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Are super shoes getting too much credit? In this mailbag episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr and Katelyn Tocci answer your running questions. They also debate whether anyone could break 2 hours in the marathon without super shoes. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Jess McClain finished second at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. In the last two miles she came back from no man’s land, ran every tangent through Central Park and passed Hellen Obiri in the final steps before the finish line. Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr sit down with Jess to go through the race. She explains the moment she decided top five wasn’t good enough, why she’d “rather die than get fourth again,” and how she stayed calm when Obiri and Sheila Chepkirui pulled away at 36K. She also tells them about Tracy Morgan crying at the start line. Michael's article:https://marathonhandbook.com/jess-mcclain-hellen-obiri-nyc-marathon-tangents/ Thanks to Brooks for helping set up this interview.

At the New York City Marathon edition of Mile Zero, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr and Katelyn Tocci were joined by some surprise guests. Olympic marathon champion Frank Shorter and NYC Marathon co-founder George Hirsch take us back to 1976, the year of the first five-borough course, and explain how a struggling city agreed to close its streets for a marathon. Next, Emma Grace Hurley talks through her record-setting Chicago Marathon debut: running 22 miles alone with her pacer, the 35/35 workout that got her ready, and why she trusts her coach more than herself. Clayton Young follows with his top-American, 2:05 finish in Chicago. He covers racing on a split hamstring tear, treating the pressure as practice for LA 2028, Vinny Mauri’s mid-race stretching breaks, and his prediction for Conner Mantz in New York. The show wraps up with a live audience Q&A on handling injuries, the pain cave, youth sports and post-race meals. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Michael, Katelyn, and Alex react to the 2026 NYC Marathon, covering the biggest stories and surprises of the day.  Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

We talked to the top men in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon field at Thursday’s media availability. Defending champion Benson Kipruto is here, along with top Americans Conner Mantz and Zouhair Talbi. So is Sweden’s Andreas Almgren, whose marathon debut might be the most hyped in recent memory. Almgren explains his plan to sit with the leaders and kick, and talks about the possibility of a 10,000m and marathon double at LA 2028. Talbi talks about his rivalry with Mantz, explains why he thinks he’s America’s best marathoner, and responds to people who doubt his Boston run. Kipruto, in his 10th year of marathon running, says he isn’t worried about who’s next to him at mile 25. Each athlete also does a lightning round: race shoes, carbs per hour, bicarb and Nomio, mantras, favourite runners, Harry Styles, toenails, trash talk, finishing time predictions, Kalshi odds, and lifetime bans for EPO.

Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth talked to four of the top women in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon field at Thursday’s media availability. Hellen Obiri is the defending champion, Jess McClain was the top American in Boston, Weini Kelati is making her debut, and Julia Paternain of Uruguay took bronze at the World Championships. Jess McClain talks about her race plan, her training (mileage, doubles and workouts), and her reaction to the latest EPO news. Julia Paternain describes how her life has changed since the World Championships, what she learned in London, and what she thinks should be done about doping. Hellen Obiri, the “queen of New York,” gives her three tips for running NYC and explains why she races so well without pacers. Kelati talks about her move to the marathon, the eight-year American podium drought, and what Emma Grace Hurley’s debut means to her. Each athlete also does a lightning round: race shoes, carbs per hour, mantras, favourite runners, Harry Styles, toenails, trash talk, the Olympic qualifying window, finishing time predictions, and Kalshi odds.

It’s New York City Marathon week, and in this bonus episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, host Michael Doyle sits down with Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners (NYRR) and a board member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Rob explains why NYC Marathon demand is so hard to meet. Close to a quarter million people applied for the lottery, and only about 1% got in through the drawing. He covers why NYRR capped the 9+1 program and how the race balances charity entries, international runners and its 100,000+ members. Rob also shares his view on how many World Marathon Majors there should be, with Shanghai on deck, open questions about South America and India, and how the majors plan to protect the Six Star medal. He gives a rare look at how the WMM board operates. Michael also asks Rob directly whether New York could follow London and become a two-day, 100,000-runner event. They talk about how NYRR handles celebrity runners and security, and whether Harry Styles plans to run the TCS New York City Marathon the morning after his final Madison Square Garden show. Rob closes with what’s planned for the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course, the best places to watch on race day, and his favorite moment on the course: the quiet climb over the Queensboro Bridge. Come see us live! NYC MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, Oct 31, Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-nyc-2026-tickets-2002340913574 NYC Shakeout Run, Oct. 31 Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wahoo-x-marathon-handbook-nyc-shakeout-run-tickets-2003193817633?aff=erelpanelorg Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

The Marathon Handbook team is heading to New York for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Before they get there, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer a big batch of listener questions. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Marathon Handbook listeners get 15% off their entire order when shopping CEP Running online through November 15! Shop CEP Running or enter code LRL-NYC-15 at checkout.          https://ceprunning.com/discount/LRL-NYC-15?utm_source=long_run_labs&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=lrl_nyc_marathon_2026&utm_content=podcast_show_notes           Offer ends November 16, 2026, at 3:00AM EST. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Orion is a personlized cooling sleep system. Right now, Orion is offering our listeners 15% off at orionsleep.com/marathon

