Marathon Handbook Podcast

Olympian and professional runner Sam Parsons joins Alex Cyr on the Marathon Handbook Podcast for a deep, honest conversation about elite running, creativity, and life beyond racing. Sam reflects on his early days with Tin Man Elite and becoming one of the first elite runners to document his career on YouTube (00:00), balancing wedding planning with professional sport (04:30), and his recent Achilles injury and recovery (06:00). He discusses the realities of moving from track to road racing (14:40), why elite runners need interests beyond performance (18:30), and breaks down FAVES, the athlete-focused tech platform he’s building (20:40). The conversation also covers Sam’s work with Tracksmith (42:10), the truth about super shoes and sponsorship leverage (47:40), his decision to move from Boulder to Los Angeles (56:00), and finishes with a fast-money round and reflections on fulfillment (01:03:10).Follow Sam Parsons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/par_sam_sons/https://www.instagram.com/par_sam_sons/Host: Alex CyrGuest: Sam ParsonsEditor/Producer: A. SmitheeSpecial thanks to Massimo Alpian at Tracksmith

The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.comRocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorunWe discuss:• The surprising origins of the half marathon• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)• Strength training mistakes runners make• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?• And… what should we rename the half marathon?Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com• Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletterTopics/Chapters:0:00 Intro0:23 Half Marathon Overview2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)28:21 Physiology of the Half36:33 Why the Half is Hard41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood44:51 Weekly Training Structure48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts53:59 Common Training Mistakes58:06 Long Runs1:02:01 Fueling During the Race1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics1:26:29 Rebranding the Half1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half

A bizarre disqualification after a runner was filmed racing with a baby strapped to his chest. Des Linden’s shockingly stacked spring schedule spanning ultramarathons and major marathons. Multiple indoor world records falling, including a 60–64 masters mile. Rumors of a top marathoner changing national allegiance. Playful detective work on where Harry Styles might race next.

In this Winter 2026 Mailbag, the Marathon Handbook crew answers listener questions on some of the toughest — and most misunderstood — topics in marathon running.From runners who missed sub-3 by seconds, to first-time marathoners chasing Boston, to athletes sidelined by injury, this episode dives deep into both the physical and mental side of training.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. Rocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorunWe cover:Whether to repeat a sub-3 training block or hire a coachHow much marathon pace should actually hurtLong runs vs. overall volume — what matters more?Shoes for mid-pack marathoners: super shoes or not?Training in extreme heat for cold-weather marathonsInjury, identity, and staying motivated when running is taken awayAlcohol during marathon training: moderation vs. abstinenceFine-tuning pace by seconds per kilometerThis is a must-listen for anyone training for a marathon — whether you’re chasing Boston, your first finish, or a big personal breakthrough.Interview with Pete Pfitzinger, co-author of Advanced Marathoning: https://youtu.be/pw9edKx9Mws?si=1bQ_KYd_dRLdUGUm📩 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📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter🎙 New episodes weekly from Marathon Handbook

Des Linden gears up for the ultra-challenging Marathon des Sables in 2026, diving into its grueling multi-day format. Dot McMahan makes waves by qualifying for her sixth U.S. Olympic Trials at age 49, showcasing incredible endurance. Meanwhile, Molly Seidel impressively shatters the course record at her ultra debut in the Bandera 50K. The discussion takes a serious turn with Sarah Porter’s removal from the Winter Spine after receiving death threats. To lighten the mood, Ed Sheeran reveals his passion for running, joining a trend of pop stars hitting the pavement.

The hosts dive into what defines a long run and its importance for various race distances. Alex shares his exhilarating experience at the Houston Half Marathon, highlighting pacing strategies. They discuss the optimal length for long runs, with insights into how to structure them throughout training blocks. Fueling basics for endurance are covered, alongside common mistakes runners make, like pacing too fast or neglecting recovery. Listeners receive practical tips to enhance their long run experience and overall performance.

This week dives into Habtam Samuel's stunning 59:01 half-marathon debut and highlights multiple sub-60 performances. Sarah Hall captivates with a remarkable 2:26 finish at 42. The grassroots Burrito League emerges, taking over from the Chipotle Strava Challenge. There’s buzz around Beatrice Chebet's pregnancy affecting the 5,000m and 10,000m events. Controversial ultra-runner William Gouge plans his Mission America challenge. Plus, record-breaking runs at the Valencia 10K bring excitement across Europe!

Who will shape the future of running in 2026? In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr rank the 26 most influential people in running for the year ahead — from global superstars like Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge to behind-the-scenes power players at Nike, Strava, World Athletics, and the World Marathon Majors. We debate celebrity runners like Harry Styles (48:50), analyze the future of super shoes and Nike’s leadership (48:50–54:30), break down the rise of Conner Mantz (54:30), and explain why Sifan Hassan earns the top spot (01:11:00). Plus, plenty of honorable mentions, strong opinions, and classic Marathon Handbook banter along the way.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📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter#RunningPodcast #MarathonHandbook #RunningNews #MarathonRunning#SifanHassan #EliudKipchoge #FaithKipyegon #RunningCulture#TrackAndField #MarathonTraining

NOTE FOR SUBSCRIBERS:This is a bonus, inaugural episode of a new weekly podcast we’re piloting called The Running Story. For the next few weeks, you’ll receive this show in the Marathon Handbook feed on Mondays alongside our regular Thursday podcast. We’d love your feedback — email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com. More new podcast projects are coming in 2026.Welcome to the first episode of The Running Story, a new weekly running news podcast from Marathon Handbook.Hosted by Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth, this show breaks down four to five of the most important and interesting stories from the past week in the sport and culture of running. Each episode is designed to get you up to speed quickly — under 30 minutes — with context, analysis, and conversation around the stories runners are already talking about.In this inaugural episode, we cover:• The Tokyo Hakone Ekiden, Japan’s biggest running event• The rebrand of the NN Running Team• Ultra legend Ann Trason’s remarkable multi-day run• Shelby Houlihan’s controversial trail racing debut• Truett “Jeans Guy” Haynes and his Olympic Trials ambitionsThis podcast is released weekly on Mondays, in addition to the regular Marathon Handbook Podcast on Thursdays.

A lively breakdown of which carbon‑plated marathon shoes are ruling the roads in 2026. They count down the top 10 super shoes and compare brand podium shares from major races. Expect debate over the Alphafly 3, deep dives on Adidas, Puma and ASICS models, and predictions for where super shoe tech is headed next.