Explore every episode of the podcast Relay

The Relay crew is back after the Berlin Marathon, where Tigst Assefa came incredibly close to history while battling a serious Achilles injury in the final kilometers. Peter, Erika, and Lindsey break down the performance before turning their attention to the stacked Chicago Marathon field, the American record chase, and Lindsey’s upcoming debut announcing at the Chicago finish line.

They also get into what makes a good interview with a professional runner, the relentless NCAA racing calendar, and why some athletes may ultimately benefit from leaving college with more room to grow. Erika opens up about her own return from a sacral injury, why New York is looking increasingly unlikely, and the difficult balance between wanting to race and protecting a long-term career.

Plus, Peter shares lessons from coaching middle school cross country, Erika compares her approach to running to a chaotic game of Monopoly, and the crew celebrates the wonderfully unpredictable training and racing philosophy of CJ Albertson.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

Lindsey, Peter, Erika, and Gabby are back to unpack a very busy week in running.

They start with the World Road Running Championships, including Team USA’s big weekend, Emma Grace Hurley’s breakout performance, Drew Hunter’s American record, and why the event finally felt like it found its footing. Then it’s over to Athlos for Keely Hodgkinson’s head-to-toe race suit, the competitiveness of the meet, and some strong opinions on post-race interviews.

The crew also gets into the 100K World Championships, the strange corners of running Reddit, what runners need to know about course certification when chasing an OTQ, and Gabby’s incredible story about meeting a man who claimed to be a 2:11 marathoner and Olympian... until she checked the receipts.

Plus, a look ahead to Berlin, ferritin talk, Peter’s adventures in aqua jogging, and plenty of tangents along the way.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

Lindsey, Erika, Peter & Gabby share their thoughts on the Hyrox insanity, the Sydney Sweeney/Novig ad, Ultimate Worlds and so much more.

We covered a lot, we had fun and we sent you off with some books we recommend!!

Thanks for being here friends!!

If you enjoy the show please consider supporting Relay & Road to the Trials on patreon! Patreon.com/relayandtrials

If you enjoy

Peter, Erika, and Gabby break down a huge weekend at UTMB, including Lauren Gregory’s incredible late-race kick and Rachel Entrekin’s very relatable approach to training. They also dig into the major changes coming to the 2028 Olympic Trials, including a separate 10K, a shorter schedule, and Gabby’s plan to encourage everyone ahead of her to strategically drop out.
Plus, Erika takes us back to the glory days of FloTrack Workout Wednesdays, the crew revisits the Shelby Houlihan doping saga, and they try to make sense of an increasingly complicated road racing team-selection process.

The Relay crew is back with a lot to catch up on. Peter, Lindsey, and Erika break down the mind-blowing new 56:51 half marathon world record, the latest from the track world, and why running just keeps getting bigger. They look ahead to the NYC Marathon, while Erika shares where she really is in her return from injury and why she’s not quite ready for the hype yet.

Peter recaps his weekend crewing at Leadville, including the very different culture around DNFs in ultras, and Erika gives a shoutout to Brian Reynolds after becoming the first double amputee to finish Leadville on his fourth attempt.

Plus: running without water, pro runners and social media, larger-than-life Brooks ads, the latest elite runner baby updates, HYROX, and Lindsey’s latest book reviews.

Goodr makes fun, affordable performance sunglasses that are built for runners, with a no-slip, no-bounce fit and polarized lenses that keep up with every adventure. Head to Goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order and find a pair that's as functional as it is fun.

Peter Bromka, Erika Kemp, and Gabby Hentemann debate race-course mishaps, Strava PRs, the rules of doubling, and whether you ever get into bed without showering after a run. They also talk European Championships, Falmouth, why pro runners could stand to show a little more personality,

the running content taking over their feeds, and the 2028 Olympic Trials heading back to Eugene.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

This week on Relay, the crew reacts to the news of Jonah Koech's three-year doping ban and discusses what these cases mean for clean athletes, championship teams, and trust within the sport.

Then the conversation shifts to happier news as Erika shares the story behind her surprise engagement, including a six-car accident, multiple backup plans, and an unforgettable proposal in her apartment hallway.

The crew also recaps an exciting weekend at Sir Walter Mile, highlights standout performances from Hobbs Kessler, Margot Appleton, Kayley DeLay, and Lindsey Butler, celebrates the Guardian Mile's stroller world record, previews this weekend's Falmouth Road Race, and somehow finds time to discuss host families, and whether Lindsey would survive sitting next to the wrong people on a flight.

Hey running geeks, we're getting going on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

Please join us over there for special deep dives, Q&As, and other special content we've got cooking up.

In this preview, we share a clip of our 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials episode; my oh my, was it fun to dive back into the now 2-year past of USA marathoning, which begins to serve as a preview for the Trials in St. Louis in under 24 months.

Thank you for your support of this project of love!

This week on Relay, the conversation starts with NCAA cross country before taking plenty of entertaining detours along the way. The crew discusses why cross country inspires such mixed feelings, what has made NC State and coach Laurie Henes so successful, and how team culture can shape an athlete's college experience. They also dive into NCAA recruiting, NIL, Habtom Samuel's move to the professional ranks, and Marco Langon's growing reputation as one of running's most entertaining personalities.

As always, the running conversation eventually gives way to stories about dance classes, synchronized swimming, karaoke, Noah Kahan concerts, Trader Joe's cashiers, Waffle House, and everything in between. It's a classic summer Relay episode with equal parts running discussion and completely unexpected tangents.

Lindsey, Erika, and Gabby break down the biggest storylines from the USATF Outdoor Championships, from standout performances and surprise results to the races that left them wanting more. They discuss Grant Fisher vs. Woody Kincaid, Nikki Hiltz's continued dominance, Emily Mackay's incredible closing speed, nd what an "off-year" national championship really means for professional athletes.

The conversation also dives into some of the sport's biggest controversies, including Addy Wiley's complicated path to the professional ranks, Hunter Woodhall's disqualification, Tara Davis-Woodhall's long jump protest, and the challenges of interviewing athletes whose careers are tied to major scandals. Along the way, they somehow end up debating racewalking, whether Noah Lyles' cramp makes him more relatable, and why running is never short on drama.

Peter and Gabby are back to break down one of the biggest moments of the track season: Josh Kerr's historic mile world record. They dive into what made the performance so special, why publicly chasing ambitious goals is refreshing to see, and what it says about the level of preparation required to compete at the very top of the sport.

They also preview this week's USATF Championships, discuss Brandon Miller's recent breakthrough, and look ahead to the storylines they'll be following on the track. Along the way, they touch on wildfire smoke disrupting training, marathon fitness that doesn't always show up on race day, and why smaller marathons deserve more love.

Of course, it wouldn't be Relay without a few tangents. Peter and Gabby debate track uniforms and TV coverage, laugh about running memes, discuss the latest internet discourse, and wonder why runners are always looking for the next ridiculous endurance challenge. It's another mix of serious running talk, current events, and plenty of laughs.

Goodr makes fun, affordable performance sunglasses that are built for runners, with a no-slip, no-bounce fit and polarized lenses that keep up with every adventure. Head to Goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order and find a pair that's as functional as it is fun.

Gabby Hentemann is back on Relay after Grandma's Marathon, sharing an honest look at what happened on race day, why she still doesn't regret taking a swing at sub-2:30, and what she's learned heading into her next marathon. The crew dives into the balance between chasing big goals and accepting the unpredictability of racing, while also debating summer training strategies, the placebo effect in endurance sports, and whether broccoli sprouts are actually worth the hype.

As always, the conversation quickly goes off the rails with Netflix documentary ideas, pro running sponsorships, the infamous "Big Milk" marathon expo story, beer mile memories, Best Western cheesecake theft, and a spirited debate over whether the martini mile should become a real event. They also celebrate Fast Women returning, congratulate Emma Bates and Sydney McLaughlin on welcoming their babies, and wrap up with plenty of laughs about summer running, raising hungry kids, and surviving the heat.

This week on Relay, the crew kicks things off with a Goodr sunglasses fashion show before diving into an energetic conversation that bounces between track, trail, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Peter, Lindsey and Erika recap standout performances from the Prefontaine Classic, including Nikki Hiltz's stunning win over Faith Kipyegon and the buzz surrounding teenage sprint sensation Tate Taylor. They also discuss Des Linden signing up for her first 100-mile race, Tommie Runz's latest trail adventures, and what made Jen Lichter's Western States fueling strategy so memorable.

The conversation shifts to Erika's return from injury, where she shares how her run/walk progression is going, what she's learned about coming back from a sacral injury, and why easing back into training can actually be fun. Lindsey compares notes on her own return to running before the group wraps up with a passionate World Cup discussion.

Goodr makes fun, affordable performance sunglasses that are built for runners, with a no-slip, no-bounce fit and polarized lenses that keep up with every adventure. Head to Goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order and find a pair that's as functional as it is fun.

This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven.

Topics:

Peter returns to Relay and catches up on everything he missed

The jaw-dropping performances at the Paris Diamond League and why fast times are becoming the new normal

Western States 100 delivers historic performances in near-perfect conditions

How weather transformed the race and fueled record-breaking times

Hans Troyer's aggressive race strategy and what happened after leading for 60 miles

Jen Lichter's stunning 100-mile debut and one of the greatest performances in race history

What separates elite trail runners from elite road runners

Molly Seidel's Western States debut and why finishing mattered more than the result

Tommie Runz completes Western States and why his finish impressed the Relay crew

Why patience, experience, and trail-specific skills matter over 100 miles

Erika shares early thoughts on marathon racing in an era of increasingly unpredictable weather

Sponsors:

Kava Haven⁠ is a non-alcoholic spirit designed to help you relax and unwind without the sluggish next-day feeling. Whether you mix it with ginger beer, sparkling water, or lime seltzer, it’s an easy summer swap when you want something social and refreshing without alcohol. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off your first order at checkout at ⁠http://kavahaven.com/relay⁠

Erika’s World Cup obsession continues and why she believes it’s the greatest sporting event in the world

The atmosphere at World Cup watch parties and the stories making this tournament special

Lindsey’s Stanley Cup adventures in Raleigh and why the Hurricanes’ championship has united the entire city

Dakotah Popehn's third Grandma’s Marathon victory and what makes the race so meaningful

Gabby Hentemann’s courageous racing approach and the fine line between chasing a breakthrough and blowing up

What it means to run “brave” in the marathon and why great performances require risk

Rachel Rudel’s incredible season and the challenge of earning sponsorships in professional running

How athletes balance racing opportunities, finances, motivation, and long-term goals

Early thoughts on USATF Outdoor Championships in New York City

Nikki Hiltz’s upcoming American mile record attempt at Pre Classic

Book club discussion: All the Light We Cannot See and why some stories become impossible to put down

Media Mentioned:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

Goodr makes fun, affordable performance sunglasses that are built for runners, with a no-slip, no-bounce fit and polarized lenses that keep up with every adventure. Head to Goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order and find a pair that's as functional as it is fun.

This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven.

Topics:

The Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup and Lindsey officially becomes a hockey fan

A passionate debate over the Knicks, Spurs, Wemby, and the NBA Finals

Why Erika thinks the World Cup is the greatest sporting event on earth

World Cup Cinderella stories, debut nations, and teams to root for

Tommie’s Western States training, heat chamber testing, and what he learned from Precision Fuel & Hydration

Pacers in ultrarunning: competitive advantage or part of the challenge?

Cold plunges, manufactured adversity, and why Tommie wants no part of either

Canyon Woodward, Western States storylines, and the future of trail running

Lindsey's thoughts on Yesteryear and the fascination with trad-wife culture

Matt's new role at Running USA and his deep dive into meniscus tear research

Media Mentioned:

Succession (TV series)

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (novel)

World Cup broadcasts and watch parties

Sponsors:

Kava Haven⁠ is a non-alcoholic spirit designed to help you relax and unwind without the sluggish next-day feeling. Whether you mix it with ginger beer, sparkling water, or lime seltzer, it’s an easy summer swap when you want something social and refreshing without alcohol. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off your first order at checkout at ⁠http://kavahaven.com/relay⁠

2028 Olympic Marathon Trials awarded to St. Louis and the debate over weather, timing, and what makes a fair championship race.

The unbelievable story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon, featuring car rides, questionable fueling strategies, and one of the strangest races in sports history.

Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday, peptides, masters athletes, and a broader discussion about performance-enhancing substances in endurance sports.

Emily Venters' performance at the New York Mini 10K and David Roche's growing success coaching elite marathoners.

Grandma's Marathon anticipation, marathon training philosophies, and speculation about upcoming performances.

The origins of I'll Have Another and how Lindsey's podcast evolved from a general-interest show into one focused on running.

Sara Hall's recent success, elite running couples, and how athletes navigate the highs and lows of long careers.

Marathon result verification, influencer culture, chip time versus gun time, and the internet's obsession with race results.

Media Mentioned:

• Citation Needed (1904 Olympic Marathon episode)
• Last Podcast on the Left (1904 Olympic Marathon episode)
• Normal Gossip
• All the Light We Cannot See
• Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

Sponsors:

Noogs makes fueling simple with easy-to-digest chews designed for runners who want reliable carbs without overcomplicating nutrition. Head to NoogsNutrition.com and use code RELAY for 15% off your order.

Goodr makes fun, affordable performance sunglasses that are built for runners, with a no-slip, no-bounce fit and polarized lenses that keep up with every adventure. Head to Goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order and find a pair that's as functional as it is fun.

Episode rundown:

World Athletics' new qualifying standards and whether the points system is helping or hurting the sport

Gabby's magnesium-Tums-iron disaster that left her feeling anemic three weeks before Grandma's Marathon

The mystery of the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials location and the Phoenix vs. St. Louis debate

Gabby's marathon buildup, taper mindset, and why she's celebrating milestones along the way instead of putting everything on race day

The Enhanced Games fallout and why the whole conversation seems to be fizzling out

The Bandit Grand Prix and creative ways to make track and field more interesting for fans

Lindsey's unforgettable St. Louis Marathon story featuring Earl from the senior center riding along to St. Louis

Media recommended:

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan, Lindsey's summer reading recommendation The Ritual (Gabby referred to it as "the horror movie that's blowing up on social media" and highly recommended it)

Sponsors:

Kava Haven⁠ is a non-alcoholic spirit designed to help you relax and unwind without the sluggish next-day feeling. Whether you mix it with ginger beer, sparkling water, or lime seltzer, it’s an easy summer swap when you want something social and refreshing without alcohol. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off your first order at checkout at ⁠http://kavahaven.com/relay⁠

This episode is also supported by ZBiotics! Pre-Alcohol Probiotic is a science-backed drink designed to help you feel better the day after drinking. Take it before your first alcoholic beverage, drink responsibly, and wake up ready for whatever comes next. Use code RELAY26 for 15% off your first order at ZBiotics.com/relay26

This episode is supported by Goodr and Kava Haven.

This week on Relay, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka are joined by Gabby Hentemann for a conversation that somehow manages to cover elite racing, internet discourse, cold plunges, high school energy in the running world, and the very real experience of becoming “the meme girl” while also trying to compete at a national championship level.

Top Topics:
Cam Haines vs. Sage Canaday discourse, Gabby Hentemann accidentally becoming the center of running internet drama, the Adidas x Satisfy “circle pit” activation, whether running brands are trying too hard to be cool, Gabby’s fourth-place finish at the USATF 25K Championships, elite runners recognizing her from Instagram before the race, Lindsey’s cold plunge era, what officially counts as a “real run,” and the mental side of high-mileage marathon training.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Kava Haven is a non-alcoholic spirit designed to help you relax and unwind without the sluggish next-day feeling. Whether you mix it with ginger beer, sparkling water, or lime seltzer, it’s an easy summer swap when you want something social and refreshing without alcohol. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off your first order at checkout at http://kavahaven.com/relay

Goodr sunglasses somehow make it easier to actually want to wear sunglasses every day. Lindsey’s currently obsessed with the “Pounce G Double Espresso Effect” pair, and Relay listeners can get $10 off their first order at goodr.com/relay with code RELAY.

This week on Relay, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka are joined by longtime friend of the show Jess Hofheimer after her incredible performance at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she ran a 3:07 PR at age 50. Jess shares the full story behind the race, from navigating hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and major training adjustments to rebuilding her strength and redefining what success looks like as a lifelong runner.

The conversation dives into everything that went into this breakthrough performance: reducing mileage, increasing strength training, learning to trust effort over pace, and approaching marathon racing with patience and experience rather than fear. Jess also reflects on eating disorder recovery, aging in sport, running through different seasons of motherhood, and what it meant to have her teenage sons cheering for her on Boylston Street. It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation about longevity, resilience, identity, and continuing to chase meaningful goals without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Noogs makes fueling simple with easy-to-digest chews designed for runners who want reliable carbs without overcomplicating nutrition. Head to NoogsNutrition.com and use code RELAY for 15% off your order.

This episode is supported by Noogs, ZBiotics and Kava Haven.

This week’s guest episode features photographer and creative director Dave Hashim, whose work has become instantly recognizable across the running world. Dave joins Peter Bromka and Erika Kemp to talk about photographing some of the sport’s biggest moments, balancing creative work with endurance training, and recently completing the brutal Marathon des Sables stage race through the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

The conversation dives into the reality of race photography, what it takes to capture emotion inside the chaos of marathoning, and why understanding the sport matters just as much as understanding the camera.

They also discuss the creative side of running campaigns, the difference between trail and road culture, how photographers and athletes work together on major brand shoots, and why the best running photos often come from the least polished moments.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Noogs makes fueling simple with easy-to-digest chews designed for runners who want reliable carbs without overcomplicating nutrition. Head to NoogsNutrition.com and use code RELAY for 15% off your order.

Kava Haven is a non-alcoholic spirit designed to help you relax and unwind without the sluggish next-day feeling. Whether you mix it with ginger beer, sparkling water, or lime seltzer, it’s an easy summer swap when you want something social and refreshing without alcohol. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off your first order at checkout at http://kavahaven.com/relay

This episode is also supported by ZBiotics! Pre-Alcohol Probiotic is a science-backed drink designed to help you feel better the day after drinking. Take it before your first alcoholic beverage, drink responsibly, and wake up ready for whatever comes next. Use code RELAY26 for 15% off your first order at ZBiotics.com/relay26

Episode rundown:

- Indy Mini weekend and what it’s like announcing vs watching elite races -Rebecca Schmidt’s 70:10 win and course record -Andie Cozzarelli qualifying for the Trials by 3 seconds and the chaos of that finish -How much elite marathoners are actually fueling (100–115g carbs/hour) -Practicing fueling in workouts and why it’s now part of training, not just race day -Long run evolution: from no fuel to “this is actually not that hard if you eat” -Super spikes and how track shoes went from nothing to full tech -Abby Steiner lawsuit and the idea of shoes contributing to career-ending injuries -Trials location debate (Phoenix vs St. Louis and what that means for racing conditions) -Finding non-running joy and perspective when things aren’t going well

Media Mentioned:

- Sara Hall audiobook (recommended listening format)

- Survive and Advance by Tiana Bartoletta - Count My Lies (book) - Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV show starring Jon Hamm) - Beef (Netflix series starring Ali Wong) - TikTok content from Masai Russell and Tara Davis-Woodhall

This episode is supported by Noogs! Noogs are a simple, great-tasting way to get in carbs and electrolytes before or during your run without overthinking fueling. Head to noogsnutrition.com and use code RELAY for 15% off your first order.

This episode is also supported by ZBiotics! Pre-Alcohol Probiotic is a science-backed drink designed to help you feel better the day after drinking. Take it before your first alcoholic beverage, drink responsibly, and wake up ready for whatever comes next. Use code RELAY26 for 15% off your first order at ZBiotics.com/relay26.

What we discussed:

• Erika coaching Cynthia Erivo through the London Marathon and meeting her in person for the first time
• The anxiety of coaching on race day and tracking apps failing mid-race
• Cynthia’s marathon execution, training swings, and performance relative to her PB
• Sub-2 marathon breakthrough and reactions to Sawa and Kiplimo’s performances
• Debate around super shoes, accessibility, and what actually makes runners faster
• Boston Marathon conditions, surge in fast times, and depth of competitive fields
• Emerging U.S. men’s marathon depth and recent breakout performances
• Penn Relays rivalry, NCAA 1500m record, and trash talk between athletes
• Eugene Marathon “pancake 5K” and the culture of fun race experiences
• Debate on helping runners at the finish line vs. racing your own race (and DQ implications)

Matt Chittim joins us for this week's group chat! We are so excited to have him back and joining Peter and Lindsey for this week's conversation!

Episode Rundown:

Lindsey’s honest FOMO, imposter syndrome, and figuring out where Boston fits in her life

Peter’s 16-mile “spectator run” through the course, complete with a B2 flyover moment

The explosion of Boston weekend culture beyond the expo, from pop-ups to live shows

Running fashion confusion, generational style shifts, and feeling wildly out of the loop

The Newbury Street pop-up scene and accidentally meeting Scott Jurek

Shakeouts, community energy, and just wanting to be around “running stuff” all weekend

The sheer scale of Boston now, from 1,000+ person shakeouts to nonstop course traffic

“Generational” weather and how it changed everything from pacing to confidence

Women’s racing depth and the sense that sub-2:20 is about to become the new standard

Breakout performances and massive PR jumps in the American field

Sharon Lokedi’s patient, surgical race strategy and late-race domination

John Korir’s negative split masterclass and closing speed

The density of the field getting faster, deeper, and more competitive at every level

Stories that matter just as much as the pros, including a 50-year-old PR and redefining success

On this week's group chat, Lindsey and Peter are joined by Laura Thweatt and Gabby Hentemann to talk all things Boston Marathon ahead of Monday's race.

ZBiotics pre-alcohol probiotic is an easy addition to your routine if you know you’re planning to have a few drinks. It’s a small shot you take before your first drink of the night, designed to help your body break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to that sluggish, not-great feeling the next day. It’s developed by a team of PhD microbiologists and works best when you still do the basics well. Pace your drinks, hydrate, and get good sleep. Whether it’s celebrating a race, a night out with friends, or wrapping up a training cycle, it’s a simple way to feel more like yourself the next morning. You can head to zbiotics.com and use the code RELAY26 at checkout for 15% off your first order.

Top Topics:

• The Speed Project explained (LA to Vegas, teams + solo efforts)
• Inside the culture and “who belongs” in alternative running spaces
• Elite teams vs. adventure athletes and what it takes to win
• Logistics, pacing, and strategy (including 79-second quarters late in the race)
• Getting lost, off-course routes, and unconventional race navigation
• Mental pressure within teams and not wanting to let teammates down
• Erika’s Boston buildup and pro athlete perspective heading into race week

Episode Rundown:

• Tommie’s brutal 100K race recap (13,000 ft of climbing)
• Trail running realities: climbs, descents, and survival mode
• Fueling strategies: gels, Coke, and potatoes
• Aid station dynamics and race strategy
• Post-race recovery and what 100K does to your body
• Animal encounters on runs… especially squirrels

Thank you to our sponsor Noogs!

NOOGS are sour energy chews made for endurance athletes who want fuel that actually tastes good during training and racing. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and made with natural colors and flavors. If you want to try them, head to ⁠noogsnutrition.com⁠ and use code RELAY15 for 15% off at checkout.

Topics discussed:

- Erika Kemp wins New Bedford Half and uses it as a Boston build workout

- New York Half performances and how fast the men’s field has become

- NCAA indoor track drama, DQ controversy, and rising personalities in the sport

- Doping conversations, testing challenges, and clean sport concerns

- Barcelona Marathon 2:10 performance and confusion around record legitimacy

Episode rundown:

- USATF half marathon championship aftermath and updates
- LA Marathon chaos, the mile 18 medal debate, and surprising performances
- New York City Marathon lottery frustration and the internet pile-on
- Fred Kerley’s ban, whereabouts failures, and the Enhanced Games conversation
- Books, podcasts, and pop culture detours

-US Half Marathon Championships leaders going off course and the fallout for podium, prize money, and team selection
-Course marking, lead vehicles, and why “athletes should know the course” is a bad take
-USATF response, rulebook rigidity, and what a fair resolution could look like
-Indoor championships highlights including Nikki Hiltz, Cole Hocker, Noah Lyles, and Cooper Lutkenhaus
-Enhanced Games conversation plus doping, whereabouts failures, and how fans feel about watching

Thank you to our sponsor Noogs!

NOOGS are sour energy chews made for endurance athletes who want fuel that actually tastes good during training and racing. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and made with natural colors and flavors. If you want to try them, head to noogsnutrition.com and use code RELAY15 for 15% off at checkout.

• Hyrox crossover and runners entering the hybrid athlete world

• Track talk and records: Keely Hodgkinson, “sketchy” marks, and the women’s 800

• The women’s 100-mile world record and what 12+ hours of running does to your brain

• Eating disorder messaging, recovery, and the pressure cooker of marathon culture (taper week, body image, GLP-1 conversations)

• Indoor season heating up: Cole Hocker’s American record, BU vs JDL, and banked vs flat tracks

• Elite track culture vs road culture: pace lights, meet atmospheres, and where pros choose to race

• Trail running momentum: Black Canyon, golden tickets, and Molly Seidel’s transition

• Half marathon and championship conversations: US Half Champs, World Half Champs, and timing builds for Boston

• The content era of running: blue jeans marathons, influencer racing, and performance vs storytelling

Episode Rundown:

• Lindsey recaps the Donna Marathon finish line and why it is the best vibe in racing

• Indoor track is back and Peter is fully locked in on tactics, angles, and meet energy

• Millrose mile reactions, plus how storylines can flip in half a lap

• World record expectations vs actual racing, and why racing can be the whole point

• The 16-year-old mile conversation, pressure, and the burnout question

• Running fan etiquette: how to hype pros up without making it weird

• Winter Olympics draft: what we’re watching, what we’re learning, and what is secretly terrifying

• Anna Gibson story time and why ski mountaineering is a wild crossover

• The Boston Cop Slide moment and why it is basically luge training

• Training through brutal winter: treadmill strategies, safety, and avoiding dumb injuries

In this Relay episode, we’re sharing a conversation from Road to the Trials that feels especially relevant right now. Peter Bromka sits down with JP Trojan, an Olympic Trials qualifier who ran 2:10 and finished fourth at the California International Marathon, a breakthrough performance that put him firmly on the map as we look ahead to the 2028 Trials.

JP’s path is anything but typical. He ran collegiately at William & Mary and later used eligibility while attending Syracuse Law School, building his running career alongside a demanding academic track. Today, he trains with Minnesota Distance Elite while working full time as an immigration attorney in Minneapolis. JP shares what it looks like to hold both worlds at once, how he structures training around a high-responsibility job, and why he races with a competitor’s mindset instead of chasing a time.

In light of what’s happening in Minnesota and the broader climate in our country, JP also talks about his work in immigration law and what this moment has been like on the ground. He offers tangible ways listeners can support affected communities, including two trusted organizations doing critical work. Our hearts are with Minnesota and with everyone experiencing fear, uncertainty, and trauma right now.

Links to support:
Advocates for Human Rights: https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/donate
Stand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Erika Kemp.

Episode Rundown:

• The 2026 Boston Marathon women’s professional field and how stacked it is

• Erika Kemp’s decision to commit to Boston and what changed post-Tokyo

• Marathon race strategy, decision fatigue, and why you must run your own race

• Training alone vs with partners and why empty-bleacher workouts matter

• Winter training realities, treadmill debates, and tuning out online noise

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim.Episode Rundown:- New Year energy and resolutions (reset vs “I don’t do resolutions,” plus the “January 5 is the real new year” take)- Houston Half Marathon hype (why it’s a perfect champs-style race, women’s and men’s fields, weather/wind talk)- World Cross Country in Florida (manufactured course chaos: hills, sand, logs, and what “real” XC should be)- College football sidebar (Oregon vs Indiana rivalry energy and what’s at stake)- Running culture debates (chip time vs watch time, content brain vs clock truth, and the “I just win, Google me” award vibe)Media Recommended:Books:- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid- Sweat Look Substack by Lee GlandorfPodcasts- Road to the Trials (new episode with Ben Rosario)- Singletrack Podcast – episode with Finn Melanson and Jeff Pelletier- I’ll Have Another – episode with Rory Linkletter- The Rambling Runner PodcastTV / Media- Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Behind the Scenes) on Disney+- Gazelle Elite YouTube videos (Detroit-based team, Trials-focused content)Support our sponsor:Check out Noogs Nutrition for sour energy chews that actually taste good and work. Vegan, gluten-free, made with natural colors and flavors. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off at noogsnutrition.com.

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka.

Episode Rundown:

• Fueling and nutrition habits for training and racing

• TRE and CIM experiences and travel stories

• The nonstop marathon calendar and upcoming races

• Notable performances and moments from the pro scene

• Injuries, surgery decisions, and long-term relationship with running

  Support our sponsor:

  Check out Noogs Nutrition for sour energy chews that actually taste good and work. Vegan, gluten-free, made with natural colors and flavors. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off at noogsnutrition.com.

Today on group chat, we have Matt Chittim, Peter Bromka, and Kofuzi.

Episode Rundown:

• Valencia Marathon recap

• CIM results and Olympic Trials qualifiers

• TRE (The Running Event) takeaways

• BU indoor 5K performances

• NXN and U.S. cross country weekend

• Western States and HardRock lotteries

• International racing travel challenges

• Shoe industry trends and TRE brand updates

• Marathon Project preview

• Early OTQ surge and what it means for 2024–2025

Lindsey Hein, Matt Chittim, and Peter Bromka sit down for a California International Marathon (CIM) preview as CIM hosts the USATF Marathon Championships. They break down the top storylines on the men’s and women’s sides, talk about who might contend for the win, who is chasing OTQs, and what to expect from the Road to the Trials live shows at the expo.

They also share some CIM history, favorite athlete storylines, and why this year’s field is so deep from front to back.

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Kofuzi, and Peter Bromka.

Topics Discussed:

• Kofuzi’s Valencia build and recent high-mileage weeks

• Summer marathon training struggles and preferring winter/spring races

• Ego, round-number mileage, and listening to an aging body

• Redefining success when PRs may be behind you

• Family cost of marathon training and needing the race to “be worth it”

  Running in public, pressure not to let people down, and inspiring other 40+ runners

• Lessons from pros like Annie Frisbie and Makenna Myler about not giving up and staying curious

-Kofuzi’s first true XC 8K with creek crossings in the snow

-Erika’s B.A.A. Half takeaways and “thread the needle” race plan

-Why the B.A.A. Half feels harder than Boston and who showed up

-Indy’s “why is everyone puking?” finish-line phenomenon

-OTQ vibes, course records, and why Indy is becoming a PR magnet

-Swag talk: flannel race shirt > race tee, plus the scrubs era

Today, on group chat Erika Kemp, Kofuzi, Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka are giving you the full recap of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon!

On this week's group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka.

Episode Rundown:

-NYC Marathon week plans (travel, Halloween, where to cheer)'

-Course talk: Fifth Ave vs Queensboro + Boston comparisons

-Elite preview: American women & major debuts

-Men’s field + who to watch

-Tommie Runz's Javelina 100 chaos

-Ruth Chepng'etich ruling + doping conversation

-WR context + how it affects fan trust

-Helen vs Sharon rivalry

-Book recommendations + XC talk

-Personal suspension stories + wrap-up

Media referenced:

-Books: High School Runner; The Running Ground (Nick Thompson); We Love to Run (Stephanie Reents)

-Podcast: Coffee Club episode w/ Joe Klecker-Race Coverage: TCS New York City Marathon broadcast

-Creators/mentions: Kofuzi, Fast Women

Today on group chat, we have Tommie Runz, Peter Bromka, and Erika Kemp.

Episode Rundown:

• Tommie’s leap from The Speed Project (LA → Vegas) to saying yes to Javelina 100—and how trail culture replaced marathon pressure.

• Tommie's loop plan, pacing, heat management, and staying “locked in.”

• Crew strategy and gear: the “sundress” shirt, hydration vest, and two-person crew dream team.

• Fuel and gut check: PB&J on wheat (yes, really), gels, and vegan-friendly options.

• Detroit Free Press Marathon recap (bridge and underwater mile).

• The #CongratulateAMarathoner movement—why showing up matters.

The Relay crew is back recapping everything from the 2024 Chicago Marathon weekend — from Conner Mantz’s near-perfect American record run to the grin heard ‘round the world from Jacob Kiplimo.

The crew also covers:

• What it’s like spectating when your videos look like found-footage horror films

• The announcer pronunciation debacles (Tosh vs. Tosh!)

• Mary Ngugi Cooper’s Nala Track Club and why she’s an international icon

• The Chicago Marathon bottle chaos (and the award for smoothest grab)

• Lindsey’s future as the only person qualified to announce OTQs at the finish line

It’s Chicago Marathon week, and the Relay crew runs a full-on snake draft with five-person rosters and XC-style scoring. Matt hosts alongside Erika, Peter, Kofuzi, and Tommie Runz.