Is It Just Us?

The 2026 New York City Marathon is almost here, and naturally, we're making our predictions at the absolute last minute. Because what's a major marathon without a little chaos, speculation, and some questionable confidence in our picks?

This week on Is It Just Us?, Remin and Ashley break down the stacked men's and women's elite fields for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, share their podium predictions, and debate which American runners could steal the spotlight on race day.

We're talking Benson Kipruto, Hellen Obiri, Conner Mantz, Zouhair Talbi, Jess McClain, Weini Kelati, and plenty of other contenders. Who takes the win? Can an American land on the podium? Will the marathon debutantes deliver? And just how much will those NYC hills shake things up?

Plus, we get into the latest doping controversy, the realities of professional marathon prize money, supershoe dominance, and the running influencers who continue to roast our kernels.

And because we can never stay completely on topic, there's some Halloween chaos, a little runDisney baguette appreciation, and plenty of our usual unfiltered commentary.

Our predictions are officially on the record. Now let's see just how wrong (or right) we are.

Whether you're running through the five boroughs, cheering from the sidelines, or watching the elite race from your couch, this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in for our 2026 NYC Marathon preview, predictions, and all the hot takes before race day!

What happens when an elite marathoner with Olympic dreams joins two women who love a good running hot take? Absolutely no topic is off-limits.

This week on Is It Just Us?, Remin and Ashley are joined by elite runner, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, and queen of running memes Gabby Hentemann (@gabbyhentemann) for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of competitive running and the sometimes ridiculous world of endurance sports.

From stepping away from collegiate running to rediscovering her competitive fire and qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials, Gabby shares her unconventional journey back to the sport. She also opens up about her experience seeking treatment for an eating disorder, finding a healthier relationship with running, and why longevity and happiness matter more than chasing immediate results.

And because this wouldn't be Is It Just Us? without a few hot takes, we're getting into the weeds of running influencer culture, the truth behind professional sponsorship contracts, privilege in endurance sports, HYROX chaos, and why the phrase "we all have the same 24 hours" needs to disappear.

We cover the serious stuff, laugh at the absurdity, and remind ourselves that you can chase big athletic dreams without making yourself miserable in the process.

Follow Gabby: @gabbyhentemann

Whether you're chasing an Olympic Trials qualifier, your first marathon finish line, or just trying to survive another week of running content on Instagram, this one's for you.

The 2026 Chicago Marathon delivered big performances, bold race strategies, brutal conditions, and a whole lot to unpack. Naturally, Ashley and Remin have thoughts.

We're breaking down the elite men's and women's races, from Clayton Young's ridiculously consistent pacing and Galen Rupp's record-breaking masters performance to Emma Grace Hurley's incredible marathon debut. Plus, we're talking about the runners who took big risks, the ones who paid for them, and what these performances could mean for the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials.

But first, can we talk about that broadcast? Because for a World Marathon Major, we have some questions. NBC, consider this our unsolicited consultation.

We also get into super shoes, treadmill training, fueling strategies, the impact of heat and humidity, and why one disappointing race doesn't erase months of hard work.

It's race-day analysis meets running-world gossip, with plenty of opinions nobody asked for.

Big races. Bigger opinions. Is It Just Us?

#ChicagoMarathon #ChicagoMarathon2026 #MarathonRunning #DistanceRunning #RunningPodcast #IsItJustUs #TrackAndField

If you’ve spent any time on running TikTok, there’s a good chance Justin Kaufmann, aka Morning Kaufy, has landed on your FYP with a take that made you stop scrolling.

This week, Justin joins Remin and Ashley for nearly two hours of running hot takes, training talk, social media chaos and a surprisingly personal conversation about the road that brought him here.

We get into Zone 2 training, heart-rate obsession, high-mileage running, AI training apps, injury culture, under-fueling, bloodwork, recovery, strength training and why Justin believes there’s a lot more to coaching an athlete than handing them a running plan. We also dig into the increasingly blurry line between endurance sport and entertainment: influencer culture, performative suffering, supplements, peptides, transparency and what happens when “working hard” becomes content.

But underneath the hot takes is a much bigger story.

Justin opens up about growing up overweight, losing 100 pounds, moving through bodybuilding and Ironman, building a career in marketing, struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, surviving two overdoses and eventually turning to ultrarunning as part of his path to sobriety. Running didn’t start as his identity, but it ultimately became something that helped him rebuild one.

We talk about:

• Why Justin doesn’t coach primarily by heart rate
• The Zone 2 debate and why training stimulus matters
• AI training plans vs. an actual human coach
• Why volume matters, but recovery, food and sleep matter more
• The difference between pushing through discomfort and training through an injury
• Why under-fueling is such a problem in endurance sports
• Bloodwork, nutrition and Justin’s approach to coaching athletes as individuals
• The monetization of the “pain cave”
• Social media, endurance influencers and authenticity
• PEDs, peptides and transparency in the fitness industry
• Addiction, sobriety and the role ultrarunning played in Justin’s recovery
• Why sometimes the smartest training decision is simply to skip the workout
• And, naturally, several completely unfiltered tangents along the way

Justin describes himself as direct, and he definitely delivers. Whether you agree with every take or find yourself yelling at your phone, this is exactly the kind of conversation Is It Just Us? exists for.

Find Justin / Morning Kaufy:

Coaching: https://www.team-keep.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morninkaufy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningkaufy

Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of substance use, addiction and overdose.

This week on Is It Just Us?, Remin and Ashley are joined by freelance journalist, runner, and certified running coach Emilia Benton for a conversation that goes everywhere a good long-run chat should.

Emilia takes us from her early days dreaming of working in magazines (including internships at Glamour and CosmoGirl!) to building a career covering health, fitness, and running for publications like Runner’s World. We talk about how journalism has changed in the age of influencers, why there’s still a place for long-form storytelling, and what it’s actually like working inside the running industry while also being part of the community.

Then, obviously, we talk running.

Emilia shares the very chaotic strategy behind her first New York City Marathon, the long road to her Boston qualifier, how working with Nell Rojas changed her approach to training, and why she believes she still has faster marathons ahead of her.

Plus: New York vs. Chicago vs. Boston, Denver vs. Houston running culture, “runflation,” why trail running might just be glorified hiking, running marathons without headphones, the rise of the runfluencer, paywalls, super shoes, injuries, pacing, and whether Remin may have actually been a hamster in a past life.

Basically: running, media, friendship, questionable opinions, and exactly the kind of tangents you’d expect from us.

Is it just us? Probably not.

The yap is especially unhinged this week. We’re checking in live on the Last Soul Ultra and its chaotic “Hog Cave,” unpacking the latest ultra-running drama, celebrating Jakob’s return to racing, and asking some serious questions about yet another doping scandal shaking up U.S. track. Plus, we preview Falmouth, talk about why Garmin is personally victimizing us, and catch up on our own training as Remin goes full-time pentathlete and Ashley learns the very annoying art of not doing too much, too soon.

Basically: bears, blood doping, backyard ultras, white squirrels, and a lot of running. Just your average episode of Is It Just Us?

We’re back, and apparently we had a lot to catch up on.

Ashley and Remin kick off Season 2 by breaking down Josh Kerr’s historic mile world record, the rivalry-fueled future of men’s middle-distance running, and why one second means so much more in track and field. They also catch up on Grandma’s Marathon, Love Island’s unexpected track connections, Ashley’s European honeymoon and return to running, and the very real consequences of underfueling.

Then Remin takes us inside her first USA Pentathlon training camp and national championship, complete with fencing, swimming, obstacle-course chaos, laser shooting, a three-and-a-half-hour rain delay, and a competition day that lasted until 1 a.m. Plus, an at-home blood test nearly ends in a fainting spell, gastrointestinal distress, and some questionable comparisons to heroin.

New season. Same tangents. Absolutely no media training.

This week on Is It Just Us, Ashley Riccio and Remin Ozbay dive into the controversial world of performance enhancement in sports. From targeted ads pushing peptides and supplements, to influencer athletes navigating the fine line between recovery and advantage, we unpack the drama, ethics, and marketing ploys behind the “Enhanced Games” and beyond. Join us as we explore media literacy, responsible athletic performance, and how to chase your dreams without cutting corners. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a seasoned pro, or just here for the tea, this episode asks the question: When does enhancement cross the line?

In this episode, Ashley and Remin cover the full spectrum of endurance sport highs and lows. They recap the thrilling London Marathon, breaking down the world record-breaking performances and standout moments from both men’s and women’s races. Then, they dive into the insane Cocodona 250, a 250+ mile ultra across Arizona, highlighting top finishers, grueling conditions, and the critical role of a strong crew. Ashley also shares her personal journey navigating a stress fracture and how to safely push through training and racing challenges. Packed with inspiring stories, endurance insights, and the empowering mantra “Why can’t it be me?”, this episode celebrates resilience, self-belief, and the joys (& struggles) of the running world.

In this episode of Track Talk Kiki, Ashley and Remin dive into the highs and lows of the 2026 Boston Marathon. From top performances to heartbreaks, they break down the men’s and women’s races, including the dramatic 2026 course record by John Korir and Sharon Lokedi's graceful defense of her title. They also discuss some controversial moments, including an influencer who ran the marathon with a fractured pelvis—raising important questions about health, recovery, and the pressure to compete. Tune in for insights, hot takes, and a healthy dose of caution for aspiring athletes.

In this special episode of Is It Just Us?, Ashley and Remin gear up for the 2026 Boston Marathon with a deep dive into the elite men’s and women’s fields, making their bold predictions for who will shine in one of the most prestigious marathons. They start by discussing the notable withdrawals of athletes like Conner Mantz and Abbabiya Simbassa due to injury and why the Boston Marathon holds such prestige. The conversation heats up as they break down the potential podium finishers, highlighting US women like Dakotah Popehn, Susanna Sullivan, and Emily Sisson, as well as international contenders like Sharon Lokedi and Irene Cheptai. They also touch on strategic race elements, from the course dynamics to the unpredictability of marathon pacing. With predictions, insight, and a whole lot of passion, this episode has all the excitement ahead of race day.

In this episode of Track Talk Kiki, Ashley and Remin dive into the latest headlines in the world of professional running and triathlon, with a focus on doping scandals, disqualifications, and athlete injuries. They discuss the ban of New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir for failing multiple drug tests, and the aftermath of his actions on the running community. The duo also covers the controversial disqualification of triathlete Matt Choi at Ironman Texas for violating drafting rules, and the unfortunate injury of pro athlete Felicia Pasadyn, who was recently diagnosed with a stress fracture. With candid conversations and plenty of opinions, this episode brings light to the ongoing issues and challenges athletes face in the pursuit of greatness.

In this episode of Is It Just Us?, we sit down with Danny Casper, an Olympic curler from Team USA, to dive into his unique journey in the sport of curling. From his early days growing up in New York to making his mark on the Olympic stage, Danny shares the highs and lows of his career, including the mental and physical demands of balancing full-time work with elite-level training. We also discuss the myths surrounding curling, his experience recovering from a serious health setback, and what it truly takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you’re a fan of curling or just curious about the Olympic journey, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of winter sports' most intriguing disciplines.

Don't Miss This!If you're in the mood to see some Olympic-level curling action up close, be sure to check out the Average Joes vs. US Olympians Curling Showdown happening this Thursday, April 2. It’s going to be a fun and competitive event where everyday curling enthusiasts go head-to-head with Olympians like Danny Casper, bringing the excitement of curling right to the community. For tickets and more details, head over to Eventbrite and grab your spot to witness this exciting showdown firsthand!

Follow Danny on Instagram @danny_casper_ & Team Casper @team__casper

In this episode of Is It Just Us?, Ashley and Remin dive into the latest happenings in the world of track and field, from the excitement surrounding the London Marathon's potential split to breaking down the recent performances at the McCurdy Micro Marathon. They discuss elite marathoners, cross-training debates, and share their thoughts on the ongoing conversation about fuel brands and their impact on athletes. Plus, they touch on some important social issues in the sports world, including the controversial genetic sex testing rule by the IOC and its effects on women athletes. Grab your drink of choice and tune in for another lively, informative, and thought-provoking Track Talk Kiki!

Welcome to our first-ever guest episode of Is It Just Us? where we dive into the fascinating world of sports science. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Uchenna Ogbonnaya, a strength and conditioning expert with a PhD in Occupational Injury Prevention. From biomechanics and injury prevention to the role of data in athletic performance, we cover it all. Uchenna shares his unique journey from college track athlete to PhD and his passion for using science to help athletes return to sport after injury. We also explore his thoughts on AI in sports and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on data. This episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Welcome back to another episode of Is It Just Us? with Remin and Ashley. In today's episode, we dive into the exciting world of athlete sponsorship changes and the latest news in the sports world. From Clayton Young's move to Brooks to the fascinating journey of Felicia Pasadyn turning pro, we explore how these shifts are shaping the future of sports. Plus, stay tuned for some personal wins and behind-the-scenes updates on how we’ve been pushing through the challenges of the season.

In Is It Just Us? Episode 2b Part 2, Remin and Ashley continue their deep dive into the world of peptides. After exploring the basics of what peptides are, they tackle the bigger questions: Why are people turning to unregulated peptides, and what are the real risks involved? From the marketing of peptides in the wellness space to their growing popularity in fitness and sports, they discuss why the quick-fix mentality is so prevalent, and how it can have serious consequences on both a personal and professional level.

They also dive into the ethical issues surrounding wellness peptides, how influencers are contributing to the hype, and why we should all be asking more questions before taking the plunge. Plus, Remin shares some big news about her upcoming journey to compete internationally in pentathlon, and they briefly touch on the crazy world of online peptide sales.

🎧 Tune in to hear Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation, and get ready to think twice about what’s being sold to you online.

Show Notes:

https://www.usatf.org/campus/articles/2025/why-athletes-should-steer-clear-of-online-peptides#:~:text=Third%2C%20injecting%20yourself%20with%20a,steer%20clear%20of%20any%20injectables.

https://truesport.org/

https://www.usada.org/https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list

In Episode 2, Part 1 of Is It Just Us?, Remin and Ashley dive into the peptide craze—what they are, what they’re marketed as, and why everyone seems to be talking about them. While neither of them are experts, they’ve done their homework and explore the science (or lack of) behind peptides and the growing popularity in the wellness and fitness world.

Before they get into the nitty-gritty of peptides, they catch up on life and recent races, from Remin’s snow day in Minnesota to the latest professional running news. Part 1 lays the groundwork, and in Part 2, they'll go deeper into the specifics of peptides and how they’re marketed to the masses.

🎧 Tune in now and stay tuned for Part 2!

In this first full episode of Is It Just Us?, Remin and Ashley dive into the growing trend of training for endurance events versus training for social media. With the explosion of fitness influencers sharing their marathon journeys, the question arises: Are you really training for the event or just for the ’Gram? The hosts share their personal experiences with marathon training, the importance of respecting the sport, and the responsibility that comes with influencing others in the fitness space.

They also touch on the rise of hybrid athletes, the pressure to sign up for big races without proper training, and the dangers of using unvetted apps and advice for training. Remin and Ashley discuss their own paths from novice runners to more experienced athletes, highlighting the importance of education, preparation, and working with knowledgeable coaches.

Stay tuned for a no-holds-barred conversation on how to approach marathon training the right way, and how social media has influenced the way we view fitness.

In this intro episode, hosts Ashley and Remin introduce themselves and share the vision behind Is It Just Us? — a podcast that bridges the gap between influencer fitness trends and real, professional-level training.

Learn about Remin’s journey from professional horseback rider to marathoner, Ashley’s passion for track & field and accomplishments as a marathoner, and what led them to create a space where athletes can get honest, unfiltered conversations.

They’ll also break down the format of the show: expect deep dives into training myths, discussions on the realities of race prep, and a candid look at what it takes to truly succeed in the sport.

Join us for a sneak peek into the world of running, marathoning, and track & field, and get ready for the honest conversations that are coming your way in future episodes!

Connect with us on Instagram @isitjustuspod or send us an email at hello@isitjustuspod.com