As we hurtle toward the end of the 2010s, we look back at our favorite moments, books, athletes, and races of the decade. Then we pick our all-decade distance squads in a fantasy draft based on success across track, road, and cross country. Plus we look ahead to the athletes who may steal the spotlight in the 2020s. And finally, we bid goodbye (for now)to our friend young Benji as he leaves the nest and conquers the world.

"Sometimes betting on ourselves feels like one of the riskiest gambles you can take, but it almost always pays off. Surround yourself with the people who support your path, tone out the ones who don't, and take those chances to bet on yourself. You'll never imagine the magic that can happen."

Those were the inspirational words of Grayson Murphy after claiming the World Mountain Running Championship. Grayson has navigated a circuitous path to trail greatness: soccer player, NCAA track and cross country all-american, and now World Mountain and Xterra World Trail Champ. Grayson joined us for an interview last week sharing her journey and advice for aspiring runner attacking any terrain.

Over the past quarter century no program has more produced more cross country stars and national championship teams than the University of Colorado. Coach Mark Wetmore’s charges included Adam Goucher, Dathan Ritzenhein, and Jenny Simpson. Last year Dani Jones won the women’s XC individual title and 5k track championship. The latest to carry the torch for the buffaloes is PAC 12 champion and NCAA runner up Joe Klecker.

Joe joined us for an interview last week and we discussed the national championship meet, running for the storied Buffs program, and his love for home state of Minnesota’s Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves.

We made it back from Benji's wedding in time to wrap up last weekend's NCAA Cross Country Championships. Plus, at the 17 minute mark Enoch Nadler joins the show. Enoch was the top American finisher at the Toronto Marathon with a personal best of 2:13. He also coaches Team Florida Track Club and shares his insights on training and racing.

Team Florida Track Club: http://teamfloridatrackclub.com/

Enoch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJ7krBXgl-0r7kUvtmDNHw

Few American distance runners have equaled the success of Connor McMillan in 2019. The recent BYU grad placed 3rd in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Track Championships, a surprise 4th at USA Championships this summer, and recently posted a 2:12 finish at the New York City Marathon. Connor’s time earned him a spot in the top 10 and he was the 3rd American finisher. He shared time with us earlier this week discussing his marathon breakthrough, his powerhouse high school and college programs, and lighter topics like his post-race sweet tooth.

Thanks to a listener question, this week we unpack methods for responding to a disappointing race. We discuss recovery, reflection, planning, and skill incorporation as tools for successfully bouncing back in your next training cycle. Simultaneously, we give you real time feedback and analysis from the New York City Marathon, which took place as we recorded this episode. We hope you enjoy that new wrinkle in our race coverage. Plus, did Benji just shock the world and sneak into a marathon!?

With a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 37 seconds in his marathon debut, Jerrell Mock crossed the line as the 2nd American last week at Chicago. His finish made him an instant contender for the US Olympic Team and capped his rise from relative unknown, to blue-collar standout at Colorado State University, and now Olympic hopeful. Jerrell joined us for a phone conversation this week. We discussed running, music, facial hair, and much more.

This week we cover the action from the Chicago Marathon where the headliners struggled, new American contenders emerged, and Brigid Kosgei shattered the women's world record. Then we examine Eliud Kipchoge's historic 1:59:40 marathon time trial at the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria. Plus, Travis shares his St. George Marathon experience.

Two seismic events shook the running world early this week. Keninisa Bekele returned to championship form with a shocking 2:01:41 marathon at Berlin, and Alberto Salazar received a four-year ban in the Oregon Project doping investigation. We analyze both and raise a number of questions about what each means for the future of our sport.

Young Benjamin is back and we discuss the upcoming World Championships in Doha, the Berlin Marathon, our picks in each, recent doping controversies, the blazing fast Portland 5000, Benji's "Venmo for NBC Sports Gold" campaign, and much more!