Advertise on podcast: Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with veteran endurance specialist Coach Todd to tackle the "cram session" of marathon preparation. We ask the hard questions: When is it officially too late to start training? How do you pivot when a Wisconsin winter or a lingering injury sidelines your progress? We tease the specific "red flags" that mean you should pull the plug and the "predictor workouts" that prove whether your sub-4:00 goal is a reality or a risk. Why You Should Listen: Learn how to pivot your strategy when you're undertrained and how to avoid the mismanagement of common running injuries. Our guest this episode: Coach Todd (Smart Approach Training) Facebook: Smart Approach Training Instagram: @RunCoachTodd 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

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 Updates Stop 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.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Follow 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.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Why 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 performance Ourguest 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/@MarathonJournal 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

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.uk⁠ Connect with Us: Our website: ⁠https://www.marathonjournal.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast⁠ Followus 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.uk Connect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast Follow 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.uk Connect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Instagram: 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.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Follow 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/30798607 Why 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 Saucony Our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-ciccone/ Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast Why You Should ListenConnect with Us:Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607