Marathon Handbook Podcast

Spring Mailbag: Youth Marathons, Training Over 65, Boston Pacing, Achilles Injuries, & Super Shoes

7 snips
Apr 2, 2026
Listeners hear rapid-fire answers on youth marathon timing, coaching runners over 65, and Achilles injury red flags. They debate Norwegian Singles training and shoe-rotation choices like ASICS MegaBlast vs SuperBlast. Practical pacing talk covers surviving Boston’s opening downhill and progression plans toward a Boston qualifier.
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ADVICE

Buy Both MegaBlast And SuperBlast If You Can

  • If budget allows, own both the ASICS MegaBlast and SuperBlast for their complementary uses.
  • Michael finds MegaBlast better for easy runs, long runs and some workouts, while SuperBlast serves as a Swiss-army everyday trainer.
ADVICE

Switch To Two Weekly Quality Sessions For 10K

  • For a 10K after recent marathon-heavy months, reduce volume but add a second quality session weekly.
  • Katelyn suggests one VO2 max day, one 10K-pace day, and optional fast finish long runs to convert marathon fitness into 10K speed.
ADVICE

Run Boston Conservatively Through The Downhill First Half

  • In Boston, avoid the downhill trap: run goal pace or slightly slower in the first half and conserve for Newton Hills.
  • Michael's data shows 72% of runners go too fast early; you'll pass many people later if patient.
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