Advertise on podcast: Running--State of the Sport

Born in Canada and educated mostly in the United States, Brett Larner has lived and run in Japan for the last 30 years. There, he began JapanRunningNews.blogspot.com to help the English speaking world understand more about the whys and hows of Japanese running. There's a lot to learn. After the East African countries, Japan has long led the rest of the globe in marathon success.  For a time, Japanese running was mainly confined to a number of smallish, but super-elite annual marathons. However, the rapid growth of the Tokyo Marathon, now a World Marathon Major, has introduced mass participation running to a culture already attuned to elite competitions.  Larner explains a number of historical reasons for Japanese success, especially among male runners. These include the unique ekiden relay races so popular in Japan, especially one--the Hakone Ekiden, at the beginning of each New Year--that rivets the entire country much as the Super Bowl does in the U.S. Also, Japan has a system of corporate running teams where the athletes are actual company employees and not just sponsored superstars. This system may encourage more everyday runners, and even non runners, to become supporters of the country's best distance elites. You can learn more about Brett Larner at the above website, or from his JRNHeadlines account on X.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

After two wins and a second-place finish at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, Dakotah Popehn, then Lindwurm, burst onto the national scene with her third-place finish in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she finished first among USA runners with a strong 12th place. Since Paris, Popehn has gotten married and improved her marathon PR to 2:24:20. She was hoping for much more, which she discusses in this podcast. In fact, she hopes to eventually break the American Record in the marathon. Unlike many other elites, Popehn was not a high school and college star. Her first love as a youth athlete was hockey; she played the goalie position. She improved dramatically in her mid-20s through years of consistent, dedicated training with Minnesota Distance Elite. She gives much credit to head coach Chris Lundstrom and her teammates like Annie Frisbie. You can learn more about Dakotah Popehn by following her on Instagram. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Who won? In global marathons 2025, several of the biggest races ended in near photo finishes. Here Benson Kipruto edges out Alexander Mutiso in the NYC Marathon. Kipruto became the first male marathoner to have won Boston, Chicago, and New York in his career. (Ingrid Kristiansen has achieved the Triple for females.) Other male marathon highlights: Sebastian Sawe won his second and third big marathons (London; Berlin) in three marathon starts, all with times in the low 2:02s. His 2:02:16 in Berlin, after extensive pre-race drug testing, was the fastest time of the year. And American Conner Mantz took a big chunk off the American Record for the marathon when he ran 2:04:43 at Chicago.  On the women's side, Peres Jepchirchir won a thrilling World Championships Marathon in Tokyo, but then couldn't hold off Joyciline Jepkosgei in Valencia in December. Jepkosgei won there in 2:14:00, the fastest time of the year. The World Championships produced a surprising result in the men's 5000 and 10,000 when seven of the top ten finishers (including both winners) were NOT from East Africa. Cole Hocker picked up his second gold medal in two years, winning the 5000 in Tokyo after taking the 1500 in the Paris Olympics.In the women's springs, Melissa Jefferson Wooden was the standout of the year, winning almost everything she entered by a wide margin. For some reason we can't fathom, World Athletics didn't name her the top female speedster of the year, giving the nod to Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, who was sensational as always. But ...??? And those high schoolers, OMG! A 16 year old high school sophomore from Texas, Cooper Lutkenhaus, finished second in the USATF National Champs 800 with a time of 1:42.27. That approaches the unimaginable.  Jane Hedengren posted record performance after record performance in 2025, first as a high school runner in Utah, then as a first year student at BYU. Lutkenhaus and Hedengren are already being termed "generational talents" and they might hit that lofty peak in another year or two. Possibly the biggest story of the year, and a depressing one, was the implosion of Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track league. It didn't draw big fan crowds, and turned out not to have sufficient funds to pay all creditors. Now in bankruptcy court but claiming it hopes to continue, GST will continue as a big story in 2026. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube" Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Early in his career, Jeff Galloway won the first marathon he entered in 1963, won the first Peachtree Classic 10K on July 4, 1970, made the 1972 U.S. Olympic team at 10,000 meters, and ran the Houston Marathon in 2:16+. Later in his life, Galloway made much bigger contributions. For the last 40 years he has focused his attention on teaching beginning and intermediate (and injured) runners how they can use his Run-Walk-Run method to get fit, avoid injuries, and maybe run faster than they had imagined possible. Few if any other elite runners have made such a complete transition from the front of the pack to the middle and back. Along the way, Galloway has transformed the lives of untold thousands of his followers. He also kept running marathons, though now usually in 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, and occasionally even 6 hours. There was nothing wrong with slow, he argued (and showed). It was all about maintaining your body in good enough shape to keep moving forward. Galloway more than practiced what he preached. He went to new frontiers. Several weeks ago, it appeared that he would become the first person known to complete a marathon in 8 consecutive decades of life--from the teens into the 80s.  Then "The Universe seemed to develop another plan for me," as he put it. A household accident led to a leg injury that prevented his travel to Honolulu. That's unlikely to stop Galloway for long. The Universe has tossed him obstacles in the past, and he has always developed a new approach to keeping fit and healthy. He'll no doubt follow that path as long as he can. For more on Jeff Galloway and his coaching, training plans, and camps, visit JeffGalloway.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Dathan Ritzenhein has been a headliner in American distance running for more than 25 years now, ever since his sensational high school career in Rockford, Michigan. He finished 8th-1st-1st in three successive Footlocker appearances, including an epic race in 2000 against Alan Webb and Ryan Hall.  After high school, Ritzehein starred at the University of  Colorado and as a professional runner for Nike. He achieved best times of 12:56 for 5000 meters, and 2:07:47 in the marathon. Since 2000, Ritzehein has been head coach of the On Athletics Club (OAC) in Boulder, which he has nurtured from a small, underfinanced group to a global power. Recently, his athletes won the steeplechase gold medal in the Tokyo World Championships (Geordie Beamish) and set a big female course record in winning the New York City Marathon (Hellen Obiri). Also in New York, Joe Klecker made a strong marathon debut with his 2:10:37. In this podcast interview, Ritzenhein talks about all the above, plus the evolution of his philosophy of training and racing, as well as the major changes in training, shoes, and supplements he has seen in the last 10 years. For more on the OAC, go here. The Club's Instagram page is here. Dathan's listing on Wikipedia is here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube

In the running  world, Nick Thompson is known for accomplishments like his 2:29:13 in the 2019 Chicago Marathon at age 44, and his outright win in last April's Lake Waramaug 50-mile in Connecticut at age 49.  In the business world, he is more known as the past editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, and the current CEO of The Atlantic, founded in 1857. He is almost certainly the fastest marathon runner among CEOs of a significant company. In late October, Penguin Random House published Thompson's running memoir, titled The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports. It traces the evolution of his own running, his relationship with his complex, multi-faceted dad, and other interesting runners he has met on the road, including Bobbi Gibb. In this podcast with George and Amby, Thompson discusses his busy life, his growing interest in ultras, his thoughts on health and aging, and his views of high-tech running devices-- both those he likes and those he doesn't like.  For more about Thompson, visit his website. To read a free selection of his running essays, visit this page. Topics range from how to run fast past age 40 to why the Boston Marathon is a deceptively difficult course. Here, also, are some recent video interviews with Thompson. Seven minutes on CBS Sunday Morning, and 2 hours with Rich Roll. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

This week we chat with Ali Feller, podcaster extraordinaire as host of the "Ali On The Run" podcast show.  Ali doesn't just talk with elite marathon and track stars. She also, somehow, hunts down running guests like Chelsea Clinton and Ellie Kemper of "The Office" TV show. Did Harry Styles just run the Berlin Marathon in under 3 hours? Yes, and Ali has already published a pod with the Canadian woman who paced him for the first 10 miles. (And she hints that she could actually get through to Styles himself soon.) What's your favorite food? Your favorite movie? The most fun you've had in the last week? These and other spontaneous questions make up a big part of each Ali-Feller interview.  No one's exactly sure of where the conversation is headed, which is a damn good reason to keep listening. But life is not ha-ha all the time, particularly not Feller's. Her own battles with Crohn's Disease and breast cancer have presented plenty of challenges, but somehow she keeps putting one foot in front of the other.  In fact, she's making numerous appearances this fall at the Chicago and NYC Marathons, while continuing to churn out several new podcasts per week.  We asked where she gets her endurance. Answer: She considers herself "delusionally optimistic" about life, motherhood, running, and her podcast career. We and all her friends and listeners are rooting hard for her. You can learn more about Ali Feller on her website or Instagram page. And you can make a donation to help cover her medical expenses at this GoFundMe page. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Our latest podcast features an interview with 94-year old Dr. Ken Cooper, the father of Aerobics. In our view, he has done as much, or more, than any other individual to promote the benefits of running and other consistent exercise.  A star high-school miler in Oklahoma, Cooper ran two Boston Marathons (1962 and 1963) while a student at the Harvard School of Public Health. He improved from 3:54 in his first effort to 3:24 the following year. Prior to breaking his leg decades ago in a skiing accident, Cooper logged 38,000 miles of running. Since the accident, he has continued a vigorous fitness program that now consists of roughly 50 percent recumbent bicycling and 50 percent strength training.  Beyond his personal example, Cooper spearheaded hundreds of studies at his Cooper Clinic. This research has demonstrated the dramatic mental and physical benefits of regular exercise, which leads not just to longer life but also to a slower onset of cognitive decline. The author of 20 books, Cooper this summer released Grow Healthier As You Grow Older, available from Amazon and other booksellers. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

George and I discuss the biggest wins and most unexpected surprises of the first half of the Tokyo World Championships, then turn our attention to Jeannie Rice. By several measures, she is the world's best marathon runner. Rice is the first person known to have won her age group in all 7 World Marathon Majors. In six of those, she beat the first male in the age group. Her scores in the respected Age-Sex Graded Calculator, also put her atop almost all marathon performers. In this podcast, Rice describes how her astounding age-group success came 30 years after she began with the goal of losing five pounds. Her singular skill: She hasn't slowed down during those 3 decades. How? Rice laughs and says she doesn't know. Then she talks about how she has maintained a training regimen of 50 miles/week for 40 years ... plus a little more when building up to her several-times-a-year marathons.  If nothing else, Rice stands as a prime example of consistent, dedicated training--week in, and week out.  At her first World Masters Track Championships in Sweden in 2024, Rice won six gold meals, from 800 meters on the track to the half-marathon on the roads.  Next year's World Masters meet in South Korea, where she was born, will serve as strong motivation for 2026.  And then? Rice is already looking forward to turning 80 in 2028, so she can take aim on another set of age-group running records. For more about Rice, visit JeannieRiceRuns.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Ben Rosario has done a bit of everything in running, often with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a professional runner for a decade leading up to 2010, Rosario achieved a marathon PR of 2:18:55. For several years, he trained with the highly respected Hansons Brooks team in Detroit.  After that, he opened a retail running store in St. Louis, where he had grown up, and then jumped into his biggest project to date. In 2012 his wife and 1-year-old daughter moved to Flagstaff, AZ, to begin the Northern Arizona Elite training group.  The team was soon sponsored by Hoka, and has played a significant role in USA distance running ever since. Runners from NAZ Elite have scored ten top 10 finishes in World Marathon Majors. Biggest victory? In 2020 Aliphine Tuliamuk won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta. Rosario left his leadership role at NAZ Elite a year ago. In this podcast, we learned that he and family have recently moved to Phoenix, where he has taken a job as a private school teacher of sixth- and seventh-graders. He and several business partners have formed a team to organized a unique new approach to marathon running. It's called The Marathon Project, and will be held for the first time in mid-December in Chandler, AZ, just outside Phoenix. The Marathon Project is actually two marathons on two days. The first, on a Saturday, aims to present a concierge-like, high-service event to all entrants. They will be treated like elite athletes with pacers, special water bottle placements, and easy start-line access. All this on a super flat/fast 4-lap course in conditions likely to be cool and low-humidity. The next day these Saturday finishers will be able to watch a professional marathon, with $40,000 in cash prizes, on the same loop course.  For more from Ben Rosario, you'll find him here on X.  WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport. "With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels." Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

The recent USATF National Championship Meet in Eugene was outright spectacular in all ways. It even had action off the track, as well as sensational races on the Hayward Stadium oval. More than anything else, everyone's talking about one middle-distance event already being called the "greatest of all time" by many observers. Amby and George dissect that race, from start to finish. The other races, from 100 meters to 10,000 meters, were nearly as breathtaking. We discuss the ones that most impressed us. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

