Marathon Training Academy

In this episode we play an interview we did on the ‘I’ll Have Another Podcast’ with Lyndsey Hein. Lyndsey invited us to participate in her Behind the Mic series -where she interviews fellow podcasters in the running space. Hear us discuss podcasting, parenting, travel, books, our favorite marathons, and more! Lindsey Hein lives in North Carolina with her husband of 15 years, Glenn and their four boys. She’s the founder of the podcast network SandyBoy Productions and host of I’ll Have Another and Why is Everyone Yelling? with Lindsey Hein. Lindsey has run 17 marathons and one half ironman. She loves podcasting, hosting live interviews and coaching runners! Mentioned in This Episode Work with a Running Coach in 2025 or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. MetPro Nutrition Coaching -speak with a Metabolic Expert about your goals and get actionable steps toward fueling for performance, losing weight, adding muscle, or changing your body composition. Get $500 off their concierge coaching. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000.

Brad Culp, a seasoned sports journalist and author of 'The Norwegian Method', shares his insights on elite endurance training. He discusses the innovative Norwegian approach that emphasizes high volume and low intensity, perfect for maximizing performance. Their conversation dives into the cultural significance of winter sports in Norway and the evolution of women's marathon participation. Culp also highlights the importance of Zone 2 training, advocating for a slower pace to build endurance while ensuring effective recovery.

In this episode we celebrate the 15 Year Anniversary of the Podcast! Listeners call in to tell us what running marathons and half marathons has taught them about life. Runners from all over the world shared their inspiring stories, mantras, and advice. Thanks to everyone who sent in a voicemail, and THANK YOU ALL for supporting the podcast for the last 15 years! Sponsor Links Drury Hotels -our longest running sponsor! They have over 150 locations in 25 states; free food and drinks (the 530 kickback), clean rooms, great locations, indoor/outdoor pools, popcorn, reasonable rates. Get 10% off your stay with our link! UCAN -we have been fueling with UCAN since 2013. As a listener to the podcast you can try UCAN Edge gels for FREE! all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code MTA. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan.

Dive into the thrill of the World Marathon Majors and learn how to get into iconic races like Berlin, Chicago, and NYC! Discover the pros and cons of various entry methods including lotteries, charity runs, and tour operators. Listen to inspiring stories of triumph like a listener completing their first 70k. Get the scoop on an exciting trip to the Dublin Marathon and explore unique opportunities, including using credit card points for marathon entries. Join fellow enthusiasts in discussing the highs and lows of marathon training!

Discover the pathways to secure a bib for prestigious marathons like Tokyo, Boston, and London! Learn about lottery entries, charity runs, and qualifying speeds. Hear inspiring stories of resilience from the Tokyo Marathon, where racers faced unexpected heat. Get tips on navigating competitive entry requirements and explore the unique characteristics of each marathon. Plus, insights on joining the exclusive Six Star Medal club and personal anecdotes that illuminate the marathon journey.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Fitzgerald, an endurance sports coach and author of 'How to Run the Perfect Race', shares insights into the art of race pacing. He explains common struggles runners face with pacing and delves into fascinating concepts like the central governor theory of fatigue. Conversations also highlight the interplay between nutrition and performance, especially with slow-release carbohydrates. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and balance in running, blending psychological tactics with practical training advice.

In this episode we are joined by Coach Amber from MetPro to tackle nutrition questions sent in by listeners. We discuss meal timing, hydration, protein sources, menopause, how to balance performance and fat loss goals, managing cravings, fueling for an ultra, and we even dive into the current buzz around GLP1 medications. Whether you’re training for a marathon or an ultra, you’ll get practical nutrition advice to help optimize your running. Thanks to everyone who sent in a question! Links Mentioned in This Episode MetPro + MTA Coaching Deal. Special offer we’ve never done before limited to the first 30 people, signup for MetPro Nutrition coaching will also get MTA Run coaching included at no additional cost. $200 a month savings. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Coach Amber Velasquez has a Master of Health Sciences and is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian and a certified personal trainer. She’s a coach at MetPro and loves all things nutrition & fitness. When we had her on the podcast last year it was our most listened to episode in 2024 according to Spotify.

In this episode we interview a long-time member of our community named Debbie Gelber who has reinvented herself through running. A self-described late bloomer to the sport, she stepped on the treadmill at age 40 with a goal of losing weight, over a decade later she’s training for her 51st marathon! Debbie Gelber is a Fine Arts Instructor at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. She is currently training for the Tokyo Marathon working with MTA Coach Carrie. Links Mentioned in this Episode Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. The Drury Hotels -they have free breakfast and free food and drinks in the evening -something they call the 5:30 kick back. They have more than 150 locations in 26 states. Use our link to save 10% on your stay. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Debbie Gelber’s website: https://debrunsto50.wordpress.com

In this episode we interview Dakotah Popehn who finished as the first American woman at the Olympic Marathon in Paris! There was a time when she couldn’t fathom running 26.2, and actually DNF’d at her debut marathon. But she didn’t give up! Listen as Dakotah shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, tips on building mental strength, and the importance of getting good sleep during training. Sponsor Links Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match.  Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. UCAN -try UCAN Edge gels for FREE all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code “MTA”. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Most people first heard of Dakotah Lindwurm at the 2024 Olympic Trails. She has since gotten married and goes by Dakotah Popehn. Dakotah is a 29 year old elite runner from Minnesota who has raced everything from the mile to the marathon. She won the Grandma’s Marathon in 2021 and 2022; finished 3rd at the US Olympic Trials in 2024; and finished as the first American female at the Paris Olympic Marathon with a time of 2:26:44. She lives with her husband in the Twin Cities.

In this episode we speak with Jeff Horowitz author of the book ‘Think Like a Runner -Understanding Why We Run and How to Do It Better’. Learn about the importance of “finding your why”; the difference between chronological age versus training age; and recommended training changes for older runners. Formerly an attorney, Jeff quit law to pursue his passion for endurance sports. He currently teaches running at the George Washington University and has completed over 200 marathons and ultras across six continents. Links Mentioned in This Episode Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Think Like a Runner book.