Marathon Handbook Podcast

Jess McClain is one of the most compelling figures in American distance running right now and this conversation is a perfect example of why.

Alex Cyr sits down with the Brooks-sponsored pro for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation that covers the full arc of Jess's career: the early promise, the painful burnout that led her to step away from the sport entirely, the unlikely comeback through a casual marathon in Arizona, and the extraordinary run of near-misses and controversies that have defined her return to elite competition.

Jess speaks publicly for the first time about being led off course during the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta — a moment that cost her a shot at the US World Championship team, prize money, rankings points, and potentially shoe contract bonuses. She walks us through exactly what happened on the course, how she handled the chaos in the moment, and what she thinks needs to change so athletes are never left in that position again.

She also revisits the Paris situation — being flown over as an Olympic alternate for the marathon, sitting on the bench all week, and being told the day before the race that she wouldn't be needed. And she talks with remarkable grace about finishing fourth at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials, just 15 seconds outside the team.

With Boston 2026 on the horizon and a World Championship bid still in play, Jess is as motivated as ever — and as level-headed as you'll find at this level of the sport.

Topics covered:

• Stepping away from pro running and losing the love for it
• The Mesa Marathon comeback and rediscovering joy in the sport
• 4th place at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials
• Being flown to Paris as an alternate — and not racing
• Signing with Brooks and taking ownership of her own career
• The self-coaching period and eventually linking up with David Roche
• Training structure: mileage, workouts, and effort-based running
• The Atlanta USATF Half Marathon Championships — being led off course
• The full financial and competitive cost of the incident
• Skepticism around elite marathon times and racing with integrity
• Boston 2026 goals and race strategy
• The evolution of women's marathon longevity
• Fast Money Round

Follow Jess McClain on Instagram: @jesstonn

Photo credit: Bryan Garcia Luna

Marathon Handbook: marathonhandbook.com

Come to our LIVE SHOW in Boston! Join Alex, Katelyn and Michael and some very special guests, + giveaways and prizes!📅 Saturday, April 18, at 6:45 p.m📍 Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury Street 🎟️ It’s free to attend, but make sure to RSVP now, as space is limited: https://forms.gle/sFk28hfMYznrsNxMA

It's the final installment of Spring Mailbag Madness, and it's a big one. Michael Doyle and Katelyn Tocci answer 12 listener questions: from Boston Marathon pacing strategy (including why 72% of Boston runners go out too fast and pay for it later) to Achilles injury decisions, Norwegian Singles training, shoe rotation questions and training for a marathon while playing hurling all summer. Yes, hurling.

James Copeland’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Norwegian-Singles-Method-Subthreshold-Running/dp/B0G4D8438Z

Katelyn’s article about Norwegian Singles:

https://marathonhandbook.com/norwegian-singles-training/

Send us an audio question:

https://marathonhandbook.com/podcast/

THIS EPISODE'S QUESTIONS:

Nell (17, Swiss Alps) asks: is there an ideal age to start running marathons?

Mark asks about the Norwegian Singles method — plus Michael teases a major upcoming announcement involving the man who actually invented it, Marius Bakken.

Cynthia (Seattle) sends a voice note with two questions: how does coaching change for experienced runners over 65? And what advice do you have for running safely as a woman in an unfamiliar city?

Jason wants to know if the ASICS MEGABLAST and SUPERBLAST 2 are different enough to justify owning both.

Chris (Australia) just ran three marathons in six months and now has a 10K on the calendar. Should his training look different?

A second Chris asks how to pace Boston with a 10-minute PR on the line — specifically how to survive (and exploit) that notorious opening downhill.

Zach shares his ambitious progression plan toward a Boston qualifier and asks if he's being too aggressive.

Pat (Ireland, now in Toronto) is moving back to Ireland for the summer and plans to play hurling while also training for the Valencia Marathon in December. Can he do both?

