Advertise on podcast: Running--State of the Sport

In this episode, we interview Bill Rodgers on the 50th anniversary of his historic win in the first 5-borough New York City Marathon of 1976. On that occasion, Bill beat two-time Olympic medalist Frank Shorter, and helped launch the urban running boom that has mushroomed ever since to become the global World Marathon Majors phenomenon. Bill talks about a wide range of topics--under-the-table payments in that "shamateurism" period, how New York represented his redemption after a 40th place finish in the Montreal Olympic Marathon, where he broke away from Shorter, and how he managed to run a fast 2:10:10 on a tough course in a pre-everything-we-have-today era.  He also offers his views on the explosive growth of global marathon running, and why he has always welcomed everyone--from the pioneer women and those who followed them to the increasing numbers of participants who are his age (78) and older. Once widely known as the "King of the Roads," Bill Rodgers still follows the sport passionately, races occasionally, and is widely beloved by all who have met him or read about him through the decades. For more about Bill, follow his ⁠Facebook page. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

As a freshman at Yale in the spring of 1974, Dan Schlesinger broke the school's record in the 6-mile run. That record was previously held by a guy named Frank Shorter. Remember this for your next running trivia game. Schlesinger did much more in his running career, and also on the long, twisting path that eventually led to his current work as a fine artist.  In the 1982 NYC Marathon, Schlesinger came out of seemingly nowhere to finish third in 2:11:54. He was beaten only by Alberto Salazar and Rodolfo Gomez. The next spring Schlesinger placed eighth at Boston with a personal best time of 2:11:37. That made him a strong contender in the 1984 Olympic Marathon Trials, and Schlesinger was super-fit, as he describes in this podcast. But sometimes things don't always work out the way you hope. He had similar bad luck in preparing for the 1988 Trials. Then he got on with life, finding a job as a translator in Korea and gaining his legal degree at Harvard. This career path didn't excite Schlesinger, so he began dabbling in various art forms. One thing led to the next, and he eventually gained the assignment to illustrate all the Harry Potter books in Japan. These volumes sold more than 20 million copies, and launched Schlesinger into the fulltime art work he has pursued ever since.  Indeed, his newest project is an illustrated book out in mid October that's called Injury Blues And The Red Running Shoes. It's personal, colorful, humorous at times, and intended to inspire injured runners to believe they'll soon be back on the road again. Like Dan himself. To see a portfolio of Schlesinger's artwork, go here.  WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

In the latest episode of the podcast, "Running: State Of The Sport," George and Amby chat with German Silva, winner of the 1994 and 1995 New York City Marathons. Silva grew up as one of 13 children living in a small Mexican town without electricity. His father thought running was a waste of time. It was better to pick oranges in the local orchard. However, the young Silva fell in love with running, and ran strongly in the steeplechase and 10,000 meters before finding his best distance, the marathon. He now operates a travel agency catering to Mexican marathon runners, and recently finished the Sydney Marathon in sub-3-hours--not bad for an athlete in his late 50s.  In this interview, he tells us what happened when he made an infamous "wrong way Silva" turn into Central Park in 1994, and also some of the issues he faced in finishing sixth in the 1996 Olympic Marathon. He also explains his belief in a simple, humble approach to running, and why super shoes might not be the best option for midpack marathon runners. You can learn more about German Silva at: germansilvatours.com. And you can follow him on Instagram here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Rod Dixon is one of the alltime great runners from New Zealand--a country that has produced far more than its expected share of top runners. This possibly extends from the influence of Arthur Lydiard, the immensely influential New Zealand coach from the early 1960s to the present day. [In this episode, George and Amby also discuss Yomif Kejelcha's half marathon record, Jenny Simpson's health update, and Ethan Strand's 1500-meter win over Cole Hocker and Jacob Ingebrigtsen.] Dixon won an Olympic bronze medal in the 1972 Games in Munich, and returned 4 years later in Montreal to miss another bronze by a whisker in the 5000-meter final. After the Olympic boycott of 1980, Dixon turned increasingly to the roads, and won many big U.S. races. These included: Falmouth, Bay to Breakers, and the Philly Half Marathon. The marathon beckoned and Dixon took on the challenge. In 1983, he won the New York City Marathon in 2:08:59 in one of the most dramatic finishes in NYCM history.  He trailed Geoff Smith by a wide margin at 20 miles, but slowly whittled away at the gap until he sprinted past Smith just 200 meters from the finish in Central Park. A famous poster shows Dixon with raised, celebratory arms while Smith writhes in collapse on the road behind the New Zealander.  Today Dixon, from Nelson, NZ, at the northernmost edge of the South Island, stays busy working with schools that support his Kids Marathon Foundation, which promotes activity, good nutrition, and wellness for young age groups. More at KidsMarathonFoundation.org WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Pete Pfitzinger was a two-time USA Olympic marathoner, in the 1984 and 1988 Games. He won the '84 Olympic Marathon Trials in a stunning sprint-finish victory over Alberto Salazar, and ran from behind to clinch third place in the 1988 Trials.  Pfitzinger always knew how to get the job done, especially at the marathon distance--his speciality. Later he converted his experience and knowledge into a best-selling book, Advanced Marathoning, co-written with Scott Douglas. The book recently was updated with a fourth edition, and is always mentioned as one of the best marathon training books for serious runners. In the late 1990s, Pfitzinger moved to New Zealand with his wife, Chrissie, a New Zealand Olympian. For the next several decades, he served as an executive in several New Zealand organizations aimed at improving opportunity for the country's top athletes. Now retired, he has turned his attention to online coaching at PfitzingerCoaching.com, where he hopes to offer his training knowledge to a modest number of highly-motivated runners. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Paul Gompers has a long history in the marathon and in the pursuit of excellence. It's hard to imagine anyone more competitive than Gompers. He even owns Alter-G treadmills in two separate residences so he can work out twice a day.  Gompers ran his first marathon in 1983 while a Harvard freshman. His 2:15:28 in Huntsville, Ala, still stands as an under-20 world record on a eligible course. Four years later, Gompers improved to 2:11:39 at the 1987 Twin Cities Marathon. The following spring, he placed fourth in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials behind Mark Conover, Ed Eyestone, and Pete Pfitzinger. Gompers turned next to the study of economics. He has been a professor at the Harvard Business School since 1995, specializing in venture capital and entrepreneurship. About 20 years ago, he learned to swim and began serious training for age-group triathlon, as did his wife Jody, a Boston-area physician. Gompers has since completed four Kona Ironman Triathlons, as well as many others, with top finishes for his age. In recent years, he has also advised Harvard's standout alumni runners, including Graham Blanks and Ben Rosa. For more on Paul Gompers, see this page on Wikipedia.  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. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Back in his college days at Bucknell University, Bob Bickel trained 100 miles/week, and pushed his 10,000-meter time down to an impressive 29:07. Then he took his electrical engineering skills into the tech industry, and enjoyed several modest successes.  Next he opened a running retail store in Moorestown, NJ, and a few years later decided he could improve upon existing race registrations platforms. He was right. Run Sign Up has become the dominant road race registration platform in the U.S., because it's simple to use, and free for race directors to implement.  What more could a volunteer race director ask for? We spoke to Bob about his own running career, what he learned from the team philosophy that made Bucknell a regional powerhouse in cross-country, and how he views the demographics of road racing in the U.S. today. We were particularly struck by one key statistic. According to Bob, only 6 percent of U.S. race participants participate in the top 100 races--the mega races that get nearly 100 percent of news coverage. In other words, 94 percent of U.S. runners take part in local and regional races. That's what makes the sport so deep and strong. For more about Run Sign Up, check out this 10-minute YouTube video, or read Bob's "Trends Update" for mid-year 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. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

This week’s podcast features an interview with Great Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, one of the best-known names in running for the past 30+ years. Radcliffe first gained international prominence when she won the World Jr. Cross-Country race (on a snowy day in Boston, MA) in 1992. She had a great track career, and then moved up to the marathon, where she enjoyed unparalleled success. Among her biggest wins: three London Marathon titles, and three NYC Marathons. At the 2003 London Marathon, Radcliffe ran a then-almost-unthinkable 2:15:25 to set a world record that lasted for 16 years. It even survived the first several years of the super-shoe onslaught until Brigid Kosgei ran 2:14:04 in the 2019 Chicago Marathon. A little more than a year ago, Radcliffe, then 51, came out of marathon retirement to run the Tokyo and Boston Marathons with finish times in the mid 2:50s. This gave her finishes in the six original Abbott World Marathon Majors races. Radcliffe currently lives in Monaco with her husband, Gary Lough, a well-known coach and agent, and a 15-year-old son, Raphael. Raphael has recently gotten serious about his running, and lowered his 1500-meter best to 3:59. An older daughter, Isla, who had a cancer scare in her teen years, is studying at college in Great Britain. Radcliffe stays deeply involved in the sport through her track and marathon commentary for various TV outlets. She also co-hosts a podcast titled “Paula’s Run Club,” and promotes youth-running opportunities with several organizations. In this conversation, Radcliffe talked in depth about her early running experiences and influences, her peak training, her favorite runners, the current women’s marathon world record (2:09:56, by Ruth Chepngetich), and much more. To learn more about Radcliffe and her activities, check out her Instagram account. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or other podcast players. 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 YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

In this week's episode of "Running: State of the Sport," Jared Ward becomes our first two-time guest on the podcast. We can't think of anyone better. Ward placed 6th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Marathon without the super shoes worn by the podium finishers. Neither he nor anyone outside Nike even knew about super shoes at the time. He soon began working with Saucony on that company's line of super shoes, and continued running fast times in major marathons. Ward hit his marathon PR, 2:09:25, in the 2019 Boston Marathon. Perhaps more importantly, he mentored a gaggle of younger BYU graduates like Conner Mantz and Clayton Young to their significant marathon careers. He also helped form the public/private "Run Elite Program" to encourage professional running in Utah while promoting health and fitness to the wider population. After moving his wife and six kids to Oxford, England, where he pursued an Executive Business Administration degree, Ward returned to near-top form this spring. Now 37, he ran a personal best 46:49 for 10 miles at Cherry Blossom, and then finished second in the Pittsburgh Marathon. In this podcast, he explains why BYU running has reached such a high level, and what he sees in his own running and business future. For more about Ward, see his profile on the Run Elite website. 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 Radio Pocket Casts 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.

Oz Pearlman is a well-known mentalist-entertainer and a less-well-known marathon and ultramarathon runner. However, his record on the roads and trails is just about as impressive as his mindreading tricks. Pearlman, 43, has run a 2:23 marathon, a 2:25 at Boston, and finished the Western States 100, the Badwater 135, and the Spartathlon in Greece.  Recently, he was the planned entertainer at the White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, D.C.--the evening interrupted by gun shots and an apparent assassination attempt. Pearlman was crouched between President Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt, attempting to guess the name of her unborn child, when the first shots were heard. A moment later, he was caught in the swarm of Secret Service agents who stormed in to protect Trump, and lead him to safety. In this podcast, Pearlman chillingly describes the scene, including the fear he felt for himself and his wife and friends in attendance. He also talks about his early days in marathon running when he knew virtually nothing about the sport, and what he needed to learn before he became more successful. He's particularly insightful in explaining some of the shared mental strategies between his on-stage performances and in the last miles of a marathon or ultra. For more about Pearlman, check out his website or his Instagram feed. 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.

Amby and George go it alone to review the recent Boston and Lo ndon Marathons. And, wow, is there a lot to review: A sub-2:00 hour world record by Sebastian Sawe at London, a new course record by John Korir at Boston, and a new women-only world record at London for Tigst Assefa. And plenty of hot action beside these three brilliant performances. We get into all the details--the latest Adidas shoes, consistent negative-split running, carb fueling, bicarb use, and an unusual number of strong American performances, both men and women, at Boston.

Marty Dugard began writing for Runner's World in the late 1980s, gained more notice as the best-selling coauthor of Bill O'Reilly's "Killing" series of books--Lincoln, Kennedy, Jesus, etc--and now has returned to running with The Long Run. It's a epic, fast-moving history of running (and especially marathon running) from roughly 1970 to Joan Benoit's victory in the 1984 Olympic Marathon, with a few throwbacks to Pheidippides, Bill Bowerman, and others. You'll meet the people and moments that shaped running as we know it today. Dugard isn't just a writer of historical non-fiction. He's been deeply immersed in running and running culture since his teen years. For the last 15 years, he has been coaching high school cross-country teams in California, several of which have won state championships. For more on Dugard, you can follow his regular blogs at MartinDugard.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.

In this episode of the podcast “Running: State of the Sport,” we interview American superstar Grant Fisher. Fisher is one of the greatest American distance track runners ever. He has run the fastest American times ever in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters, and he won bronze medals in both the 10,000 and 5000 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Most recently, Fisher completed his first serious road race in the super-competitive New York City Half Marathon. And he finished the tough course in a fast 60:53, although that was only good enough for 14th place.Now Fisher faces one of the toughest decisions of his running career: Should he switch to the marathon for the 2028 Olympics, or stick with the track? In this pod, he analyzes the pros and cons of his thinking on this important question.Fisher also talks about the full arc of his legendary running career. In high school in Michigan, he won two Footlocker XC Championships, and ran a 3:59 mile. He then ran successfully for four years at Stanford before signing a Nike contract and running with the Bowerman TC. Two years ago, he moved from Oregon to Park City, Utah, to reunite with his former high school coach, Mike Scannell. The pairing has worked well, especially in Paris. The whole running world will be watching Fisher’s racing the next two years as he positions himself for the LA 2028 Olympics. In this pod, he explains where he is today, and where he hopes to go.For more about Fisher, check out his Instagram account. 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.

Jack Fultz is the only runner to have finished first in the Boston Marathon, and also last. In this new podcast, Fultz talks about both memorable experiences. In April, Fultz celebrates the 50th anniversary of his epic victory in the 1976 "Run For The Hoses"--the hottest race in Boston's 129 year history. He didn't run particularly fast that day, 2:20:19, but who runs fast in 90-degree heat. Two years later, in better conditions, Fultz returned to finish 4th in 2:11:17.  For the last several decades, Fultz has been coaching the big Dana Farber charity team that raises funds to fight cancer. During that period, 95% of his runners, often beginners or little experienced runners, have completed the Boston course. Fultz's history with these runners has made him a foremost authority on how to train for Boston's challenging course, and how to pace yourself on Marathon Day itself. Many of his tips are more analytical and nuanced than you can find anywhere else.  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.

Jeff Galloway, who died recently may have been the world's most influential and beloved running ambassador. In this podcast, we speak primarily with his wife, Barbara, and also with his son, Westin, and his co-coach, Chris Twiggs. Galloway was an Olympian in his competitive days, and also winner of the first Atlanta Marathon (1963) and the first Peachtree Road Race (1970). In those early days, no one could have imagined that running would be a massive participant sport on a global scale. Galloway did as much or more than anyone else to make the present-day miracle happen.    In literally thousands of clinic and talks, he spread a simple message: Yes, you can. You can run more than you have believed, and you will become a mentally and physically healthier person as you do.Importantly, Galloway had a training plan to accompany his words. This was the now-famous Run-Walk-Run approach, also called "Jeffing" by many. While some runners initially scoffed at the idea of walking during a workout or marathon race, others followed his inspiration and his instruction. And they succeeded. And they told friends that the program worked. Before long, a small trickle of run-walk-run fans became millions, and the fitness world at large was forced to acknowledge Galloway's genius, method, and impact.  His passing was met with an outpouring of love and thank-you messages, particularly on this Facebook page. Major media around the world also noted Jeff's life and accomplishments. Many of these articles are currently linked from the home page at 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.