I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast

Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Erin Ton. Erin is a professional mountain runner and endurance athlete who has built a remarkable life around chasing fastest known times all over the world. She has close to 200 FKTs to her name, with efforts that range from all-out sub-hour mountain pushes to 24-plus hour and multi-day adventures. In this conversation, Erin shares what draws her to this style of running and why she is so inspired by self-supported and unsupported efforts in the mountains. We talk about the beauty and challenge of moving through remote places alone, what it takes to prepare for these routes, and how she approaches safety, fear, and decision-making in extreme environments. Erin also reflects on a recent trip to South America, where she set the short-course women’s speed record on Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. She talks about the emotional side of these big efforts too, including what it feels like when an attempt does not go to plan, why some unfinished goals still keep calling her back, and how she has learned to sit with both success and failure. This episode is a little different from the track, road, and marathon conversations I often have on the show, and that is exactly why I loved it. Erin’s story is full of adventure, perspective, and a deep love for wild places. I think you are going to really enjoy getting to know her. Topics Discussed: What fastest known times are and the difference between supported, self-supported, and unsupported efforts Why Erin is drawn to self-supported and unsupported mountain efforts Her recent South America trip and setting the short-course women’s speed record on Aconcagua The difference between the short and long Aconcagua records How she trains for very different kinds of FKTs, from short mountain efforts to 24-plus hour and multi-day routes Strength training, nutrition, sleep, and the more structured side of her preparation Wilderness safety, gear, and learning to move safely in big mountain environments Managing fear and using visualization before committing to dangerous terrain Beautiful places she recommends, including the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Khumbu Valley in Nepal Living out of a van and what that lifestyle looks like in practice Her unfinished pursuit of Nolan’s and what repeated attempts have taught her Why she is more drawn to adventure-style mountain efforts than traditional racing Growing up in Colorado and how leaving home made her appreciate the mountains more The law school path she once imagined and how running became both an outlet and a calling The bigger goals she has for the future, including chasing women’s speed records on the Seven Summits Her encouragement to get outside, explore, and experience more of the world Book recommendations: A Sand County Almanac Support our Sponsors: Lagoon Sleep — If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! Indy Mini Marathon Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It’s such a fun race weekend.

Lindsey Butler joins the podcast after placing third in the 1500m at the USA Indoor Championships, earning a bronze medal in a stacked field behind Nikki Hiltz and Gracie Morris. What makes this performance even more impressive is that Lindsey came into the race as the lowest seed and didn’t even know she was in the race until just days before. She made the most of the opportunity, putting herself right in the mix and even taking the lead during the race. Lindsey is currently an unsponsored athlete, training in Blacksburg with her college coach at Virginia Tech while also working as an engineer. She’s an NCAA champion and has been on a steady rise, running multiple personal bests over the past year, including a 4:20 mile at Fifth Avenue and 4:25 at the Sir Walter Mile. This is a really exciting time in her career, and I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Lindsey moving forward. Topics Discussed: USA Indoor Championships performance Racing as the last seed in a national final Taking the lead mid-race strategy Missing Worlds despite podium finish Unsponsored athlete experience Pursuing a pro contract NIL deal with On and transition out of college Balancing engineering career with elite running Training setup in Blacksburg Working with coach Ben Thomas Post-collegiate training group (POCO) Late start in running after lacrosse background PR progression in mile and road racing Navigating the pro running landscape Future goals: Diamond League and national team contention Support our Sponsors: Indy Mini Marathon: Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It’s such a fun race weekend. Huug makes high-quality bras and underwear designed to actually fit and support your body through every phase of life. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and built for movement, making them a go-to for everyday wear and training alike. Use the code “Lindsey” for 15% off at huug.com. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Price increases on April 1st, so sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off!

Kellyn Taylor is back on the podcast after a huge few weeks of racing. She won the Austin Marathon in 2:33 and then turned around and ran 2:27 for second place at the LA Marathon. Kellyn called LA the hardest marathon course she has ever raced, which makes that result even more impressive. Kellyn is one of the most respected marathoners in the sport, with five top-10 finishes at the New York City Marathon and several close calls at the Olympic Trials. She is also a mom of four and is now stepping into a brand new chapter after being accepted into the Fire Academy, something she has dreamed about for a long time. Kellyn talks about both marathons, what this season has looked like, and what it means to keep chasing big goals in running while also preparing for a demanding new career. Topics Winning the Austin Marathon in 2:33 Finishing second at the LA Marathon in 2:27 Using Austin as part of the buildup to LA Why Kellyn says LA was the hardest marathon course she has raced Her history of success at the New York City Marathon Coming close to the podium at multiple Olympic Trials Motherhood and training as a mom of four Getting accepted into the Fire Academy Starting a new phase of life while still racing at a high level Chasing PRs and staying motivated in this season Thank you to our sponsors: Geist Half Race Series Go to geisthalf.com and use the code “Another26” for $10 off any race distances. Indy Mini Marathon Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It’s such a fun race weekend. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Price increases on April 1st, so sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! Previnex — I’ve been using their Muscle Health formula and I love that it combines creatine monohydrate with BCAAs and essential amino acids to support strength, recovery, and muscle maintenance. They just released a new citrus flavor that’s really refreshing, and it’s formulated to improve amino acid absorption and protein synthesis. I also take Previnex Gut & Greens every day and swear by it. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout!