Mile Zero goes to Toronto! Recorded live in front of an audience during Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr and Katelyn Tocci sit down with two of Canada’s biggest names in running. First up is sports science journalist Alex Hutchinson, author of Endure and The Explorer’s Gene. He sorts the supplements that work from the hype: bicarb, caffeine, beet juice, creatine, Nomio, lactate gels and carbs per hour. He also gives his take on training in super shoes and recovery gadgets, and he previews his upcoming book, This Is Your Brain on Running. That includes the science of the runner’s high and “transient hypofrontality.” Then he gets through a rapid-fire round of Fad or Fact. Next, Canadian former marathon record holder and two-time Olympian Natasha Wodak opens up her training. She covers how she structures a marathon build, her favourite 4x5K workout, why she trains in super shoes but skips most supplements, and the return of double threshold. She also talks about whether a peak marathon age exists, the story behind her record-setting run in Berlin, how she gets through a bad race, and her tips for racing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The episode wraps with an audience Q&A covering topical bicarb, pickle juice for cramps, how to judge running products for yourself, whether training has actually improved, and how to use a sauna or hot tub for heat training. NYC MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 31st Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-nyc-2026-tickets-2002340913574 Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

The Marathon Handbook Podcast heads to Second City in Toronto for a live show during Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend. Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Jessy Carveth all have fall races coming up: Jessy at the Toronto Waterfront Half, Alex at the Valencia Half, Michael at the Philadelphia Marathon and Katelyn at CIM. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com Marathon Handbook listeners get 15% off their entire order when shopping CEP Running online through November 15! Shop CEP Running or enter code LRL-NYC-15 at checkout.          https://ceprunning.com/discount/LRL-NYC-15?utm_source=long_run_labs&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=lrl_nyc_marathon_2026&utm_content=podcast_show_notes           Offer ends November 16, 2026, at 3:00AM EST. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub NYC MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 31st Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-nyc-2026-tickets-2002340913574 Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Traveling for a race? On this week’s episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr and Katelyn Tocci are joined by Jessy Carveth live from Michael’s living room in Toronto. They’re there for Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend, and the crew breaks down everything you need to know about racing away from home. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Marathon Handbook listeners get 15% off their entire order when shopping CEP Running online through November 15! Shop CEP Running or enter code LRL-NYC-15 at checkout.           https://ceprunning.com/discount/LRL-NYC-15?utm_source=long_run_labs&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=lrl_nyc_marathon_2026&utm_content=podcast_show_notes            Offer ends November 16, 2026, at 3:00AM EST. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Orion is a personlized cooling sleep system. Right now, Orion is offering our listeners 15% off at orionsleep.com/marathon TORONTO MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 17th Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-toronto-2026-tickets-2002512056467 NYC MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 31st Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-nyc-2026-tickets-2002340913574 Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Michael, Alex and Katelyn react to the 2026 Chicago Marathon after recording their live watchalong. They cover the biggest surprises and key takeaways from the race. We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. TORONTO MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 17th Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-toronto-2026-tickets-2002512056467 NYC MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 31st Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-nyc-2026-tickets-2002340913574 Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

How do you go from job-hunting after college to a 2:05:54 marathon, run in Toledo, in one year? Vinny Mauri did it, and now he’s one of the most talked-about American runners at the 2026 Chicago Marathon. Alex Cyr caught up with Vinny at the Chicago Marathon athlete availability, two days before his first big-city marathon. Vinny explains the 45-mile day that capped his build: 2 x 50 minutes in the morning and 4 x 20 minutes in the afternoon, both on the treadmill. He also explains how he picks his workouts by asking friends and Instagram followers to “pick a number one to four.”

Chicago Marathon weekend is almost here! Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr and Katelyn Tocci preview the race, then answer your questions. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com Marathon Handbook listeners get 15% off their entire order when shopping CEP Running online through November 15! Shop CEP Running or enter code LRL-NYC-15 at checkout.  https://ceprunning.com/discount/LRL-NYC-15?utm_source=long_run_labs&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=lrl_nyc_marathon_2026&utm_content=podcast_show_notes  Offer ends November 16, 2026, at 3:00AM EST. Limit one use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discounts.  Join Marathon Handbook's RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub Carb Loading Resource:https://marathonhandbook.com/carb-loading/ Join our Chicago Shakeout Run on 10th Oct: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002027257420 Tickets for our live show, MILE ZERO presented by Zappos: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-presented-by-zappos-chicago-2026-tickets-2001880670976 TORONTO MILE ZERO LIVE SHOW, 17th Oct:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marathon-handbook-live-mile-zero-toronto-2026-tickets-2002512056467 Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com Send us a question:https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/ Join our newsletter:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Nike has announced three new race day shoes, and the headliner is the Nike Apex: a zero drop super shoe with 40mm of stack in both the heel and the forefoot, built to challenge the Adidas Adios Pro Evo 3 at the front of the world's fastest marathons. Alex Cyr and Michael Doyle break down the Apex, the Alphafly 4 and the $145 Swooshfly. We sat in on Nike's briefing with the executives and designers behind these shoes and draw on conversations from this summer with Nike athletes and with Brett Schoolmeester, the VP who has helped lead Nike's super shoe program from the start. We cover the Apex's specs and $350 price, whether Nike's athletes will embrace a zero drop racer, how hard it may be to buy a pair, why the Swooshfly is aimed at beginners and at China's booming marathon scene, and whether Nike now has the best running shoe lineup in the sport.