

Marathon Handbook Podcast
Marathon Handbook
Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: podcast@marathonhandbook.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2024 • 59min
How to Run a 5K PR, Boston Marathon Qualification, and the Next World Marathon Major
Marathon Handbook editors Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle discuss the latest developments in the World of Marathon Majors: Boston Marathon's new qualification standards and the Sydney Marathon's rise to reportedly become the next World Marathon Major, perhaps as early as next year. They also delve into Alex's recent 5K PR, exploring the training changes he made and the importance of coaching in achieving running goals.00:00 - Opening Chat01:35 - Boston Marathon Qualification Changes14:00 - Sydney Marathon's Rise to Major Status26:30 - Cape Town Marathon and Chengdu Marathon as WMM candidates38:06 - Alex's 5K PR and TipsWatch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Show Notes:Qualifying for the Boston Marathon just got harder:https://marathonhandbook.com/2026-boston-marathon-qualifying-times/Sydney on the verge of being named seventh WMM:https://marathonhandbook.com/sydney-marathon-seventh-world-major-marathon-2025/Alex's go-to fartlek for improving speed:1min 10k effort/2min easy45sec 5k effort/90sec easy2x30sec 1500m effort/1min easy4x15sec 800m effort/45sec easyOur free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleOver 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 10min
How to Get Into Trail Running, and Running in the French Alps!
Editors Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle chat about Alex's recent trip to the French Alps for a week of trail running in the mountains. He shares what he learned, the mistakes he made on the trails, and the YouTube vlog he produced documenting this humbling and enlightening experience.Then, they provide a primer on how to get into trail running, particularly if you're coming from a road running background. They cover topics such as finding trails, differences in training and mindset, the physical challenges of trail running, and the benefits of running on trails. They also touch on the importance of strength training for trail runners and the sense of community that comes with trail running. The hosts share their personal experiences and offer advice for those interested in trying trail running. Watch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Show Notes:Watch Alex's video "5 Mistakes to Avoid When Trail Running":https://youtu.be/BN7Ffazn8soKatelyn's strength and stability routine:https://marathonhandbook.com/knee-strengthening-exercises/Tips for running downhill:https://youtu.be/I77KRM5Q4nQTips for uphill running:https://youtu.be/lOZnlI3rhH0Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleOver 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 48min
How to Fuel for a Marathon (Or Any Long Run) + UTMB!
In this episode, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle discuss why UTMB continues to be the most talked about ultramarathon in the world. Then they dive into the big topic of the pod: fuelling for marathons. They emphasize the importance of fuelling properly for optimal performance and discuss the timing and composition of pre-race meals. They share their personal approaches to race week nutrition and offer tips for carb loading, and discuss the best practices for fuelling during a marathon.00:00 Intro03:04 UTMB08:05 Men's race at UTMB12:16 Katie Scheid's massive performance at UTMB19:46 Fuelling for a marathon25:36 Balancing diet and variety31:03 Michael's race morning routine36:15 Finding food options on race morning38:09 Katelyn's race morning routine39:24 Pre-Race Nutrition and Fuelling41:39 Carb-Loading 10143:08 Managing digestion and fiber Intake47:35 Fuelling Strategies during the marathon01:19:10 Mastering marathon fuelling: Best Practices and Strategies01:25:14 Carrying gels and practicing fuelling: Tips for training runs01:29:54 Hydration tips on race dayWatch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Show Notes:Two Champions Crowned At 2024 UTMB—An Underdog And A Veteran:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-utmb-results/Who Is Vincent Bouillard? Meet The Unsponsored Hoka Engineer Who Just Won UTMB:https://marathonhandbook.com/who-is-vincent-bouillard/Carb Loading for Runners: How to + 8 Common Mistakes:https://marathonhandbook.com/carb-loading/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleOver 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 12min
We Answer Your Running Questions! + Sprint Season 2 and UTMB
Marathon Handbook editors Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle discuss the upcoming season two of the docu-series 'Sprint' on Netflix, the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) race, and answer listener questions. Your questions ask about the importance of rest days after long runs and how to adjust training paces based on individual abilities, improving your mile time, dealing with feet and leg soreness, and a few questions for Alex about his "best of" selections for shoes of the year. Watch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Show Notes:Read our story on everything we know so far about Sprint Season 2:https://marathonhandbook.com/sprint-season-two/Everything You Need To Know About The 2024 UTMB Finals:https://marathonhandbook.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2024-utmb-finals/Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleOver 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 28min
How To Avoid a Race DNF (and the One Instance When You Perhaps Should)
On this week's pod, Alex, Katelyn and Michael begin with Alex's latest YouTube video, in which he goes Strava segment hunting in front of Drake's $100 million mansion. Then, they briefly break down the just-announced 2024 New York City Marathon elite fields, with a surprising number of Olympic marathoners on the list.And then, they dive deep into the big topic of the day (inspired by the Paris Olympic marathons to some degree). Whether your running a local 5K, a track race, a mid-season half marathon or a big goal race like the Boston Marathon or New York, every race has its dark moments. So in this pod, we'll go deep on the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish).We cover:What does the DNF mean in the context of running and racingRecent cases of DNFs in the Olympics (Eliud Kipchoge, Fiona O'Keeffe)When to Consider a DNF (spoiler: almost never)When not to DNF (spoiler: almost always)Strategies and prevention tips to avoid a DNFKatelyn, Alex, and Michael share their own experiences with DNF, plus lessons learned and advice for listenersWatch Alex's video on taking down the "Cruising by Drake's Crib" Strava segment:https://youtu.be/xX0jHA53slkWatch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleOver 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 19min
It's Time to Set Your Marathon Goals (and Here's How)
Editor Michael Doyle is joined by Marathon Handbook's resident coach Katelyn Tocci to break down everything you need to know about how to go about setting goals for the marathon. They discuss: Setting Marathon GoalsUnderstanding SMART GoalsWhat is the “SMART” criteria for goal setting?How can applying SMART goals enhance your marathon training?2. Process-Based vs. Outcome-Based GoalsDifferences between process-based and outcome-based goals.Marathon-specific examples to illustrate each type of goal.3. The Role of A, B, and C GoalsWhat are A, B, and C goals in marathon training?How to prioritize and set these goals effectively.4. Tailoring Goals to Your Fitness Level and Personal CircumstancesSteps to set realistic and achievable marathon goals based on your current fitness level.How to adapt your goals to fit personal factors and training constraints.5. Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining MotivationCommon challenges in marathon training and how to tackle them.Proven strategies to stay motivated and committed throughout your training journey.Show Notes:Andrew Huberman's "The Science of Setting and Achieving Goals" episode on the Huberman Lab podcast:https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/the-science-of-setting-and-achieving-goalsThe paper on the "85% Rule":https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-12552-4Our free marathon training plans:https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/Hosts: Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleWatch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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

Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Women's Paris Olympic Marathon: Instant Reaction Pod!
Editors Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle jump into the studio for a their final emergency pod of these Olympic Games, right after the finish of the women's Olympic marathon in Paris on Sunday morning. The final event of the Olympics did not disappoint, delivering a thrilling finish.SPOILER ALERT: we talk about how the race played itself out, and who won.Watch a video version of this pod on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/LBZZl9US_bc________Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands put on a show in the final moments of the marathon, out sprinting world record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia for one of the great marathon performances of all time. But it was not without its controvery, as Hassan and Assefa made contact with about 200m to go.We also discuss Nike's big win, if Hassan is the next Kipchoge, and what happened to American runner Fiona O'Keeffe (and why some are upset about her DNF).The Women’s Olympic Marathon top 10 Results:🥇Sifan Hassan 🇳🇱🥈 Tigst Assefa 🇪🇹🥉Hellen Obiri 🇰🇪Sharon Lokedi 🇰🇪Amane Shankule 🇪🇹Yuka Suzuki 🇯🇵Delvine Meringor 🇷🇴Stella Chesang 🇺🇬Lonah Salpeter 🇮🇱Eunice Chumba 🇧🇭Read our full recap of the 2024 Olympic marathon, plus full results, here:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-olympic-women-marathon-results/Follow our live coverage of the track and marathons here:https://marathonhandbook.com/live-updates-athletics-track-2024-paris-olympics/Hosts: Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci, Michael Doyle

Aug 10, 2024 • 38min
The Men's Paris Olympic Marathon: Instant Reaction Pod!
Editors Alex Cyr and Michael Doyle jump into the studio for an emergency pod, right after the finish of the men's Olympic marathon in Paris on Saturday morning.SPOILER ALERT: we talk about how the race played itself out, and who won.Be sure to follow this pod feed for an instant reaction episode after the women's Olympic marathon as well, shortly after the race concludes on Sunday morning.________Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia was the big winner of this Olympic marathon, taking gold. We talk about his incredible race, the experience of watching the Paris Olympic marathon overall, as well as Eliud Kipchoge's shocking result and what this means for the GOAT's legacy long term.The men's marathon podium in Paris:🇪🇹 Tamirat Tola 🥇 2:06:26🇧🇪 Bashir Abdi 🥈 2:06:47🇰🇪 Benson Kipruto 🥉 2:07:00Read our full recap of the 2024 Olympic marathon, plus full results, here:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-olympic-men-marathon/Follow our live coverage of the track and marathons here:https://marathonhandbook.com/live-updates-athletics-track-2024-paris-olympics/Hosts: Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle

Aug 8, 2024 • 54min
Who Will Win the Olympic Marathons?
Alex, Katelyn and Michael describe the Paris Olympic marathon course in detail, and what to expect when live streaming both the men's and women's marathons this weekend. Will Eliud Kipchoge pull of the improbable and win gold in the Olympic marathon for a third straight time? Or will there be a new Olympic champ at 26.2 miles? And in the women's marathon, which concludes the Paris Olympics, will defending champ Peres Jepchirchir dominate the field, or can world record holder Tigst Assefa use her speed on this incredibly hilly and challenging course? We break it all done for you so you'll be primed and ready for this weekend's Olympic marathons in Paris, which are set for 2:00 a.m. EDT Saturday (for the men's race) and 2:00 a.m. EDT Sunday (for the women's race).And be sure to check this feed after the marathons this weekend for our instant reaction pods!Hosts: Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci, Michael DoyleWatch a full video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/Nih6qNESz44Follow our Paris Olympic Games coverage:10 Sprinters to Watch in Paris:https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-paris-olympics-sprinters/10 Middle-Distance Stars You Won't Want to Miss:https://marathonhandbook.com/10-mid-distance-stars-olympics/How to Watch the Track Events at the Paris Olympics:https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-watch-athletics-at-the-2024-olympic-games/Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/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/MarathonHBMarathon Handbook was founded in 2016, with the mission from day one of helping you to run far, set goals and meet them. We provide free and super popular coach-vetted training plans for just about every distance and ability level, from your first 5K to a sub-3 hour marathon, to a 100-miler training plan. We've got you covered. We also follow the latest news and storylines in the running world, and review all the best shoes, running watches and gear on our site and our Youtube channel.

Aug 2, 2024 • 23min
Paris 10,000m Final Instant Reaction Pod
Alex Cyr and Michael Doyle scramble the pod mics for an emergency pod that's all about the first medal event of the 2024 Olympic Games, the men's 10,000m. The race turned out to be among the best distance championship finals of all-time, with an electric finish. Spoiler alert: world record holder Joshua Chepetegei is incredible. American Grant Fisher also delivered the race of his life, and there was heartbreak for Canadian Moh Ahmed.Men's 10,000m final podium results:🥇 Joshua CHEPTEGEI 🇺🇬 26:43.14 (Olympic record)🥈 Berihu AREGAWI 🇪🇹 26:43.44🥉 Grant FISHER 🇺🇸 26:43.46 SBOur full race recap:https://marathonhandbook.com/olympic-men-10000m-final/Be sure to follow our live updates of all the running events at the Paris Olympics here:https://marathonhandbook.com/live-updates-athletics-track-2024-paris-olympics/And here's the schedule for athletics at the Games:https://marathonhandbook.com/schedule-running-events-2024-paris-olympics/Hosts: Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle


