Marathon Handbook Podcast

n this episode, Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr break down one of the biggest scandals in marathon history: Ruth Chepngetich’s doping ban. They trace the story from her shocking 2:09:56 world record in Chicago (04:00) to the first signs of suspicion, the January London Marathon announcement (10:00), and the moment the positive drug test surfaced (13:00). The hosts then unpack the digital evidence found on her phone (16:00), the decision behind her three-year suspension (20:00), and the incriminating WhatsApp messages about banned substances (22:00). Later, they debate what happens to her world record (33:00), how Nike and World Athletics handled the fallout (27:00), and whether she — and her agent — should be banned for life (50:00). The episode closes with a discussion about how the sport can recover from yet another doping crisis (54:00).#Marathon #RunningPodcast #Chepngetich #Doping #MarathonRunning #WorldRecord #RunningNews #TrackAndField #Athletics #MarathonHandbook

In this week’s episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, hosts Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr take the reins while Michael is away coaching at a cross-country meet. (00:00) After covering back-to-back marathons in Chicago and Toronto, they share travel chaos stories and post-race reflections. (10:15) The conversation turns to post-marathon blues — what to do when the season ends or when your race doesn’t go to plan. (17:40) Listener Erin writes in about whether to run a redemption marathon, sparking an in-depth discussion on recovery timing, mental reset strategies, and avoiding injury. (31:00) Katelyn recounts her own mistake running too soon after a 100-miler, and Alex offers tips for managing motivation in the off-season. (50:00) The hosts close with how to structure recovery weeks, stay inspired during the winter, and find joy in running again before the next big race. (1:03:00) Plus, they tease what’s ahead for the Marathon Handbook team in New York.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 orderAnd 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 #marathontraining #postraceblues #marathonhandbook #redemptionrace #runnerslife #runmotivation #offseasontraining

Recorded live at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo, hosts Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr sit down with Natasha Wodak, Canada’s marathon record holder, for an inspiring and hilarious conversation about racing, training, and staying motivated.They dive into Toronto Marathon weekend highlights (01:00), Natasha’s first marathon in 2013 (09:45), lessons from her comeback (12:00), rookie mistakes and pacing tips (16:00), and how to adapt to weather on race day (20:00). Natasha explains how she keeps running fun (27:30), breaks down the Toronto course (30:00), shares her ASICS super shoe preferences (33:45), and walks through her pre-race mindset (39:00).A special thanks to Asics for sponsoring this podcast!📩 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.#MarathonHandbook #NatashaWodak #TorontoWaterfrontMarathon #RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #RunningMotivation #ASICS #MarathonTips

In this episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast (00:00), Michael, Alex, and Katelyn kick off Toronto Marathon week and preview their upcoming live show (04:20). They share plans for the New York City Marathon (07:00) and Michael’s big reveal that he’s running the Philadelphia Marathon (08:25). Then, they tackle two listener questions: how to handle being assigned to a slower corral at NYC (11:06) and how to base-build for a year toward a sub-3 marathon goal (31:32).In the second half (45:45), Alex interviews TCS futurist Bill Quinn about the future of the marathon — including AI-driven race organization (1:01:49), morphing performance clothing (57:57), nanotech wearables (56:13), smart shoes, and augmented reality for spectators (1:18:48). The conversation explores how technology could make marathons more sustainable (1:29:43) and accessible while preserving the human essence of running (1:34:22).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 orderAnd 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.#MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #FutureOfRunning #MarathonTraining #TCSMarathon #MarathonMajors #RunningCommunity #DistanceRunning #AIinRunning #SmartShoes

In this instant reaction episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci recap all the action from the 2025 Chicago Marathon (00:00). Alex argues that Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record looms even larger after this year’s results (02:40), while Katelyn spotlights Jacob Kiplimo’s blistering yet flawed attempt at history (05:15). The team dissects the record-breaking American run from Conner Mantz (13:50) and what it means for U.S. distance running (19:30). On the women’s side, Hawi Feysa’s near “immaculate” marathon earns praise for its perfect pacing (24:40), and the crew debates the future of American women’s marathoning (31:30). Plus, deep dives into the super shoe wars—Nike, Adidas, Hoka, and ASICS—and what’s next on the marathon circuit heading into Toronto (45:30).📩 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.#ChicagoMarathon #ConnerMance #JacobKiplimo #MarathonRunning #RunningPodcast #MarathonHandbook #HowieFaisa #RunningShoes #AdidasProEvo #NikeAlphafly #HokaRunning #ASICS #Marathon2025 #RunningNews #TrackAndField

In this Chicago Marathon 2025 preview episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci are packing their bags for the Windy City (05:40) and sharing insider race-week plans — including a live podcast, Nike relay, and shakeout runs (11:25). Michael reflects on running Chicago five times (16:00) and breaks down how to race it smart (22:30), covering course landmarks (25:20), weather pitfalls (30:00), and his best and worst marathon moments (35:30). The team also power-ranks the World Marathon Majors (42:10) and previews what’s coming race weekend (48:40).Join us for our shakeout run and live podcast recording! RSVP here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbxYZ48RaKs5jYKHdGLOjSBXg4xxi9G-rhx7yMYxbjlPqxJg/viewform?usp=dialogThis 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 orderAnd by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: livemomentous.comHow to watch the Chicago Marathon:https://marathonhandbook.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2025-chicago-marathon/📩 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.#ChicagoMarathon #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #BankOfAmericaChicagoMarathon #RunningTips #MarathonMajors #RunnerLife #RunningCommunity #MarathonStrategy

Canadian-American Olympian Rory Linkletter joins us ahead of the 2025 Chicago Marathon, where he will attempt to break Cam Levins’ North American marathon record (2:05:36). We talk about his Boston breakthrough earlier this year (06:32), why he chose Chicago and his rivalry with Connor Mance (11:15), and his Olympic experience in Paris (18:19). Rory dives deep into training under coach John Green (27:43), sports science and lactate testing (34:53), the mental side of the marathon (38:48), and the business of being a pro runner (42:47). He discusses Puma’s role in the super shoe era (51:25), his views on doping (01:10:37), and what it will take to set the North American record in Chicago (01:13:49).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.#RoryLinkletter #ChicagoMarathon2025 #MarathonHandbook #EliteMarathoner #MarathonTraining #CamLevins #ConnorMance #NorthAmericanRecord #CanadianRunner #AmericanMarathonRecord #BostonMarathon2025 #PumaRunning #SuperShoes #RunningPodcast #ProRunnerLife #DistanceRunning #MarathonMindset #RoadToChicago #EliteRunning #OlympicMarathoner #FlagstaffRunning #RunningYouTube #RunningMotivation #MarathonGoals #ChicagoMarathon #MarathonRunning #RunningCommunity #RunnersOfYouTube #MarathonPreparation #RunningDocumentary

Hosts address running shoe dilemmas before a big race, advising to stick with what works. They share an inspiring tale of a new runner becoming a 10K enthusiast and discuss managing injuries like SI joint pain. The conversation dives into the cadence myth, debunking the 180 steps per minute rule and emphasizing personalized pacing. Listeners learn about the differences in pain experienced in 5K versus marathon races and discuss the challenges of destination racing in heat. AI predictions for BQs get a cautious outlook.

In this Fall 2025 Mailbag Episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, we answer listener questions on everything from salvaging half marathon training (05:02) and international marathon travel tips (14:12) to running nutrition (25:35), sub-3 marathon pacing strategies (33:42), cross-training after injury (46:00), and marathon peak week illness (1:09:55). Plus, fun debates on running music and the future of World Marathon Majors (1:16:22). Sponsored by Wahoo KICKR RUN (00:00).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.

In this bonus episode of the pod, we dissect a surprising performance at the Berlin Marathon. Pop icon Harry Styles just ran a sub-3-hour marathon in Berlin—and we’ve got the full breakdown. Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr discuss Styles’ impressive splits (00:45), his massive improvement since Tokyo (05:00), the impact of Berlin’s extreme heat (06:00), the gear he used (08:00), his celebrity running GOAT status (12:00), and whether he might chase a Boston Marathon qualifier next (18:00). This is the definitive analysis of Harry Styles, the marathon runner.This episode is brought to you by Wahoo’s Kickr Run – go to ⁠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.#HarryStyles #BerlinMarathon #MarathonRunning #Sub3Marathon #RunningAnalysis #BostonMarathon #MarathonMajors #CelebrityRunners #RunningCommunity #TrackAndField