LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field

🏃 Marathon Done, AfterSlide On Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon and huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here (sponsor) Andreas Almgren made history at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, becoming the first non-African born man to win a World Marathon Major since Yuki Kawauchi's snowstorm Boston in 2018, and only the seventh in the 21st century. The Swedish 800m-convert-turned-marathoner closed in 6:01 from 40K, tied for the second-fastest close in major marathon history, and won going away in 2:06:01. On the women's side, Sheila Chepkirui took the title in a shallow field, but the story was Jess McClain's brilliant late charge to grab second, the first American woman on the NYC Marathon podium since 2018, while 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat stunned with a fourth-place finish. American men ran historically fast times but still couldn't crack the top five, extending their major podium drought to five years. In NCAA cross country, Jane Hedengren returned from illness to win Big 12s and lead BYU to the team title, while Colorado edged Oklahoma State on the men's side. The episode closes with a tribute to Ciara Mageean, a bright light in the sport, the 2024 European 1500m champion from Ireland, who died at 34 after a battle with bowel cancer. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS AfterSlide Recovery Slides 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Event Coverage - LetsRun.com Did you run NY? post here Ciara Mageean Memorial Thread - LetsRun Forum Ciara Mageean LetsRun Interview (2023) Ciara Mageean Reflects on Finishing Fourth in the World - Citius Mag Podcast https://www.letsrun.com/ LetsRun.com Forum — https://www.letsrun.com/forum Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 AfterSlide Sponsor 01:34 NYC Marathon Recap and Ciara Mageean 05:21 Almgren's Historic NYC Marathon Win 12:46 Can Others Follow Almgren's Blueprint? 17:41 Almgren: The Wildest Story in Distance Running 22:00 Non-African Born Major Winners By the Numbers 29:36 American Men: Conner Mantz and the Podium Drought 36:55 Should Mantz Change Coaches? 41:29 Super Shoes, Fueling, and Disappearing Blow-Ups 44:21 NYC Marathon Women's Race 48:25 Assessing Jess McClain's Second Place 55:05 Edna Kiplagat Finishes Fourth at 46 57:45 Weini Kelati's Debut and Fueling Woes 60:00 Marathon done, afterslide on (sponsor) 60:47 NCAA XC: Jane Hedengren and the BYU Women 64:41 NCAA XC Men: Colorado Edges Oklahoma State 69:12 Gapes vs Hedengren: NCAA Individual Preview 73:17 Foreigners Taking Over NCAA Cross Country 78:02 Recruiting, NIL, and the Campus Requirement Debate 84:08 Remembering Ciara Mageean Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

James Milner, the Premier League's all-time appearance record holder with 658 games, joins Jonathan Gault ahead of his marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. Milner details his transition from footballer to distance runner, revealing he used AI to build his training plan and topped out at 32 kilometers in preparation. The conversation dives into the fitness culture at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, including the famous lactate threshold test Milner never lost. He also opens up about a knee operation two years ago that left him unable to lift his foot for six months, an injury that makes simply finishing the marathon meaningful. Milner is running for the James Milner Foundation, which has raised over £1.3 million for causes including NSPCC and Help for Heroes. Join the best club in running, get a super soft tshirt, a bonus podcast every week. Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS James Milner Foundation -Donate here LetsRun.com LetsRun TCS New York City Marathon Coverage Better Running Shoes — betterrunningshoes.com LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Prediction Contest Video of talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UrnjHEA3sU TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:52 Marathon Training and Preparation 04:20 Race Strategy and the Knee Injury That Almost Ended It All 05:45 Milner's Athletics Background 07:37 The Fittest Players in Football 09:08 Inside Liverpool's Pre-Season and the Famous Lactate Test 11:54 Staying Fit as an Aging Footballer 13:15 Fueling in Football vs. Marathon Running 16:44 Life After Football and the NYC Marathon 18:12 The James Milner Foundation 19:31 Man City vs. Brighton Prediction 21:36 Outro CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer joins Jonathan Gault and Robert Johnson live from the New York City Marathon Expo to talk about his four years running the country's biggest road race organization. Simmelkjaer calls doping an "existential threat" to the sport and warns that high-profile positive tests risk turning fans and parents away from elite competition. He pushes back on the idea of a two-day NYC Marathon, saying he'd "rather have one amazing day than two pretty good days", and he talks about how far World Marathon expansion will go. Plus, how can we convert recreational runners into fans of the pro side of the sport? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Coverage Find a better running shoe: https://www.betterrunningshoes.com Final Finishers Documentary (Emmy Award-winning NYRR film) LetsRun.com 2026 NYC Marathon Preview Podcast Video TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview 01:14 Meet Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners 01:57 Proudest Accomplishment: 03:26 Biggest Surprise 04:21 Would New York Ever Go to Two Days Like London? 05:48 Rob's Running Background and Path to the Job 06:38 Converting Participants Into Fans of the Pro Side 07:56 Do the Elites Still Matter to the Marathon? 09:25 Doping as an Existential Threat to the Sport 10:20 Are the World Marathon Majors Diluting Themselves? 13:21 BetterRunningShoes.com Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

The running world lost a legendary coach with the passing of Frank Gagliano and we pay our respects, as Ron Speirs, the first Gag's athlete who went sub 4 in the mile joins us at 66:16 to talk about Gags. Another women's marathoning titan tested positive - Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended for EPO. What does it mean? What do Jess McClain and Kara Goucher have to say about it. At the Valencia Half Marathon, American Yaseen Abdalla ran the fastest time ever by an American 59:12, but it won't count as a US record because he hasn't yet represented the US internationally. Meanwhile, Sheila Chepkirui got the win and another Sheila Chepkirui is running New York. But the big story line in New York according to JG and Wejo is Andreas Almgren's debut. Can he win? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:, Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Another Titan Falls: What Olympic Champion Peres Jepchirchir's EPO Ban Means for the Sport WTW: An American Beat the US Half Record, a Spaniard Beat the European Record, and Neither Counted Yaseen Abdalla Instagram Video Yaseen Abdalla Profile: The Art of Carrying On LetsRun Instagram Post — Kara Goucher and Jess McClain Reactions RIP Frank Gagliano — LetsRun Forum Thread A Legend's Last Trials — Liam Boylan-Pett on Frank Gagliano (Runner's World) TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:24 Remembering Frank Gagliano 08:36 Peres Jepchirchir Suspended for EPO 13:39 Nike Oregon Project and Doping Responsibility 23:04 Testing Timelines and the Jepchirchir Sample 31:29 Valencia Half Marathon Recap: Yaseen Abdalla run faster than any American ever 34:49 Two Sheila Chepkiruis and the Women's Race 43:02 Nationality Rules and the US Half Marathon Record 49:57 How Soft Is the US Half Marathon Record? 54:30 Abdalla's Treadmill Training Revolution 58:27 New York City Marathon Preview 66:16 Ron Speirs on the Legend of Frank Gagliano 78:42 Gagliano's Best Recruiting Story 85:24 How an Ex-Quarterback Learned to Coach Distance CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Presented by VKTRY VKTRY makes carbon fiber insoles you can use in any running shoe, no need for expensive super shoes to get carbon fiber benefits. They offer a 90-day risk-free trial: order insoles in your shoe size and weight, and if you don't like them, get your money back. USATF Half Marathon Champion Wesley Kiptoo runs in VKTRY. Check them out here. 👕 Get the LetsRun.com 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt for 50% off! Visit shop.letsrun.com and enter code Kipchoge at checkout. Super soft, in the colors of the Kenyan flag. Summary: Have adidas' new super shoes changed the game? adidas owns eight of the 10 fastest men's marathon performances and the top three women's times in 2026. Plus veterans like Lelisa Desisa and Tamirat Tola are running career PBs in their 30s. In NCAA cross country, short-handed #2 BYU upset top-ranked NC State at Pre-Nats while a judge granted letting T aylor Rohatinsky compete, spotlighting a rapidly changing landscape with expanded scholarships, foreign athletes, and a new five-for-five eligibility rule. Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu is pregnant. Will she return for the 2028 LA Olympics? What was the World Athletics' Moment of the Year: Sebastian Sawe's historic 1:59:30 marathon or Josh Kerr's 3:42.66 mile world record? Who was the Athlete of the Year: Masai Russell vs. Audrey Werro? and what about USATF athletes of year? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Use code GOAT50 to save 50% off your first year. Money back guarantee. Links LetsRun 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt — Use code Kipchoge for 50% off LetsRun Supporters Club — Use code GOAT50 for 50% off your first year The Week That Was ( LetsRun.com weekly recap column) Q\&A with Colorado coach Sean Carlson (Supporters Club exclusive) Brighton goal from midfield TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor / Intro & Episode Preview 04:14 The Sub-2:04 Marathon Boom 08:02 Adidas Dominance & Veterans Running PBs 13:25 2016 Olympic Marathon Doping Controversy 18:11 Super Shoes, Doping & Marathon Fairness 23:54 NCAA Cross Country: Pre-Nats & Eligibility Fight 29:59 The New NCAA: Five Years & Foreign Athletes 33:26 College Coaching & the Carlson Interview 38:50 Athing Mu's Pregnancy & Comeback Odds 44:13 Will Athing Mu Make the 2028 Olympic Team? 51:31 Coaching Athing Mu & the Dallas Running Community 53:51 World Athletics Moment of the Year Nominees 57:31 Sawe vs. Kerr: The Moment of the Year Debate 62:29 Athlete of the Year: Kerr vs. Dos Santos 66:12 World Athletics Voting Flaws & USATF Awards 71:59 World Athlete of the Year: Russell vs. Werro 76:41 USATF Road/Trail Awards & Wrap-Up Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Presented by VKTRY VKTRY makes carbon fiber insoles you can use in any running shoe, no need for expensive super shoes to get carbon fiber benefits. They offer a 90-day risk-free trial: order insoles in your shoe size and weight, and if you don't like them, get your money back. USATF Half Marathon Champion Wesley Kiptoo runs in VKTRY. Check them out here. EPISODE SUMMARY The 2026 Chicago Marathon delivered blockbuster storylines. Vinny Mauri was on American record pace in just his second marathon, nearly 2:03 pace before hamstring cramps slowed him to 2:06:45 and 10th place. Clayton Young, running on a torn hamstring, finished as top American in 2:05:23 — the second-fastest US time ever. Amos Kipruto won the men's race in 2:01 as Jacob Kiplimo faltered, and Hawi Feysa repeated as women's champion in 2:13:33. Galen Rupp ran 2:06:55 at age 40, while Adidas's new super shoe dominated once again, sweeping all six major marathon titles this fall. The crew also breaks down the Nuttycombe Invitational and the escalating debate over foreign runners dominating NCAA cross country. SUPPORTERS CLUB MESSAGE 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Robert Johnson's Week That Was: Chicago Marathon Winners and Losers Jonathan Gault's Chicago Marathon Men's Race Recap 25 Years Ago, I "Paced" Catherine Ndereba to a World Record in Chicago - Until She Broke Me - LetsRun.com Mario Garcia Romo Leaves OAC (LetsRun Forum) Congratulations NCAA Coaches, You Killed the Sport (LetsRun Forum) I'd Rather Have Vinny's Race Than Clayton's (LetsRun Forum) Patrick McEnroe Tweet on Foreign Players in NCAA Tennis BetterRunningShoes.com VKTRY Carbon Fiber Insoles — 90-Day Risk-Free Trial LetsRun.com Forum LetsRun.com Forum: College Running TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Chicago Marathon Recap & Intro 02:22 Vinny Mauri's Bold Run & Training Method 09:44 America's Best Marathoner: Mauri, Hicks or Young? 