Taylor sends a follow-up from the winter mailbag — she's going for sub-3 at Boston and has two questions: should she run slightly faster than her planned pace, and how does she protect her toenails before her August wedding?

Deepak is running Vancouver and wants to know if he should push to a faster pace given his recent half marathon time.

Zach (a different Zach) has a marathon in less than two weeks and an ongoing Achilles injury. Should he race?

An anonymous listener has Achilles tendonitis, a stress reaction in the fibula, and a half marathon registered for April 5th. Same question.

Send us your voice notes via SpeakPipe — link at marathonhandbook.com — and email us at [email protected]. We read and answer everything, even if it takes us a little while.

Subscribe to our free newsletter at marathonhandbook.com/newsletter — 287,000 runners every morning at 5:05 AM Eastern.

Come to our LIVE SHOW in Boston! Join Alex, Katelyn and Michael and some very special guests, + giveaways and prizes!📅 Saturday, April 18, at 6:45 p.m📍 Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury Street 🎟️ It’s free to attend, but make sure to RSVP now, as space is limited: https://forms.gle/sFk28hfMYznrsNxMABoston Article:https://marathonhandbook.com/could-boston-marathons-qualifier-problem-be-solved-by-going-two-days/

Michael and Jessy are back with the top five running stories of the week — and there's a lot to unpack. Before they dive in, a quick celebration: Jessie ran her debut half marathon over the weekend, clocking a 1:34 after just six weeks of run training. Not bad for a professional cyclist.

Story 1: London Marathon Eyes 100,000-Runner, Two-Day EventThe Guardian has reported that the London Marathon could expand to a two-day, 100,000-runner event as early as 2027. The proposal would see the men's and women's elite races split across Saturday and Sunday, each with 50,000 mass participants. With 1.1 million ballot applicants this year and London's status as the world's largest single-day charity fundraiser, the upside is enormous — but the logistical hurdles are just as big. London Marathon Events has not confirmed or denied the report.

Story 2: Emma Bates Claims She Was Dropped by Sponsor for Being PregnantIn an Instagram video, American elite marathoner Emma Bates revealed that her nutrition sponsor UCAN ended their partnership after she told them she was pregnant. UCAN pushed back, saying the decision was made in September 2025 — before they knew about the pregnancy — as part of a broader strategic shift away from elite athlete sponsorships. With no clear evidence either way, it's a he said/she said story that has stirred significant debate in the running community.

Story 3: US Half Marathon Championship Controversy Gets More ComplicatedFollowing the Atlanta debacle where lead runners Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Edna Ker were sent off course during the US Half Marathon Championships, World Athletics has approved a one-time expanded entry of seven athletes (up from four) for the World Half Marathon Championships this fall. The catch: there will be an A team (four scoring runners) and a B team (three non-scoring runners wearing different kits). The big unresolved question — who earns the A team spots? Michael and Jessie weigh in.

🎙️ Listen out this weekend for Alex Cyr's exclusive one-on-one interview with Jess McClain — her first time speaking publicly about the Atlanta controversy.

Story 4: Modesto Marathon Winner Disqualified After Lead Bike ErrorBenjamin Enowitz crossed the finish line first at the Modesto Marathon in California — and was immediately handed a DNF. He'd been led short of the halfway turnaround point by the lead vehicle and didn't complete the full distance. It's not the first time the Modesto race has had a lead vehicle incident, and it's part of a wider pattern the team has noticed: course errors caused by lead vehicles are becoming a weekly story in 2026.

Story 5: Chaos at China's Shang Do World Heritage MarathonThree separate incidents at the same race in China generated headlines worldwide. First, a runner with the surname Wang stopped mid-race to do the splits and pose for photographers — earning a two-year race ban. Then, a runner named Zang was photographed carrying a clear drawstring bag stuffed with hundreds of free race gels — also disqualified and banned for two years. Finally, a third runner received a lifetime ban from the Chengdu race after a bib-swapping incident.

