The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

Ben True joins The CITIUS MAG Podcast with Chris Chavez to discuss his win at the 2018 United NYC Half. He takes us through how the race played out since I finished 33 minutes behind him and haven't been able to watch a replay yet.

With his 62:39 winning time, Ben became the first American male open division winner in the event's history. He finished ahead of Dathan Ritzenhein and Chris Thompson on a chilly and windy morning in New York City.

Ben immediately dismisses any marathon plans and talks but shares a quick story about how he's actually covered the marathon distance before and what his thoughts are toward the 26.2 mile distance. 

Among the questions discussed:

- Feelings about the race now that he's had time to process it.

- The decision to race a half marathon

- How and why he started working with Ray Treacy (also Molly Huddle's coach)

- The Lone Wolf mentality and how he stays motived through solo workouts

- What does he consider his best race ever?

- Funniest interaction and story with a drug tester

Listener questions include: 

- What does he do to stay healthy?

- Are oats part of his pre-race go-to? What's his favorite post-race meal?

- Beer Mile: Hassan Mead vs. Ben True

- What's the best place to run in Lebanon?

- Favorite form of cross training when it's not skiing season?

-  Responding to allegations from his neighbor on why the neighborhood smells of home-brewed coffee

- Will he ever make a return to posting his workouts on Strava?

We also play two Ben Truths and a Ben Lie (h/t Evan Schwartz of the 1609 Podcast for the idea)

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The CITIUS MAG Podcast is presented by MAURTEN. Try the world's most carbohydrate rich sports drink. CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CITIUS20 at checkout.

You've probably seen his handle somewhere in your Instagram feed if you follow enough professional runners but who is @NotAfraid2Fail? Meet Jason Suarez. He's one of the co-founders of CITIUS MAG and he takes some of the best photos in the sport. He's also quite the character.

Jason and I first met at the 2013 U.S.A. Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. My high school track coach shot me a text to get to know him and I learned a little bit about his goals and aspirations as a photographer. I was 19 at the time also had my sights set on covering the sport closely and we shared that in common. What I didn't realize at the time was that Jason was working super hard to just get the opportunity. On this show, he shares a quick story about flirting his way to a discount on a hotel room, sleeping in his mother's car and finding his way into the sport.

Jason discusses some of the influential people that he's met along the way to now shooting for some major brands and collaborating with companies and athletes on projects.

As much as I rib on Jason from time-to-time (and he'll give me crap too – just check out his Twitter feed), he's very genuine and quite the grinder. I'll stop saying nice things about him now. Listen to the episode now.

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This episode was brought to you by Maurten. Fuel properly for long distance races! we recommend Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. Eliud Kipchoge used it during the Breaking2 attempt and the Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele has been using it since winning the 2016 Berlin Marathon. Mo Farah even used it prior to his gold medal runs at the world championships. It worked for me at the Berlin Marathon and it could work for you. They have two drinks with 40 or 80 grams of carbohydrates and they’re now available in the U.S. Check them out today at Maurten.com

CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CITIUS20 at checkout. Click the image below to start shopping.

Also remember to rate and review the podcast with five-stars on iTunes! Don't forget to check out the other shows on the CITIUS MAG Podcast Network including the 1609 Podcast, The Price of a Mile and Running Things Considered.

On Sunday, we learned that Sir Roger Bannister died peacefully in Oxford at the age of 88. Bannister made history on May 6, 1954 by becoming the first man to break four minutes for the mile. At the time, many deemed it an impossible feat. He went on to have a long medical career in neurology and was knighted in 1975. The British sports icon was also named the 1954 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year – the first one in the magazine’s history. In 2011, senior writer David Epstein profiled Bannister for the “Where Are They Now” issue. After the story ran, Epstein and Bannister stayed in touch.

We decided to give Epstein a call on Tuesday to get his thoughts on the passing of a legend and what it was like to befriend someone who inspired many on and off the track.

A full transcription of the interview with Epstein can be found on CITIUSMAG.com

Over the weekend Lou Serafini became the 514th American to break four minutes for the mile when he ran 3:59.33 at the Boston University Last Chance Meet. He's one of the chillest dudes in track and a name to watch over the next few years on the U.S. distance running scene.

He joined the show to discuss what it's like being a blue-collar runner balancing a full-time job at Tracksmith, coaching other athletes and yet still putting in the daily work to chase the dream of breaking four minutes for the mile. Lou has range as he's raced everything at a high level from 1,500 meters to the marathon. He qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and boasts a 2:17 personal best at the distance.

For some time after college, Lou decided that he was done running for a bit. We discuss that break and how he decided to come back by being self-coached. What's that like?

Lous' got some nice stories about coach Randy Thomas, his roommate David Melly and some of the athletes that he coaches.

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This episode was brought to you by Maurten. Fuel properly for long distance races! we recommend Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. Eliud Kipchoge used it during the Breaking2 attempt and the Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele has been using it since winning the 2016 Berlin Marathon. Mo Farah even used it prior to his gold medal runs at the world championships. It worked for me at the Berlin Marathon and it could work for you. They have two drinks with 40 or 80 grams of carbohydrates and they’re now available in the U.S. Check them out today at Maurten.com

CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CITIUS20 at checkout. Click the image below to start shopping.

Also remember to rate and review the podcast with five-stars on iTunes! Don't forget to check out the other shows on the CITIUS MAG Podcast Network including the 1609 Podcast, The Price of a Mile and Running Things Considered.

Alex Hutchinson joins the show just weeks after the release of"ENDURE: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance." It's his latest book exploring the impact of the mind and how it influences our peak performances. How do we break through those physical barriers using our mind and muscle?

Alex does a great job of providing stories from his own background as a runner as well as extreme examples of incredible athletes and adventurers on how they were able to keep pushing when everything is telling them to stop.

Alex had a regular training column for Runner's World for several years and has also been published in Popular Mechanics as well as the New York Times. In October, he joined OUTSIDE to continue publishing his Sweat Science column.

His byline may be familiar especially last year since he covered the Nike Breaking2 Project very closely for Runner's World. We talk a little bit about that and some of his observations.

On this episode, we discuss:

- How the book came together over nearly a decade?

- Some of the challenges of writing a book in the sports science field

- Tim Noakes' "central governor theory"

- Smiling and other body signals that help improve performance

- Self talk and how it can be beneficial and practiced

And much more...

ENDURE is out now and available wherever books are sold including Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.

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This episode was brought to you by Maurten. Fuel properly for long distance races! we recommend Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. Eliud Kipchoge used it during the Breaking2 attempt and the Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele has been using it since winning the 2016 Berlin Marathon. Mo Farah even used it prior to his gold medal runs at the world championships. It worked for me at the Berlin Marathon and it could work for you. They have two drinks with 40 or 80 grams of carbohydrates and they’re now available in the U.S. Check them out today at Maurten.com

CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CMP20 at checkout. Click the image below to start shopping.

2016 U.S. Olympian and Nike Bowerman Track Club steeplechaser Colleen Quigley joined the CITIUS MAG Track Club ahead of the U.S. Indoor Championships to discuss her road in the sport from being coached by her father at an all-girls high school in Missouri to becoming one of the strongest steeplechasers in the country.

On this episode, we also discuss:

- How she came upon the steeplechase as her specialty event

- Walking us through some of the closest finishes at the U.S. Outdoor Championships and Olympic Trials

- How strong is the 1-2-3 combo that includes her, Emma Coburn, and Courtney Frerichs?

- What its like training with the rest of the Bowerman Track Club's talented squad of women

- The role that Pascal Dobert has played in her development as a steeplechaser

- Her funniest Jerry Schumacher story

Plus more... 

If you're a subscriber on Patreon.com/citiusmag, you have access to the following bonus and listener questions:

- Colleen's days as a model

- The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue??

- What's the deal with Steeple Squigs Granola?

- What advice would modern day Colleen give a younger version of Colleen

- What's her favorite and least favorite workout to participate in

- Meanest thing read on LetsRun

- If she could go on a run with anyone from history and anyone in the world, who would it be and where

- The $25 million halfcourt shots

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This episode was brought to you by Maurten. Fuel properly for long distance races! we recommend Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. Eliud Kipchoge used it during the Breaking2 attempt and the Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele has been using it since winning the 2016 Berlin Marathon. Mo Farah even used it prior to his gold medal runs at the world championships. It worked for me at the Berlin Marathon and it could work for you. They have two drinks with 40 or 80 grams of carbohydrates and they’re now available in the U.S. Check them out today at Maurten.com

CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CMP20 at checkout. Click the image below to start shopping.

We're delving into new territory. We have our first guest from the sprints and hurdles! 2015 World Championship 400m hurdle silver medalist Shamier Little joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to discuss how she got her start in the sport and being part of the fastest 400m hurdle race in history at last year's U.S. Outdoor Championships.

Other topics include:

- Choosing Texas A&M and the winning culture of the Aggies

- Studying technique of other 400m hurdles + who has the best, worst form

- Wikipedia says: "“None of her early youth competitions could be labeled exceptional.”

- Bottling up emotions and expectations after bad races to perform the next year

- Why her life and schedule as a professional athlete is unique

- Plus more...

You can catch the latest episode of the podcast on iTunes so subscribe and leave a five-star review.

If you're a CITIUS MAG Patreon subscriber, you have access to the full episode including the listener questions as well as the famous final three. Not a subscriber yet? Support the site and the podcast for just $8 a month for access to the full pod, CITIUS MAG Track Club perks, discounts from other partners and more. Visit Patreon.com/CITIUSMAG

This episode was brought to you by Maurten. Fuel properly for long distance races! we recommend Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CMP20 at checkout. Visit Maurten.com/shop today

2012 Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to share his thoughts on some of the best moments of his long and successful career as one of America's top 1,500 meter runners. Manzano made every U.S. national team for the World Championships or Olympics from 2007 to 2015. He looks back at what were some of the best races and moments including putting us in his shoes for the 1,500 meter final in London.

Manzano also opens up about he approaches a bad race and gets past the struggles in his career. In 2016, he battled pneumonia and it impacted him for a long time. When you have a career as long as his, there are plenty of highs and a few lows. 

Other questions include:

Could we ever see him race a 5,000m?

How did he target and approach the American record after running 3:30 at age 30?

Manzano's style has always been to creep up and maneuver his way to the win or podium on the last lap, does he have to change that due to his longevity?

For more on the listener questions, read down below...

Citius Mag is creating [mostly] high-quality articles, podcasts, and videos centered around the world of running. Maybe you're a washed-up college athlete. Maybe you ran track in high school. Perhaps you're 35-years old and are still grinding it out every day. Whoever you are, Citius Mag is making stuff that you'll find relatable, insightful, and maybe a little bit funny. This is our 2nd year on the world wide web, and we have some big plans for new and exciting stuff. Your support will help us get there! We've launched out Patreon, which will serve as our place for premium content. Before every podcast guest we will create a Patron-only article where you can give us any burning question you might have for that weeks guest. After we record it we will cut a version just for our patrons and their questions. Listener questions + the famous final three will be available for our Patreon subscribers so please consider joining today.

https://www.patreon.com/citiusmag

It's hard to do an entire episode looking back at someone's career when it was a really long and successful one. Meb Keflezighi joins the show.

He needs no further introduction but for those unfamiliar with the U.S. distance running legend, he's the only man to win a silver medal at the Olympics (2004), the New York City Marathon (2009) and Boston Marathon (2014) in his career. Oh! He also made four Olympic teams for the U.S.

Chris and Meb look back at some of the highlights of his career and catch up on how life has been since he retired after the 2017 New York City Marathon – the 26th of his career and at 42 years old.

Among the questions asked:

- What's the one race from the 90s that he wishes was caught on video?

- How often does he go back to watch his races?

- One question asked per Olympics including 'How quickly did you have to think about doing push-ups when you slipped in Rio?'

- After 2004, he was a silver medalist but how did he maintain that underdog mentality?

+ Listener questions

You can catch the latest episode of the podcast on iTunes so subscribe and leave a five-star review.

We are also now on Stitcher and now Google Play!

Alan Webb, the American record holder in the mile, joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to take a trip down memory lane and catch up on what he's up to nowadays. Webb retired from track in 2014 and then made a run for the 2016 Olympics in the triathlon. The triathlon chapter did not pan out as planned and he now owns a truck repair business in Oregon.

"For me, I started to kind of take on a different mentality," Webb says. "I started to enjoy watching others be in that moment. You kind of know when someone is building that momentum and seeing it...You just have a genuine appreciation of someone going through something you felt...It changed for me and that's when I started to know that it was time to step away."

"It became hard to genuinely give it everything I had," Webb adds. "I couldn't dig down deep like I used to. That's when I was like 'You're not digging!' It was hard. It was honestly hard mentally to dig down deep. I wasn't what I would recommend to someone else. If I was coaching I wouldn't want them to do what I was doing...I would give up sometimes. That was hard. Knowing I was doing that."

We delve into the magic of that 2007 season and what the impact was of that 3:46.91 at a tiny meet in in Brasschaat, Belgium. We did start to think about how long does he think the record will stand. The closest someone has come is 3:50.53 by Matt Centrowitz in May 2014 and that’s still 4 seconds off.

Among the questions explored:

What was it like stepping off the track at the Millrose Games and retiring at 31 years old?

Does he believe in the idea that runners who thrive so early in their careers simply can’t maintain that peak?

We get the full rundown on Webb's weight room training including how much he would bench before his races and what his routine was. 

What's the deepest that he's ever had to dig for a race?

As he begins his coaching career soon, what coach from his career does he think he may resonate the most with? He was coached by Scott Raczko, Alberto Salazar, Ron Warhurst, Jason Vigilante, Jerry Schumacher and Jon Marcus in his career.

Whose career would you rather have: Webb's, Ryan Hall's, or Dathan Ritzenhein's? Can Webb make the case for why they should pick him? Or does he have a different opinion?

We take a few listener questions and more.

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This episode was brought to you by Maurten. It’s the world’s most carbohydrate-rich sports drink and it’s being used by the top marathoners in the world. Eliud Kipchoge used it during the Breaking2 attempt and the Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele has been using it since winning the 2016 Berlin Marathon. Mo Farah even used it prior to his gold medal runs at the world championships. It worked for me at the Berlin/New York City Marathons and it could work for you. They have two drinks with 40 or 80 grams of carbohydrates and they’re now available in the U.S.

Check them out today at Maurten.com

CITIUS MAG PODCAST LISTENERS GET 20% OFF THEIR NEXT ORDER: Use promo code CMP20 at checkout.