16:33 Adidas Super Shoes & Amos Kipruto 21:33 Gemedu Dedefo's Dominant Training Group 24:03 Hawi Feysa Wins Chicago Again 27:53 Mauri's 15K Gamble & Pacing Debate 34:44 Robert's Ndereba Pacing Story 40:51 Mauri's Fearlessness & The US Marathon Gap 46:32 Can Americans Compete in Fast Marathons? 50:02 Galen Rupp Runs 2:06 at Age 40 52:14 Rupp's Olympic Trials Outlook 54:44 CJ Albertson & Shoe Technology 59:35 Adidas vs Nike: The Shoe War 65:40 Emma Grace Hurley & Broadcast Criticism 71:23 Fixing Marathon Broadcasts 78:13 Nuttycombe Invitational & NCAA Foreign Runners 82:53 The Foreign Runner Debate 88:24 NIL, Pro Contracts & Eligibility Rules 93:49 Transfers, Age Limits & Education 96:57 Mario Garcia Romo's Journey Home 101:37 Defending Dathan Ritzenhein 105:58 Patrick Cullen's Chicago Attempt & Wrap-Up 111:35 Let's Run Blazers & Sign-Off CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on. Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

The 2026 Chicago Marathon is stacked with storylines. On the men's side, Vinny Mauri, a former shoe store employee who ran 2:05 alone at Toledo, has gone viral for jaw-dropping treadmill workouts at Planet Fitness, fueling American record hopes. Rojo sparks heated debate by arguing the US has zero legitimate marathon title contenders despite record depth. The women's field is historically loaded with 12 sub-2:20 runners, led by former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston winner Sharon Lokedi, who's running her first flat marathon. The crew also breaks down Jacob Kiplimo's chances, weather concerns that could derail fast times, and whether super shoes benefit women more than men. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. Join the Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe 🏃 BetterRunningShoes.com . Find the best super shoes, great deals, and review the shoes you're running in. Check out betterrunningshoes.com for deals like the Alphafly 3 for $200 ($95 off) and the Puma Mag Max Nitro for $100. LINKS How Fast Can Strava Legend Vinny Mauri Run at the Chicago Marathon? (LetsRun.com) BetterRunningShoes.com LetsRun.com Supporters Club LetsRun.com Homepage Fast Women by Alison Wade (Substack) Message Board Thread: Women's vs Men's Marathon World Record Gap LetsRun.com YouTube Channel TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Chicago Marathon Week 02:26 Chicago Storylines and Favorites 05:59 Women's Race Preview 09:28 Weather and Race Conditions 14:49 Emma Grace Hurley's Marathon Debut 18:50 Rojo's Hot Take on US Marathoners 24:31 American Marathon Depth Debate 31:40 Olympic Marathon History and US Prospects 36:13 John Kellogg Analyzes Mauri's Training 41:30 Mauri's Training: Can It Translate? 44:00 The American Record Quest 49:53 Kiplimo and the Elite Men's Field 54:00 Women's World Record and Super Shoes 59:20 Looking Ahead to Chicago Weekend CONTACT Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Tigst Assefa was on world record pace at the Berlin Marathon before an Achilles injury derailed her final two kilometers. She still limped home in 2:11:04, the third-fastest women's marathon ever, and underwent surgery within hours. Would Assefa broken Ruth Chepngetich's drug-tainted 2:09:56 world record? Is the new Adidas shoe the new "mechanical doping"? In the NCAA, New Mexico upset number-one Oklahoma State at the Cowboy Jamboree behind 27-year-old freshman Pasanjo Kitonga while BYU's Jane Hedengren suffered a rare defeat. Is is a sophomore slump? Josh Kerr r eleased footage of a 2:12.66 1,000-meter time trial that would rank fifth all-time, fueling further argument about whether this was the greatest mile season in history. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS LetsRun.com Week That Was Josh Kerr 1,000m Time Trial (YouTube) Blueberry Study — International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Mile WR vs Marathon WR LetsRun.com Forum — letsrun.com/forum TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview 03:22 Berlin Marathon: Assefa's Heartbreaking World Record Attempt 10:26 Is the Women's Marathon World Record Legitimate? 13:23 Could Assefa Have Run 2:09 Clean? 19:09 The Adidas Super Shoe Advantage 19:58 Berlin Men's Race: Guye Adola Wins at 35 23:13 Berlin Pacing Strategy Debate 25:21 Selemon Barega's Marathon Future vs. Cheptegei 32:52 Are Adidas Shoes the New Mechanical Doping? 34:08 NCAA Cross Country: New Mexico Upsets Oklahoma State 36:54 International Runners and the NCAA Debate 39:08 Jane Hedengren Loses at Cowboy Jamboree 47:21 Is Jane Hedengren's Sophomore Slump Real? 51:42 Doping, Paula Radcliffe, and the 2:15 Debate 54:41 I Think Jane, in Terms of Racing, Should Learn to Relax 55:14 Mile vs. Marathon: Which World Record Is Better? 60:07 Josh Kerr's 1,000-Meter Time Trial Breakdown 63:40 Can Josh Kerr Run 1:42 for 800 Meters? 69:07 El Guerrouj Never Ran the 800 and Other Mysteries 75:27 Kerr's Brooks Deal, Blueberry Doping, and Podcast Tangents 79:30 Thailand's Sprint Sensation and Asian Games Language Drama 82:47 America's Sports Silo Problem 86:42 Fix the Marathon Broadcast and Closing Thoughts Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Emma Grace Hurley joins the podcast after the race of her life: a 66:23 half marathon PB at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, good for fifth place and a historic team silver medal for the US women. She breaks down her race strategy, the chaotic Atlanta trials where she was led off course in the final mile, and why she chose the half marathon over the 5K. With her Chicago Marathon debut just two and a half weeks away, Hurley opens up about her sub-2:20 fitness, carb fueling strategy with Never Second, and the unconventional path that took her from an unremarkable college career at Furman, where she never qualified for NCAAs in track, to becoming the #3 American half marathoner of all time. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. 50% Off 1st year with code GOAT50 Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Want a better running shoe? Check out BetterRunningshoes.com https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Copenhagen World Half Marathon Recap 04:42 Chasing A Medal & Team Silver In Copenhagen 08:56 The Atlanta Trials Controversy & Road To Copenhagen 14:11 Balancing Copenhagen & Chicago Marathon Buildup 17:16 Time Goals & The Sub-2:20 Question 21:33 Marathon Training Surprises & Carb Fueling 28:11 From Furman To IT Job To Pro Running 34:04 Finding Her Niche On The Roads 37:00 Following Coaches To Indianapolis & ASICS Origin Story 42:29 Laid Off & Going Full-Time Pro 46:01 Consistency, Daily Routine & Sleep Habits 51:55 Mileage Progression & Chicago Marathon Preview Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Andreas Almgren became the first non-African man in 30 years to win the World Half Marathon Championships, running 58:06 in Copenhagen and reigniting debate over whether he can contend at the New York City Marathon. The US women earned team silver with three runners in the top 10, Emma Grace Hurley, Weini Kelati, and Jess McClain all delivering stellar performances, while the US men took bronze. Jakob Ingebrigtsen was stunned in the men's 5K by Eritrea's 21-year-old Dawit Seare, who is now headed to NAZ Elite. The hosts dissect Vinny Mauri's jaw-dropping Strava training logs ahead of the Chicago Marathon, debate whether Athlos is sustainable after its third edition in London, and close with Niels Laros' Achilles surgery and discussion of Sam Blaskowski's racist slurs. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Links World Half Marathon Recap & Analysis Emma Grace Hurley — Atlanta Track Club Profile Sam Blaskowski Videos from Erin Brown LetsRun.com LetsRun.com Forum LetsRun.com Shop Athlos TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro & Weekend Preview 06:45 Weldon's 1999 World Half Marathon Adventure 10:36 US Women's Team Silver at World Half Marathon 14:56 Agnes Ngetich Dominates & American Women Race Bravely 19:50 USATF Selection Policy & Conner Mantz's Return 25:24 Vinny Mauri's Insane Strava Training 29:19 Andreas Almgren Stuns at World Half Marathon 34:10 Can Almgren Contend at the New York City Marathon? 37:43 The Case Against Almgren in the Marathon 44:29 Almgren, Rupp & the New York Marathon Field 49:11 Almgren vs Mantz & the Non-African Gap 52:37 Is the Marathon Getting Shorter? Shoes & Fueling 54:30 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Stunned in Copenhagen 60:58 Dawit Seare: World Champion Headed to NAZ Elite 64:00 Drew Hunter's Record & Athlos Meet Review 67:05 Sha'Carri Richardson's Inconsistency Mystery 70:18 Athlos Broadcast: Too Much Dead Time? 75:10 Will Athlos Survive Past LA28? 78:46 Athlos Viewership & Can a New Track League Work? 84:03 Niels Laros Surgery & Sam Blaskowski Racism Scandal 88:40 Blaskowski's Training Group & the Path Forward Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Werjo, Rojo & Jon break down the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest, debating whether the made-for-TV format should ever replace the traditional Worlds and whether it devalues USAs as a selection meet. The crew dives into Jakob Ingebrigtsen's dominant 5,000m and his viral mixed-zone interview, plus a debate over whether Hobbs Kessler's " bronze" actually proves anything given how tight the American trio finished. Elsewhere: Melissa Jefferson Wooden's wind-and-altitude-adjusted 200m may be the best ever run, Josh Kerr's closing splits get the stat-nerd treatment, and Nikki Hiltz finally breaks through for a global top 3. Jess Hull takes silver behind Likina Amebaw's dominant 5,000m run. The back half tackles the newly awarded 2029 (Nairobi) and 2031 (Munich) Worlds, sparking an argument over altitude-fueled world records, Kenya's doping record, and whether skipping Europe three Worlds in a row is a mistake. Closes with Megan Eckert's six-day world record and a very "messy" Hyrox controversy. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: for 50% off your first year: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS WTW: World Ultimates By The Numbers, Megan Eckert's 636-Mile Week, and the Grossest Finish in Hyrox History LetsRun.com Message Board Thread: Praise For Jonathan Gault's Jakob Ingebrigtsen Question Fifth Avenue Mile Recap 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championships Coverage Matt Lawton: Kenya's Doping Record and the 2029 Worlds TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor Break And Show Preview 00:49 Budapest World Ultimate Championships Kickoff 05:04 Comparing Ultimate Championships To Grand Slam Track 09:58 Can The Ultimate Championships Sustain Financially 13:16 Should The Ultimate Championships Replace Worlds 16:19 Altitude And Future World Records In Nairobi 19:43 Debating The Event Schedule And Prelims Format 22:18 USAs Selection Stakes Under Threat 26:01 Grading The Meet's Innovations And Stats 30:59 Hobbs Kessler Third Place Debate 33:49 Ranking Algorithm Controversy And Predicted Finish Errors 37:26 Sprint Recap: Kenny Bednarek, Bolt And Lyles 44:20 Melissa Jefferson Wooden's Historic 200 47:05 Josh Kerr And Cam Myers Closing Splits 50:32 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Vs Cole Hocker Debate 53:53 Josh Kerr's Historic Season Recap 55:55 Amy Hunt Vs Josh Kerr Sports Personality Debate 60:06 Women's Sprints And Middle Distance Recap 64:01 Nikki Hiltz Breakthrough Medal 67:07 Jessica Hull And Likina Amebaw 5000 Recap 70:19 Did Americans Benefit From Weak Fields 71:46 Fifth Avenue Mile And Message Board Buzz 73:33 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Viral Mixed Zone Interview 77:57 2029 And 2031 Worlds Awarded To Nairobi And Munich 81:59 Why Europe Is Being Skipped For Three Worlds 84:32 Is Kenya Ready To Host A World Championships 86:59 Kenya's Doping Record Under Scrutiny 90:32 Could Nairobi Host The Last Worlds Marathon 92:04 Megan Eckert Sets Six-Day Running World Record 93:09 Hyrox Controversy Sparks Debate 97:47 Wrapping Up And Contact Information 99:00 Emmanuel Wanyonyi's Stunning 800m Upset CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Get the full podcast by getting our Ultimates' Pass or joining the Supporters Club for a full year for 50% off Cancel anytime . Money back guarantee https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Jakob Ingebrigtsen served notice he's still the king of the 5000, blitzing a stacked field (five Americans in the top seven) to win the first-ever World Ultimate Championship 5000m title, closing in 12.6 for his final 100m after admitting his 2025 buildup didn't have a lot of real training. He got asked by Jon about not-pushing the pace in the 5000, and left the door open on doubling back in the 1500m and eventually chasing the 5000m world record. Cole Hocker was 2nd, Parker Wolfe 3rd, Nico Young 5th, Grant Fisher 6th, and Graham Blanks 7th. The men's 110m hurdles delivered the night's photo finish, with NCAA sophomore Ja'Kobe Tharp out-leaning defending world champ Cordell Tinch by a hundredth of a second to become the Ultimate champion, while Bradley Franklin's third-place finish reignited debate over why NCAA athletes can't legally collect prize money they've already earned. Timestamps: 00:00 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Wins World Ultimate 5000m Title 03:12 Supporters Club News And Rojo's Late-Night Call 05:30 Grilling Jakob On Tactics And The Cowardice Question 09:42 Henrik Reveals Jakob's Wild Comeback Training 13:00 Breaking Down The Race's Blistering Final Lap 18:16 Five Americans In The Top Seven Reshape US Depth 21:03 Jakob's Injury History, World Record Hopes, And Donovan Brazier Comparisons 24:44 Reviewing The Rest Of The American Field 29:48 Quick Hits: 800m Prelims And A Photo-Finish Hurdles Classic 35:30 NCAA Prize Money Debate And Day Two Preview 38:22 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Interview 49:04 Henrik Ingebrigtsen Interview 68:19 Rojo's Live 5000 Watchalong 80:57 Final 500m 81:58 Rojo's Reaction To Jakob winning Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime . https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

🏃 Join the Supporters Club for exclusive World Ultimate Championships coverage , bonus podcasts from Budapest, and more. Use code for 50% off a yearly membership ($50) with a free super soft T-shirt, or grab a one-off World Ultimates pass for $9.99. Predict the men's 5,000 winner for a free 1-off subscription. Email letsrun@letsrun.com Go to letsrun.com/subscribe . EPISODE SUMMARY The World Ultimate Championships kick off Thursday in Budapest, and the LetsRun crew breaks down every distance event in a rapid-fire preview. The women's 800 sparks the biggest debate: Robert Johnson is baffled by polls showing Femke Bol as the Olympic favorite over Audrey Werro, who has run the three fastest legitimate times in history. The women's 1500 is wide open after Klaudia Kazmirowska's stunning Diamond League final win, and Jessica Hull still chases her first major title. On the men's side, Josh Kerr is the rare odds-on 1500 favorite after a dominant season, while the men's 5000 sets up a dream matchup between Parker Wolfe, Cole Hocker, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen—with Berhanu Balu controversially absent. Clayton Young announces he's targeting Conner Mantz's American marathon record at Chicago, but Vincent Mauri and Charles Hicks may have something to say about that. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS LetsRun.com Supporters Club Cathal Dennehy's Women's 800 Poll on X Josh Kerr Exclusive Article (Wednesday on LetsRun.com ) Vincent Mauri on Strava TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe 01:10 World Ultimates Preview and Supporters Club 03:38 Ultimate Stars Madden Curse and Key Absences 06:22 Women's 800 Preview: Werro vs Bol vs Hodgkinson 07:05 Is Femke Bol Overrated in the 800? 12:41 Werro's Pacing and the Olympic Debate 17:47 Women's 1500 Preview: Wide Open Field 22:28 Women's 5000 Preview and Hailu's Double Bid 25:49 Men's 800 Preview: Can Anyone Beat Wanyonyi? 30:17 Jakob's Double and the 1500 Schedule 32:14 Wanyonyi's Dominance and How to Beat Him 36:34 Brandon Miller and Donovan Brazier's Comeback 39:58 Men's 1500 Preview: Josh Kerr and the Field 48:14 Men's 5000 Preview: Wolfe vs Hocker vs Ingebrigtsen 55:49 Clayton Young Targets the American Marathon Record 59:26 Vincent Mauri and the Chicago Marathon Dark Horses 63:53 Closing: Budapest Meet-Ups and Upcoming Coverage CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Orosport USA Cooling vests, headbands, and wristbands to help you train and race through the heat. Save 10% with code LETSRUN https://www.orosportsusa.com/letsrun Aletheia the wearable running-form sensor that gives athletes and coaches instant feedback and drills. Free 30-day trial with code LETSRUN10 https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial EPISODE SUMMARY Weltklasse deilvered. Two world records (Alison Dos Santos in the 400 hurdles, Masai Russell in the 100 hurdles) and American victories from Parker Wolfe and Cole Hocker heading into Diamond League Final and the World Ultimate Championships. Will Jakob Ingebrigtsen double in the 1500 and 5000 in Budapest? What about Josh Kerr's selective-but-high-stakes race schedule, and Parker Valby ending her season as the US leader with a 14:39. Plus, Sydney Marathon results and a stunning run from a 46-year-old and Athlos abruptly canceling its New York meet. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Renato Canova's post on Femke Bol's training Week That Was: Littergate at UTMB, Athlos Gets Cancelled, Cam Myers Won't Stop Racing, a 46-Year-Old Runs Wild in Sydney Nick Willis posting about what athletes do in retirement TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Show Preview & Weekend Recap 02:05 Weather Talk, Cross Country & Sponsor Reads 06:59 Zurich Diamond League Recap 12:09 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Doubling Dilemma 14:05 Is Josh Kerr Racing Enough? 19:10 Jakob's Appreciation Post & DL Final Qualifying 25:11 Ranking America's Top 5,000m Men 27:31 Parker Valby's Season Ends 30:26 Parker Valby's Injury-Shortened Season 33:34 Diamond League Entry Standards & Valby's Case 39:18 Assessing Parker Valby's 2026 Season 42:47 Femke Bol's Surprising Training Paces 44:35 Femke Bol's Training and Canova's Comments 48:57 Diamond League Final Snubs & the 2028 Calendar 51:50 Sydney Marathon: East Africans Lose Ground 56:49 World Marathon Majors Expansion Debate 60:10 Marathon What-Ifs & Hagos Gebrhiwet's Return 62:46 The 46-Year-Old Marathon Sensation 66:26 Athlos Cancels Its Second 2026 Meet 69:54 Comparing Athlos to Grand Slam Track's Finances 75:19 What's the Long-Term Vision for Athlos? 80:07 Ticket Sales, Attendance & Track's Fan Problem 83:11 Baltimore Orioles Shoutout & Postgame Banter 86:11 The MLB Wild Card Race Heats Up 87:58 Show Wrap-Up & What's Next CONTACT Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Run Smarter Every Stride with Aletheia https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial A wearable running sensor that analyzes your form every stride and provides personalized tips and exercises. Free 30-day trial with code LETSRUN10 for 10% off your membership. https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial EPISODE SUMMARY Ethan Strand won a Diamond League 1500 in Silesia, something Matthew Centrowitz, Cole Hocker, and Jessica Hull have never done. What does it mean? World Athletics breaks its own qualification rules to engineer the Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs. Josh Kerr showdown at the World Ultimate Championships in Budapest. Yomif Kejelcha runs 56:51 in Buenos Aires, but suspicious splits raise questions about whether the half marathon world record will be ratified. Rai Benjamin commits to a bold 400/400 hurdles double at World Ultimates, and the US men's middle distance dominance reaches historic levels. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS 10 Years After Rio: Matthew Centrowitz on Olympic Gold, Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, the Golden Age of the 1500m WTW: Is Yomif Kejelcha's 56:51 World Record Legit? Collen Kebinatshipi, Marileidy Paulino Make 400m History Was Devon Allen Screwed? There's at Least a 99.9% Chance That He Was If You Lined Up Every NCAA Men's XC Champ in Their College Prime, Who Wins? Aletheia Run — Free 30-Day Trial LetsRun.com Supporters Club LetsRun.com Shop TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor and Intro 02:00 Ethan Strand Wins Diamond League 1500 08:41 Do Tactics Matter in Middle Distance Racing? 12:35 Strand's Post-Race Tactics and Silesia Breakdown 15:26 Is the US the Best Middle Distance Country in the World? 20:24 Strand's Ceiling and Upcoming Races 26:44 Jakob and Kerr Get Into World Ultimates 28:28 Should World Athletics Break Its Own Rules? 34:07 Rai Benjamin's Bold 400/400 Hurdles Double 36:42 Historic 400-Meter Seasons for Cabanatchippy and Paulino 42:26 Yomif Kejelcha Runs 56:51 Half Marathon 46:56 Could Yomif Kejelcha Be the Next Kipchoge? 49:02 World Marathon Majors Are Losing Their Meaning 50:47 Rojo Raises Concerns About Kejelcha's Splits 56:32 Shoe Technology and What Records Mean Now 59:58 Melissa Jefferson Wooden's 100m Win Streak 65:29 Galen Rupp's Half Marathon and Masters Record 67:55 Centro Running 100 Miles a Week for Fun 74:07 Zurich Diamond League Preview 76:57 Greatest NCAA XC Champion of All Time 80:58 Outro and Supporters Club CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 The perfect product to improve your running form Aletheia Run is a wearable running sensor that analyzes your form and gives personalized correction drills. Use code LETSRUN10 for a free 30-day trial and 10% off your first year: https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial EPISODE SUMMARY On the 10-year anniversary of Matthew Centrowitz's iconic Olympic 1500-meter gold in Rio, the 2016 champion joins Jonathan Gault and Weldon Johnson to reflect on the race that changed American distance running. Centro reveals why the final was so slow, breaks down the decisive inside move that won him gold, and explains why winning left him struggling for motivation. The trio dives into Cole Hocker's unorthodox tactics, Josh Kerr's 3:42 mile, the unprecedented parity in the men's 1500, and Centro's new life—including a Chicago Marathon side bet with Evan Jager and Kyle Merber. The episode closes with an epic trivia showdown. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Matthew Centrowitz's 2016 Olympic 1500m Final TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Rio Olympic 1500m Audio from NBC 01:05 Aletheia.Run Sponsor 02:09 Start of Podcast: The 10-Year Anniversary of Rio Gold 03:38 Blessing and a Curse: Life After Winning 09:02 How Mainstream Was the Olympic Gold? 14:28 Contracts and Fame in Track and Field 19:02 Breaking Down the Rio 1500 Final 21:53 The Patent Move and a 450-Meter Kick 25:45 Why the Race Was So Slow 27:07 Behind the Scenes: The Brazil Soccer Delay 30:37 Unprecedented Parity in the Men's 1500 34:28 Will Fast Championship Racing Continue? 39:01 Josh Kerr's 3:42 and the Depth of the Event 42:45 Cole Hocker's Tactics Analyzed 49:43 Centro's Relationship with Hocker 53:48 Ben Thomas's Unorthodox Training System 56:57 Life After Running: What Centro Is Doing Now 57:52 Chicago Marathon Side Bet with Jager and Merber 64:57 Trivia Warm-Up: Centro's Career 64:57 Centro's Dad and the 1976 Olympic Trials 68:10 From NCAA Races to Daegu Bronze 76:02 The Heartbreaking 2012 Olympic Fourth Place 77:25 General Track and Field Trivia 78:06 Women's 1500 Debut and Distance Firsts 82:11 Sub-Eight Steeple and Mo Farah's Losses 85:46 Centro vs. Galen Rupp at Pac-10s 88:13 Racing Kerr, Jakob, and the Motorcycle Story 94:01 Kip Keino's Olympic Legacy 94:58 1500 Meter Legends Lightning Round 99:06 Mile and 1500 Barrier Breakers 100:56 Final Question: First Sub-3:30 1500m CONTACT Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

(Sorry we had a lot of silence in the other podcast we released. this ons is cleaned up) 🏃 The Perfect Product for this Cross County Season Aletheia Run is a wearable running sensor that analyzes your form and gives personalized correction drills. Use code LETSRUN10 for a free 30-day trial and 10% off your first year: https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial The Euros delivered big storylines: Audrey Werro beat Keely Hodgkinson again in the women's 800m, fueling debate about their futures and a possible world record, while Andreas Almgren obliterated the men's 10,000m field with a 19-second front-running masterclass. Ireland's Mark English claimed a historic first-ever men's individual Euro gold. Stateside, Jonah Koech's doping ban details raise fresh questions about USADA's admission process, and USATF's decision to send the 2028 Olympic Trials back to Eugene for a sixth straight cycle sparks debate over fairness, and missed opportunities elsewhere in the country. The Diamond League also returns this week: Jakob Ingebrigtsen takes on Cole Hocker in Silesia, while Brandon Miller faces Marco Arop and Emmanuel Wanyonyi in Lausanne. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Aletheia Run running form sensor — Start your free trial Thread: Keely's career is over — and post of the week from Doffshat Jonathan Gault's "A Week That Was": Euros vs. NCAAs research Jonah Koech handed reduced doping ban — USADA update LetsRun Shop T-Shirts Join the Supporters Club TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cold Open & Sponsor: Aletheia Run 01:29 Show Intro: Euro And Trials Headlines 04:45 Werro Beats Hodgkinson In The 800 08:37 Fans Debate Hodgkinson's Future 12:40 A New Era In The Women's 800 15:10 Could Athing Mu Make A Comeback? 17:12 Mark English's Historic Euro Gold 20:37 Euros Versus NCAA: Which Is Harder? 23:09 Chaos In The Men's 1500 26:29 Almgren's Stunning 10000m Runaway 32:07 Breaking Down Almgren's Front-Running Gamble 36:46 The Jonah Koech Doping Case 38:50 Inside The Blood Passport Violation 40:54 Weighing Doping Punishments And Incentives 42:56 Comparing Doping Cases: Houlihan And Gatlin 45:30 2028 Olympic Trials Return To Eugene 48:41 Debating Eugene's Trials Monopoly 54:39 The Mount SAC Saga 56:15 Why LA Skipped The Olympic Trials 58:27 Trials Crowds And Ticket Economics 1:00:40 World Ultimates And Diamond League Ahead 1:01:41 Diamond League Preview: Lausanne And Silesia 1:07:33 Chasing World And American Records 1:11:25 Closing And Supporters Club Plug

Did you miss the first edition of our Training Talk video series? You are in luck as the Supporters Club embargo has ended! In this exclusive 1-on-1 interview, LetsRun.com co-founder Robert Johnson sits down with Dr. Marius Bakken—13:06 5000m runner, two-time Norwegian Olympian, medical doctor, and the true mastermind behind the double threshold "Norwegian Method" training system used by Jakob Ingebrigtsen and elites worldwide. Bakken breaks down the physiological logic behind double threshold, why the muscular system (not the heart or lungs) is the true limiting factor for distance runners, how to properly use lactate meters, super shoe technology, and why easy days MUST stay easy. If you liked interview, then you need to read the article we wrote as he answered some additional questions via email after we recorded. 📖 READ THE FULL ARTICLE & EMAIL Q\&A: 👉 https://www.letsrun.com/?p=327012 📚 GET MARIUS BAKKEN'S NEW BOOK ("The Norwegian Method Applied"): 👉 https://lasso.to/3choBS6Q1Y Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction & The Launch of LetsRun Training Talk Live 2:16 - Sitting in the Call Room: The Quest to Catch African Distance Runners 5:10 - How Marius Bakken’s Winter Base Model Inspired the Ingebrigtsens 7:29 - Bridging Joe Newton’s Mileage with Peter Coe’s Interval Precision 9:21 - Discovering How Kenyans Naturally Train at Threshold Effort 10:42 - The Science & Logic Behind Double Threshold Workouts 12:31 - Re-Framing Double Threshold: "One Long Session with a Long Break" 14:06 - The TRUE Limiter in Distance Running: Muscular System vs. Heart/Lungs 15:26 - Why Easy Days MUST Stay Easy to Protect Muscle Elasticity 16:20 - The Sample Training Week: Balancing Threshold Days and the "X Factor" Workout 17:51 - How Less is More: Maximizing Training Load at the Lowest Muscular Cost 20:14 - Recovery Windows: Controlling the Muscular Adaptation Phase 21:33 - How Beginners & Recreational Runners Can Safely Build Volume 23:59 - What to Do If You Miss a Threshold Workout in Your Schedule 24:32 - Bridging the Gap: Why Western Distance Runners Have Caught Up 26:34 - Marius Bakken's Historic 2002 LetsRun Forum Thread ("Kenya vs. USA") 28:40 - Controversial Altitude Training Experiments in Kenya & Bolivia 30:57 - Did Kenyans Intuitively Train Sub-Threshold Better Than Westerners? 33:37 - Why Marius Chooses Medical Practice Over Full-Time Coaching 34:17 - Will Continuous Lactate Monitors Make Distance Running "Too Perfect"? 36:09 - High School Days at York High School & Transitioning to High Volume 37:24 - The Craziest Training Experiments: 5,000m Altitude & Ketosis Weeks 39:28 - Why Cross-Training (Cycling/Swimming) Doesn't Replace Specific Running Movement 43:55 - Adapting Double Threshold & Intensity Control for High School Athletes 45:24 - Why Every Serious Runner Should Try a Lactate Monitor ($300 Shoe vs $300 Meter) 48:59 - Marius Bakken’s Current Fitness & Weekly Training Routine at Age 48 50:45 - The Future of Continuous Lactate & Gate Monitors 51:34 - Is Double Threshold Ideal for the Western Coaching Mindset? 54:54 - Why a Gap Still Exists Between Westerners & Africans in the Marathon and Cross Country 56:30 - Super Shoes: Injury Reduction, Ankle Stiffness, & Track Depth 59:31 - Could Bob Kennedy or Seb Coe Have Run Faster on the Norwegian Method? 1:01:37 - Zatopek’s Early Double-Session Repeats vs Modern Double Threshold 1:02:30 - Muscle Biopsies & Determining Athlete Event Specialization 1:03:25 - Can Jakob Ingebrigtsen Come Back Stronger From His Injuries? 1:04:54 - Working With Karsten Warholm’s Coach, Leif Olav Alnes 1:07:24 - Did Bakken See Any Doping While Training in Kenya (2000–2002)? 1:08:22 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Guest Coaching Appearance Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime . https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

The week's edition of the Track Talk podcast focses on Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s return in the European Championships 5,000 meters. We start as Rojo reacts to the 5000 final as it happened live. Jonathan Gault then joins to discuss what the result says about Jakob’s form, Jimmy Gressier’s race tactics, and whether Jakob still has the endurance and finishing kick for major 5,000-meter races later in the season. The conversation then turns to Jonah Koech’s positive test and his unusual late-career improvement, including the timing of the announcement, the gap in public explanation, and the impact on athletes who were moved down by his results. The episode closes with a recap of World Juniors in Eugene, highlighting Emmanuel Kiprono and several American standouts, while debating which junior performances are most likely to translate to senior success. Time Stamps 0:00 – Jakob Returns (LIVE Euro 5000 commentary) 3:35 – Race Tactics Unfold 6:46 – Jakob Takes Control 8:12 – Final Lap Drama 10:56 – Jakob Seals Victory 11:55 – Post-Race Breakdown 14:10 – Championship Tactics Debate 17:21 – Jakob’s Comeback Verdict 18:54 – Gressier’s Race Choices 21:54 – Surprise Results Checked 22:39 – Why Jakob Wins 24:17 – Hocker Looms Ahead 25:19 – Jonah Koech Doping News 27:51 – Koech’s Sudden Rise 30:45 – Testing Questions Raised 33:17 – Suspicious Training Load 35:28 – Blood Doping Debate 38:11 – Hobbs Kessler Fallout 43:09 – World Juniors Recap 43:24 – Emmanuel Kiprono’s Stunning Run 47:49 – American Sprint Doubles 50:53 – Quincy Wilson versus Jayden DeLeon 58:25 – Claire Stegall’s Breakthrough Medal Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime . https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

🏃 Presented by Orosport USA Cooling vests, headbands, and wrist wraps to help you train through the heat — use code LETSRUN for 10% off. orosportsusa.com/letsrun 👟 LetsRun Shoe Deals — Nike Vomero 18 $93, Pegasus $87 (40% off), Vaporfly 4 $143 (47% off) Josh Kerr's Commonwealth Games mile annihilation reignites the debate over where he ranks among history's greatest milers, with Rojo's "beat every great miler ever" thought experiment digging up crazy closing splits from Noureddine Morceli and Jim Ryun. Coach Danny Mackey weighs whether Kerr should chase a 1500m world record or protect his health for the World Ultimate Championships. Elsewhere, Abdihamid Nur and Alicia Monson's decision to skip USAs for a faster race in Belgium sparks a debate over what national titles are actually worth. And on the college side, Kenyan half-marathoner Dennis Kipkogei's commitment to Texas gets a debate going on the NCAA ranks. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS If All The Top Milers in the World Lined Up, Would Kerr Win? The Pareto Frontier: Jonathan Pritchard's closing-speed data deep dive Did Texas Just Sign the Favorite for the 2026 NCAA XC Title? Changing allegiances from Jakob to Kerr (forum thread) Colorado Buffaloes loading up on Africans for 2026 XC (forum thread) Shoe deals Need a VPN? — https://www.letsrun.com/vpn Free LetsRun shirt — https://shop.letsrun.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor Intro & Episode Preview 02:45 Off-Air Banter: VPNs, Weather & Cooling Gear 08:52 Josh Kerr's Commonwealth Games Mile Domination 12:57 Kerr's World Ultimate Championships Outlook 18:45 Could Kerr Beat Every Miler in History? 23:10 Comparing Eras: Ryun's Kick vs. the Doping-Era 90s 26:53 Danny Mackey's Decision on a 1500m World Record Bid 34:00 Other Commonwealth Games Standouts 36:22 Africa's Distance Running Decline & the Kipsang Mystery 40:50 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Fitness, Qualifying Rules & Fan Rivalries 48:30 Skipping USAs: The Nur & Monson Debate Begins 53:49 USATF Points System Under Fire 58:12 Off-Topic Tangent: Wejo's College Racing History 1:02:38 USATF Foundation Grants & Accountability 1:06:58 Dennis Kipkogei Headlines Texas' Loaded Recruiting Class 1:10:28 Full-Ride Scholarships & the NCAA Funding Arms Race 1:16:41 Conference Realignment, Age Caps & Remote Coaching Fantasies 1:21:53 Colorado's Kenyan Recruiting Rumor & International Talent Debate 1:26:35 World Juniors Preview & Closing Thoughts CONTACT Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Wejo, a 2-time Team USA member, and Rojo, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.