Breaking News (just before recording): Former New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir has reportedly tested positive for EPO or an EPO-derived substance. Full coverage next week.

In this episode, we’re joined by Des Linden — Boston Marathon champion, Olympian, and one of the most respected voices in distance running.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com

This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com

At this stage of her career, Des is stepping away from elite road racing and embracing something completely different: ultrarunning.

She’s preparing for the Marathon des Sables, a multi-day race across the Sahara Desert — and somehow also planning to be at Boston… and London… right after.

We cover:

• Why she’s taking on Marathon des Sables
• How her training has changed (heat, weight, and nutrition)
• Her transition from marathon to ultra distances
• The mindset shift after “retirement” from elite racing
• Boston Marathon strategy and advice
• The current state of elite running
• Doping, trust, and the future of the sport
• Her podcast with Kara Goucher
• What’s next for her career

This is a candid, insightful conversation about evolving as an athlete and what comes after you’ve already reached the top.

—

🎧 Listen to more Marathon Handbook Podcast episodes
🏃‍♂️ Training guides, gear reviews & more at Marathon Handbook

If you enjoyed the episode, leave a rating ⭐ and share it with a fellow runner!

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth dive into one of the wildest weeks in running news.

We cover a major shake-up ahead of the London Marathon as Sifan Hassan withdraws due to injury — and what it means for the elite field.

Then, a controversial NCAA doping case explodes into the spotlight after athletes stage a dramatic podium walk-off in protest.

Plus:• A bizarre Strava upload that exposed the location of a French aircraft carrier• Clayton Young’s surprise move from ASICS to Brooks just weeks before Boston• A marathon in China where the winner was literally stopped meters before the finish• We also preview Boston, talk London contenders, and share details about upcoming live shows.

Got running questions? We’ve got answers.

In this second March Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci tackle listener questions on super shoes, marathon fueling mistakes, hydration myths, and how to break through mental barriers like chasing a sub-3 marathon.

We cover:

• The BEST super shoes for your next marathon (and how to choose)

• Why you might be bonking at 30K (hint: it’s not always hydration)

• Carbon-plated shoes for heavier runners

• How to bounce back after a failed race

• Smart pacing strategies for a sub-3 marathon attempt

And a fun debate: what should we rename the half marathon?

Plus: Alan Turing’s marathon time vs modern runners, fueling strategies, and race-day mindset tips.Chapters:00:00 Intro – Mailbag Madness Returns00:30 Listener Questions Overview (Shoes, Hydration, Fun Topics)05:30 Best Super Shoes for Your First Marathon10:00 Carbon-Plated Shoes for Heavier Runners18:30 Break – Sponsors & Gear Talk21:00 Marathon Bonking: Hydration vs Fueling Explained27:30 Hydration Strategies (Vest vs Aid Stations)29:00 Carbs, Fueling & Avoiding the Wall37:30 Renaming the Half Marathon (Fun Debate)44:30 Alan Turing’s Marathon Time (How Fast Today?)50:00 Sub-3 Marathon Strategy & Mental Game55:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt After a Bad Race01:01:00 Pacing Strategy for Sub-3 Attempts01:02:00 Outro + How to Submit Questions

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com

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. 

📩 Email us your questions here:[email protected]

Send us an audio question here:marathonhandbook.com/podcast

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your questions in the comments!

#running #marathon #supershoes #marathontraining #runningtips #sub3marathon

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down one of the most chaotic weeks in running news this year.

A little-known Ethiopian runner stunned the world at the Barcelona Marathon, running 2:10:53 in her marathon debut — the fastest debut ever and the second-fastest women’s marathon in history. But with the current world record clouded by doping controversy, what does this performance really mean?

We also discuss Eliud Kipchoge’s 2026 race calendar, which includes marathons on three continents: Cape Town, Brazil, and Melbourne.

