Road to the Trials

Courtney Alama: Where Run Club Culture Meets Elite Running Nov 9, 2026 58:17 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 h

Caroline Hill: From NCAA Heartbreak to a Twin Cities Marathon Podium Nov 5, 2026 55:06 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 thriv

Andrew Kaye: From College Graduate to 2:12 Marathoner in Weeks Nov 2, 2026 46:14 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 T

Ari Fisher: How Orangetheory and Unconventional Training Fueled a 2:34 Marathon Oct 29, 2026 57:28 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

Paxton Smith: From Miami Schoolteacher to Coaching 200 Runners and a Second Olympic Trials Qualification Oct 26, 2026 59:36 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrialsPaxton 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 hea

Benjamin Bayless: A 2:15 Marathon Debut, Race-Day Mistakes, and Chasing 2:10 Oct 22, 2026 01:03:12 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

Jackie Gaughan: Self-Coaching, 80/20 Training, and Learning to Race Again Oct 19, 2026 53:35 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

Alex Price: Self-Coached to the Olympic Trials, One Water Cup at a Time Oct 14, 2026 53:14 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrialsAlex 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

Diane Neubauer: 12 Seconds to Spare at CIM Oct 12, 2026 01:03:04 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrialsDiane 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.

Patrick Cullen is Chasing a 2:06 at the Chicago Marathon Oct 9, 2026 47:40 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

Ainsley Pressl: She Didn’t Think She Was Ready to OTQ Oct 5, 2026 01:05:49 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrialsAinsley 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

Anne-Marie Blaney: Racing to Win at Twin Cities Oct 1, 2026 48:28 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 pro

Mitch Ammons: A 2:14 Breakthrough, Addiction, and Life Without Running Sep 28, 2026 01:08:39 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 medicatio

Stephen Jones Is Having Way Too Much Fun Running 2:11 Sep 24, 2026 01:00:09 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 beli

Paige Wood: Taking the Pressure Off the Clock and Betting on Consistency Sep 21, 2026 47:42 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 balancin

Anna Benedettini: Three Marathon Starts, Two OTQs Sep 17, 2026 52:39 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

Kodi Kleven on Leading Boston and Breaking 2:25 Sep 14, 2026 41:21 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

Brooke Wildermuth Went From 4:11 to 2:35 Sep 10, 2026 40:50 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

Colin Bennie: Two Top-10 Olympic Trials Finishes and More in the Tank Sep 8, 2026 01:02:24 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 mos

Hillary Bor: From Olympic Steeplechaser to 2:08 Marathoner Sep 3, 2026 48:09 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 steeplech

Road to the Trials: The Road Ahead Aug 27, 2026 09:08 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 suppor

Sarah Czuprynski Went From a 4:04 Marathon to an OTQ Aug 17, 2026 40:20 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 lowe

Breanna Sieracki: Baby #3, Another Olympic Trials, and the Belief That Sub-2:30 Is Coming Aug 13, 2026 01:06:09 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

Carrie Ellwood’s Rise From First Grade Teacher to 2:22 Marathoner Aug 10, 2026 50:40 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 continuin

Patreon preview... Aug 8, 2026 15:25 Hey running geeks, we're getting going on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/relayandtrialsPlease 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 th

Murphy Smith Ran 2:08 in Just His Second Marathon Aug 3, 2026 01:02:12 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 s

Inside Robert Miranda's Breakthrough 2:09 Marathon Jul 30, 2026 01:02:07 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

From Walk-On to Boston PR: Charlie Sweeney's Road to the Trials Jul 28, 2026 01:08:47 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 — Olympi

How Rachel Schilkowsky Finally Solved the Marathon Jul 21, 2026 58:14 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

Lily Anderson: From Teaching in Brooklyn Classrooms to Brooklyn Track Club & an OTQ Jul 16, 2026 59:09 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

Andrew Colley Knows His Best Marathon Is Still Ahead Jul 14, 2026 01:11:03 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 d

Alex Burks: Three Breakthroughs at the Same Course, a 2:15 OTQ, and Why Running Is Still Fun Jul 9, 2026 01:03:14 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 frustr

Esteban Trujillo: A Decade Away from Running, Then a 2:14 Marathon at Age 40 Jul 7, 2026 01:03:12 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 shar

Erin McDonald: Rediscovering Running and a 2:32 Marathon Breakthrough Jul 2, 2026 48:35 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

Ryan Smith: The Finish Line Reaction Everyone Was Talking About Jun 30, 2026 59:59 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 inj

Megan Connolly: The WWE Broadcaster Who Qualified for the Olympic Trials Jun 25, 2026 01:00:33 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

Madey Dickson: From the Mile to a 2:28 Marathon and Learning to Take Risks Jun 22, 2026 45:10 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

Annie Frisbie: A 2:22 Breakthrough and Another Boston Masterclass Jun 18, 2026 55:21 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 memorab

Erik Linden: Trusting the Process, Reinventing the Journey, and Running 2:12 Jun 15, 2026 54:22 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 whi

Sarah Reiter: Three Olympic Trials, Staying Joyful, and Chasing Sub-2:30 Jun 11, 2026 01:02:36 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

Jax Siddall’s Marathon Debut Win: From 6th Grade Teacher to Eugene Marathon Win Jun 9, 2026 45:43 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, lesso

Joey Whelan: 35 Marathons, 6 Course Records, and Still Finding Another Gear Jun 4, 2026 40:10 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,

Elena Hayday: From 2:30 to 2:24 at Boston and Chasing Something Bigger Jun 1, 2026 55:46 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

Amanda Martin on Winning Eugene and Learning How to Trust the Marathon May 28, 2026 01:02:23 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 ellipti

Luke Maher: Inside Puma Project 3 and the Rise of the Sub-Elite Marathoner May 26, 2026 45:42 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 als

Aidan Reed: Chasing the Marathon While Falling in Love With the Half May 21, 2026 55:46 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,

Andie Cozzarelli: A 14-Year Journey Back to the Olympic Trials May 18, 2026 01:14:04 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 ep

Sean Grossman: Chasing the OTQ for 2,303 Days May 14, 2026 55:31 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, runni

Conner Peloquin: From Walking Away From the Sport to 2:15 and Back to the Trials May 11, 2026 01:01:52 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

Hannah Rowe: Back to the Trials After Six Years and a Trail Detour May 7, 2026 56:41 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

Mason Coppi: From Accomplished Trail Specialist to OTQ Surprise May 4, 2026 58:57 Mason Coppi didn’t line up at the Boston Marathon expecting to win the open race or chase an Olympic Trials qualifier. In fact, he had just raced the Gorge 30K days earlier and came into Boston ready to “blow up” and simply experience the course. Instead, he found himself running at the front, closing in 4:46, and discovering a new level of durability and belief in what’s possible. In this episode

Caitlin Phillips: 4th Olympic Trials Qualifier, Longevity in the Marathon, and Returning to Racing as a Mother Apr 30, 2026 47:49 Caitlin Phillips’ journey to her fourth Olympic Trials qualifier is not defined by a single breakthrough, but by years of consistency, setbacks, and a deep-rooted love for the sport. In this conversation, Caitlin shares what it took to return to elite marathoning after childbirth, a serious pelvic floor injury, and a long stretch away from running. After running 2:36 at the California Internationa

Brooke Starn: From Med School Miles to a 2:35 Olympic Trials Qualifier Apr 27, 2026 01:01:03 Brooke Starn is proving that high-level marathoning and a career in medicine can coexist, even if it takes creativity, flexibility, and a lot of early mornings.A former standout at Harvard and UC Davis, Brooke’s path to the Olympic Trials qualifier has been anything but linear. After debuting with a surprise win at the San Francisco Marathon, she balanced medical school, residency, and marathon tr

Annabel Stafford’s OTQ in her Debut Marathon Apr 23, 2026 48:15 Annabel Stafford didn’t just run her first marathon, she qualified for the Olympic Trials in it.After a short and unconventional build that included time off from running due to injury, Annabel took a leap of faith at the McCurdy Micro Marathon. With just weeks of consistent training under her belt, she lined up alongside a group of women chasing the same goal and trusted that the fitness would be

How Jess Donohue Turned a Tough Race into a 2:34 OTQ Apr 20, 2026 45:36 Jess Donahue’s story is one that a lot of runners will recognize, but very few get to finish the way she just did. After falling short of her Olympic Trials qualifier goal at The Marathon Project, she didn’t take months to regroup or overanalyze what went wrong. She made the decision almost immediately to try again, trusting that the fitness was already there, even if the result hadn’t shown it ye

Rosa Moriello: Inside the Eugene Marathon - Where PRs and OTQs Happen Apr 16, 2026 38:33 In this episode, Peter sits down with Rosa Moriello to break down everything that makes the Eugene Marathon such a special race. From the course itself to the atmosphere, Rosa shares her experience racing the half marathon, where she qualified for the Olympic Trials and soaked in one of the most unique finishes in running.Rosa talks about why she chose Eugene, how the race environment compares to

2,303 Days to the Trials: Michael Morris’ Long Road to 2:15 Apr 13, 2026 01:04:53 Michael Morris has been chasing the Olympic Trials qualifier for over six years. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looks like to stay committed through near-misses, setbacks, and years of steady progress, ultimately breaking through with a 2:15:07 at the McCurdy Micro Marathon to secure his spot at the 2028 Trials. Michael reflects on the evolution of his training, from balancing te

Andrew Storer: The Filmmaker Behind Clayton Young's Viral Series Apr 9, 2026 01:03:02 Andrew Storer, the filmmaker behind one of the most impactful running series in recent memory, joins Road to the Trials to share how he built a documentary-style look into elite marathoning from the ground up. After being laid off and pushed into freelancing, Andrew took a risk on telling the story of athletes like Clayton Young, recognizing a gap in how the sport was being documented. What follow

Abby Shoemaker Follows Her Mom’s Footsteps to an OTQ Apr 6, 2026 52:03 Abby Shoemaker joins Road to the Trials after a standout performance at the Napa Valley Marathon, where she ran 2:35 to secure her Olympic Trials Qualifying time and set a course record.Abby shares her unconventional path to the marathon, from running Division III at the University of Chicago to building her career and training life in New York City. She reflects on the breakthrough moment that sh

From 2:55 to 2:28: Rebecca Schmitt’s Late Bloom and Breakthrough at CIM Apr 2, 2026 53:33 Rebecca Schmitt joins Road to the Trials after a breakout performance at the California International Marathon, where she placed sixth overall and ran 2:28 to secure her Olympic Trials qualifier. Balancing a full-time career as an engineer with high-level training, Rebecca’s path to this moment has been anything but linear.In this episode, Rebecca shares her progression from a 2:55 marathoner runn

Coach Sam Butler: Inside Gazelle Elite and Building OTQ Athletes from the Ground Up Mar 30, 2026 01:06:59 Head coach Sam Butler joins Road to the Trials to share how he’s building one of the most exciting emerging marathon groups in the U.S. through Gazelle Elite. Based in Michigan and supported by Gazelle Sports and adidas, the team has quickly gained momentum with multiple athletes qualifying for the Olympic Trials and many more knocking on the door.Sam walks through the origins of Gazelle Elite, fr

JP Flavin: From College Underdog to 2:09 Marathoner Mar 26, 2026 51:18 JP Flavin joins the show after a breakthrough win at the Marathon Project and a massive leap forward to 2:09. His journey hasn’t followed a traditional path, but that’s exactly what makes it compelling. From a solid but not standout college career to becoming one of the top American marathoners, JP has built his success through consistency, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve.JP shares how

Matt Lenehan: Three-Time OTQ Qualifier on Consistency, Community, and Keeping Running Fun Mar 23, 2026 52:38 Matt Lenehan joins Road to the Trials after qualifying for his third Olympic Trials, most recently breaking 2:16 at CIM. What stands out most about Matt’s journey isn’t just the progression from 2:38 to sub-2:16, but how he’s approached running the entire time: with consistency, curiosity, and a commitment to keeping it fun.Matt shares how his progression has been steady rather than explosive, bui

Emily Saul on the Mind Behind the Marathon Miles Mar 19, 2026 59:28 Emily Saul joins Road to the Trials for a thoughtful conversation about the mental side of racing and what it takes to pursue big goals without letting pressure take over. A sports psychologist based in Boston, Emily works with athletes at every level and brings both professional expertise and personal experience as a marathoner to this conversation.This episode explores the psychology behind chas

Kristoffer Mugrage: 2:14:59 at The Marathon Project and the 130-Mile-Week Road Back to Boston Mar 16, 2026 52:00 Kristoffer Mugrage joins Road to the Trials to talk about his journey through multiple Olympic Trials cycles and what it takes to build a career in the marathon over the long term. Kris first came close to the Trials standard at CIM in 2019, missing by just seconds, and has steadily improved since then through years of high-mileage training and consistent racing.Kris shares how his confidence as a

Macy McRowe: The 2:36 Marathon Built on Cross Training and Two Runs a Week Mar 12, 2026 40:18 This week on Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka talks with Macy McRowe, whose marathon training looks very different from the typical elite approach.Instead of the standard 7-day training cycle, Macy structures her training around a 14-day schedule, often running long only once every two weeks and mixing in significant cross training alongside limited running volume. Despite the unconventional struc

Zach Kreft: Five Marathons in 2025 and the Fueling and Mindset That Unlocked 2:13 Mar 10, 2026 48:28 Zach Kreft joins Road to the Trials after a remarkable 2025 season that included five marathons and a major breakthrough at the California International Marathon. After narrowly missing the Olympic Trials standard at the Chicago Marathon with a 2:16:30, Zach returned later in the year and delivered a huge performance at CIM, running 2:13:05 to secure his place at the Olympic Trials.Zach shares wha

Felicia Pasadyn: From D1 Swimmer to a Self-Coached 2:35 at New York Mar 5, 2026 01:05:52 Felicia Pasadyn joins Road to the Trials after qualifying for the Olympic Trials Marathon in New York City with a 2:35 performance—her third marathon and part of a rapid progression from 2:49 to 2:44 to 2:35. At just 23 years old, Felicia brings one of the most unique backgrounds in the field.A former Harvard swimmer who later swam while completing her master’s at Ohio State, Felicia spent most of

Ethan Shuley Races into American History with a 2:07 in Osaka Mar 2, 2026 46:46 Ethan Shuley joins Road to the Trials after running 2:07:14, the seventh fastest marathon in American history. At just 27 years old and only a few years into serious marathoning, his rise has been fast, from 2:18 to 2:11 to 2:07 in a short window. But as Ethan explains, the breakthrough didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of trial, error, and steadily applying simple principles at a

Road to the Trials Recap: Fascinating Episodes During The First Six Months Feb 28, 2026 49:41 Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim are all together for this episode for a behind-the-scenes “group chat” episode of Road to the Trials. Between some friendly banter they swap highlights from recent interviews, call out a few standout guests, and share why certain episodes feel like essential listens.The bigger takeaway is how wide the range of “successful paths” really is. Different bac

Emily Sisson: 2:18:29 American Record, Five Olympic Trials, and the Pressure of Being the Favorite Feb 26, 2026 01:01:00 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with one of the most accomplished American distance runners of her generation: Emily Sisson.Emily is the American record holder in the marathon with her 2:18:29 performance at the Chicago Marathon, a five-time Olympic Trials qualifier, and a two-time Olympian in both the 10,000m and the marathon. She reflects on the defi

Piper Atnip: From Tragedy to the Trials Feb 23, 2026 41:26 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Matt Chittim and Peter Bromka sit down with Piper Atnip for one of the most powerful conversations of the season.Piper’s journey to the Olympic Trials is anything but ordinary. From profound personal tragedy to earning her spot on the start line, her story is one of resilience, perspective, and quiet strength. With clarity, humility, and emotional honesty, Pi

Melissa Berry: OTQ in Her 26.2 Debut with Tracksmith Stamata Feb 21, 2026 52:20 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein sit down with Melissa Berry, fresh off an incredible marathon debut at the California International Marathon, where she ran 2:35:57 to qualify for the Olympic Trials.Melissa grew up in Eugene, Oregon and ran collegiately at the University of Oregon, navigating the ups and downs of a six-year college career that spanned the COVID

Reed Fischer: Racing the World Stage and Preparing for Fatherhood Feb 19, 2026 01:00:15 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with Reed Fischer to talk about competing on the world stage, staying consistent at the top of U.S. marathoning, and what comes next on the road to 2028.Reed reflects on his experience racing at the World Athletics Championships, breaking down how the race unfolded, what he learned from competing against the best in the

Hannah Chau: From an 18-Second Miss to Olympic Trials Qualifier Feb 16, 2026 41:05 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Matt Chittim sits down with Hannah Chau, a newly minted Olympic Trials qualifier whose story blends big racing goals with an equally demanding path in medicine.Hannah reflects on her first attempt at qualifying for 2024 while still at UC Irvine, when she narrowly missed the standard at CIM in a debut marathon that was both chaotic and unforgettable. She share

Mimi Smith: Patience, Progress, and a 2:30 Breakthrough at Houston Feb 14, 2026 46:36 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka is joined by Mimi Smith, fresh off a sixth-place finish at the Houston Marathon.Mimi’s path to this breakthrough has been anything but overnight. She grew up in Chicago, ran collegiately at Wake Forest University, and made her Olympic Trials debut at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, where she finished 65th in just her third marathon.After s

Training on Tired Legs: Ethan Gregg & Awet Beraki on the Hansons Method Feb 12, 2026 47:27 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka sits down with Hansons-Brooks Project teammates Ethan Gregg and Awet Beraki, two rising marathoners who recently made their debuts in Houston and secured Olympic Trials qualifying times.Ethan and Awet share what it’s like joining one of the most storied marathon programs in the country, Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, where high mileage, long-te

Katie Watson Qualifies Again in Houston Feb 9, 2026 43:54 In this episode of Road to the Trials, Matt Chittim sits down with Katie Watson, a two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier whose path to the start line is defined as much by service as it is by performance. Katie balances elite-level marathon training with demanding work supporting children who have experienced trauma, a responsibility that shapes how she approaches running, recovery, and resil

Peter Bromka with Zach Bitter on Storytelling, the Marathon, and the Road to the Olympic Trials Feb 6, 2026 01:45:39 Today on Road to the Trials, we’re sharing a special conversation originally recorded on the Human Performance Outliers podcast with host Zach Bitter.In this wide-ranging discussion, Peter Bromka reflects on his own Olympic Trials journey, the fine margins of marathon performance, and why storytelling has become such a powerful force in modern running. The conversation explores what it really take

The Business of Road to the Trials (And What’s Next) Feb 5, 2026 01:14:32 Five months into Season 4, Peter, Matt, and Lindsey sit down for a behind-the-scenes check-in on what’s working, what’s surprised them, and what’s coming next. They talk about how the show came together, why CIM became the season’s biggest inflection point, and how the team is balancing an ever-growing wave of qualifiers with the goal of featuring every athlete who makes the standard. They also sh

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