In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with Jacob Thomson, a name American distance running fans should know well. A former national champion in the half marathon and a top-10 finisher at the California International Marathon, Jacob has been competing at a high level for more than a decade and continues to evolve as a marathoner.

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jacob is a member of Under Armour Dark Sky Distance and trains alongside a deep and ever-changing group of elite runners. He shares what it is like to build fitness and longevity in one of the most competitive training environments in the country, and how training with such a wide range of athletes has shaped both his approach to racing and his perspective on the sport.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Trials, Jacob opens up about his goals, his motivation, and why he believes patience and consistency still matter in an era of ever-faster times. This is a thoughtful, wide-ranging episode with an athlete who has seen nearly every side of the sport and is still pushing forward.

This episode is supported by Rocket Money. Rocket Money is the personal finance app that helps you take control of your money without lifting a finger. Track spending, see all accounts in one place, cancel unwanted subscriptions with a tap, and automate savings toward your goals. If you’ve ever wondered “Wait, what am I still paying for?” — Rocket Money will tell you. Get started and let your money work smarter for you at rocketmoney.com/gorun.