Marathon Handbook Podcast

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack one of the most dramatic weeks in running so far this year.

We start in Tokyo, where the first World Marathon Major of 2026 delivered a blistering three-man sprint finish and a stunning women’s course record performance.

Then we dive into the chaos at the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, where a lead vehicle reportedly took a wrong turn — costing Jess McClain a national title and a potential automatic World Championships spot.

Plus:

• Ironman bans on-course photography, phones, GoPros, and wearable camera glasses — is this about safety or squeezing athletes into buying official photos?

• Olympic superstar Eileen Gu’s surprisingly strong running résumé

• Honoring the legacy of Jeff Galloway, 1972 Olympian and pioneer of the run-walk method

It’s a packed episode covering controversy, brilliance, and legacy in the running world.

Follow the show for weekly deep dives into the biggest stories in running.

Read Amby Burfoot's interview with Jess McClain.

00:00 Intro2:00 Tokyo Marathon 2026 Recap5:06 Jeff Galloway Remembered (1945–2026)8:15 Eileen Gu: The Elite Runner That Never Was11:25 US Half Marathon Championships Controversy17:54 Ironman Bans On-Course Photography

Recorded moments after the elite races finished, we break down everything from the 2026 Tokyo Marathon. Brigid Kosgei stormed back into world-class form with a stunning 2:14:29 course record (14:25), while Tadesse Takele defended his title in a 2:03:37 thriller that came down to the final meters (23:51). We unpack the women’s race coverage issues and what we missed early (06:16), the bold front-running move that shaped the men’s race (17:58), the Japanese national record battle (26:40), standout performances and surprises (31:03), and what the shoe wars looked like on both podiums (40:00). Plus: our honest take on the broadcast, the app frustrations, and whether Tokyo just moved up — or stayed put — on our personal majors bucket lists (46:24).

#tokyomarathon #WMM #WorldMarathonMajors #marathon #running

In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down everything you need to know about the first World Marathon Major of 2026: the Tokyo Marathon.

We deliver a complete race preview — from course strategy and congestion to race-day weather, elite storylines, and bold predictions. If you’re racing Tokyo, chasing a marathon PR, or just love major marathon season, this is your full guide.

We cover race basics and how to watch live (04:37), including start times and logistics, plus just how hard it is to get into Tokyo’s infamous 2% lottery (09:00). Then we dive into a full course breakdown (12:30), race etiquette and on-course rules (17:30), and Tokyo’s unique aid stations and fueling setup (29:10). We analyze the race-day weather forecast and conditions (32:20), and explore Tokyo Marathon history and course records (35:57).

On the elite side, we break down the women’s field (41:52), including whether Sutume Kebede can three-peat (43:00), and what Sara Hall racing both Tokyo and Boston means (45:00). We debate why Tokyo still hasn’t produced a world record (48:50) before turning to the men’s field (51:52), the Japanese national record showdown (53:30), and dark horse breakout potential (56:00).

Finally, we make our official predictions for the winners (1:02:55) and close with our World Marathon Majors Power Rankings — PB edition (1:09:56), before final thoughts and how to follow the race live (1:18:30).

Topics include:

• Elite field predictions (men’s & women’s)

• Course record potential

• The Japanese national record battle

• Why Tokyo hasn’t produced a world record

• Course strategy & race-day tips

• Weather forecast analysis

• Is Tokyo secretly the fastest major?

• Could Cam Levins break the North American record?

If you’re running Tokyo, planning your next major, or gearing up for marathon season — this is your complete race preview.

Subscribe, rate, and follow the Marathon Handbook Podcast for weekly running news and marathon analysis.

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

#tokyomarathon #WMM #WorldMarathonMajors #HarryStyles #marathon #running

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down five of the biggest headlines in distance running.

The NYC Half Marathon elite fields are officially set, and the matchups are electric. Grant Fisher makes his highly anticipated half marathon debut, while Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri renew one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.

On the track, Keely Hodgkinson takes down a long-standing 800m indoor world record in dominant fashion.

