In this episode, we sit down with Carson Vittorio—former MileSplit IL contributor, founder of Illinois Running News, and one of the most well-connected voices in the state’s distance running scene.

Carson brings a unique perspective from both sides of the sport: as a former athlete and now as a coach, media creator, and program director. We dive into the rapid rise of Illinois high school distance running, how athlete exposure and development are changing, and what’s fueling this new wave of elite performances.

He also shares insight into recent NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments affecting high school and collegiate runners, and talks about his decision to leave a national media outlet to build his own independent platform—now nearing 7,000 followers.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just passionate about the future of the sport, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of Illinois running.

Today I sit down with a 3x National Champion from North Carolina, Colby McCollum!

She is the most authentic and honest guests that I’ve ever had on as she discusses her training, mindset before big races, and the pressure of trying to live up to the hype of her team. Wherever you are listening to this please give us a follow and now enjoy my uninterrupted conversation with Colby McCullom!

Today I sit down with Freshman Mile National Champion, Sawyer Hutton. This guy is very knowledgeable about training and how to race correctly when it matters most. We dive into his injury during cross country season and how he bounced back from it, his 8:29 3k at Nike Outdoor Nationals, and how he plans to run and race at Woodbridge later this season. I truly think you will learn a lot from his wisdom and knowledge on the sport. Without Further ado, please enjoy my uninterrupted conversation with Sawyer Hutton!

In Today's episode of Road To XC, I sit down with an incoming sophomore from Charlotte, NC. His name is Joshua Palmer and he's the fastest Freshman Miler from the state of North Carolina ever! He is super knowledgeable on this sport and how to deal with pressure and we dive into his love for winning and the sport of running. He is somebody you need to keep an eye on the next couple of years and have him on the map as a serious threat for a national title soon. Without further ado, please enjoy my conversation with Joshua Palmer!

Today I sit down with the 3rd fastest 7th grade miler in the 2025 track season. He has run 4:35 in the mile and he recently went 10:45 in the 2 mile for cross country. We discuss his goals for this upcoming cross-country season, the impact his team has made on him as a runner and as a person, his race strategy, and he breaks down his Hoka Festival of Miles race where he ran 4:35 in the full mile! I think you will genuinely enjoy and learn a lot from this episode, without further ado, please enjoy my uninterrupted conversation with Lucas Pfoutz

In this Episode, I sit down with Lucas Houlihan, an incoming sophomore from Joliet High School who already has heads turning when he runs. This guy is so wise and talks a lot about patience and trusting the process. He's got big plans for this upcoming cross country season and you need to keep your eye on him as one to watch this season. Without further ado, please enjoy my uninterrupted converation with Lucas Houlihan!

This week's guest is Emiliano Vieyra. He is a ranked runner from Illinois who is in 8th grade and is a 2x All State runner. He has been considered an underdog coming into this track season and he was able to give us some good insights on his mentality coming into this season, his training, and how he plans on making a name for himself nationally. Everyone at the Beyond the Finish Line team hopes you enjoy this episode!!

Today on the podcast is Adam Foley. He is a freshman from North Carolina who has run 1:59 in the 800 and 15:28 in the 5,000m. He is a very articulate person who gave us a lot of insight on how to deal with the pressure of big races, how to be grateful for the moments we get in life, and his low mileage approach to training. On behalf of the Beyond The Finish Line Team, we hope you enjoy this Episode!!

Today, Brayden Domont sat down with 3x State Champion and All-American Distance runner, Abram Garcia. Abe and Brayden had an amazing discussion about training, race strategy, and how to handle pressure on and off The Track. We hope you learn a lot from this Episode. Hopefully as much as we did!

Today on the Podcast is Phoenix Viger. This 8th grader has made a name for himself as one of the top Middle school runners in the state of Illinois. We sat down with him and discussed training, race preparation, the state of distance running, and much, much more. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!