Berlin, Chicago, and NYC Marathons. Plus we share a special announcement about a trip we are hosting to Dublin, Ireland! The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most prestigious marathon series in the world, hosting over 250,000 runners per year, and millions applying for a bib. There are basically 4 ways to get into each marathon as a non-elite runner. Enter the lottery Run for charity Qualify with a fast time Travel with a tour company   But as you will hear, there are many exceptions, nuances, and backdoor ways to get into the Majors. [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Sports Tours International USA -Join us at the Dublin Marathon! Get a race bib and 3 nights at a 4-start hotel. Use code MTA when you book your spot. Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. [/box]

[powerpress] Here's your guide to getting a race bib for the Tokyo, Boston, London, and Sydney Marathons! Our next episode will focus on Berlin, Chicago, and New York. The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most prestigious marathon series in the world, hosting over 250,000 runners per year, and millions applying for a bib. Many runners in our audience are working toward their Six Star Medal (Angie only needs 1 more star). There are basically 4 ways to get into each marathon as a non-elite runner. Enter the lottery Run for charity Qualify with a fast time Travel with a tour company   But as you will hear, there are many exceptions, nuances, and backdoor ways to get into the Majors. We hope you enjoy this episode! [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode MetPro + MTA Coaching Deal. Special offer we've never done before limited to the first 30 people, signup for MetPro Nutrition coaching will also get MTA Run coaching included at no additional cost. $200 a month savings. Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.  Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. Sports Tours International USA -our top recommended marathon tour company for runners in the USA, UK, France, and Ireland. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. [/box]

[powerpress] In this episode we speak with Matt Fitzgerald author of the book 'How to Run the Perfect Race -Better Racing Through Better Pacing'. Matt will explain why many runners struggle with pacing in the marathon. We also take a look at the concept of "Work Rate"; and the central governor theory of fatigue versus Brehm's motivational intensity theory. [box] Links Mentioned in This Episode Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. UCAN -try UCAN Edge gels for FREE all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code "MTA". Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Book: How to Run the Perfect Race -Better Racing Through Better Pacing [/box] Matt Fitzgerald is a coach, nutritionist, and author of books on endurance sports including Pain & Performance, 80/20 Running, How Bad do you Want it and his most recent book “How to Run the Perfect Race- Better Racing Through Better Pacing.” He is cofounder of 80/20 Endurance and a lifelong endurance athlete.