The Marathon Podcast

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

A solo recap of the 2026 New York City Marathon, recorded right after the race. Andreas Almgren won in his marathon debut in 2:06:01, and Kristian says he has never been as excited to watch a marathon on TV.

He walks through the race from the start to the finish: the confusing start for the women, the wheelchair races, and an elite women's race that stayed open until the final kilometers. Jess McClain ran down Hellen Obiri and took second behind Sheila Chepkirui, less than 10 seconds back. In the men's race, Almgren pulled away from Yemaneberhan Crippa late and won by 13 seconds.

Kristian also shares what stood out to him about Almgren's approach, from his mileage to why he never tests himself fully in training, and goes through the performances of many other runners, including a long list of Americans and an Australian who finished just off his own national record.

In this episode:

- Almgren wins on his marathon debut in 2:06:01

- Chepkirui, McClain and Obiri finish within seven seconds in the women's race

- Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner in the wheelchair races

- A start mix-up and a water grab scare for the pro women

- Jess McClain's comeback and her story

- Crippa's 2:06:14 and the sprint for the podium

- An Australian close to the national record and performances from the Americans

- What Almgren said about training and the marathon

- A cooldown with the pros the day after

Timestamps

00:00 Saysky and welcome

00:17 A historic day for Almgren and New York

01:37 The race recap starts: wheelchair divisions

02:13 A confusing start for the pro women

03:16 Men's start delay and perfect conditions

03:47 Men's wheelchair race: Marcel Hug

05:20 Women's wheelchair race

06:41 The women's pro race

08:12 A scare at the water grab

09:06 A group of ten at the half marathon

10:11 Amanda Vestri drops, and the Brooks coach behind the results

11:27 Five left at 35K, and Jess McClain's story

13:54 Jess catches Obiri and Chepkirui

16:06 The women's times and podium

16:39 More runners and results to know

19:08 Credit to the coverage of the women's race

19:43 The men's field

21:42 Expectations for Almgren

23:54 How the men's race unfolds

26:03 Crippa and Almgren up front

27:42 Almgren wins in 2:06:01

29:35 Shoe talk: Crippa and Almgren

30:01 The podium and top five

30:43 The Australian national record

32:04 Americans and the rest of the top 20

33:36 What Almgren has said about training and the marathon

35:49 Cooldown with the pros

36:34 Wrap-up

Join the cooldown with the pros in New York: https://sandychiweshe.regfox.com/cool-down-with-the-pros

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Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Andrew Davies is the new Canadian marathon champion. In his very first marathon, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he ran 2:08:48, making him the fourth fastest Canadian of all time. His goal was 2:11. He went to work on Monday morning like nothing had happened.

Andrew lives in Vancouver, just finished law school and is now working toward becoming a lawyer. In this conversation, he and Kristian talk about how he balanced a full-time job with the build, why he trains mostly by feel instead of chasing heart rate numbers, and what it was like to wake up the next day as a different kind of runner.

They also dig into his training in detail: weeks of up to 200K, double threshold days, a 41K easy run in the middle of the week, marathon pace workouts in minutes instead of kilometers, and how he fueled with close to 100 grams of carbs an hour. Andrew also clears up the aid station bottle mix-up that went around social media.

Before the interview, Kristian shares his own first double threshold day, including a tough morning session and a much better afternoon in the Puma Fast-R3.

In this episode:

- Andrew's 2:08:48 debut and the Canadian title

- Balancing law work and marathon training

- Racing in the Puma Fast-R and training in carbon plated shoes

- The aid station bottle mix-up, explained

- How the race unfolded, from the start to the last 10K

- What the result changes for his Olympic ambitions

- Signing with an agent after the race

- Training by feel, without heart rate

- Weekly mileage, double threshold days and marathon workouts

- Fueling with 90 to 100 grams of carbs per hour

- What he does next in the spring

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and who Andrew Davies is

02:00 Kristian's first double threshold day

03:53 Afternoon session in the Puma Fast-R3

08:49 Valencia and Boston shakeouts, and merch

10:03 Saysky Copenhagen

11:01 Interview with Andrew Davies begins

12:21 Expectations going into the race

14:04 Andrew's background: running and law school

15:37 Balancing a full-time job with a marathon build

16:29 Ambitions as a young runner

19:04 Career recap: cross country and the track

21:08 Why the marathon now

22:21 Cross country vs the roads

24:19 Race shoes and carbon plates

25:33 Signing with an agent

27:19 The aid station bottle mix-up

31:06 How the race unfolded

35:59 Crossing the finish line

37:07 Olympic ambitions

38:36 Competing with other Canadian marathoners

41:42 Prioritizing the marathon

42:44 Coaching and mileage

46:43 Easy runs by feel

48:03 Heart rate and lactate: how he controls intensity

50:33 Fueling for the marathon

56:20 Marathon workouts

59:37 The weekly structure and a 41K easy run

1:05:41 What he learned from a marathon block

1:08:04 Snacks and reactions at the office

1:10:23 What is next this spring

1:11:33 Wrap-up

Follow Andrew on Instagram: @andrewdavies.13

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Jacob Boutera is one of Norway's best middle distance runners, a professional with On, and a former soccer player who only started running at 19. Two days before this conversation he ran 62:10 at the Valencia Half Marathon, and in this episode he announces his marathon debut.

Jacob and Kristian are practically neighbors, and this is one of the first guests recorded in Kristian's own studio. They talk about Jacob's path from youth soccer to the steeplechase and a pro contract, how it feels to look back at breaking nine minutes for 3K when he now runs that pace for a whole hour, and how the mindset changes from the track to the road.

They also get into marathon training, double threshold days, fueling, treadmill sessions, fatherhood and the running form that Kristian cannot stop studying.

Before the interview, Kristian shares a training update, including a rest day to protect his groin, his first planned double threshold day, and signing up for Chicago.

In this episode:

- Jacob's 62:10 half marathon in Valencia and the road back from injury

- From soccer player to national medalist and pro runner

- Steeplechase, the World Championships in Eugene and signing with On

- Sharing the track with the Ingebrigtsen brothers

- Why the marathon went from "way too long" to his next goal

- Marathon debut in Valencia and his target of sub 2:10

- A normal training week with double threshold days

- Running easy days slower, treadmill sessions and long runs

- Fueling from scratch for the marathon

- Balancing training with being a dad

- Running technique and why Jacob thinks running more matters most

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and why this episode is special

01:58 Kristian's training update

04:37 Chicago sign-up and the Valencia shakeout

05:39 Saysky Copenhagen

06:38 Interview with Jacob Boutera begins

07:39 The Valencia Half Marathon: 62:10

09:04 From soccer player to runner

14:11 Career so far: injury, steeplechase and signing with On

16:28 Looking back at breaking nine minutes for 3K

18:35 Competing in the era of the Ingebrigtsen brothers

20:02 When track and field was not cool

22:15 Mindset shift from the track to the roads

25:30 Marathon debut announced: Valencia in six weeks

27:33 How marathon training is different

31:11 Long runs and durability

35:01 Sharing training on Strava

37:20 Being open about injuries and setbacks

40:44 Training and fatherhood

44:02 Treadmill sessions and double threshold days

47:48 Fueling for the marathon

53:40 Running technique

59:47 A normal training week

1:03:10 Running easy days slower

1:05:17 Marathon goal for Valencia

1:06:16 Wrap-up

Follow Jacob on Instagram: @jacobboutera

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCJppha9GZPcOzJo-s7jtRaw?ra=m

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Christi Dee has run 46 marathons, left a 20-year corporate career to start her own running coaching business, and written two children's books about running. In this conversation, Kristian talks to her about all three: why she wrote Can a Frog Jog and Maya Runs a Marathon, what it took to bet on herself, and how she approaches coaching real people with busy lives.

They also get into consistency, what makes running sustainable over decades, the coach and runner relationship, and why not every marathon needs to be a PR. They finish with the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, a hometown race that is close to her heart.

Before the interview, Kristian shares an update on his own training: why he now looks at a rolling 7-day window instead of Monday to Sunday, his first workout on the Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill, a 28K treadmill long run, and honest doubts about his sub 2:30 goal in Valencia.

In this episode:

- Why Christi wrote running books for children

- Can a Frog Jog and Maya Runs a Marathon

- Leaving corporate America to coach full time

- Running 46 marathons and keeping it sustainable

- Coaching busy athletes without making running their whole life

- Building confidence in a new career

- Trust and communication between coach and runner

- Why every marathon does not have to be a PR

- The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and the indie running community

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and what is coming in this episode

00:59 Kristian's training update: Monday to Sunday vs a rolling 7 days

03:05 First workout on the Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill

05:27 A 28K treadmill long run

06:51 Six weeks out from Valencia and the sub 2:30 goal

10:03 Saysky Copenhagen

11:12 Interview with Christi Dee begins

11:39 Why she wrote children's books about running

14:14 Maya Runs a Marathon

15:19 From corporate America to a coaching business

18:47 How kids and parents have reacted to the books

22:19 Teaching kids about the marathon

25:44 Running 46 marathons

28:42 Running while working a corporate job, and why she made the switch

34:13 Consistency and sustainable training

37:51 Coaching busy athletes

41:42 Confidence when starting something new

44:28 Trust and communication between coach and runner

48:56 Not every marathon is a PR

50:10 Her first marathon, Chicago 2006

51:23 The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

56:22 Where to find the books and wrap-up

Follow Christi on Instagram: @this_blonde_runs

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Another solo episode, and this time Kristian looks back at 234 episodes and shares the lessons from past guests that he thinks about almost every day on his runs.

He is now up to 150K a week, almost 100 miles, just a year after celebrating his first 100K week. He explains how guests helped him get there, why mileage makes you faster, and how to tell when it is making you slower. Along the way he covers easy runs, running form, double days, cross training, strength work, fueling, women's health and why you should be careful about copying anyone else's training.

In this episode:

- Training for a sub 2:30 in Valencia: 150K weeks, fatigue and race day pace

- Alana Levy: why running is not optional

- Thomas Nobbs: running easy runs truly easy

- Miles (Find Your Stride Coach) on running technique

- Charlie Sweeney and Sofie Haugen: splitting the load into two runs a day

- Felicia Pasadyn and the power of cross training

- Strength training, and why most of us know we should do it

- Jake (Run to Japan) on breaking a scary pace into seconds

- Archie on low intensity training

- Alfie Manthorpe and fueling before, during and after runs

- Jimmy Whelan on altitude camps, McKenna Myler on the female body and Ingrid Kristiansen on Strava

- Why you should take lessons from guests, not copy their training plans

Content note: Kristian shares an update on a former guest who was seriously injured after being hit by a truck while crossing the road.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and why a solo episode on lessons from guests

01:52 150K a week and why mileage works

03:08 Saysky Copenhagen

04:14 Fatigue, workouts and race day pace

08:36 Rest days, niggles and swimming

11:35 Trying the Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill

12:28 Alana Levy: running is not optional

14:50 Thomas Nobbs: easy runs

18:16 Miles on running technique

20:03 Charlie Sweeney and Sofie Haugen: two runs a day

22:17 Felicia Pasadyn and cross training

27:00 Strength training

28:51 Jake on scary paces

30:57 Archie on low intensity training

33:11 Alfie Manthorpe and fueling

36:33 Easing back in after injury

37:55 Jimmy Whelan on altitude camps

39:57 McKenna Myler and the female body

42:03 Ingrid Kristiansen and Strava

44:45 Take the lessons, not the plan

46:24 Wrap-up

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

A solo episode recorded on a balcony in Spain, with trains passing by every 30 minutes. Kristian is on a family trip that has turned into a bit of a training camp, and he catches you up on a hectic month, a smart down week, and what he has learned about training on tired legs.

Then it is gear time. He walks through his full shoe rotation for easy runs, long runs, recovery days, workouts and racing, and explains why you should not take his word for it. He also gives an honest update on his Whoop journey and the watches he has tried over the last year.

In this episode:

- Why Kristian took a down week after a 32K long run and what changed

- Training in Spain: double days, a beach long run and swim progress

- Easy and long run shoes: Puma Deviate Pure, ASICS Novablast 6, Nike Vomero Plus

- Recovery day shoes: Nike Vomero Premium and the Adidas Hyperboost Edge

- Workout and race shoes: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite, Fast-R3 and ASICS Metaspeed Edge

- Whoop after a few months, and what AG1 did to his recovery score

- Coros, Garmin and the watches he has tested

- Why he buys his own shoes so he can stay honest

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and a solo episode from Spain

02:29 Update on the last episode with Sofie Haugen

03:04 Why Kristian is in Spain

06:13 The 32K long run and the down week

09:05 Travel day, a tired body and a workout

12:29 A 29K long run along the beach

14:49 Swim progress and a 26K Monday

16:31 Shoe rotation: how Kristian thinks about it

18:06 Strava collaboration and the Marathon Podcast club

19:12 Shoes for easy and long runs

22:54 Shoes for recovery days

25:18 Trying new brands: Adidas Hyperboost Edge

26:15 Shoes for workouts and races

28:12 Fast-R3 vs ASICS Metaspeed Edge

29:16 Metaspeed Sky vs Ray

32:00 Whoop update and AG1

37:11 Watches: Coros and Garmin

43:12 Wrap-up and what is coming next

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

How does a winter Olympian become a 1:09 half marathoner in two years? Sofie Karoline Haugen skated for Norway at the 2022 Olympics, retired from speed skating in 2024, and has since run 10K in 31:57 and a 1:09 half marathon at the Copenhagen half, just a year after running 1:18 in the same city.

Kristian and Sofie have known each other for around 17 years and both come from speed skating. In this conversation, Sofie looks back on her career: the years without progress, the decision to move to Stavanger and rebuild her training, the 2019 breakthrough that took her to ninth in the world, and the Olympic Games. She explains why she walked away when she was still skating well, and how a casual 3K on the track turned into a running career.

Then the conversation turns to training. Sofie takes us through her week at 170 to 180 kilometers, including double threshold days, how she keeps her easy days easy, why consistency matters most, how she chooses shoes for different days as someone who works at the running store Löplabbet, and what she has learned about bicarbonate. She also reveals that her first marathon is coming up in November.

In this episode:

• From speed skating to a 1:09 half marathon
• The years of hard work before the breakthrough
• Moving to Stavanger and rebuilding her training
• Qualifying for the Olympics
• Why she quit skating in 2024
• Her first races as a runner
• Racing the Copenhagen half
• Shoes for different days, including the Alphafly 4
• A full week at 170 to 180 kilometers
• Building strength without getting injured
• Her first marathon

Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Sofie
01:17 Saysky
01:51 Interview begins
02:19 From skater to 1:09 half marathoner
04:15 Sofie’s skating background
05:56 Years of hard work, and the setback
08:03 Moving to Stavanger
13:17 Ninth in the world
14:25 Qualifying for the Olympics
16:43 Why she quit skating
19:07 The moment she knew
22:36 Starting to run
23:16 A 9:29 3K
25:02 Working at Löplabbet and her coach
27:46 Racing in Copenhagen last year
31:24 A 31:57 10K
35:19 The Copenhagen Half Marathon
37:15 Running 1:09
40:30 Alphafly 4 vs Alphafly 3
43:43 Shoes for different days
49:26 Injuries and building strength
53:33 A week of training
59:18 Why consistency matters
1:09:46 Bicarbonate
1:11:56 Her first marathon
1:13:26 Wrap up

Sofie on Instagram: @sofiehaugen

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns
Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs
Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

Content note: This episode includes open discussion of drug addiction, homelessness, violence, mental health and suicidal thoughts (mainly between 05:00 and 12:00). Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use in the US, the SAMHSA National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357.

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Tim Howard went from a decade of heroin addiction and years of homelessness to running marathons, finishing an Ironman and working for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. In this episode of The Marathon Podcast, Tim shares how a flyer for a running group, and a hug on his first morning there, changed the direction of his life.

Kristian first came across Tim in an Athletic Brewing documentary about Ironman, and their conversation goes much deeper than the race. Tim talks about what early recovery really looks like, the role of community in staying sober, and how running became a healthy outlet. He also opens up about the lows that came with injuries and surgery, and why giving back has been the thing that keeps him grounded.

You will also hear about his first marathon four months into sobriety, running with a pacer and thanking every volunteer on the course, his Ironman Lake Placid journey, and his role at Monumental, where he now helps others reach the start line of their first marathon.

In this episode:

• Tim’s story, from addiction to recovery
• Early sobriety and what the first two years feel like
• Finding Back on My Feet and a community that accepted him
• How to acknowledge people experiencing homelessness
• Trading one obsession for a healthier one
• Overtraining, ankle surgery and a dark period
• His first marathon and why he thanks every volunteer
• Ironman Lake Placid
• Giving back through the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Tim
01:18 Kristian’s quick update
01:49 Saysky
02:20 Interview begins
02:31 The Athletic Brewing documentary
04:06 Tim today
05:21 Life before running
07:07 Hitting bottom and getting sober
08:52 Detox and the first weeks
11:55 The first two years of recovery
13:08 Identity in and out of addiction
15:48 Back on My Feet
18:18 The hug that changed everything
20:23 How to show up for people experiencing homelessness
24:09 Finding community
25:16 Accountability and starting over
30:13 Trading heroin for running
32:03 Injury, surgery and a dark period
33:22 Finding a new way to belong
35:08 Tim’s first marathon
41:55 Becoming the community guy
43:37 Thanking the volunteers
47:15 What goes into a major marathon
48:16 Photography and the road to Ironman
51:37 Anxiety and staying on course
54:48 Why Tim never goes back
56:54 Ironman training
1:00:18 The documentary and the team
1:04:17 Finishing Lake Placid
1:07:46 Working for Monumental
1:10:03 Wrap up

Tim on Instagram: @timmy_hotdog_howard

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns
Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs
Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

How do you train for a 2:42 marathon while flying as an international airline pilot? In this episode of The Marathon Podcast, part of our series with Tracksmith’s Stamata team, Kristian talks with Alex Orr, a United Airlines pilot who flies the Boeing 777 and runs for Georgetown Running Club in Washington, D.C.

Alex is a 2:42 marathoner (set in Berlin) and a 1:15 half marathoner, and she is chasing an Olympic Trials qualifier. She explains how she plans every week around her flight schedule, why she protects her hard workouts at home, how she handles jet lag and cancelled flights, and what a normal training week looks like when she is gone for days at a time. We also talk about cockpit naps, recovery on layovers, and how she tells the difference between a tough day and a day to back off.

Alex shares the story of how she found her way back to running after stepping away from the sport, what she learned from two marathons that did not go to plan, and how being part of Stamata, led by Steph Bruce and supported by Tracksmith, has shaped her journey.

In this episode:

• How a 777 pilot fits in a marathon build
• Planning workouts around flights, jet lag and delays
• Joining Tracksmith’s Stamata team
• Stepping away from running and finding her way back
• From a 2:46 in Chicago to a 2:42 in Berlin
• Learning from Indianapolis and Eugene, two marathons that did not go to plan
• A 1:15 half marathon
• A full training week, including VO2 sessions and long runs
• Recovery, sleep and naps in the cockpit
• Her next goal at CIM

Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Alex
01:07 Kristian’s training update
02:31 Welcome, and fitting running around flights
07:13 Who Alex is and how she got into running
08:05 Living the dream as a pilot and runner
08:57 Joining Tracksmith’s Stamata team
11:15 Flight schedules, bidding and training camps
13:13 Getting time off for races
14:52 Early years of running
18:15 Her coaches
19:49 Life after college
20:23 Losing her father
22:52 Coming back with GRC
24:29 The breakthrough in Chicago and 2:42 in Berlin
25:15 Grief and running
27:39 What running means to her
30:01 What drives her
31:51 Chasing the OTQ
32:42 Indianapolis and Eugene, and what went wrong
37:47 The 1:15 half marathon
39:11 Lessons from the marathon
41:42 A typical training week
46:39 Marathon pace work and long runs
50:04 Recovery, sleep and cockpit naps
52:08 International trips and training around them
56:14 Recovery data on work days
59:22 Running in layover cities
1:03:41 Next up: CIM
1:05:56 Outro

Alex on Instagram: @alexrunstheskies

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns
Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs
Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Michael, better known as SupaDupa Slim, is a 2:15 marathoner from Austin, Texas, coached by Jeff Cunningham of Bat City Track Lab. His path to 2:15 has been anything but linear: from the slow kid on the team in a small Texas town, to a marathon that fell apart in the second half, to missing the Olympic Trials standard by seconds, and finally to running 2:15 at the McCurdy Pro Marathon and qualifying.

In this conversation, Michael breaks down what actually moved the needle: small, steady jumps instead of big leaps, a smarter approach to mileage, learning to run marathon pace without fear, and why time alone should never define you as a runner. He walks through his training week for the marathon, the block behind the 2:15, and the race itself. He also explains where the SupaDupa Slim name comes from.

Before the interview, Kristian shares his own training update on the road to a sub-2:30 attempt in Valencia, including a 3:21 per kilometer opener in a session he did not expect to hold.

In this episode:

• Where the name SupaDupa Slim comes from
• From slow kid to 2:15 marathoner, 25 years of running
• Two first marathons and what they taught him
• Overtraining, injury and rebuilding with patience
• Why small jumps and consistency beat big leaps
• How to chase a faster pace without freezing up
• A full marathon training week and the block behind the 2:15
• His mileage philosophy and advice for runners
• The McCurdy Pro Marathon, mile by mile
• Next up: the Houston Half Marathon and a Boston pro field hope

Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Michael
01:44 Kristian’s training update
02:08 Saysky
14:45 Interview begins
14:52 The name SupaDupa Slim
16:52 What running means to Michael
20:03 Staying consistent for 25 years
22:32 Growing up with running siblings
26:40 His first marathons
32:43 Learning what it takes
39:01 Injury and rebuilding
41:00 Time goals and the ceilings we create
44:53 Learning to run faster paces
48:17 Commitment and decision making
51:07 Coach Jeff Cunningham
53:32 A marathon block for 2:15
1:00:12 Recovery and fueling
1:03:49 Small habits and mobility
1:06:23 Mileage advice
1:10:23 Doing less and feeling better
1:13:24 A week of marathon training
1:17:45 The McCurdy Pro Marathon
1:23:06 Qualifying, emotions and the finish
1:26:11 What’s next
1:27:34 Wrap up

Michael on Instagram: @supadupaslim

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns
Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs
Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

A quick recap of the 2026 Chicago Marathon, right after the finish. Kristian watched the race from Norway and shares his reactions to a field that was packed from top to bottom: Amos Kipruto won the men’s race in 2:01:09 ahead of Tadese Bikila, and Hawi Feysa defended her title in a personal best 2:13:33 with Sharon Lokedi second.

He goes through the moments that stood out to him: Jacob Kiplimo looking relaxed before things changed, Vincent Mauri’s treadmill-built form and his fight through cramps, Clayton Young finishing as the top American man, and Emma Grace Hurley running the fastest marathon debut by a U.S. woman. He also covers Izzi Batt-Doyle’s new Australian record, Dakotah Lindwurm’s race a few days after her interview, Thomas Nobbs’ PR, and a look back at the Melbourne Marathon, including Jimmy Whelan’s debut.

All times mentioned in the recording are unofficial, as Kristian recorded right as the athletes finished.

In this episode:

• Melbourne Marathon and Jimmy Whelan’s debut
• Matt Fox, critical questions and the role of this podcast
• Vincent Mauri and Emma Grace Hurley, the runners Kristian was most curious about
• What happened to Jacob Kiplimo
• Women’s race: Hawi Feysa, Sharon Lokedi and Izzi Batt-Doyle’s Australian record
• Emma Grace Hurley’s historic debut
• Vincent Mauri’s treadmill-built form and the cramps
• Clayton Young, Charles Hicks and Thomas Nobbs

Content note: There is a brief mention of Matt Fox’s approach to weight loss, which Kristian notes can be triggering for some listeners (around 02:30).

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome and Chicago overview
00:38 Melbourne Marathon and Jimmy Whelan’s debut
01:47 Matt Fox
03:08 Critical questions and the role of this podcast
05:33 Saysky
06:14 Following Chicago from Norway
06:57 Runners Kristian was curious about
07:45 Emma Grace Hurley
09:02 Chicago thoughts and Jacob Kiplimo
12:00 Men’s podium
13:02 Women’s race: Sharon Lokedi and Hawi Feysa
16:19 Izzi Batt-Doyle’s Australian record
18:16 Emma Grace Hurley’s historic debut
20:42 Dakotah Lindwurm and Elena Hayday
21:17 Vincent Mauri
25:53 Clayton Young and Charles Hicks
26:48 Thomas Nobbs
28:08 Puma Project 3 and final thoughts
29:42 Outro

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns
Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs
Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Olympic marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm joins The Marathon Podcast just days before she lines up at the Chicago Marathon. She was the top American at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 12th, and is a three-time Grandma's Marathon champion.

Dakotah went from a Minnesota hockey kid who finished last in her first high school mile to a Division II runner at Northern State and, eventually, one of the best marathoners in the country. She shares how she trains with Minnesota Distance Elite, why strength work has been behind some of her biggest leaps, how she has stayed healthy for so long, and what a normal marathon training week looks like for her.

We also get into race week, her Chicago goal, the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials, and her upcoming book, You Think This Hurts.

Kristian also shares an update on his own build for a sub-2:30 attempt in Valencia in December.

In this episode:

- Race week routines and her goal for Chicago

- From hockey to the Olympic marathon

- Qualifying for Paris and finishing 12th

- Getting engaged right after the Olympic marathon

- Staying consistent and injury-free for years

- Training with Minnesota Distance Elite and coach Chris Lundstrom

- Minnesota winters and the Norwegian training link

- Strength training for runners

- A full week of marathon training, including easy pace and long runs

- Her book, You Think This Hurts

Timestamps

00:00 Cold open

00:13 Welcome

01:33 Kristian's training update

04:18 Giveaway

04:56 Saysky and sponsors

05:44 Race week with Dakotah

08:38 Her background

09:12 From hockey to running

10:32 Northern State

14:19 Qualifying for the Olympics

16:22 Last year's Chicago and big goals

19:00 Pressure: Olympics vs majors

20:26 Paris, 12th place and the proposal

24:51 The book

27:50 What running means to her

32:09 Chicago goals

37:26 Racing for top three at the Trials

39:30 Why she has stayed consistent

43:32 Minnesota Distance Elite

50:13 Coach Chris Lundstrom

52:30 Minnesota winters

56:38 Strength training

1:03:08 A normal training week

1:09:56 Easy pace and long runs

1:11:41 Pre-ordering the book

1:13:05 Outro

https://www.instagram.com/dakotahlindwurm/

Her book: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/you-think-this-hurts-9781250476234/

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Lars Dewall, a middle school teacher and former Nordic skier who ran a 2:22 debut marathon on a three week build and has since worked his way down to a 2:12:13 personal best at the Berlin Marathon.

Lars shares how a Minnesota ski racer turned runner fits two runs a day around a full teaching job, from a 5:30 am shake out to afternoon sessions after school. He explains how his Nordic background shapes his training, why he keeps easy days really easy, and how he ramped up to 135+ mile weeks. We also get an honest look at Berlin as part of Puma Project 3, where he set a PB by 18 seconds but had to let go of his sub 2:10 goal mid race, plus a deep dive into his double threshold sessions and strength routine.

In this episode:

- Balancing a full time teaching job with a 2:12 marathon

- A normal training day, from a 5:30 am run to afternoon miles

- How Nordic skiing built his aerobic engine

- Running 2:22 in his debut marathon with only three weeks of notice

- Why he keeps easy days really, really easy

- Going from 2:22 to 2:14 at CIM to 2:12 at Boston

- Berlin with Puma Project 3 and letting go of a sub 2:10 goal mid race

- Double threshold sessions and treadmill workouts

- Why he started strength training after college

- Peak mileage of 135+ miles a week

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and why this conversation stood out

01:58 Looking back at 225 episodes

03:07 The friendships behind the podcast and a word on Saysky

04:51 Welcome to Lars

06:26 How he balances teaching and running

07:01 A normal training day

09:11 Minnesota and Nordic skiing

13:23 Moving to San Diego and running with Lane Zero

18:12 The 2:22 debut at Grandma's on three weeks of notice

23:12 Ramping up mileage fast after moving to San Diego

26:39 Keeping easy days really easy

28:29 Training by hours, not miles

33:06 Choosing running over a promising ski career

36:11 From CIM to Boston: how he got to 2:12

41:11 Puma Project 3 and the Berlin build

43:15 Berlin: dropping off the sub 2:10 pack and still running a PB

44:22 Why the sub 2:10 barrier is still the goal

48:10 What he'd change after Berlin

56:32 Threshold sessions on the treadmill and roads

58:31 Double threshold in the Berlin build

59:21 Why he started strength training after college

1:04:22 Peak mileage: 135+ miles a week

1:14:01 Testing at Puma HQ in Boston

1:15:50 What's next after Berlin

1:17:20 Closing thoughts and a thank you to Lars

Lars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dewalllars/

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Greg Schaefer, a 20 time Ironman finisher, former college basketball player, and Kona qualifier who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's at 48 and has no intention of being defined by it.

Greg takes us from his first Ironman in Nice to the Kona race where his body started "whispering before it screams," through the phone call on a family vacation that gave him his diagnosis, and the strange sense of relief that came with finally having answers. He talks openly about medication, balancing advocacy with not wanting Parkinson's to be his whole identity, and how he fought his way back to training. We also get into running the Boston Marathon as an adaptive athlete two years in a row, including a first ever negative split on a sore Achilles, and what he's looking forward to at Kona this year.

In this episode:

- Racing Ironman Nice while recovering from surgery

- From college basketball to 20 Ironman finishes

- The Kona race where his body started sending warning signs

- The phone call that brought his Young Onset Parkinson's diagnosis

- Why he felt a sense of relief, and what the disease actually is

- Not wanting to be defined by Parkinson's

- Getting back to training and racing after diagnosis

- Running Boston twice as an adaptive athlete

- Raising over $100,000 for the Ironman Foundation

- Why Kona is the Super Bowl of the sport

Content note: this episode includes an open discussion of a serious medical diagnosis and living with a neurological disease. Please take care while listening.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and why this conversation stayed with Kristian

01:26 Kristian's own training update

11:08 A quick word on Saysky and the TMP15 code

11:59 Welcome to Greg

12:26 Racing Ironman Nice after hernia surgery and a torn ankle

16:19 Greg's introduction: 21 Ironmans, business, and family

18:44 Letting go of the basketball dream

29:15 How he got into Ironman

36:10 How his perspective changed over time

37:24 Kona 2019 and the first signs something was off

40:03 Kona: the race where his body "whispered"

42:33 The phone call: diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's

43:35 Feeling relieved as everything finally made sense

44:45 What Young Onset Parkinson's actually is

49:24 Medication and its trade offs

52:14 Not wanting to be defined by the disease

54:37 Getting back to training after the diagnosis

58:17 Running the Boston Marathon as an adaptive athlete

1:00:27 Qualifying with a downhill marathon in Vegas

1:02:23 Boston again: a negative split on a sore Achilles

1:16:48 Kristian's first Ironman and what Kona is really like

1:20:49 Kona, the Super Bowl of the sport

1:22:35 Raising over $100,000 for the Ironman Foundation

1:23:04 Closing thoughts and good luck at Kona

Greg's website: https://gregoryschaefer.com

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian brings you a bonus episode just hours after recording, sitting down with Charlie Sweeney, who became the fastest American in Berlin Marathon history with a 2:09:33, for a conversation Kristian says he's never been more excited to share.

Charlie walks through his path from a disappointing Olympic Trials experience, where he arrived under fueled and banged up after failing to properly recover from the high of qualifying, to nearly stepping away from the sport entirely. He opens up candidly about the period that followed, working a normal job and running just a few easy miles a day, and how pacing his now partner Elise's workouts reignited his love for running and eventually led him back to racing marathons. The conversation covers his current training with coach David Roche, peaking around 150 miles a week, the uphill treadmill sessions that have become central to his build, and his approach to simulating race effort using a treadmill grade calculator.

In this episode:

- Becoming the fastest American in Berlin Marathon history

- A difficult Olympic Trials experience and the fallout that followed

- Nearly stepping away from running altogether

- How pacing his now partner Elise's workouts brought him back

- Returning to the marathon and rediscovering the love of the sport

- Training under coach David Roche and peaking at 150 miles a week

- The uphill treadmill sessions behind his breakthrough

- Using a treadmill grade calculator to simulate race effort

- Balancing elite training with a full time job at Coros

- What comes next as he looks to keep improving into his thirties

Timestamps

00:00 A preview: what a good day on the track looks like now

00:18 Welcome and introducing Charlie Sweeney

02:02 Kristian's own training update

04:23 Announcing the podcast's sponsorship with Saysky Copenhagen

05:16 Welcome to Charlie and why this episode means so much

11:38 Charlie's background and his job at Coros

20:55 Working at a running brand that takes hiring seriously

21:17 The Coros and treadmill integration, explained

45:24 Introducing Elise and her role in his coaching

46:42 Qualifying for the Olympic Trials on the first attempt

48:13 Riding the high of qualifying, then crashing afterward

50:01 A difficult Olympic Trials experience

50:36 Finding a new coach and stepping away from running

51:48 Pacing Elise's workouts and falling back in love with the sport

52:00 Deciding to return to the marathon

53:13 Training under coach David Roche and peaking at 150 miles a week

2:11:20 Building toward three races in one block, including Berlin

2:13:17 The uphill treadmill sessions behind his training

2:17:33 Using a treadmill grade calculator to simulate effort

2:23:48 Looking ahead to getting even better in his thirties

2:24:19 Closing thoughts and thank you to Charlie

Treadmill grade calculator: https://42.195km.net/e/treadsim/

The other episode mentioned, for more on Charlie's training: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4qF8kurf3VzibAsJYWnmty?si=cdfb5255ec2d4d3b

Charlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cls1423/

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Rebecca Schmitt, the winner of Puma Project 3's Berlin cohort, fresh off a 2:27:38 marathon that made her the first American and 17th overall, just two and a half years after barely breaking three hours in her first Boston.

Rebecca shares her late start in competitive running, coming back to the sport at 29 after years away, and how a sub three hour Boston in 2024 became the turning point that pushed her from 40 mile weeks into serious marathon training. She walks through the rapid mileage progression that followed, her experience as part of Puma Project 3 in Berlin, from the gear and nutrition resources to race day itself, and the moment she crossed the finish line not even realizing she'd just run the fastest American time of the race.

The conversation closes with her honest, ambitious outlook on what's still ahead in her thirties, including a dream of breaking 2:26:50.

In this episode:

- Coming back to competitive running at 29 after years away

- Running a sub three hour Boston in 2024 and the turning point that followed

- Going from 70 mile weeks to 100 mile weeks within a year

- Being selected for Puma Project 3 and what the support actually included

- Nutrition and gear resources she didn't expect from the program

- Race recap: running 2:27:38 and becoming the first American finisher

- Not realizing she'd finished first American until after the race

- Fueling strategy on race day: gels, electrolytes, and pacing

- Why she believes she's still far from her ceiling in her thirties

- Chasing a dream of breaking 2:26:50

Timestamps

00:00 SaySky discount code and podcast sponsorship

00:45 Welcome and introducing Rebecca Schmitt

02:04 Kristian's own training update

03:21 Welcome to Rebecca and congratulations on Berlin

04:27 Reflecting on her breakthrough performance

05:12 Being part of Puma Project 3's Berlin cohort

06:36 Nutrition and gear resources she didn't expect

09:32 Rebecca's background as an engineer and late start in running

13:12 A sub three hour Boston in 2024 and the turning point

13:38 Going from 70 to 100 mile weeks within a year

26:46 Crossing the finish line and not realizing she'd finished first American

27:42 What it felt like to find out she was the first American

43:59 What's next and how fast she can go

44:30 Her dream of breaking 2:26:50

45:03 Finding inspiration in women racing well into their thirties

Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaschmitt0/

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Stephanie Bruce, a professional runner of over 15 years and now the head of Project Stamata, supported by Tracksmith, for a conversation Kristian calls pure gold for runners at every level.

Stephanie shares her path from a reluctant, unmotivated high school runner to a national champion and longtime pro at HOKA NAZ Elite, and opens up about the sudden loss of her father during her senior year of high school, a moment that changed how she approached the sport. She talks candidly about building a life around running as a mom of three and serial entrepreneur, from co-founding Picky Bars to now leading Project Stamata, a program supporting women chasing the 2028 Olympic Trials. The conversation turns into a genuinely useful masterclass on marathon training, including the one thing Stephanie says matters more than any workout: fueling.

In this episode:

- A special Boston Marathon cutoff time announcement

- From an unmotivated high schooler to a national champion

- Losing her father suddenly during her senior year of high school

- Building a life in running as a mom of three and serial entrepreneur

- Co-founding Picky Bars and years as a pro with HOKA NAZ Elite

- Leading Tracksmith's Project Stamata for future Olympic Trials qualifiers

- Finding the balance between hardcore dedication and living a full life

- Why fueling, not training, is the biggest thing that makes or breaks a marathon cycle

- The most common under fueling mistake she sees in athletes

- What's next: a national team spot and racing New York in the pro field

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introducing Stephanie Bruce

02:10 Announcing the podcast's sponsorship with Saysky Copenhagen

02:17 A special Boston Marathon cutoff time announcement

06:52 Welcome to Stephanie and the idea behind this series

09:05 How she landed the role leading Project Stamata

11:19 Stephanie's introduction: 15 years as a pro, mom of three

14:00 An unmotivated high school runner living on Chick-fil-A

14:10 Her father's cancer diagnosis and declining health

14:53 The sudden loss of her father during her senior year

29:07 Finding the right level of dedication for each phase of life

31:07 Diving deeper into her professional running career

36:34 What it means to have Olympian next to your name or not

51:11 The most important thing in marathon training

51:54 Why fueling makes or breaks a training cycle

52:44 The most common under fueling mistake she sees

2:13:10 What's next: a national team and racing New York

2:14:20 Closing thoughts and thank you to Stephanie

Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephrothstein

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian is back from the Berlin Marathon with a special solo episode: a recap of the elite race, followed by an honest look at what race weekend in Berlin is really like for a runner.

He starts with the elites: Tigst Assefa's course record 2:11:04 and the Achilles injury that came to light afterwards, Guye Adola's 2:02:50 personal best, and former Nordic combined athlete Jakob Lange running 2:13:57. Then Kristian walks through his own weekend, from the expo and the Puma and Saysky activations to the Run and Rave shakeout, and the mistakes and lessons he'd pass on to anyone racing Berlin. He wasn't racing it, so his own run was a 16k progression inside a marathon that ended in 2:53, followed by a candid reflection on why that still left him feeling mediocre.

In this episode:

- The elite race: Assefa, Adola, and a big result from Jakob Lange

- Why Sabastian Sawe missed the race

- Meeting the Saysky team at the Berlin expo

- How the Berlin expo works and the wristband tip that gets you free public transit

- The Puma activation and the Run and Rave shakeout

- Race morning: when to actually show up at the start

- Why the plastic cups and one sided aid stations are a problem

- Running a 16k progression inside a marathon

- Comparison culture and feeling mediocre after a 2:53

- Would he recommend Berlin?

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and what this episode covers

00:50 Meeting Tony from Saysky in Berlin

03:41 The elite women: Tigst Assefa's course record

05:31 Assefa's Achilles injury and surgery

06:05 Women's results and the fastest German woman

07:15 The men's race: Adola wins in 2:02:50

07:46 Sabastian Sawe out injured

09:56 Jakob Lange: from Nordic combined to 2:13:57

11:36 Dextro Energy and the Pfeiffers' withdrawal

13:44 Kristian's own Berlin weekend begins

14:43 The expo at the old airport

15:38 Keep the wristband on: free public transit

18:44 Big brands and the Wahoo Kickr Run

21:27 The Puma activation and the sub 4 challenge

22:52 Meeting the Puma Project 3 team

24:15 Running with Ron Runs NYC and a bottle service tip

26:03 Why he likes Berlin more this time

27:39 Saturday shakeouts and marathonweekend.com

30:23 The Puma Run and Rave

33:14 Watching the inline skating race

33:42 The mistake of forgetting throwaway clothes

36:07 The plan with his coach: a 16k progression

40:04 Race morning and how early to arrive

45:14 A flat, fast, crowded course

46:03 Aid stations and the plastic cup problem

51:54 Running the progression too fast

56:23 Dancing with the crowd through the last 10k

57:31 Finishing through the Brandenburg Gate

58:34 Feeling mediocre after a 2:53

1:01:57 Congratulating the Puma Project 3 winners

1:02:45 Final thoughts on Berlin and what's next

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Rachel McCardell, a Puma Project 3 athlete and Olympic Trials qualifier, just days before she lines up at the Berlin Marathon.

Rachel shares what it's meant to be part of Puma Project 3 and the running community around it, and opens up about the incredible influence of her college coach at Northwestern, a conversation that Kristian says gave him chills.

She talks through her Olympic Trials qualifying race in Chicago, a six minute personal best run with her teammate pacing her the entire way, and how the mindset lessons from her college program have stayed with her well beyond running.

The conversation closes with her honest, low pressure approach to goal setting heading into Berlin, and the sub 2:30 time quietly sitting in the back of her mind.

https://www.instagram.com/rachel_mccardell/

In this episode:

- Being part of Puma Project 3 and the community around it

- The Northwestern cross country coach who transformed her mindset

- Lessons on teamwork, gratitude, and making hard work fun

- Qualifying for the Olympic Trials with a six minute PR in Chicago

- Having a teammate pace her through the entire race

- Learning to stop putting pressure on time goals

- Fueling and nutrition lessons from the Puma Project 3 resources

- Her honest, low pressure approach to Berlin

- The sub 2:30 time quietly in the back of her mind

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introducing this Berlin special with Rachel

01:38 Announcing the podcast's sponsorship with Saysky Copenhagen

01:50 Welcome to Rachel, seven days before Berlin

03:28 How it felt to be selected for Puma Project 3

05:09 Fueling: the biggest takeaway from the project

10:05 Deciding to run marathons to stay with her community

10:19 Qualifying for the Olympic Trials in Chicago with a 2:34

11:11 Her teammate Mitch pacing her through the entire race

11:52 The Northwestern coach who gave Kristian chills

17:35 Lessons on teamwork, fun, and gratitude that stuck with her

37:09 Fueling and nutrition lessons from the project

58:03 Race day nutrition strategy explained

1:04:10 Sharing the Chicago moment with her teammate

1:04:51 Her goal for Berlin and why she won't verbalize a time

1:07:03 The sub 2:30 quietly in the back of her mind

1:07:19 Closing thoughts and good luck in Berlin

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.

Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIAN

Save on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPb

Kristian sits down with Christopher Brenk, a Puma Project 3 athlete heading into the Berlin Marathon off the back of a 2:17 personal best in Eugene, for a genuinely unique running story: from Division 3 college racing to training at altitude in the highest city in the United States.

Christopher shares how a spontaneous application with his college teammate turned into a Puma Project 3 selection, and what it's meant to suddenly have shoes, gear, and a community built around his marathon racing for the first time. He walks through his path from a small Division 3 program at St. Olaf, through years spent in Sitka, Alaska and Utah, to now living and training in Laramie, Wyoming, the highest elevation D1 city in the country. The conversation covers what it's actually like adapting to serious altitude training, how he thinks about carb intake and race nutrition heading into Berlin, and the strange in between space of running elite times without seeing himself as a professional.

In this episode:

- Getting selected for Puma Project 3 alongside a college teammate

- Having shoes, gear, and a community for the first time

- A Division 3 college running background and an unconventional path

- Years spent living in Sitka, Alaska and Utah before Wyoming

- Moving to the highest elevation city in the US for altitude training

- What it's actually like adapting to serious altitude

- Balancing running with a full time job at the university registrar

- Race nutrition strategy and carb intake heading into Berlin

- Chasing a new personal best at the Berlin Marathon

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introducing Christopher Brenk

01:00 Announcing the podcast's sponsorship with Saysky Copenhagen

02:13 Kristian's own training week update

08:26 Welcome to Christopher and a wifi mishap

10:08 How it felt to get selected for Puma Project 3

14:04 Running a 2:17 marathon while not seeing himself as a pro

19:12 A Division 3 college running background

19:59 Years spent in Sitka, Alaska before Wyoming

20:00 Moving to Laramie for altitude training and his girlfriend's masters program

52:15 Living and training in the highest city in the US

53:39 Adjusting workouts to account for the altitude

57:07 Whether the altitude benefits are finally paying off

1:16:46 Race nutrition strategy and carb intake for Berlin

1:19:02 Closing thoughts and good luck in Berlin

Christopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher_brenk/

Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwick

Full episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@Warwickruns

Follow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runs

Music from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY