Marathon Handbook Podcast

In this special instant reactions episode, Marathon Handbook’s Editor-in-Chief Michael Doyle and News Editor Jessy Carveth break down all the drama from the 2025 London Marathon just hours after the race wrapped.From Tigst Assefa’s women’s-only world record to Eliud Kipchoge’s twilight career run, plus shocking moments like Sebastian Sawe’s controversial race-winning move — we dive into all the elite races, surprises, disappointments, and behind-the-scenes insights from London.Jessy, fresh from the media center in London, shares insider takes you won’t hear anywhere else.🎥 Also check out our full London Marathon Watch Along Replay on our YouTube channel!https://youtube.com/live/R7E8R59jVro?feature=share⏱ Chapters and Timestamps00:00 – Intro + Wahoo Kickr Run Sponsor Read02:00 – Sensational Vibes in London: City Takeover and Massive Crowds05:00 – Behind the Scenes at London: Emotional Finishes and Media Center Insights08:00 – Women’s Elite Race Breakdown: Tigst Assefa’s World Record Performance15:00 – Sifan Hassan Struggles: Dissecting a Disappointing Day20:00 – Elite Women’s Field Analysis: How Missing Stars Changed the Race25:00 – Men’s Elite Race Breakdown: The Kipchoge Question30:00 – Is Eliud Kipchoge Past His Prime?35:00 – Jacob Kiplimo’s Promising Debut40:00 – Sebastian Sawe’s Controversial Feed Zone Move45:00 – Biggest Winners of the Day50:00 – Biggest Disappointments and Tough Days55:00 – Biggest Surprises and Burning Questions1:00:00 – New Balance Gear: Hits and Misses at London Expo1:05:00 – Closing Thoughts: Who’s Chasing Sub-2 Hours Next?#LondonMarathon #MarathonRunning #TigstAssefa #EliudKipchoge #SifanHassan #RunningCommunity #MarathonTraining #RunningPodcast #RunnersOfYouTube #LondonMarathon2025

The 2025 London Marathon is here, and we’ve got your ultimate preview: elite race insights, logistics, history, and how to watch. Then, in a breaking second segment, we unpack Nike’s stunning new Breaking4 project—Faith Kipyegon’s quest to become the first woman to run a sub-4 minute mile. All the context, science, and bold predictions are here from Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr.This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo KICKR RUN.🔗 Links & Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter for the London Marathon Watch-Along link:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Nike launches “Breaking4” challenge to test limits of women’s mile:https://marathonhandbook.com/nike-launches-breaking4-challenge-to-test-limits-of-womens-mile/Who Is Faith Kipyegon? The Greatest Miler in History Eyes the Impossible With Breaking4:https://marathonhandbook.com/who-is-faith-kipyegon-the-greatest-miler-in-history-eyes-the-impossible-with-breaking4/⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps (YouTube or Podcast Player)00:00 – Intro + Boston Recap01:00 – Previewing the 2025 London Marathon03:30 – Start Times + Streaming Options06:00 – Lottery & Participation Stats08:00 – Course Logistics & History14:00 – London’s Most Iconic Moments21:00 – Tower Bridge + Race Landmarks26:00 – Weather Forecast & Strategy28:00 – Women’s Elite Race Preview36:00 – Predictions + World Record Hot Takes40:00 – Men’s Elite Race Preview52:00 – Kipchoge’s Redemption Arc59:30 – Marathon Majors Power Rankings1:03:50 – Outro1:08:20 – Nike BREAKING4: Segment Intro1:10:00 – What Is Breaking4?1:13:00 – Faith Kipyegon’s 3:59 Mission1:17:00 – The Sports Science + Andy Jones1:23:00 – Can She Do It? Predictions + Timeline1:27:00 – Wrap-up + What’s NextJoin the conversation on our socials:Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

Editors Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle and Katelyn Tocci host an instant reaction episode, live from near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. They break down the phenomenal elite races, as well as Katelyn's experience running the marathon.Watch a replay of our Watch-Along Live Stream of the Boston Marathon:https://youtube.com/live/y5enYRMrI1U⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Boston!Michael, Katelyn, and Alex reunite for a live post-marathon pod near the finish line.01:30 – Katelyn’s Boston Marathon RecapA chaotic start, crowded early miles, fueling on the fly, and a brutally nostalgic homecoming through Newton. Katelyn shares what it’s like to race Boston 20 years after her first time—and why this one was so special despite the cramps, hills, and heartbreak.14:00 – Can You PR in Boston?Short answer: probably not. The trio debates the myth of the Boston PR.16:30 – Marathoning vs. UltrasKatelyn compares the marathon grind to ultra running—her verdict might surprise you.⸻🏃‍♀️ Elite Women’s Race Breakdown (starts at 20:15)20:15 – High Stakes from the GunBuriso and Yehualaw force the pace early; Lokedi comes ready to rewrite her 2024 ending.22:30 – Revenge and RecordsLokedi outkicks Obiri in a dramatic role reversal from last year and shatters the course record.26:00 – American HighlightsJess McClain stars with a 3-minute PR; Des Linden retires with grace.⸻🏃‍♂️ Elite Men’s Race Recap (starts at 28:55)28:55 – Surprise Front PackMantz, Young, Linkletter, and others shake up the race early.31:00 – John Korir’s Perfect BreakawayMichael’s pick pays off: Korir surges at mile 20 and holds on for the win.34:45 – Mantz’s BreakthroughAlmost grabs the American Boston record (2:05:08) and reclaims his Strava crown from Alex.37:00 – Major PRs + New American NameLinkletter (2:07:02), Young (2:07:04), and Ryan Ford (2:08:00) impress.⸻🏁 Closing Thoughts (starts at 39:00)39:00 – Favorite Moments & ReflectionsKatelyn reflects on letting go of time goals and running with joy.41:30 – What’s NextLooking ahead to the 2025 London Marathon and future live coverage.Join the conversation on our socials:Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB#bostonmarathon #2025bostonmarathon

We’re back with a full preview of the 2025 Boston Marathon! Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down everything you need to know heading into race weekend:Start times and how to watchElite field preview + American hopefulsKatelyn’s emotional story about her first Boston Marathon in 2003Course breakdown + pacing strategyAlex’s weather forecast + key adviceLive show details (Saturday night!)Predictions: who’s winning Boston 2025?🎥 Watch our live stream during the race (Monday @ 9 AM ET) right here:https://youtube.com/live/y5enYRMrI1U?feature=shareHow to watch the lives stream and broadcast:https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-watch-the-2025-boston-marathon-a-complete-guide-for-spectators-and-viewers/Amby Burfoot's essay on his most cherished Boston momento:https://marathonhandbook.com/ive-run-28-boston-marathons-and-i-even-won-one/Our Ultimate Guide to the Pop-Ups and Shakeout Runs in Boston:https://marathonhandbook.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boston-marathon-weekend-pop-up-shops-and-shakeout-runs/Get fired up with deep insights, pro tips, and the spirit of Boston. Don’t forget to check out our post-race instant reaction episode coming Monday afternoon.Chapters with Timestamps:00:00 - Intro + Hosts Check-In  01:20 - Boston Marathon Preview Overview  02:36 - Live Show Announcement  04:25 - Watch-Along Plans for Monday  05:06 - Team Vibes and Schedule  06:27 - Katelyn's Instant Reaction Plan  08:21 - Boston Start Times Breakdown  09:33 - Katelyn's Boston Story (2003)  12:30 - Alex’s Boston Experience  15:51 - Boston Trivia Game  25:04 - Course Strategy + Amby’s Advice Tease  28:38 - Newton Hills & Course Psychology  35:16 - Finish Line Magic  36:08 - Weather Forecast  40:40 - Women’s Elite Field Breakdown  45:33 - Top American Women Picks  48:03 - Women’s Winner Predictions  52:34 - Men’s Elite Field Breakdown  58:06 - Top American Men Picks  1:02:29 - World Marathon Majors Rankings  1:06:52 - Final Thoughts + What’s Next  Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB#BostonMarathon #RunningPodcast #MarathonPreview #Boston2025 #NewtonHills #AmbyBurfoot #HelenObiri #ConnorMantz 

Mailbag time! In this spring edition, we dig into your listener questions covering all things running—from training tweaks to shoe reviews, marathon pacing, gels, treadmill strategies, and a deep dive into that eternal mystery: what are speed goggles?Plus, Michael shares coaching tips for kids’ running programs, Caitlin gives sunscreen recs for Honolulu, and Alex bravely admits to lazy calves. We’ve got something for every runner—whether you’re chasing a BQ or your first 5K finish.📍 LIVE SHOW ALERT! Join us April 19 at 5:30 PM at Trident Booksellers, Boston – Get your last-minute tickets (few left!):https://marathonhandbook.com/mile-zero/If the invite RSVP link is closed, email hi@marathonhandbook.com and we'll see if there are spaces that become available!💬 Got a question for our next mailbag? Email us at: hi@marathonhandbook.com🕓 Chapters with Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + Boston Live Show Preview02:19 – Mailbag Begins: Marathon Training Plan Structure11:28 – Zone 2 Confusion + Heart Rate Watch Accuracy18:23 – Training Kids & Coaching Advice27:09 – Heart Rate Spikes and Cardiac Drift33:52 – Treadmill vs Outdoor Running37:08 – Shuffling Feet Fixes40:30 – Gels During Races: How, When, and Where47:09 – Marathon Pacing Strategy51:07 – Gear Section: Why No Puma Love?57:09 – Is Brooks Hyperion Good for Slower Runners?01:03:08 – Adidas Evo SL vs Pro Evo Explained01:05:16 – Potpourri: Speed Goggles, Sunscreen, and Tattoos01:13:10 – Fan Shoutouts + Next Week’s Boston PreviewOver 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

IMPORTANT NEWS:🎉 We're hosting a LIVE PODCAST EVENT, happening Boston Marathon weekend, Saturday, April 19th, 2025, from 5:30PM to 7:30 PM.  at Trident Booksellers on Newbury Street. There will be free food, drinks and exclusive gear giveaways! Tickets are free, but very limited, so RSVP now with this link:https://forms.gle/zSrSDAjbSP3Gqqir7--------------------------In this jam-packed episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, we’re here to make sense of the ever-evolving running shoe landscape. From your daily trainers to the high-stakes world of super shoes—and the weird, wonderful category in between (hello, super trainers)—we cover it all.We kick things off with some personal updates: Katelyn is closing in on the Boston Marathon and taper madness is knocking on her door. Meanwhile, Alex shares the story of his sub-30 10K attempt in New York, the triumphs and misses, and what it’s taught him about racing, pacing, and self-talk.Then we get into the good stuff:👟 Everyday Trainers• What defines a great daily trainer in 2025?• The rise of supercritical foams in easy shoes• Top picks: ASICS Nimbus 27, Brooks Glycerin 22, New Balance 1080, On Cloudsurfer 2, Nike Vomero 18⚡ Super Shoes• The evolution of the carbon-plated racer• The lightweight race shoe renaissance (hello, Adidas Pro Evo)• Trust, performance, and the psychology of picking your race-day weapon• Top picks: Adidas Pro Evo, AlphaFly 3, Vaporfly 4, Metaspeed Paris, Adios Pro 4🌀 Super Trainers• What even is a super trainer?• The blur between workout and long-run shoes• The Pegasus Premium paradox, and why we kind of love it• Top picks: ASICS Superblast, On Cloud Monster Hyper, New Balance Rebel v4, Pegasus Premium, SuperComp Trainer🔗 Mentioned in this episode:• Tracksmith Eliot Runner review#running #runningshoes #marathontraining #supertrainers #supershoes #bostonmarathon #tracksmith #nikealpha #asicsnimbus #adidasproevo #shoereview

On today's episode, Alex, Katelyn and Michael debate about what the single biggest milestone is in all of running.First, Alex argues that it has to be the sub four minute mile, including the prospect that the barrier could conceivably be broken by a woman in the near future.Then, Katelyn stumps for the Boston Marathon qualifier (or BQ) as the single most significant milestone in all of running, as it's the benchmark for thousands of recreational runners each year, and is effectively the "Olympics for the every-person."Finally, Michael suggests that the sub two hour marathon on a legit marathon course is not only the greatest milestone in distance running, but it is the final frontier in marathoning.Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB#marathontraining #bostonmarathon #eliudkipchoge #runningmotivation  #runningpodcast #running

Join us for an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Barkley Marathons, one of the most brutal and mysterious ultramarathons on the planet. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in this year’s race — from the start line in Frozen Head State Park to the final taps of "Taps" for runners who didn’t finish.🔥 What We'll Cover:Who toed the line in the 2025 Barkley MarathonsHow far each runner got — loop-by-loop breakdownWas this the toughest edition ever? We compare it to past yearsDetailed finish statistics: Did anyone even finish the "Fun Run"?Weather, course conditions, and any route changesHistorical data deep dive: Finish rates, race trends, and how the 2025 field stacked up against Barkley legends📊 We also explore the full history of the Barkley Marathons, including:First-time finishers and repeat attemptsHow rare are Barkley finishes, really?Data trends across decades: Has the race gotten harder?💀 Was the 2025 Barkley Marathons unbeatable? We look at the numbers.Further Reading:Was 2025 the Hardest Barkley Marathons Ever? The Data Says Yes:https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-barkley-marathons-data-analysis/Read John Kelly's breakdown of his 2025 Barkley Marathons experience:https://marathonhandbook.com/john-kelly-reflects-on-brutal-2025-barkley-fun-run-this-one-hurt-more-than-my-full-finishes/Re-live the event with our live updates of the 2025 Barkley Marathons:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-barkley-marathons-results/Read our story "No Finishers for 2025 Barkley Marathons as 36-Hour Cutoff Passes":https://marathonhandbook.com/breaking-no-finishers-for-2025-barkley-marathons-as-36-hour-cutoff-passes/Who is Lazarus Lake, the Barkley Marathons creator?https://marathonhandbook.com/lazarus-lake/Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free running training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB#ultramarathonrunner #ultramarathon #barkleymarathons #runningpodcast #running

Our editors Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr dig into everything you need to know about the Barkley Marathons, the most mysterious, alluring and difficult race in the world. They go into the history of this 100-mile running race, its long list of eccentricities, how to get into the Barkley, and what the heck happened this year on the course, with no finishers.Follow our live updates of the 2025 Barkley Marathons:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-barkley-marathons-results/Read our story "No Finishers for 2025 Barkley Marathons as 36-Hour Cutoff Passes":https://marathonhandbook.com/breaking-no-finishers-for-2025-barkley-marathons-as-36-hour-cutoff-passes/Who is Lazarus Lake, the Barkley Marathons creator?https://marathonhandbook.com/lazarus-lake/Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB#ultramarathonrunner #ultramarathon #barkleymarathons #runningpodcast #running

We dream of the perfect race day, but let’s be honest—things can (and often do) go wrong at retty much any running event distance, from the 5K to ultramarathon distances. On today's podcast, we'll delve into the top 10 hiccups that can wreck your race.From blown-up pacing to blister meltdowns, weather surprises fueling nightmares, to the dreaded running side stitch, we’re getting into everything that could go wrong in a race and, more importantly, how to fix it in the moment. Plus, we will share personal horror stories from the road and trail.For each issue, we'll break down the details and science behind why it happens, practical tips on how to handle it in the moment, and strategies to prevent it from happening again.We Cover:00:00 - Intro01:56 - Hitting the Wall in a Marathon11:22 - GI Issues22:13 - Chafing, Blisters and Shoe Problems29:36 - Side Stitch38:30 - Leg Craps and Muscle Fatigue41:41 - Dehydration50:44 - Fueling Mistakes and Energy Crashes54:40 - Bad Weather1:02:50 - Mental Fatigue/Losing Focus1:13:55 - Getting Lost/Sent Off CourseOver 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbookFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbookLike us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbookFollow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB