Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we're tackling the question that pops up on every new runner's screen: "How do I train for a marathon?" We'll dive deep into the world of marathon training plans and show you why that rigid grid on your fridge is really a flexible blueprint for success. This episode is your guide to navigating the training plan jungle, understanding the "why" behind every long run and tempo workout, and learning how to listen to your body instead of just your watch. You'll learn to become your own coach, embracing the power of flexibility, consistency, and a smart, strategic approach to every mile.

Whether you're lacing up for your very first 26.2 or looking for a new way to approach the sport you love, this is the episode for you. We'll cover everything from the importance of the often-overlooked easy runs to the secret sauce of cross-training and the mental fortitude required to go the distance on your own. We’ll also bust common myths, like the idea that walking is a sign of weakness. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to take control of your training, adapt to the unforeseen, and cross that finish line feeling strong, prepared, and proud of the solo journey you’ve completed.

Have you ever been lucky enough to get into two major marathons in one season, like Sydney and Chicago or Berlin and New York? It's a great problem to have, but it presents a unique challenge: how do you train for and race both?

Guest Info: https://www.instagram.com/knightonruns 

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The Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes joins us to go beyond the mileage and discuss the definitive guide to pushing limits—in running and in life. Dean, the man who famously ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days and ate a whole pizza mid-run, reveals how he turned a shocking 30th birthday pivot into a globally recognized business brand.

Discover the entrepreneurial strategy behind monetizing extreme endurance, the logistical secrets to managing his massive 50/50/50 project, and the single "mental nugget" he uses to overcome any wall. This is a must-listen for runners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for the motivation to reset their career and find their ultimate focus.

• The Ultimate Pivot: Why Dean quit his corporate job on his 30th birthday and ran 30 miles in silk boxer shorts.

• Business Hacking: The most effective strategy Dean used to land sponsors and successfully monetize an extreme sport.

• Logistical Genius: The hidden operational secrets he learned while managing the 50/50/50 challenge.

• Mental Fortitude: How to build the mental toughness needed to push past perceived limits and the five walls before breakfast.

• Running for Longevity: His unconventional advice on cross-training, injury prevention, and building muscle as an endurance athlete.

• The Future: His new venture, Greek Running Tours, and his forecast for the future of the running industry.

🔥 Key Discussion Points

Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man, Ultra-Runner, Ultra Marathon, Running Podcast, Endurance, Endurance Training, Corporate Pivot, Career Change, 50 Marathons in 50 Days, Business Strategy, Running Motivation, Cross-Training, Injury Prevention, Badwater, Western States.

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JOIN US IN KENYA

WWW.RUNCAMPKENYA.COM

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In this myth-busting episode, we dive deep into the age-old warning that has haunted runners for decades: "You're going to destroy your knees." We expose the flaw in the common "wear and tear" analogy, explaining why your body isn't a static machine but a dynamic system built to adapt and grow. We put on our lab coats to reveal the groundbreaking science that turns this myth on its head, detailing how running is actually protectivefor long-term joint health. We'll explain how running strengthens your bones via Wolff's Law and how the repetitive impact acts as a vital pump, nourishing avascular cartilage—the sponge-like tissue that cushions your joints. You'll learn the difference between the constant, static load of excess weight (a proven risk factor for arthritis) and the adaptive, dynamic load of running, which builds stronger, more resilient tissue with every step.

We also provide a clear, practical guide for how to run smarter and protect your joints for a lifetime. Learn how to manage impact forces by increasing your cadence (aiming for $\approx 170-180$ steps per minute) and the crucial role of strength training—specifically targeting your glutes and hips—in stabilizing the entire kinetic chain. We address the most common causes of running-related knee pain, explaining that issues like runner's knee are overwhelmingly caused by training errors ("too much, too soon") and muscular imbalances, not a fundamental breakdown of the joint itself. Finally, we explore the vast, unspoken benefits of running, confirming its status as one of the single best activities for boosting your cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and mental well-being.

We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns

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This episode is a deep dive into the coaching art of reading running data, showing listeners how to move beyond simple pace and time to uncover the true story of a race. Coach Erica Weitz  walks us through her process, detailing the specific metrics—from heart rate variability and running power to cadence—that tell her whether an issue was fitness-related, execution-related, or simply down to an off day. She explains how she reconciles the cold hard numbers with the athlete's subjective feedback and outlines the necessary steps to translate complex data into clear, actionable training adjustments for future success. This is a must-listen for any runner who wants to understand how a professional coach analyzes their performance.

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Our guest is Erica Weitz, www.exclusiveendurance.com

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Are you ready to conquer the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON?! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ This is your ultimate, no-holds-barred guide to everything you need to know about preparing for, navigating, and absolutely crushing your NYC Marathon experience! ✨🤩For your convenience, here are the topics we cover: , History, Elite Field, Prize Money, Expo and Race Week, Bag Drop, Other Events ie Opening Ceremony, 5K, Pop-ups, Logistics and Transportation, Spectators, Athletes Village, Course Walk-Through and Tips.If you enjoyed this type of information, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps, running news, running shoe reviews, and more! We are now on YOUTUBE: / @lettyruns · Our website: www.marathonmedia.us · Our Instagram: ⁠ / runningpodcast · Our Amazon Storefront: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/runningpo...· Join our Facebook group: ⁠ / speedstriders · Youtube / @runningpodcast Discount Codes for Runners: https://www.runswag.com#NewYorkCityMarathonCourse #NYCMarathonExpo #NewYorkCityRaceDay #RaceDayTips #MarathonStrategy #MarathonFueling #SpectatorGuide #FirstMarathon #NYCMarathon2025

Our Chicago Race Recap is here, but this one is different! We were honored to interview Natosha Rogers and see how the race went for her. Spoiler alert, she is the American winner of the Chicago Marathon!

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In this conversation, Clark Gardner, CEO and race director of the Cape Town Marathon, shares his journey into the world of running events and the significance of the Cape Town Marathon as a potential World Marathon Major. He discusses the challenges of logistics, participant experience, and the vibrant running community in South Africa. Gardner emphasizes the importance of creating an authentic African experience for participants and highlights the beauty and safety of Cape Town as a tourist destination.

Takeaways

Clark Gardner's journey combines business and passion for running events.

The Cape Town Marathon aims to be Africa's first World Marathon Major.

Logistics and crowd management are critical for marathon success.

The marathon will feature a diverse and authentic African experience.

Cape Town's weather in May is ideal for marathon running.

The course showcases Cape Town's stunning landscapes and landmarks.

Safety in Cape Town is prioritized for international visitors.

Tourism opportunities abound in Cape Town, including wine tours and safaris.

The running community in South Africa is vibrant and supportive.

Participants can expect a unique cultural experience during the marathon.

If you enjoyed this type of information, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps,  running news, running shoe reviews, and more! 

We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns

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Hit the wall early in your last hot marathon? We're bringing in a pro to ensure that never happens again!

On this episode, I sit down with legendary high-performance running coach Foon Fu to dissect the single most critical adjustment for non-ideal race conditions: Pace Strategy on a Hot Marathon Day. Foon has spent two decades working with champions like Mo Farah, Sharon Lokedi, and Jake Robertson, and collaborating with top teams including Bowerman Track Club, NAZ Elite, and ZAP Fitness. He shares his elite-level insights on how to dynamically adjust your pace plan when the temperature spikes, why you should throw your original goal pace out the window, and the exact mindset shifts used by the world's best to finish strong instead of fading in the heat

If you enjoyed this type of information, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps,  running news, running shoe reviews, and more! 

We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns

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Are you ready to conquer the Chicago Marathon?! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ This is your ultimate, no-holds-barred guide to everything you need to know about preparing for, navigating, and absolutely crushing your Chicago experience! ✨🤩

For your convenience, there is a youtube video out there to accompany this for visuals and there are time stamps to skip to the topics of your choice, so feel free to check that out.

Email Link:

• [email protected] (Used for updating information and general contact)

Websites/URLs:

• https://www.millenniumhallchicago.com/pastadinner (Official Pasta Dinner tickets)

• https://www.eataly.com/us_en/classes-and-events/chicago/the-marathon-dinner-tickets (Eataly Chicago dinner tickets)

• https://www.chicago5k.com/ (Abbott Chicago 5K information)

• https://www.chicagomarathon.com/get-involved/volunteers/volunteer-registration (Volunteer registration)

• View the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon professional field roster. (Implied link, as it's a call to action)

• https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/sports-and-recreation/the-chicago-marathon/ (Spectator Guide)

• nbcchicago.com (NBC 5 Chicago live stream)

• telemundochicago.com (Telemundo Chicago live stream)

• https://www.facebook.com/share/19CEcVATGD/ (Hair braiding event)

• chicagomarathon.com (Implied link for the main event website, mentioned multiple times including for the schedule, spectator access, and the app)

• CTA’s website (Implied link for the full list of 'L' stations)

• Download the Chicago Marathon app (Implied link to the app store)

If you enjoyed this type of information, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps,  running news, running shoe reviews, and more! 

We are now on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Lettyruns

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Discount Codes for Runners: https://www.runswag.com

Are your running shoes "dead" at 500 miles? Many runners lose sleep over the famous mileage rule, treating it as a non-negotiable expiration date. In this episode, we deconstruct the infamous 300 to 500-mile myth and expose how the running industry's business model of planned obsolescence has influenced this idea. We'll dive into the real science of shoe breakdown—from midsole compression to a runner's unique biomechanics—to uncover why a one-size-fits-all mileage rule is deeply flawed.

Instead of a number, we give you the practical tools to know when a shoe is truly worn out. Learn the key signs of fatigue and discover why your body is the ultimate sensor for shoe health. We also explore the proven benefits of a shoe rotation for extending the life of your gear and reducing your risk of injury. Join us to change your mindset, save money, and gain a new perspective on your most essential piece of running equipment.

Sources

• Global Running Shoe Market Value: Grand View Research. "Running Shoe Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By End-user, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030."

• COVID-19 Pandemic Sales Data: NPD Group. "Running Shoe Sales Up 24% for Women, 16% for Men as COVID-19 Continues to Accelerate the Trend."

• Runner Demographics: RunRepeat. "The State of Running 2020."

• Midsole Cushioning Breakdown: Heeluxe. "How Long Do Running Shoes Last?"

• Shoe Cushioning and Injury Risk: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. "A Review of the Literature on Running Shoe Cushioning and its Relationship to Running Injuries."

• Shoe Rotation Injury Reduction: Malisoux, L. et al. "Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running-related injury risk?" Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports.

• Running Impact Force: University of Colorado Boulder. "Biomechanical Comparison of the Running Ground Reaction Forces."

If you enjoyed this type of information, please consider subscribing to our channel for more race recaps,  running news, running shoe reviews, and more! 

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