Plus:

• NYC Half Marathon results

• Helen Obiri’s dominant performance

• Grant Fisher’s pro road debut

• Randi Zuckerberg’s impressive 82-mile FKT

• Nike’s new ultra runner residency program

If you enjoy running news, marathon analysis, and the biggest stories in endurance sports, tune in every week for The Running Story.

In this Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer listener questions about training, racing, injuries, and running gear.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com

Topics include building a long-term plan to qualify for the Boston Marathon, whether runners should race a half marathon before their goal marathon, and how hard workouts should feel during a training block.

We also discuss returning to running after Achilles and plantar fasciitis injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and whether runners actually need a shoe rotation to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

Questions answered in this episode:

• How should I structure a multi-year Boston qualifying plan?
• Is racing a half marathon 8 weeks before a marathon a good idea?
• How fatigued should you feel during training?
• How do you safely rebuild mileage after injury?
• Do runners really need multiple pairs of running shoes?

Plus: running stories, weird animal encounters on the run, and Alex’s now-infamous runner feet.

Have a question for the show?
Email [email protected]

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down the five biggest stories shaping the running world.

First up: Jacob Kiplimo runs 57:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon, potentially reclaiming the half marathon world record pending ratification after last year’s controversy over pacing vehicles.

Next, Eliud Kipchoge announces he’ll run the Cape Town Marathon, marking the first time the marathon legend will race on African soil in a marathon — and possibly positioning him to become the first eight-star finisher if Cape Town becomes a World Marathon Major.

We also dive into two major LA Marathon controversies:

• A stunning 0.01-second finish after the race leader was misdirected off course near the finish

• A heated debate after runners who took a heat-relief shortcut at mile 18 were still awarded finisher medals.

Finally, the NYC Marathon lottery results are out — and the odds are tougher than ever, with around 1% of applicants accepted.

Connor Mantz is the American marathon record holder, but his journey to the top hasn’t been straightforward.

After a breakout 2025 season that included a record-breaking 2:04:43 at the Chicago Marathon, Mantz looked poised for even bigger things. But a sacrum stress fracture forced him off running for nearly three months.

In this episode, Alex Cyr sits down with Mantz to talk about his recovery, his build toward the 2026 Boston Marathon, and what it takes to compete with the best marathoners in the world.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com

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. 

They discuss:

• Setting the American marathon record in Chicago
• The injuries that derailed his training
• How elite runners approach recovery and cross-training
• Whether Americans are closing the gap on East African runners
• Super shoes and how they’ve changed racing
• Doping concerns in professional running
• Why Utah produces so many elite distance runners
• His long-term goal of winning an Olympic medal in 2028

Plus a rapid-fire round covering shoe rotations, breaking two hours in the marathon, and who he trusts most to babysit his future child.

00:00 Intro
00:47 Meet American Marathon Record Holder Conner Mantz
02:30 Injury After Chicago & The Road Back
04:30 Running Through Injuries
06:30 The Sacrum Stress Fracture Explained
11:00 Cross Training While Injured
14:30 Returning to Running After 12 Weeks Off
17:40 Boston Marathon Build & Training Strategy
22:00 Benchmark Workouts Before a Marathon
24:00 Can Conner Mantz Win Boston?
25:30 Choosing Marathons: Legacy vs Prize Money
28:30 Olympic Gold vs Winning a Major
31:00 The Sour Patch Kids Doping Scare
36:00 Doping in Elite Running
44:30 The Enhanced Games Debate
49:00 Are Americans Catching East African Runners?
54:00 The Super Shoe Effect
57:00 Why Some Runners Improve So Fast
58:30 What Makes Conner Mantz a Great Marathoner
1:00:30 Why Utah Produces So Many Elite Runners
1:04:00 Goals for 2026 & Olympic Dreams
1:06:00 Rapid Fire Questions
1:15:00 Where to Follow Conner Mantz