This week at “Running: State of the Sport,” George and I decided to skip the usual interview guest so we could spend more time on some really big and important recent news. We start, of course, with the just revealed doping offense of 2:09:56 Chicago Marathon (2024) winner Ruth Chepngetich. We also discuss and analyze: Faith Kipyegon’s “Breaking4” effort; Beatrice Chebet’s new world record for 5000 meters (13:58.06); the incredible high level of men’s 1500 meter/mile racing; and the results of the recent Western States 100-Mile. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In our new podcast, Rich Kenah, CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, discusses the upcoming Peachtree 10K, the Grand Slam Track series, and the trials and tribulations of hosting a U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, as Atlanta did so sensationally in 2020.  Kenah is a past Olympian at 800 meters, and a former athlete agent, who once worked with Michael Jordan, the basketball star when he wasn't organizing track meets, or ironing out details of runner contracts. Also, George and Amby predict the Faith Kipyegon Breaking4 outcome, and their favorite in the Western States 100, both of which will take place in just a day or two. Learn more about the Atlanta Track Club here. Watch Kipyegon's Breaking4 attempt Thursday, June 26, here. Live and free on YouTube. It's scheduled to take place at 1:15 p.m. East Coast time. (That could change if Paris weather is not optimal.)  Western States will also be covered live and free on YouTube for 14+ hours Saturday, June 28, beginning at 8 a.m. East Coast Time. Here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible PandoraI Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Thomas Panek is blind, a frequent marathoner, and President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, a national nonprofit providing services to the visually impaired. Panek is the first person with vision loss to lead Lighthouse Guild. In addition to running marathons tethered to human guide runners, he has finished the New York City Half Marathon with a team of guide dogs. He is also working with Google engineers to develop a phone app that can help the blind "see" the road and various obstacles around them. In this podcast, Panek got George's attention by talking about "blind baseball"--a sport George is eager to witness. Amby was drawn to Panek's comments about how running can be especially powerful at improving the independence and mental health of physically challenged individuals.  Learn more about Thomas Panek and Lighthouse Guild here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

David Roche is producer of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, “Some Work, All Play,” with his cohost and wife, Megan. He’s also a contender to win the Western States 100 Miler at the end of June. That’s a rare combination. His back story is even more amazing. A little more than a year ago, Roche was seriously injured when struck by a car while bicycling a favorite road near Boulder, CO. At that time, the Duke Law School grad and ultramarathon coach had never even attempted a 100-mile. But last summer he broke a longstanding course record in the Leadville Trail 100, and several months later scored a convincing win (in torrid temps) in the Javelina 100. A fan of “Hamilton” the musical (“I’m not givin’ away my shot”) and Simone Biles (“F___ around and find out”), Roche professes to believe that almost everyone’s “amazing” and should reach high for their personal goals. Megan is both his coach, a champion ultra runner on her own, and an M.D. and PhD graduate from Stanford University. Every week, their pod covers the latest research findings about running, as they attempt to “science the sh__” out of endurance performance. You can learn more about David & Megan Roche at their SWAPrunning.com website, or at David's Instagram page. David's quest to win Western States has been chronicled here in a YouTube series by video producer Cody Bare. Key Sections Of The Podcast 0:00 Introduction to David Roche: The Rise of an Ultra Runner 10:33 David's Background: Life, Family, and Coaching 13:43 The Dynamic Duo: David and Megan Roche 16:47 The Birth of a Podcast: Authenticity and Popularity 19:44 Language and Honesty: The Explicit Nature of the Podcast 22:37 Uplifting Messages: The Importance of Kindness 25:55 Science vs. Intuition: Balancing Training Approaches 28:42 Training Insights: The Art of Adaptation 31:44 Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of a Serious Accident 34:39 Life Lessons: Embracing Mortality and Racing 37:43 The Athletic Journey: From Football to Ultra Running 38:46 The Journey to Natural Running 40:13 Genetics and Athletic Performance 43:01 Rapid Rise in Ultra Running 47:35 Mental Resilience and Self-Confidence 51:32 The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running 54:28 Key Factors for Success at Western States 56:58 Reflections on the Evolution of Running 01:01:09 The State of the Sport of Running 01:03:53 Wishes for the Future WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.