Explore every episode of the podcast Road to the Trials

Courtney Alama joins Peter and Lindsey to share her journey from running a 3:02 marathon to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials at CIM. She reflects on overcoming an Achilles injury just weeks before her breakthrough race, the importance of finding joy in running, and the unexpected opportunity to race in the elite field at Boston after her original marathon was canceled. Courtney also shares how she's balancing competitive training with her role in the growing Cooldown run club community and why she's setting her sights on even faster times.

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Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

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Caroline Hill of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project joins Road to the Trials after earning a third-place finish at the Twin Cities Marathon in just her second marathon.

Caroline shares how a heartbreaking end to her collegiate career at Wake Forest led her to professional running, why she knew the marathon was her future, and how the Hansons' high-mileage training approach has helped her thrive. She also discusses the shift from chasing a time to racing for a podium spot, the importance of teammates, and what's next on her road to the 2028 Olympic Trials.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

Andrew Kaye knew the marathon was where he belonged. After six years of Division II running at Colorado School of Mines, he realized the shorter distances weren't bringing out his best. So he turned his attention to the roads, started coaching himself, and eventually made his marathon debut at Twin Cities, running an impressive 2:12 and finishing second overall.

In this episode of Road to the Trials, Andrew joins Peter to break down his unconventional path to marathon success, from delaying his debut when training and life weren't lining up to building a training program around double workout days, treadmill sessions, and 25-mile long runs.

They discuss how Andrew connected with some of the country's top marathoners, including Hillary Bor, what he's learned from training alongside elite athletes, and why he believes finding what works for your body matters more than following someone else's training plan.

Andrew also shares his race strategy at Twin Cities, including why he refused to check his watch until mile 23, how he's balancing a new full-time job with elite-level training, and why he believes there's still plenty of room to improve as he prepares for the Houston Marathon.

With his sights set on 2028, Andrew is proving that sometimes finding your distance is all it takes to unlock an entirely new level of running.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

Ari Fisher isn't following a traditional path to the Olympic Trials. At 37 years old, she's running faster than ever, incorporating Orangetheory classes into her marathon training, and just ran 2:34:15 at the Twin Cities Marathon to earn her first Olympic Trials qualifying time.

Ari joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about her incredible marathon progression, from a 2:50 debut in Eugene to a 2:40 at Boston and now a fourth-place finish at Twin Cities. She shares how Orangetheory has become part of her training, why she stepped away from a 12-year career in the medical field to pursue running more seriously, and what she's learned about building mileage, strength, and confidence.

The conversation also explores Ari's return to competitive running after years of injuries and burnout, navigating the loss of both parents, and why she believes her best performances are still ahead of her.

With the Olympic Trials officially on her calendar, Ari is just getting started.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

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

Paxton Smith is headed to his second Olympic Marathon Trials after running 2:15:51 at the McKirdy Micro OTQ. But his journey back to the Trials has looked very different from his first qualification.

After running at the University of Colorado, Paxton moved to Miami through Teach for America, balancing early morning training in brutal heat and humidity with a demanding teaching career. Now, he's coaching alongside Olympian Luis Orta, helping lead a running community that brings more than 200 athletes to the track at 5:30 a.m.

Paxton joins the show to talk about finding his way through disappointing marathons, how coaching everyday runners has transformed his own relationship with the sport, and what he's learned about fueling, training, and chasing faster times. He also shares why qualifying for his second Trials was so emotional and how he's approaching the next chapter of his running career.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

Benjamin Bayless ran 2:15:35 in his marathon debut at CIM, securing his 2028 Olympic Trials qualifier on his first attempt. A former collegiate runner at Miami University and Ole Miss, Benjamin made the jump to the marathon immediately after graduation and quickly proved he belonged at the elite level.

He joins Peter to break down his unconventional path to the marathon, including a 64-minute half marathon in Copenhagen, the training philosophy that helped him build confidence without excessive mileage, and the fueling mistakes that nearly derailed his CIM debut. They get into critical velocity training, racing tactics, super shoes, and what Benjamin learned from struggling through the final miles of his first marathon.

Benjamin also shares how his obsession with running science turned into a coaching career, his frustration with misinformation in the running world, and why he's interested in exploring ultramarathons. With his Olympic Trials qualifier already secured, he's setting his sights on a sub-63-minute half marathon, a potential 2:10 marathon, and a top-20 finish at the 2028 Trials.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

Jackie Gaughan is a 2:24 marathoner, Saucony-sponsored athlete, and full-time finance professional who just secured another Olympic Trials qualifier at the Berlin Marathon.

After a stretch of disappointing races and training that left her feeling burned out, Jackie reconsidered what it meant to train like a professional runner. She shares why doing less, prioritizing recovery, and adapting workouts around her demanding career helped her rediscover consistency and confidence.

Peter and Lindsey also talk with Jackie about her remarkable comeback at CIM following a difficult Chicago Marathon, the resilience she developed through setbacks, her experience at the 2024 Olympic Trials, and how she approaches coaching herself. Plus, Jackie reflects on her unconventional path from Notre Dame to elite marathoning and what she's hoping to accomplish heading into the 2028 Olympic Trials in St. Louis.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

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

Alex Price joins Peter and Lindsey after running 2:15:24 at the California International Marathon to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Trials. A former Division III runner, Alex spent years chasing the qualifying standard while balancing a full-time job, family life, and training almost entirely on his own.

Alex shares how he dropped more than five minutes from his marathon PR, why consistency and quality workouts mattered more than increasing mileage, and what it was like to find himself running alongside Olympians at CIM. He also talks about his unconventional approach to training, fueling with just a handful of gels, skipping personal bottles in favor of water cups, and learning to trust what works for him.

They also discuss the supportive running community in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, becoming a father of two, the role his wife has played in his success, and why his mantra, "Keep Moving Forward," applies to much more than running.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

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

Diane Neubauer is a mom of two, an Air Force wife, a running coach, and an Olympic Trials qualifier who has made some remarkable breakthroughs in the marathon over the past few years.

After running collegiately at Cabrini University, Diane stepped away from competitive running before returning to the sport with a new level of commitment. She went from a 3:07 marathon to 2:45, then ran 2:36:48 at CIM to secure her spot at the 2028 Olympic Trials, just 12 seconds under the qualifying standard.

Diane joins Lindsey to share how her relationship with running has evolved, what contributed to her massive improvements, and how she's balanced training with motherhood and military family life. They also talk about the friendships she's built through running, the role her community has played in her success, and her recent 10th-place finish at the USATF 20K Championships.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

Patrick Cullen is heading into the Chicago Marathon this weekend with a big goal: run 2:06 and establish himself as one of the next names to watch in American distance running.

At just 24 years old, Patrick has already qualified for the 2028 Olympic Trials after running 2:13:18 in his marathon debut in Ottawa and 2:12:15 just six weeks later at the Gold Coast Marathon. Now, with a marathon-specific training block behind him, he's ready to take a major leap forward.

Patrick joins Peter during race week to talk about his unconventional path from Northeastern to BYU, why he moved to the marathon so early in his career, and the confidence behind his Chicago goal. They get into his 140–150-mile training weeks, his heavy reliance on the treadmill, the fueling changes he believes will make a difference on Sunday, and why he sees the marathon as the ultimate test of endurance.

With his sights set on Chicago and the 2028 Olympic Trials, Patrick is betting on himself in a big way.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Arrive at the starting line feeling race-ready with CEP's medical-grade compression socks, trusted by elite athletes for travel and recovery. Road to the Trials listeners can save 15% off their entire order at CEP Running through November 15 with code LRLNYC-15 at checkout, or shop at ceprunning.com

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

Ainsley Pressl showed up to the McKirdy Marathon calling it a “soft attempt.” She wasn’t convinced she was ready to run the OTQ standard. Her plan was simply to get in the pace group, hang on as long as she could, and learn from the experience.Instead, she ran 2:36:12 and punched her ticket to the 2028 Olympic Trials.Ainsley joins Peter to talk about the race she never expected to be *the* race, the negative self-talk that followed her deep into the marathon, and the moment she finally realized she was going to make it. She shares her progression from 3:06 in her first marathon to 2:59 at Boston, 2:48 at Chicago, 2:40 at Indy and eventually her OTQ.They also talk about why she never felt like she needed to completely reinvent herself to get faster, learning through plenty of mistakes, improving her fueling, balancing running with a full-time career and a life outside the sport, and why removing the fear of failure has made it easier to take big swings.Plus, Ainsley looks ahead to CIM, her first opportunities in pro fields, and what she imagines when she thinks about lining up in St. Louis in 2028.

Support our Sponsors:

Nomio: A 60 mL broccoli sprout shot designed to support hard training by helping reduce oxidative stress and blood lactate levels, so athletes can push harder with lower perceived exertion. Take it three hours before a key session, and use code RTTT15 for 15% off at Drink Nomio or The Feed.

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Anne-Marie Blaney has built her marathon career one steady step at a time. After finishing 16th at the 2024 Olympic Trials and running 2:29, the Hansons-Brooks athlete is already qualified for 2028 and focused on continuing to evolve as a marathoner.

Anne-Marie joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about nearly nine years with Hansons-Brooks, why patience and consistency have been so important to her progression, and what she learned from racing the 2024 Trials in Orlando. She also shares how moving to Charlotte has changed her training, what she’s learned from running more on her own, and why she chose Twin Cities for her next marathon.

They talk about the difference between racing for time and racing to compete, her goal of working with teammate Caroline at Twin Cities, representing Team USA at World Cross, and the teammates and runners who continue to inspire her.

Plus, Anne-Marie shares her unexpected hobby outside of running: beekeeping.

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

Support our Sponsors:

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Mitch Ammons joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about his 2:14 breakthrough at CIM that secured his spot at the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials, and the challenging months that followed.

Mitch shares why higher mileage changed his running, what went right during his CIM build, and how he managed to race on a badly injured ankle. He also opens up about ankle surgery, navigating prescription pain medication after 11 years of sobriety, and the major impact that being unable to run had on his mental health.

Plus, Mitch talks about the parallels between addiction and his drive as a runner, his recovery from surgery, and what comes next as he works his way back.

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

Support our Sponsors:

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Stephen Jones joins Lindsey and Peter after a breakout 2:11 performance at the Marathon Project secured his Olympic Trials qualifier and opened the door to an opportunity he’s dreamed about: racing the professional field at the New York City Marathon.

Stephen talks about why he still prioritizes fun over chasing splits, how he balances 100-mile weeks with a full-time job in Boulder, and why he believes there’s more in the tank after his 2:11 breakthrough. He also shares how The Track Club helped bring him back to competitive running after burnout, the story behind his unforgettable finish at Bolder Boulder, and what support from Bandit has meant as an unsponsored athlete getting closer to the professional level.

They also get into his long-distance relationship with fellow Trials qualifier and medical student Maddie Alm, his approach to New York’s notoriously difficult course, “delusional confidence,” and why he’s trying not to look too far ahead to March 2028.

Stephen’s biggest reminder heading into New York? Don’t forget to smile.

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

Support our Sponsors:Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Paige Wood joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about the long road back to her best after becoming a mom and what she’s learning as she builds toward her first Olympic Marathon Trials.

Paige breaks down her run at Boston, why stepping away from chasing a specific time helped her rediscover the fun of racing, and what she learned from a tough day at the Marathon Project. She also opens up about balancing professional running with family planning, the patience required in her postpartum comeback, and why consistency over the next two years matters so much to her.

Plus, Paige shares how a summer of lower mileage and faster work is shaping her New York City Marathon build, what she hopes to learn from racing the majors, life with the rebuilding NAZ Elite team, and why she believes it’s better to arrive at a starting line slightly undercooked than not arrive at all.

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

Support our Sponsors:Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Anna Benedettini is already headed back to the Olympic Trials. She ran 2:33:13 for third at Indy Monumental last fall, earning her second OTQ in just her third marathon start and taking nearly two minutes off the time she ran to qualify for the 2024 Trials.

Anna joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about her breakthrough at Indy, how she rebuilt her relationship with running after five stress fractures in college, and why better fueling, recovery, and a healthier approach to the sport have allowed her to thrive post-collegiately. She also shares what it’s like being coached by her brother, balancing elite-level running with her job at rabbit, and why having a full life outside of running is central to the way she approaches the sport.

With her 2028 qualifier already secured and the Trials coming to her hometown of St. Louis, Anna has time to experiment, chase faster times, and enjoy racing before it’s time to fully lock in again.

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

Support our Sponsors:

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Kodi Kleven had one of the biggest breakthroughs of the spring, running 2:24:48 at Boston after finding herself at the front of the race early on. She joins Peter to talk about what it felt like to lead the Boston Marathon, why she was able to stay calm in the moment, and how a performance she once couldn’t imagine became her new PR.

Kodi also shares how training with Ed Eyestone’s Run Elite group has changed her running, the lessons she’s learned from years of injuries, underfueling, and overtraining, and why nutrition, recovery, strength work, and learning to trust the people around her have become such a big part of her progress.
They also talk about her background in trail running, why she still sees trails in her future, working through her current injury, and what it will take to stay healthy and make it to the 2028 Olympic Trials in St. Louis.

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

Thank you to our sponsors:

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Brooke Wildermuth’s first marathon was a 4:11. She was fresh out of college, working in consulting, traveling Monday through Thursday, and running mostly because she loved it. Fast forward a few years and Brooke is a 2:35 marathoner headed to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

Brooke joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about the huge progression that started when she joined Brooklyn Track Club and decided she wanted to see how good she could get. After running 3:14 at New York and 2:44 at Chicago, Brooke had her son and faced a much harder postpartum return than she expected, including a serious infection and a femoral stress reaction that forced her to stop running.

She shares how she rebuilt through cross-training, returned to marathon training, and ultimately ran 2:35:48 at McKirdy to secure her Olympic Trials qualifier. Brooke also talks about balancing running with motherhood and future family plans, what she hopes to chase at CIM this fall, and why she’s still curious to find out just how fast she can go.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Colin Bennie has already proven he can show up when it matters, finishing ninth at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and tenth in 2024. Now officially qualified for 2028, he joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about what’s next.

Colin shares the highs and lows of his marathon career, from becoming the top American at Boston to taking big swings that don’t always pay off. He talks about training mostly solo under longtime coach Chris Fox, trusting what works instead of chasing massive mileage, and balancing elite running with his full-time data engineering job for the Miami Marlins.

With a baby on the way, Colin is putting family first this fall before turning his attention back to racing and another Olympic Trials buildup. He talks about longevity in the sport, learning from tough races, and why he still wants the chance to find out just how fast he can run.

Thank you to our sponsors:

ZBiotics is a genetically engineered pre-alcohol probiotic designed to help break down an alcohol byproduct associated with rough mornings. Take it before your first drink to enjoy your night without sacrificing the next day. Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com with code TRIALS26.

Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Hillary Bor built his career as one of America’s top steeplechasers, becoming a two-time Olympian before making the move to the marathon. Now, after running 2:08 in Rotterdam, he has his sights set on going sub-2:06 and making another Olympic team in 2028.

Hillary joins Lindsey and Peter to talk about what he’s learned through his first two marathons, how marathon training compares to the steeplechase, and why patience, fueling, and endurance have become such a big focus. He also shares his remarkable path from coming to the U.S. on a college scholarship to serving in the Army while training at an elite level, and why he credits the military with helping shape both his running career and his mindset.

They also talk about studying his competitors, averaging 130 miles per week, learning from training partners, and why he believes the 2028 Olympic Trials could be one of the most competitive yet.

In this episode:

• Transitioning from the steeplechase to the marathon

• Running 2:08 in Rotterdam and chasing sub-2:06

• His goal of making a third Olympic team

• Serving in the U.S. Army while training professionally

• Why the military shaped his approach to competition

• Learning marathon fueling and race strategy

• Training 130-mile weeks

• Studying his competitors ahead of 2028

• Looking ahead to Valencia and the Olympic Trials

  
  

  Thank you to our sponsors:

  ZBiotics is a genetically engineered pre-alcohol probiotic designed to help break down an alcohol byproduct associated with rough mornings. Take it before your first drink to enjoy your night without sacrificing the next day. Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com with code TRIALS26.

  Kila makes custom performance insoles using super shoe foams, designed specifically for your feet. Just download the Kila app, scan your feet in less than five minutes, and your custom insoles are built and shipped to you. They’re comfortable, responsive, and bring super shoe technology to a personalized insole. Get $50 off your first order at kilarun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Hi all! We wanted to pop on with a quick update from the Road to the Trials team, revisit a few of our past episodes, and share a little of what’s ahead.

We’re taking a down week, but there’s a lot coming this fall. We have a ton of great interviews lined up with more athletes on their Road to the Trials, so buckle up. We’re just getting started!

And if you’ve been enjoying the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps us keep telling these stories and fueling the Road to the Trials.

Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrials

Sarah Czuprynski will be the first to tell you that the marathon has never come naturally to her. In fact, she’ll also tell you she hates it.

Her first marathon took more than four hours. She eventually qualified for Boston, broke three hours for the first time at New York, dropped her PR to 2:43, and then ran 2:36 at CIM to qualify for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Most recently, she lowered her PR again to 2:35 at Grandma’s Marathon. Her progression is pretty incredible, but Sarah’s story is about so much more than the times she’s run.

Sarah takes Peter through her entire marathon journey, including the heartbreaking story behind her first marathon. Her dad, who was her biggest supporter, unexpectedly passed away just before he was supposed to fly to Los Angeles to watch her race. When Sarah finally ran the LA Marathon the following year, she carried his ashes and a cross around her neck for all 26.2 miles.

This is an inspiring episode, enjoy!

Kila Run

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Get $50 off your first order at KilaRun.com with code ROADTOTHETRIALS.

Road to the Trials Patreon

Want even more Road to the Trials? Join Peter and Lindsey on Patreon for bonus episodes, deep dives, Trials predictions, Q&As, and plenty of marathon geekery as we count down to 2028.

Join the Road to the Trials Patreon at Patreon.com/relayandtrials.

Breanna Sieracki joins Lindsey and Peter on Road to the Trials after qualifying for her second Olympic Marathon Trials and with baby number three on the way.

Breanna’s path to the marathon is such a good one. She came out of college as a steeplechaser and 5K runner who swore she would never run a marathon. Then, during her first pregnancy, she started wondering what it might look like to train for one postpartum. She debuted at CIM 10 months after having her first daughter, then came back at Grandma’s Marathon in 2023 and ran 2:33 to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials.

We talk about how motherhood has changed Breanna as an athlete, learning to give herself more grace in training, and what she’s learned through multiple postpartum rebuilds. She also takes us inside Minnesota Distance Elite, her relationship with Coach Lundstrom, and the individualized training that has helped her grow from a relatively low-mileage college runner into someone who thrives during 80–110 mile marathon weeks.
Breanna also opens up about her difficult day at Boston, the vulnerable post about her race that unexpectedly went viral, and how hard it was to deal with criticism and comments about her body while already processing the disappointment of the race itself. We talk about the patience required when you know the fitness and the potential are there, but life means the next opportunity may still be a ways off.

Her message at the end of this conversation says it best: you can chase multiple dreams. Your path might look different from someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose only one.

Carrie Ellwood is having the kind of year that can change a running career. She finished 10th overall and fourth American at the Boston Marathon in 2:22, signed her first professional contract with ASICS shortly after, and has firmly put herself in the conversation as someone to watch heading toward the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. 

Carrie spent seven years as a first grade teacher while continuing to train and compete at a high level. Two years ago, she stepped away from the classroom without a big contract waiting for her or a breakout race guaranteeing that professional running would work out. She simply knew she would regret it if she didn’t give herself the chance to see how good she could be. Now, that bet on herself is paying off.

Thank you to our sponsors:

ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

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!

Just one year removed from competing at the NCAA Championships, Murphy Smith has already established himself as one of the brightest young marathoners in the United States. After debuting with a 2:11 at the California International Marathon, Murphy returned just months later to run 2:08:58 at the Boston Marathon, earning a spot in the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and announcing himself as a serious contender for the future.

In this episode, Murphy shares why he skipped the traditional path of spending years on the track before moving up to the marathon, what he's learned training with the B.A.A. High Performance Team under Mark Carroll, and how balancing graduate school, military service, and elite running has shaped his perspective. He also opens up about overcoming injuries, navigating sleep struggles during his time at the Naval Academy, and the role his faith has played throughout his running journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• Running 2:08:58 at the Boston Marathon in just his second marathon
• Why he moved to the marathon immediately after college
• Training alongside Galen Rupp and Robert Miranda at Boston
• Life with the B.A.A. High Performance Team and coach Mark Carroll
• Building from 97-mile weeks in college to 130-mile marathon training
• Balancing graduate school, military service, and elite running
• His upcoming Chicago Marathon goals
• Serving in the U.S. Navy and preparing for nuclear power school
• Learning to embrace flexibility instead of rigid training
• How his Christian faith has helped him through setbacks and success
• Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials and beyond

Follow Murphy:
Instagram: @murphysmith__

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/trials

Robert Miranda's marathon breakthrough didn't happen overnight. After narrowly missing his goals in Chicago, withdrawing from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, and learning some hard lessons through self-coaching, he returned to Boston this spring to run a lifetime best of 2:09:40 and officially join the growing list of American men under 2:10.

In this conversation, Robert shares his unique journey from Yale student and UCLA mathematics PhD to the B.A.A. High Performance Team, why he believes consistency matters more than perfect workouts, and how becoming a father has reshaped both his running and his perspective. He also reflects on the setbacks that nearly pulled him away from the sport, what he's learned about racing the marathon, and why his focus is firmly on being ready for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/trials

Charlie Sweeney joins us after a personal best at the Boston Marathon to talk about the next chapter of his marathon career and why he believes he's just getting started. The former Division II walk-on turned CU Boulder standout reflects on his unconventional path through the sport, working with new coach David Roche, and the lessons he's learned from being coached by — and dating — Olympian Elise Cranny.

Charlie shares what it's like balancing a full-time job at COROS with professional running, why he believes confidence is often the biggest separator between athletes, and how he's approaching the long road toward the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Rachel Schilkowsky joins us after earning her spot at the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a breakthrough 2:35:51 and second-place finish at the Vermont City Marathon. A five-time NCAA Division I All-American at Cornell, Rachel is a biomechanical engineer, mom of two, and self-coached athlete who has spent years chasing the marathon she knew she was capable of running.

In this episode, Rachel shares how returning to racing after having two children changed her perspective, why finally dialing in her fueling strategy made all the difference, and what it was like racing alongside Kellen Taylor on the way to her Olympic Trials qualifier. We also talk about self-coaching, balancing family life with elite training, the Green Racing Project, and why she's still chasing big goals on both the roads and the track.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Lily Anderson joins us fresh off another strong marathon that secured her spot at the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Lily shares how she went from teaching in New York City public schools through Teach For America to pursuing the marathon at a high level while becoming a key member of Brooklyn Track Club. She talks about finding her place in New York's thriving running community, balancing work with elite training, learning to embrace new training methods, and why the team aspect of running continues to motivate her.

Lily also reflects on earning her first Olympic Trials qualifier, battling injury, bouncing back with a 2:33 marathon, and why qualifying early has changed her mindset heading into the next marathon cycle. It's a conversation about patience, consistency, community, and enjoying the process of seeing what's possible.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Andrew Colley has represented Team USA three times, won the USATF 25K Championships, and qualified for four U.S. Olympic Team Trials across the marathon, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters. Yet despite running 2:09 for the marathon and 60:47 for the half marathon, he believes his biggest breakthrough is still ahead.

In this crossover episode from I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein, Lindsey sits down with Andrew in person to discuss his evolution as a professional runner, his years training with ZAP Endurance under Pete Rea, and why consistency and patience have become the foundation of his success. They also talk about balancing elite racing with new fatherhood alongside his wife, fellow professional runner Tristan Colley, winning the USATF 25K Championships, and why he's confident his fastest marathon is still to come as he builds toward the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Alex Burks has a unique relationship with Rockland Lake. It's where he ran his first breakout half marathon, his first major marathon breakthrough, and this spring, where he punched his ticket to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:15:49, qualifying by just 11 seconds. In this conversation with Peter Bromka, Alex looks back on the years between those breakthrough performances, the frustrating cycle of marathon blowups, and the nutrition and mindset changes that finally helped everything come together.

They also revisit Alex's standout race at the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, where he moved from the back half of the field into the top 50 by staying patient while others faded in the Florida heat. Alex shares what he's learned about training, why he believes consistency matters more than chasing huge mileage, his fascination with trail ultras, and how he's approaching the next Olympic Trials with a healthier perspective than ever before. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

After walking away from running for nearly a decade, Esteban Trujillo never expected he'd one day be racing 2:14 marathons. But at age 40, he's become one of the fastest masters marathoners in the world, finishing second overall in the masters division at the 2026 Boston Marathon and running 2:14:30 at CIM to easily qualify for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials.

In this episode, Esteban shares his remarkable journey from competing at the University of Oregon alongside future Olympians to completely quitting the sport, moving to Alaska, and eventually rediscovering running through a spontaneous marathon. He discusses how patience has become his greatest training tool as a masters athlete, working with coach Brad Hudson, the lessons learned from Boston and CIM, joining Puma's Project3 program, and helping launch Front Range Elite to support the next generation of elite runners in Colorado.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

After stepping away from competitive running for nearly four years, Erin McDonald wasn't sure she'd ever return to the sport at a high level. Now, she's a 2:32 marathoner, a 4:31 miler, and an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Following a breakthrough performance at the 2025 CIM, Erin joins Road to the Trials to share how falling back in love with running transformed both her mindset and her performances.

In this episode, Erin reflects on her collegiate career at Michigan State, the burnout that led her away from the sport, and the unexpected path back to elite marathoning. She talks about training with Bay Area Distance Crew, winning the Bayshore Half Marathon in a course-record 73:37, balancing competition with joy, and why this second chapter of her running career feels so much more fulfilling than the first. Erin also shares what she's learned about patience, confidence, and embracing the process as she looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Thank you to our sponsors:

ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Ryan Smith only planned to gain experience in his marathon debut. Instead, he ran 2:15:34 at the Vermont City Marathon, won the race, and punched his ticket to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. But as Ryan explains, the result wasn't about chasing a time. It came from years of consistent training, learning to trust his instincts, and taking a patient approach to building fitness after injury.

Ryan shares why he prioritizes effort over pace in training, how cross-training became a key part of his success, what he learned from his first marathon, and why he's already thinking differently about preparing for the Olympic Trials. He also talks about balancing a full-time career in energy economics, the Boston running scene, Division III running, and the unexpected experience of going viral after his emotional finish line interview.

Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven, Goodr, and Precision Fuel & Hydration.

Megan Connolly's path to the Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. A former Division I runner turned broadcaster, Megan spent years casually running marathons before deciding to fully pursue the Olympic Trials standard. Along the way, she donated a kidney, became a mother, returned to racing postpartum, and ultimately qualified for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials at the McCurdy Micro Marathon.

In this episode, Megan joins Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein to reflect on the long road to 2:37. She shares how the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials reignited her competitive fire, why learning to love the training process mattered more than any finish time, and the mental lessons she learned after falling short at Indy before finally getting it done at McCurdy. Megan also opens up about balancing elite training with motherhood, her career with WWE, the life-changing experience of becoming a living kidney donor, and why controlling what you can control has become her guiding philosophy both in sport and in life.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Kava Haven

Kava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.

Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Goodr

Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

Madey Dickson never planned to become a marathoner. A standout miler at Brigham Young University, she first tried the marathon almost on a whim before discovering she might be better at 26.2 than she ever expected. Less than a year after fully committing to the event, Madey has already run 2:28 twice, first at the 2025 US Marathon Championships at CIM and again at the 2026 Boston Marathon.

In this episode, Madey shares her rapid rise in the marathon, working with coach Rory Linkletter, balancing elite training with a full-time nursing career, and the mindset shifts that helped unlock a new level of confidence. She talks about racing much of Boston alone, learning to fuel properly after a painful marathon debut, training in Utah’s thriving running community, and why she believes the next step in her development is taking bigger risks on race day. Madey also looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials and explains why she wants to line up ready to truly go for it.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Fresh off a career-best 2:22 at the 2026 Boston Marathon, Annie Frisbie joins Road to the Trials to reflect on one of the biggest performances of her career. Annie finished eighth overall and was the second American across the line, continuing her remarkable success on the Boston course. She shares what clicked on race day, why she thrives in the chaos of championship-style racing, and the memorable moment of finding teammate Dakotah Popehn in the lead pack mid-race.

Annie also opens up about the lessons she carried from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, how that disappointment ultimately helped her grow as an athlete, and why confidence has become one of her greatest strengths as a competitor. The conversation explores training with Minnesota Distance Elite, balancing racing across distances from the 5K to the marathon, life as a full-time professional runner, and how she's already thinking about the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Plus, Annie shares details from her recent engagement in Switzerland and why Boston continues to bring out her very best.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo

The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

This episode is supported by Kava Haven, Wahoo, and Precision Fuel & Hydration.

Erik Linden returns to the Olympic Trials stage after running a breakthrough 2:12 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, continuing a marathon journey that has been defined by patience, curiosity, and a willingness to follow his own path. A previous Trials qualifier for Orlando, Erik has steadily improved over the years while balancing running with the rest of life, constantly searching for new ways to stay engaged, motivated, and growing in the sport.

In this conversation, Erik reflects on his progression from collegiate runner to 2:12 marathoner, the training changes that fueled his latest breakthrough, and why he's never been afraid to evolve as an athlete. He and Peter discuss finding the right training environment, trusting intuition, navigating the gap between competitive amateur and professional running, and what it means to keep pursuing improvement after years in the sport. It's a thoughtful look at longevity, reinvention, and the joy of continuing to chase what's possible.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Kava Haven

Kava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.

Precision Fuel & Hydration

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo

The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

This episode is supported by Kava Haven, Goodr, Precision Fuel and Hydration, and Wahoo.

After qualifying for her third Olympic Trials with a 2:32 at CIM, Sarah Reiter joins the podcast to reflect on her marathon journey, from a difficult debut in Brooks Adrenalines to becoming a three-time Trials qualifier and leader within Tracksmith’s Stamata team. She shares what she's learned through years of racing, why she believes joy and balance are essential to longevity in the sport, and how she approaches the pressure that comes with chasing ambitious goals.

Sarah also talks about pacing teammates at the Eugene Marathon, the evolution of the Olympic Trials standard, her hopes of breaking 2:30, and why she still believes the best racing of her career may be ahead of her. Whether you're chasing your first OTQ or your third, Sarah's perspective on consistency, community, and enjoying the process offers plenty to take away. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration
Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo
The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

Goodr
Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

Kava Haven
Kava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.

Jax Siddall joins Peter Bromka after a breakthrough performance at the Eugene Marathon, where he won his marathon debut and secured an Olympic Trials qualifier. A sixth-grade teacher in Colorado, Jax shares the path that took him from Eastern Kentucky University to the front of one of the country's premier marathons.

Jax reflects on the training philosophy that has fueled his development, lessons learned from time spent in Flagstaff, balancing teaching with high-level running, and what it's like to race alone for much of a marathon. He also discusses the importance of consistency, learning from athletes around him, and why he believes his best running is still ahead of him.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Joey Whelan returns to the podcast after one of the busiest stretches of racing imaginable. Since his breakout performance at CIM, he's added wins and course records in Austin and Buffalo, raced internationally in Hamburg, and continued building toward even bigger goals. Through it all, he's remained one of the sport's most unique competitors, balancing aggressive racing, high mileage, and a willingness to line up far more often than most elite marathoners.

In this conversation, Joey reflects on leading CIM for nearly the entire race, what he learned from racing solo for so many miles, and why he's increasingly embracing tactics, double-threshold training, and new approaches to recovery. He also shares his thoughts on the evolving American marathon scene, chasing World Championships qualification, the realities of racing without an agent, and why he's excited for another showdown with some familiar rivals at Grandma's Marathon. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans built around carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools make it easier to dial in race-day nutrition and training fuel. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo is changing the indoor running experience with the KICKR RUN treadmill, featuring automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Use code TRIALS28 for a free Bluetooth fan (a $319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic is designed to support a better next day by helping break down a byproduct of alcohol associated with rough mornings. Just take it about 45 minutes before drinking. Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 with code TRIALS26. Every order is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elena Hayday joins the podcast after a massive breakthrough at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where she ran 2:24 and officially entered a new level of American marathoning. But as she shares in this conversation, the performance was years in the making. After multiple marathons that almost came together, tough lessons with fueling and GI issues, and balancing elite training alongside a neuroscience PhD program, Boston was the race where everything finally clicked.

Elena talks about the process of fully committing to running, joining Minnesota Distance Elite, training alongside athletes like Dakota Popehn and Annie Frisbie, and learning to believe she belongs in those front packs. She also shares how working with a dietitian transformed her recovery, why she’s starting to think differently about racing instead of just pacing, and what it feels like to suddenly realize the Olympic Trials — and maybe even Team USA — could truly be within reach.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners take the guesswork out of fueling with a science-backed approach to carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their personalized fuel plans and educational resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

ZBiotics is the maker of a pre-alcohol probiotic designed to support a better next day after drinking. Developed by PhD microbiologists, it works by breaking down a byproduct of alcohol associated with rough mornings. Learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 with code TRIALS26. All purchases are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Amanda Martin joins Road to the Trials after a massive breakthrough at the 2026 Eugene Marathon, where she ran 2:34 and won the race after years of chasing the Olympic Trials standard through injuries, setbacks, burnout, and some truly brutal marathon experiences.

Amanda shares her long road from swimming and Division III running to chronic stress fractures, cross-training marathons on the elliptical, collapsing in races, and wondering if the marathon would ever actually click for her. She talks openly about grief after losing her father, the pressure she put on herself for years while chasing a time goal, and how moving to Utah and training around athletes like Kiera D’Amato helped completely reshape her mindset around racing.

The conversation dives deep into marathon fueling, sports anxiety, learning how to race without obsessing over pace, and why covering her watch during Eugene may have changed everything. Amanda also reflects on the surreal feeling of finally running strong over the final 10K of a marathon, crossing the finish line at Hayward Field victorious, and realizing the goal she had carried for nearly eight years had finally become real. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Goodr sunglasses are built for runners, adventurers, and anyone who wants gear that actually stays put while still being fun to wear. With their no-slip, no-bounce fit and fully polarized lenses, they’re designed to move with you whether you’re out for a long run, heading to the beach, traveling, or just outside all summer. They’re lightweight, affordable, and somehow manage to make practical running sunglasses feel genuinely fun. Head to goodr.com/relay to get $10 off your first order.

Luke Maher joins Road to the Trials to pull back the curtain on Puma Running’s Project 3 initiative and how it’s helping fuel one of the most exciting eras in amateur marathoning. From early access to prototype super shoes to building a global community of runners chasing breakthrough performances, Luke shares how the program grew from a product idea into something much bigger.

The conversation also gets into the super shoe era, the support Project 3 gives athletes beyond gear, the $3,000 PR bonus, and why runners like Joey Whelan and Alana Hadley show how close the gap can be between everyday life and pro-level racing.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo

The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

This episode is supported by Kava Haven and Precision Fuel and Hydration.

Aidan Reed has quietly become one of the most versatile runners in the American road scene, finding success everywhere from the 10-mile to the half marathon while continuing to chase breakthroughs in the marathon. In this conversation, he reflects on life with the Roots Running Project, the evolution of American marathoning, and what it’s really like trying to compete at the highest level during one of the deepest eras the sport has seen. 

Aidan also opens up about his experiences at both the Olympic Marathon and Track Trials, his ambitions to represent Team USA internationally, and the importance of building a life outside of running through community organizing and activism. It’s an honest conversation about ambition, identity, and what keeps him motivated heading toward 2028.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Kava Haven: All the Buzz, None of the Booze — get 15% off your first order when you use code ROADOFTHETRIALS15 at http://kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials

Andie Cozzarelli’s path back to the Olympic Trials qualifier spans nearly 14 years, from qualifying for her first Trials in 2012 through years of injuries, RED-S, surgeries, setbacks, and rebuilding her relationship with running and her body. She finally broke through again, running 2:36:59 and securing her return to the Trials in one of the final dramatic races of the qualifying window.

In this episode, Andie opens up about the highs and lows between those two qualifiers, including stepping away from unhealthy training patterns, recovering from hip surgery, and learning how to approach the marathon from a healthier and more sustainable place. She shares how self-coaching, consistent training, and a renewed focus on fueling and recovery helped her finally put everything together again after years of setbacks.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of chasing long-term goals, what it felt like to line up at the Olympic Trials a decade apart, and why this qualifier meant so much more than just the standard itself.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Sean Grossman’s road to the Olympic Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. After years of near misses, injuries, tough marathon lessons, and balancing elite training with a full-time career in construction management, he finally broke through with a 2:15 at the McKirrdy Micro Marathon after 2,303 days of chasing the OTQ.

In this episode, Sean reflects on growing up on Long Island, running at the University of Miami, and gradually building himself into one of New York City’s top amateur marathoners. He shares what it was like stacking marathon cycles after the New York City Marathon, learning how to finally race the final 10K well, and navigating the mental grind of the McKirdy Micro Marathon’s repetitive looped course.

Enjoy!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Conner Peloquin’s path back to the Olympic Trials wasn’t linear. After qualifying in 2019 and DNFing at the 2020 Trials, he stepped away from the sport, battled injuries, and eventually believed a 2:16 standard was out of reach. Fast forward to today, and he’s not only back, he’s running faster than ever.

In this episode, Conner shares the full arc of his journey, from early success and setbacks to nearly walking away from competitive running altogether. A turning point came unexpectedly, sparked by a mix of life changes, a half marathon breakthrough, and a reconnection with former teammate and now coach Rory Linkletter, who helped unlock a new level of potential.

His breakthrough race at the McCurdy Micro Marathon was supposed to be low-pressure, just a step along the way. Instead, it became a defining performance. Conner takes us inside that day, from early doubts and physical discomfort to finding his rhythm in the pack and ultimately running 2:15, a result that reignited his competitive fire.

Beyond the performance, this conversation dives into the evolution of his training, including a shift away from proving fitness in workouts toward building it over time. He discusses the impact of double threshold training, consistency over perfection, and learning to respect recovery after years of overreaching.

Conner also reflects on the role of faith, perspective, and balance in his life, and how focusing on something greater than running helped him rediscover both joy and discipline in the sport.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Trials, his goal is simple but deeply meaningful: finish the race. After years of chasing times and battling setbacks, this chapter is about showing up fully, competing with gratitude, and embracing the process that got him there.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Hannah Rowe’s return to the Olympic Trials stage is anything but straightforward. After qualifying for the 2020 Trials, she spent years chasing a faster standard that once felt out of reach, navigating injuries, burnout, and a complete shift away from road racing. What followed was a two-year journey through trail racing, rediscovering her love for running in the mountains before taking one final shot at the marathon. 

In this episode, Hannah shares the emotional and physical toll of repeatedly going after a goal that didn’t come easily. From breakthrough races at Grandma’s to setbacks that left her questioning her future in the sport, her story captures the reality of long-term pursuit. She opens up about losing her identity in the process, stepping away to reset, and how trail running ultimately brought her back to herself. 

Her return to the marathon at the McCurdy Micro wasn’t supposed to be perfect. In fact, she felt terrible leading into race day. But what unfolded was the best race of her life, a breakthrough performance where everything finally clicked after years of effort. 

This conversation explores belief, resilience, and the complex relationship between mind and body, especially from someone who studies it professionally. Hannah also looks ahead to the 2028 Trials, balancing big goals on both the roads and trails, and embracing the next chapter of her running career with a renewed perspective.

ZBiotics is redefining how people approach social drinking with its pre-alcohol probiotic, designed to support a better next day. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, this innovative drink works by breaking down the byproduct of alcohol that’s largely responsible for rough mornings after a night out. Taken about 45 minutes before drinking, it’s a simple addition that fits easily into your routine without changing anything else. For those who want to enjoy a few drinks without sacrificing how they feel the next day, it’s a practical solution backed by science. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 using the code trials26 at checkout, and every purchase is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Kava Haven offers a refreshing alternative for those looking to unwind without alcohol, using kava to create a light, natural calming effect that helps you feel relaxed, social, and clear-headed. It’s designed for moments when you still want a ritual drink but without the downsides like hangovers, poor sleep, or next-day fog. With its lemon-ginger flavor, it works well on its own or mixed into something like ginger beer for an easy, elevated mocktail. It’s also a great addition to a home bar setup if you’re trying to incorporate more alcohol-free options without sacrificing the experience. You can try it for yourself and get 15% off your first order at kavahaven.com/roadtothetrials using the code roadtothetrials15 at checkout.