Emily Mackay joins me on the podcast after a huge moment in her career, winning her first national title in the 3000 meters at the USATF Indoor Championships. Emily is no stranger to the world stage. She competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and is also a World Indoor bronze medalist, but capturing her first national title was a really special milestone. In this episode we talk all about that race, what it felt like to finally get that win, and what the moment meant after years of competing at such a high level. Emily is sponsored by New Balance and currently trains with Union Athletics Club under coach Pete Julian. Last summer she made the move from Team New Balance Boston to Union Athletics Club, and we talk about that transition, what training has looked like in this new environment, and how the change has helped her continue to grow as an athlete. We also talk about what’s next as Emily prepares to compete at the World Indoor Championships in the 3000 meters in Poland. It’s always fun catching up with Emily. This is actually her fourth time on the podcast, and it’s been incredible to follow her journey over the years and see the progression in her career. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Emily Mackay. Support our sponsors! Previnex — I’ve been using their Muscle Health formula and I love that it combines creatine monohydrate with BCAAs and essential amino acids to support strength, recovery, and muscle maintenance. They just released a new citrus flavor that’s really refreshing, and it’s formulated to improve amino acid absorption and protein synthesis. I also take Previnex Gut & Greens every day and swear by it. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout! Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Price increases on April 1st, so sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another.

I sat down live in Napa Valley with Shannon Rowbury and Jessica Dorrington, co-authors of the new book Strong as a Mother. We recorded this conversation at the Napa Valley Marathon expo, and it centers on what it looks like to return to running after pregnancy, rebuild after injury, and support athletes through every stage of motherhood and performance. Shannon is a three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist in the 1500 meters. Her medal came years after the 2012 Olympic final, when multiple athletes ahead of her were later disqualified for doping. In this conversation, she reflects on that experience and the complicated reality of receiving an Olympic medal long after the race is over. Jessica Dorrington is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and pelvic health physical therapist who works with many elite runners. She shares practical, grounded insight on postpartum recovery, pelvic health, and how athletes can safely return to running after pregnancy or injury. Together, Shannon and Jess talk about the inspiration behind Strong as a Mother, why better education around postpartum recovery is so needed in sport, and how runners can approach their comeback with patience, perspective, and the right support. We also talk about Shannon’s career, the emotional complexity of elite competition, and the importance of understanding the body through every phase of life. This episode is part of my weekend at the Napa Valley Marathon, where I had the chance to serve as race emcee and host conversations with athletes and leaders in the running community. Topics covered: Longevity in running and what helps you keep running for decades Why consistency matters more than any one perfect week of training Recovery as a key part of performance How training needs change as you age Strength training, calf strength, plyometrics, and core work for runners Injury setbacks and using them as opportunities to learn more about your body Shannon Rowbury’s femoral neck stress fracture in college and comeback to make her first Olympic team The role of biomechanics, leg length differences, orthotics, and maintenance work in staying healthy Postpartum return to running and why timelines are highly individual What happens to the abdominal wall and pelvic floor during pregnancy and postpartum Why more women are returning to elite running after having babies The lack of pregnancy and postpartum resources for athletes and why Strong as a Mother was written Pelvic floor health for runners and why it matters for both women and men Shannon Rowbury’s delayed Olympic bronze medal from the 2012 1500m Doping in sport and the emotional impact of delayed justice The importance of clean sport, reform, and fighting for integrity in athletics Mental preparation for racing, including visualization, positive cue words, breathing, and smiling Race-day strategies for handling hills, fueling, and staying mentally engaged late in the race Why menstruation is an important indicator of athlete health Low energy availability, RED-S, sleep, and early warning signs for high school and young female runners Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Price increases on April 1st, so sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! Lagoon Sleep — If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another.

Megan Sailor joins the show fresh off a huge breakthrough at CIM, where she placed third in the national championship marathon and ran 2:25:17 in her debut. Megan runs for the B.A.A. High Performance Team and she walks through what it looked like to finally step up to the marathon after spending years focused on the track and shorter road races. Megan shares how pro running was not always the plan, why she considers herself more of a realist than a dreamer, and how the marathon move came at the right time after a stretch where training fitness was not translating to race results. We talk about learning to stop racing workouts, what changed when she began moving up in distance, and how a strong half marathon helped confirm she was heading the right direction. We also get into life outside racing, including the unique dynamic of being a twin and having a built-in training partner, the fact that Megan and her husband live with her twin sister and her husband in Boston, and what they actually do to unwind when they are not training. Megan wraps with a message that sticks: you do not always get to choose the timing or even the event, but patience and trust can lead to the breakthrough you were hoping for. Enjoy this episode with Megan! Topics Discussed: Megan’s 2:25:17 marathon debut and 3rd at CIM (national championship) Joining and training with the B.A.A. High Performance Team Why the track was not clicking, and the shift away from racing workouts Building from half marathon success to marathon readiness Marathon training changes: mileage bump, longer workout volume, solo long runs CIM race strategy, pack decisions, and the late-race leg shutdown Fueling and bottle-grab chaos, plus her gel preferences Boston Marathon build: hills, strength on tired legs, and racing a stacked field Twin sister training dynamic, competitiveness, and support Boston winter stories and “space savers” street parking culture Life outside running: TV binges, baking, books, and future goals (dogs, international racing) Closing takeaway: patience, timing, and letting the right event find you Media Mentioned: Books Throne of Glass (series) Shield of Sparrows Harry Potter (series) Divergent (series) The Hunger Games (series) Twilight (series) ACOTAR TV shows Survivor Grey’s Anatomy Schitt’s Creek Love Is Blind Sponsors: Lagoon Sleep — If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another. Geist Half Race Series Go to geisthalf.com and use the code “Another26” for $10 off any race distances.

Olivia Markezich joins me on the podcast to talk steeplechase, the jump from college to pro running, and what it’s been like joining the On Athletics Club in Boulder. Olivia runs with OAC out in Boulder and is sponsored by On. Olivia is a steeplechaser, and if you watched the 2024 Olympic Trials, you know exactly why this conversation matters. She took a real shot, put herself into second, and then fell near the finish in one of the most gutting moments of the meet. She was right there, in it, fighting for that team spot, and she opens up about what happened, what it felt like, and how she’s carried that experience forward instead of letting it define her. Olivia’s story has been one surprise after another. She won the 2023 NCAA title in the steeplechase at Notre Dame, earned 10 All-American honors, and finished top three at seven NCAA championships. She also walked on to Notre Dame and eventually earned a full scholarship, which says a lot about how quickly her belief, consistency, and ceiling have grown. This one is honest, gritty, and really fun. Olivia is all-in on seeing how far she can take this sport, and it’s hard not to walk away from this conversation believing she’s got some big breakthroughs ahead. List of topics covered Training update and Achilles management after USA Cross Country Racing muddy cross country conditions and gutting out a tough day Choosing events outside the steeplechase, including a possible 1500 opener Non-championship year mindset and racing the Diamond League circuit 2024 season setbacks: mono, stress reaction, return to racing quickly 2024 Olympic Trials steeplechase fall: what happened and how she processed it Early pro experiences and learning to race on the world stage NIL with On, the pro recruiting process, and why OAC was the fit What she wanted in a pro group: altitude, team environment, structure Notre Dame walk-on story, scholarship, NCAA title, and changing expectations Family dynamic: twin sister rivalry and support, dad as a sounding board Finding steeplechase and winning her first pair of On shoes at Portland Track Festival OAC team culture: meeting six days a week, steeple work with Kelsey, training written by Dathan Building hobbies and community in Boulder: ceramics, cook club, reading, shows Balancing identity outside running and keeping it fun Media mentioned (books + shows) Books: Cutting for Stone (Abraham Verghese) The Covenant of Water (Abraham Verghese) The Housemaid series (Freida McFadden) The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) Sarah J. Maas series mentioned: ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) Throne of Glass Crescent City Fourth Wing TV shows: Ted Lasso The Pitt Support our Sponsors: Join me for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon Training! Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout! Noogs: Noogs Nutrition is my go-to for fun, flavorful fuel with carbs and electrolytes, with flavors like Lemon Zinger, Electric Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry, plus caffeinated options too. Use code “another15” for 15% off your first order.

Today’s episode is a special one. I got to sit down in person with Tristin Colley, formerly known as Tristin Van Ord, for a conversation that felt personal, honest, and really meaningful. Tristin is a professional marathoner, a two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier, and currently pregnant with her first child, a baby girl due this April. She made her marathon debut in 2019 running 2:40 and has steadily worked her way down to a 2:25 personal best, a testament to her patience, belief, and long-term commitment to the sport. In this episode, Tristin and I talk about the many transitions she is navigating right now. From stepping away from the ZAP Endurance program following its recent closure, to moving with her husband Andrew to Raleigh, to entering motherhood while still holding big goals as a professional runner. She shares what this waiting season has looked like, emotionally and practically, as she explores sponsorship opportunities and imagines her return to racing post-baby. We also talk about the USATF Foundation Maternity Grant, which Tristin was awarded, and what it means to feel supported during pregnancy while continuing to identify as a professional athlete with unfinished business. One of the most fun parts of this episode is that Tristin received surprise messages of encouragement from Sara Vaughn, Kara Goucher, and Stephanie Bruce. These moments add so much heart to the conversation and reflect the deep support within the women’s running community. I’m cheering so hard for Tristin, and truly believe that any brand would be lucky to have her on their team. Topics We Cover Tristin’s progression from a 2:40 marathon debut to a 2:25 personal best Training adjustments and mindset shifts during pregnancy Navigating uncertainty after the closure of ZAP Endurance What it means to stay committed to elite running while becoming a parent The USATF Foundation Maternity Grant and why it matters Postpartum racing goals and long-term belief in development The emotional side of waiting seasons in professional sport Community support and encouragement from fellow elite runners Recording in person and how that changes the conversation Support our Sponsors: Geist Half Race Series Go to geisthalf.com and use the code “Another26” for $10 off any race distances. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout!

We have a brand new show joining the Sandy Boy Productions podcast network, and I am so excited about it! It’s called Out and Back, hosted by professional runners Rory Linkletter and Jacob Thomson. They train in Flagstaff, they are chasing big goals on the roads, and they bring you straight into the behind the scenes of the marathon lifestyle. This show is training talk with a few detours, and it is exactly the kind of perspective I love adding to the network. What I love about Rory and Jacob is how curious they are. They are not here for surface level conversations. They want the real details. The stuff you actually want to know if you care about performance, training, racing, and the mental side of showing up when it matters. If you are someone chasing a BQ, an OTQ, or you just want to understand how the pros think about the marathon, you are going to love this podcast. In this intro episode, I sit down with Rory and Jacob to talk about why they started Out and Back, what they want the show to be, and why they think there has been a gap in marathon specific podcasting. We also get into what it looks like to promote yourself as a professional runner, how they balance training with content, and what success looks like for both of them as they head toward Boston. I cannot wait for you to hear more from these two, and I am really proud to welcome Out and Back to the Sandy Boy Productions family. Please take one minute right now, go hit subscribe wherever you listen, and then send this to a friend who loves marathon training talk.

Two time Olympian Elise Cranny returns to the podcast for one of the most natural, easy conversations I have had in a long time. Elise shares why she recently made a major training change, joining M11 Track Club and spending much of the year in South Africa and the UK. We talk about craving training partners again, getting back into a beginner mindset, and why she wants to pay closer attention to the 1500 this season while keeping the 5000 in the bigger picture. Elise reflects on the mental side of championship racing, developing an alter ego on the track, and what she learned during the 2024 Olympic cycle working one on one with coach Jarred Cornfield. We dig into overtraining, identity as an athlete, and how zooming out and setting process based goals helped her find a healthier balance. She also shares what cross training looks like now (swimming three days a week), why breaking two minutes in the 800 still matters to her, and how she thinks about “racing where you are” on the world stage. This is such a fun conversation, enjoy! Topics we cover Returning to the show as a two time Olympian Joining M11 and what pushed her to make a big change Training partners, discomfort, and renewed excitement Shifting focus toward the 1500 and what it can unlock for her racing The 2024 Trials double and why joy mattered in that build Overtraining, burnout, and stepping away from a group environment Confidence, an on track alter ego, and showing up locked in Cross training and swimming as part of her weekly routine Race strategy, mental skills, and setting A/B/C goals Big picture career thinking: no regrets, curiosity, and leaving no stone unturned Life outside sport: working on her MPH at George Washington University Books mentioned Anxious People by Fredrik Backman When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi Support Our Sponsors: Noogs: Noogs Nutrition is my go-to for fun, flavorful fuel with carbs and electrolytes, with flavors like Lemon Zinger, Electric Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry, plus caffeinated options too. Use code “another15” for 15% off your first order. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout!