Marathon Handbook Podcast

In this Mega Mailbag episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer a mountain of listener questions to close out 2025. The conversation covers running weight and fueling strategies (06:50), jump rope as cross-training (22:10), marathon confidence and mindset (27:40), returning from injury (45:40), breaking sub-3 and chasing Boston Qualifiers (55:20), increasing mileage as a new runner (01:08:00), first marathon pacing (01:11:30), strength training with injuries (01:21:30), winter training and cold-weather pacing (01:26:10), gear and shoe recommendations (01:34:00, 02:06:30), training around the menstrual cycle (01:45:10), and how becoming a parent impacts running goals (01:51:00). A wide-ranging, honest, and practical episode for runners at every stage.This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #BostonQualifier #Sub3Marathon #RunningAdvice#MarathonMindset #RunningShoes #WinterRunning #DistanceRunning #MarathonHandbook

Ahmed Muhumed’s rise in American distance running almost didn’t happen. In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, host Alex Cyr talks with the HOKA NAZ Elite athlete about quitting his job, moving to Flagstaff with just $150, and betting everything on becoming a professional runner. Ahmed opens up about belief, recovery, elite mileage, finishing fourth in the 10,000m at U.S. Championships, chasing the American half marathon record, marathon ambitions, and what it truly takes to live like a pro athlete (00:00). The conversation also explores mindset, gratitude, financial realities of pro running, content creation, and what comes next on the road to LA 2028 (25:20).This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

The Marathon Handbook Podcast recaps the second half of the 2025 running season, unpacking the year’s biggest stories across track, road, and trail. We dive into the collapse of the Grand Slam Track League (01:45), Sydney’s controversial debut as a World Marathon Major (15:55), standout performances from the Tokyo World Championships (27:50), and unforgettable marathon moments from Berlin (48:20), Chicago (54:10), New York (01:19:30), and Valencia (01:38:30). The crew also debates Harry Styles’ sub-3 marathon, Connor Mantz’s American record, Kilian Jornet’s historic mountain project, Courtney Dauwalter’s road-racing pivot, the Enhanced Games controversy (01:32:45), and what all of this means for the future of running heading into 2026.This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#running #marathon #runningnews #trackandfield #worldrecord #marathontraining #runnersofyoutube #marathonhandbook

In Part 1 of our 2025 Year in Review, the Marathon Handbook team breaks down the biggest storylines from January through July. We open with Conner Mantz’s American record in Houston (01:30), then move into February’s world-record spree — from Yared Nuguse’s indoor mile to Jacob Kiplimo’s 56:42 half marathon (10:10). We relive the March Tokyo Marathon (11:40), then the Boston–London doubleheader in April, including John Korir’s dramatic win (16:00) and the Obiri–Lokedi showdown (17:30). We examine whether the marathon majors have grown too big (26:30) before heading into the mountains for a brutal no-finisher Barkley year (30:00). June brings Nike’s Breaking4 experiment with Faith Kipyegon (34:40), followed by her 1500m world record rebound (42:00) and Beatrice Chebet’s stunning sub-14 5K (49:00). We wrap with Western States, UTMB (53:00), and July’s devastating revelation: Ruth Chepngetich’s doping ban and its implications for the sport (1:00:00). Part 2 (Aug–Dec 2025) arrives next week.Part 2 (August–December) drops next week!This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com. Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcastInstagram: @marathon.handbookFacebook: @marathonhandbookJoin 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter  Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.  Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

In this episode, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth deliver an almost-instant reaction to the 2025 Valencia Marathon, starting with Jessy’s on-the-ground report of the city’s electric atmosphere and why this race has become the destination for fast times (00:09). They break down the course, weather, and astounding depth that led to more than 5,500 sub-3 finishes (08:46). The team dives into John Korir’s dramatic mid-race drop followed by a massive surge that secured him the win (14:24), plus a wave of national records (33:27). Then they power-rank the men’s marathon stars of 2025 and debate whether anyone alive can break two hours (22:15). The women’s race delivered fireworks too, with Jocelyn Jepkosgei outdueling Olympic champ Perez Jepchirchir in a dominant course-record run (42:02). They also cover American performances (48:19), Melinda Elmore’s astonishing age-graded result (50:32), and whether Valencia should become a World Marathon Major (54:26). A packed episode from a wild race weekend.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#ValenciaMarathon #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #MarathonNews #EliteRunning #RoadRacing

Today on the Marathon Handbook Podcast, we take you inside The Running Event for a deep dive into the future of running shoes. From the exploding gravel category to major durability upgrades, next-gen super trainers, and adidas’ secret prototypes, we break down which brands are innovating — and which ones might be falling behind. This is the most detailed look yet at the shoes shaping 2026 and beyond.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!And by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#RunningShoes #2026Trends #SuperShoes #MarathonHandbook #TheRunningEvent #TRE2024 #RunningGear #TrailRunning #RoadRunning #RunningPodcast

Dive into the exciting world of running shoes as the hosts reveal the best of 2025! Discover the Best New Shoe, Asics Megablast, and the standout Nike Vomero 18 for daily training. Delve into the surprising win of Hoka Arahi for stability and the game-changing Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, crowned Shoe of the Year. Enjoy playful debates on shoe brands and hear thrilling race stories from Philadelphia. Get a sneak peek into upcoming innovations and trends in the running shoe market!

Discover the ultimate American marathon that isn't a major, as the hosts dive into their Philadelphia Marathon Weekend experience. They highlight the unique traits of a great marathon, from elite-friendly course designs to the vibrant spectator support. Comparisons are drawn with other beloved races like CIM and Grandma's, sparking a debate on what makes a marathon truly outstanding. The discussion also celebrates Philly's rich cultural backdrop, fantastic food, and community spirit—all while providing valuable insights for your marathon choices!

In a lively discussion, Jessy Carveth, the news editor at Marathon Handbook, joins the team to weigh in on the 2025 Runners of the Year. They debate the merits of top male finalists, with Conner Mantz ultimately taking home the award for his record-breaking performances. The conversation shifts to the women’s nominees, where Faith Kipyegon shines as the unanimous winner, recognized for her incredible achievements and global impact. The hosts also touch on exciting upcoming races and innovations in running gear.

Content Advisory: This episode includes adult subject matter, including sexual content. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode, Michael Doyle speaks with Nick Thompson — CEO of The Atlantic and author of the new book The Running Ground: A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports — about how he became faster in his 40s and why that journey uncovered a deeper story about grief, trauma, psychology, and the complexities of the father–son bond. Nick explains the book’s origins (02:04), how cancer shaped his mindset (04:09), and why writing candidly about his father was both terrifying and necessary (06:06). He recounts his father’s extraordinary life (07:15), how running kept them connected (11:59), and why midlife can break or remake us (47:12).The conversation digs into training nerdery, including mileage and threshold work (23:05), diet and supplements (26:54), gear choices and heart-rate breakthroughs (28:59), and the central governor theory (31:10). Nick also shares insights on AI and future training tech (32:45), the powerful story of Michael Westphal (38:35), how he knew the book was finished (45:05), and what running means to him now as he chases new goals (53:21).This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.#NickThompson #RunningAfter40 #MarathonTraining #MasterAthlete #RunningMotivation #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #runningbooks #nicholasthompson #TheAtlantic #runninglit