In ultrarunning, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19:34 to break the women’s 100-mile world record — but her past suspension raises questions that the sport can’t ignore.

Plus, a Florida man is federally indicted under the Rodchenko Anti-Doping Act in connection with an Olympic sprinter — a case that could have serious implications for elite sport.

And finally, the Boston Marathon unveils its 2026 finisher medal. Is it a classic… or a step backward? We debate.

Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the biggest stories in the running world.

0:00 Intro1:15 NYC Half Marathon Preview5:36 Florida Doping Indictment8:05 100-Mile World Record10:51 800m Indoor World Record13:15 Boston Marathon 2026 Medal Debate

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].

🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast

📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook

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What’s next in running shoes — and are we entering a new era?

In this episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down the biggest Spring 2026 shoe releases and the state of the super shoe arms race.

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. 

We cover:

• ASICS Superblast 3 and the “do-it-all” trainer debate
• Salomon’s aerodynamic Phantasm 3 — does aero matter for runners?
• On’s LightSpray expansion and what it means for performance footwear
• The latest super shoe developments from Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Puma
• Why elite marathoners may be racing in shoes you can’t buy
• The rapid evolution of daily trainers
• Buy, Hold, or Sell: Our quick takes on the newest releases

We also discuss whether brands are innovating too fast, if super shoes are becoming inaccessible, and what everyday runners should actually buy in 2026.

If you're training for a spring marathon, planning a fall race, or just trying to keep up with the latest shoe tech, this episode is your complete 2026 preview.

Follow Marathon Handbook for weekly running news, race coverage, gear reviews, and training insights.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview
01:30 ASICS Superblast 3 Deep Dive
07:30 Superblast 3 vs Mega Blast – What’s the Difference?
11:40 Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (Aerodynamic Super Shoe?)
20:30 On LightSpray Update & Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
26:00 2026 Running Shoe Trends
27:00 Creative Daily Trainers (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, ASICS)
33:30 Is the Classic Daily Trainer Dead?
38:40 Are Super Shoes Advancing Too Fast?
50:30 Super Shoe Watch – Nike Update
53:30 On Racing Shoe Updates
55:00 Adidas Pro Evo & Mystery 97g Shoe
57:00 ASICS MetaSpeed Developments
58:30 Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 4
01:00:00 Saucony, Brooks, New Balance & HOKA Super Shoes
01:07:00 Buy, Hold, or Sell – Rapid Fire Shoe Takes
01:27:00 Wrap-Up & Where Shoes Are Headed in 2026

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

Cole Hocker runs 3:45.94 to set a new American indoor mile record — the second-fastest indoor mile ever. What does it mean for the global mile scene?

Faith Kipyegon surprises everyone by racing her first-ever road 10K in Monaco. After dominating the 1,500m for years, is this the beginning of a move toward the marathon?

Check out our Barkley Marathon episode!https://youtu.be/F0XU2NqKCxA

Super Shoe Rankings:https://youtu.be/Jbb1KIH-3qI

We also discuss:

• Sam Ruth’s latest performance on US soil

• On’s new super shoe prototype approved by World Athletics

• The Super Bowl halftime performer who logged his show on Strava

• Truett Hanes running 2:36 at the Austin Marathon — in full-length jeans

• Whether the “Jeans Guy” can realistically qualify for the US Olympic Marathon Trials

New episodes of The Running Story drop weekly, covering the biggest stories in track, road racing, and marathoning.

00:00 – Intro: This Week in Running News
00:30 – Barkley Special Episode Mention
01:10 – Story 1: Cole Hocker Breaks Indoor Mile Record
02:30 – Sam Ruth’s Big Test Against Elite Milers
04:50 – What’s Next for Sam Ruth in 2026
05:45 – Story 2: Super Bowl Halftime Show Logged on Strava
06:30 – Viral Sugar Cane Costume Workout Explained
07:30 – How Strava Got Him a NYC Marathon Bib
08:45 – Story 3: On’s New Super Shoe Prototype Leak
09:30 – World Athletics Approval & Prototype Rules
10:15 – Helen Obiri’s London Marathon Opportunity
11:00 – New Midsole Tech and Cloudboom Updates
13:15 – Can On Compete With Nike & Adidas?
14:30 – Story 4: Faith Kipyegon’s Surprise Road 10K Debut
15:30 – Negative Split Win in Monaco
16:30 – Could Faith Kipyegon Run a Marathon One Day?
19:30 – Story 5: Truett Hanes “Jeans Guy” Austin Marathon
20:40 – Running 2:36 in Denim: How Serious Is He?
21:45 – Olympic Trials Standard: Still a Long Way to Go
22:45 – Tearaway Jeans vs Racing Shorts Debate
24:50 – Wrap-Up & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes

The 2026 Barkley Marathons delivered one of the most brutal editions in race history — and for the second year in a row, no one finished.

In this episode of The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack everything that happened at this year’s Barkley Marathons in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.

They discuss:

• Why the February start made this year historic

• How cold rain, fog, and creek crossings shaped the race

• The shockingly low Loop 1 completion rate

• The lone “fun run” finisher

• The top women’s performances

• The mysterious reporting style of the Barkley

• Whether Lazarus Lake made the race too hard

• What 2027 might look like

Is the Barkley Marathons supposed to be nearly impossible — or has the balance tipped too far?

If you love ultrarunning, trail running, and deep race analysis, this episode is for you.

Read our feature on Keith Dunn:

⁠⁠https://marathonhandbook.com/meet-keith-dunn-the-mad-tweeter-of-the-barkley-marathons/⁠⁠

New episodes of The Running Story drop weekly.

If you could run any race in the world next year… what would you choose?

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

In this episode, we host our second annual Marathon Handbook Fantasy Race Draft, building the ultimate 2026 race calendar.

Each of us must draft:

• A Spring & Fall 5K
• A Spring & Fall 10K
• A Spring & Fall Half Marathon
• A Spring & Fall Marathon
• One true ultra (50K+ trail)
• One wildcard race
  And we can only pick one race per country.

From the London Marathon and NYC Marathon to UTMB, Valencia, Athens, Patagonia, Japan’s iconic relay culture, and some unexpected 5Ks — we debate speed vs experience, strategy vs bucket list, and which races are truly worth traveling for.

Who built the best year of racing?

Let us know what YOUR dream race calendar would look like.

This week on The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth unpack one of the strangest controversies in recent running history.

A men’s half marathon world record — the fastest ever run — has officially been disqualified nearly a year later. We break down why World Athletics made the call, how much advantage pacing vehicles really provide, and what it means for the sport moving forward.

Plus:

• Eliud Kipchoge shows up at the Winter Olympics in a surprising Nike activation

• Brooks posts massive global growth and quietly becomes running’s most dominant brand

• Femke Bol debuts at 800m and immediately makes history

• Andre De Grasse swaps the track for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

From elite performance to brand strategy and Olympic storylines, this episode covers everything runners need to know this week.

🎙️ New episodes every week from Marathon Handbook

📌 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the biggest stories in running, track & field, and endurance sports.

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].

🎤 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

Running is often called a “cheap” sport — but anyone training seriously knows that’s not the full story.

In this episode, the Marathon Handbook team takes on a challenge inspired by listener feedback: build a full year of training, racing, shoes, gear, and nutrition for under $2,000.

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

We cover:

• Realistic race schedules and entry fees
• How many shoes you actually need
• Where to save (and where not to)
• Budget alternatives to expensive nutrition
• Smart strategies for buying last-year’s gear

Each host creates a completely different runner avatar — from beginner to experienced marathoner — and defends every dollar spent.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make running more affordable without cutting corners that matter, this episode is for you.

Chapters/Topics:3:07 The Rules8:22 Goal Races26:04 Shoes46:26 Apparel1:18:13 Tech1:28:40 Nutrition1:40:57 Grand Totals1:42:42 Biggest Splurges1:46:34 Largest Compromise?1:47:27 What Would You Cut?1:48:39 What Would You Upgrade?1:50:23 Budget Advice for New Runners