Marathon Training Academy
The Marathon Training Academy Podcast helps runners unlock their potential to conquer the marathon and change their lives. Since 2010, hosts Angie and Trevor share tips, inspiration, and interviews with guests to help listeners run smarter, avoid injury, and go the distance. The podcast features training advice, marathon reviews, and occasional interviews with notable runners like Sara Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein.
Episodes
Ask the Coach Q&A (2026 Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie and Coach Abby answer questions about running marathons (and getting faster) after age 50, considerations for female runners in menopause and perimenopause, heart rate training, the Maffetone Method, ultra training and more! Thanks to everyone who sent in a question!
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Hard Work Pays Off -Interview with Cari Masek
In this episode, we speak with longtime Academy member Cari Masek, who ran her first marathon after being inspired by an episode of this podcast. Running has changed her life — giving her the confidence to set goals, dream big, and inspire others.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
June 3 is Global Running Day and UCAN is doing their biggest
Angie and Trevor’s Top 3 Picks
In this episode we share our top three gear picks, running books, favorite marathons, runners we admire, interesting things we’ve found on a run, embarrassing running mishaps, daily healthy habits and more!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Previnex -makers of Joint Health Plus and Muscle Health Plus -two products I take every day that
The People Who Made the Marathon Cool
In this episode we speak with bestselling author Martin Dugard about the inspiring people who made running mainstream. The first NYC Marathon only had 127 runners (only 1 woman). Now it draws over 50,000 runners (half of whom are women) and over 2 million spectators. Martin Dugard explains how we got here. Hear about Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, Bill Rogers, Jim
The 2 Hour Marathon Barrier has Been Smashed
In this episode Angie and Trevor discuss the watershed moment that just happened at the London Marathon when two runners smashed the 2 Hour Barrier in the marathon. Sabastian Sawe of Kenya ran 1:59:30 and Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished 2nd in 1:59:41! How did we get to this moment and what can we learn from it?
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Runnin
Sara Hall -For the Love of the Grind!
In this episode we speak with Sara Hall about her new memoir ‘For The Love Of The Grind’! Sara won the Master’s Division at the 2026 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:31:55.
Sara Hall has been competing for over twenty years and has been nationally ranked for almost three decades. She is a previous American record holder in the Half Marathon when she ran 1:07:15 at the Houston Half
Run the Athens Marathon with Angie, Trevor, and Dean Karnazes!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed with an important announcement! Do you dream of running the Authentic Athens Marathon? This coming November we are teaming up with Dean Karnazes for a special tour for listeners to the MTA Podcast. Join us in Athens, Greece, for 7 days of running, sight-seeing, trying amazing cuisine, and hanging out with other likeminded runners (and s
You Never Know What Running a Marathon Will Lead to Next!
In this episode, Trevor and Angie take you behind the scenes of what happened after Trevor completed his first marathon in 2011. Flashback with us to a sub-4 breakthrough in New Orleans, road trips to Alaska, running through the Olympic Stadium in Munich, trail adventures in the Alps, and the incredible listener community that literally hosted us in their homes from Missoula to Switzerland. Yo
What I’ve Learned About Marathon Training as I’ve Gotten Older
In this episode Coach Angie shares what she’s learned about training as she’s gotten older. She ran her first marathon in 2008 and has since completed 72 marathons and ultras. What has she learned about recovery, nutrition, strength, and balancing running with life? Enjoy!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match. Use the code “
Interview with Mike Wardian
In this episode we speak with Mike Wardian -the 51 year old adventure runner who recently set the record for fastest 50k on Seven Continents in Seven Consecutive Days! He’s also planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Air Doctor Pro air purifier: use promo code MTA to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoc
How Angie Went from 5k to 50 Stater
In this episode Angie shares the story of how she went from struggling to train for her first marathon to becoming a Marathon Maniac, 50 State Marathon finisher, ultra-runner, and coach. We hope her story will be an inspiration to you!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach!
I
Remembering Jeff Galloway + Run/Walk/Run Method
In this episode we pay tribute to Jeff Galloway (1945-2026) who passed away on February 25th at the age of 80. Jeff was an Olympian, author of over 20 books, and the creator of the Galloway Run/Walk/Run method (also called “Jeffing”).
Hear an excerpt from our 2015 interview with Jeff; plus Coach Angie explains how to incorporate the Run/Walk/Run Method in your training.
Links
What it was Like to Run my First Marathon
In this episode we reach into the podcast vault and play a recording from when Trevor ran his first full marathon. This is an entertaining look at the joy and agony a first-timer feels, especially someone who once hated running.
After two years of hard work Trevor was able to transform himself from a desk potato to a successful marathon finisher. He ran the 2011 St. Louis Rock ‘n’ R
Ultramarathon Training Q&A
In this episode we are joined by Coach Henry Howard to talk about the myths and facts around ultramarathon training . . . and answer questions from podcast listeners.
Henry Howard was coached by Angie from 2014-2016 and was able to PR, BQ, and run his first ultra. Now he is a coach on our team helping clients reach their potential! He is a Certified Running Coach, 3:16 marathoner and has multi
Achieving Big Goals -Interview with Dean Karnazes
In this episode Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes shares the 4 P’s for achieving big goals and how he pushes through the tough miles. Plus, you will learn the history of the world’s first marathon (held in 1896). And we share details about the epic 2026 Athens Marathon Tour which will be co-hosted by MTA and Dean Karnazes!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Athens Marathon Tour with Dean K
A Marathon Success Story with Katie Low
In this episode we bring you a marathon success story with Katie Low -who was able to transform her training and achieve the dream of running a BQ at the California International Marathon. In this conversation Katie shares how she went from being chronically fatigued and under-fueled to having more energy for training and running a marathon without hitting the wall!
Katie works as a character a
The Book Episode: Our Top Picks from 2025
This is our annual book episode! Angie and Trevor discuss the books they enjoyed in 2025– top picks for both fiction and nonfiction.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, fo
Top Running Stories from 2025
It’s time for our annual Year In Review where we take a look back at the top records, breakthroughs, and notable stories to come out of the running world in 2025. We bring you both the inspiring and the bizarre, it’s all in here!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Join the Academy and access our new course Optimizing Your Running Form by
Running Form Q&A with Coach Athena
In this episode Coach Athena joins the podcast to answer questions about optimizing running form. Athena ran her first marathon in 2002 and she learned some lessons the hard way! Listen as she answers questions about over-striding, heel striking, glute activation, core strength, proper form while running hills, and if it makes sense to tinker with your natural running form. Enjoy!
Links Men
Interview with Doug Mayer
In this episode we bring you an interview with Doug Mayer -writer, ultra runner, and founder of Run the Alps. Hear Doug’s thoughts on cultivating an endurance mindset, new trends in trail running, and what it’s like to run in the Italian Dolomites. Plus, Trevor shares key takeaways from his journey to North America’s largest trade show for runners.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Interview with Nicolas Thompson
In this episode we speak with Nicolas Thompson -CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book, ‘The Running Ground -A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports’. Hear his reflection on how running helped him amid personal crises; getting faster after 40; and how he finds time to fit running into his day.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA runni
Running Shoe Tech and Terminology with Josh Levinson
In this episode we take you to Charm City Run in Frederick, Maryland, to speak with store owner Josh Levinson about running shoe tech and terminology. How are running shoes engineered these days and what is the insider terminology you should know? Learn about stack height, heel-to-toe drop, stability, energy return, carbon and nylon plates, midsole foam durometer, torsional rigidity, gusseted t
Does the New York City Marathon Live Up to the Hype?
In this episode Coach Angie recaps the New York City Marathon and answers the question: does it live up to the hype? She shares her trepidation going into the race -especially after running a marathon the previous weekend. Hear tips on race-day logistics; and what’s it was like to run through the Five Boroughs.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA run
Join our 2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed to make an important announcement! Next summer we are hosting a running retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and are inviting any listener to the podcast who wants to go!
The Dolomites are known for their unique jagged appearance and mix of Italian and Austrian culture and cuisine. We will trail run from village to villag
Race Recap of the Dublin Marathon 🇮🇪
In this episode we bring you to the Dublin Marathon in Ireland for one of our “World Famous Race Recaps”! Hear voices of MTA Podcast listeners we met in Ireland, inspiring stories, and various shenanigans.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed
Catching Up With Alexi Pappas
In this episode we speak with Alexi Pappas -Olympian, filmmaker, actor, and bestselling author. Listen as Trevor and Angie chat with Alexi about goal setting, navigating change, the importance of mentors, how she gets through the later miles of a race, and more!
Bio: Alexi Pappas was an NCAA All American athlete at Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon. She is a dual citizen and repr
Running Across Continents: Interview with Marie Leautey
In this episode we speak with Marie Leautey -a French runner who became the fastest woman to run around the world: 4 continents, 680 marathons, and 28,249 kilometers!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is offering MTA listeners a full 30-day experience for just $95 with absolutely no strings attached!
Interviews with Team Abbott Runners
In this episode we speak with three runners from Team Abbott — a community of runners who have faced serious health challenges but didn’t let those challenges define them!
About Our Guests
Elizabeth Pehota (Boston, MA): Three days out from running the 2022 Berlin Marathon, Elizabeth Pehota experienced a feeling of pins and needles in her hands, feet and thighs, and an unnatural resistance
Ask the Coach Q&A (Fall Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie Spencer and Coach Erin Smith answer questions about running two marathons in the Fall, tune-up races, Fartlek runs, hill training when you live in a flat area, hip pain, IT band pain, sore legs, and more!
Coach Angie Spencer has run 70 marathons and ultras, including a marathon in every US state. She is a RRCA and USATF Certified Running Coach and Registered Nurse.
The Hero’s Journey of the Marathon
In this episode we apply the famous Hero’s Journey framework to marathon training and talk about how you can overcome obstacles, transform into a stronger runner, and gain the wisdom to inspire others!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach.
STEP SPORTS TOKYO -a newly renovated flagship running store. Show them this episode and get 7% off plus tax-free s
Keira D’Amato -Don’t Call It a Comeback!
In this episode we chat with Keira D’Amato author of the new book, ‘Don’t Call it A Comeback -What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs and Started Chasing Happiness’. Keira ran competitively in college but was sidelined with an ankle injury and decided to step away from running. After having two children she started running again to get in shape and have time for herself. Fast-forwa
The Growth of the Running Industry
In this episode we speak with Christina Henderson about the current state of the running industry and trends that are bringing more people into the sport. Brands today are focusing on: localism, sustainability, digital integration, and experiential retail. What does that mean for you as a consumer of running-related products and culture?
Christina Henderson is the director of The Running Event -
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) with Renee McGregor
In this episode we speak with Renee McGregor -sports dietitian and author of the book, ‘Fuel for Thought: A Practical Guide to Fueling for Your Adventures’.
Renee McGregor is a leading sports dietitian, specialising in Eating Disorders, REDs, The Female Athlete, Athlete Health and Performance. She’s worked with athletes across the globe, including supporting Olympic (London, 2
Interview with Kitty Robinson
In this episode we speak with Kitty Robinson, a listener to the podcast who shares what it’s like to keep running through pregnancy, raising a large family, and surviving both brain and heart surgery. Kitty exemplifies the saying, “You can do hard things”! She’s author of two books: ‘Sometimes Courage’ and ‘The Runaway Housewives of the Appalachian Trail’.
Lin
Race Recap: The Eiger Ultra Trail -Our Switzerland Running Adventure
In this episode we bring you to the Swiss Alps as we run from village to village with listeners to the MTA podcast. Plus we recap the legendary Eiger Ultra Trail race, which is part of the UTMB World Series.
*Special thanks to James and Susie Jin, Brad Rudler, Marcia Salovitz, Ryan Shea, Bekah Shininger, Robin Walters, Liz Sur, Marcia Mathison, Candis Ubiles, Mindy McCune, Kate Mattern, Alista
Interview with Joe De Sena
In this episode we speak with Joe De Sena an accomplished athlete, leader, and founder and CEO of Spartan. His goal is to get 100 million people off the couch. His new book is called, Extreme Balance: Paradoxical Principles That Make You a Champion. Life will throw many obstacles in your path, learn how an “unfixed mindset” can truly elevate your game.
Links Mentioned in This
Announcement: Run the Dublin Marathon with Angie and Trevor
We have another international running adventure planed this year and you are invited. We are going to Ireland to run the Dublin Marathon on October 26th 2025. Do you want to go?
We have 6 spots left. Please email us or sign up with this link. Enter code MTA at checkout.
Dates: Friday October 24th to Tuesday October 28th 2025 (3 night or 4 night options)
The Dublin Marathon is the fourth l
Interview with Henry Abbott -Sports Journalist and Author
In this episode we interview Henry Abbott -sports journalist and author of the book ‘Ballistic, The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance’. Plus, we run down our 7,000 mile road trip across the USA!
Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop. He led ESPN’s 60-person NBA digital and print team, which published several groundbreaking articles and won
Interview with Des Linden
In this episode we visit with Olympic runner and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden. Hear about how she has used the words of doubters to her advantage; her shift to ultra and trail running; her thoughts on super shoes and more!
About Des Linden
After being a two time all American at Arizona State University Des decided to give professional running a try. She went on to represent the United
Ask the Coach Q&A (2025 Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie and Coach Erin answer questions about heart rate training, running in the heat, warm up drills, hydration, electrolyte sources, strength training, anxiety before long runs, finding time to train, and more! Thank you to everyone who sent in a question!
Coach Angie Spencer has run 70 marathons and ultras, including a marathon in every US state. She is a RRCA and USATF
Catching Up with Dean Karnazes
In this episode we speak with Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, about the storied history of the marathon and the land that birthed the legend -Greece. And in the quick tip segment, Coach Angie answers a listener question about how to improve your marathon time as a masters runner.
Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Dean Karnazes has pushed his bod
Interview with Dr. Phil Maffetone on Heart Rate Training
In this episode we talk heart rate training with Dr. Phil Maffetone who is the creator of the MAF Method (180 minus your age) and an internationally recognized researcher in endurance science.
Dr. Phil Maffetone has worked with endurance athletes for more than thirty-five years. He is the author of eighteen books on health and fitness. He is perhaps best known for the Maffetone Method of heart r
Why We Are Wired to Explore ~ Interview with Alex Hutchinson
In this episode we speak with Alex Hutchinson, author of the book ‘The Explorer’s Gene -Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map’.
Alex Hutchinson is the author of the New York Times bestseller ‘Endure’ and is a science journalist and Outside magazine’s longtime Sweat Science columnist. He has a PhD in Physics from Cambridge University and
An Injury Comeback Story with Robin Walters
In this episode we bring you a conversation with Robin Walters -who just completed the Boston Marathon. This is a story about overcoming an acute injury, training through winter conditions, and what it’s like to accomplish a goal many years in the making!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach.
Run the London Marathon in 2026! Preregister now for a
Behind the Mic with Angie and Trevor
In this episode we play an interview we did on the ‘I’ll Have Another Podcast’ with Lyndsey Hein. Lyndsey invited us to participate in her Behind the Mic series -where she interviews fellow podcasters in the running space. Hear us discuss podcasting, parenting, travel, books, our favorite marathons, and more!
Lindsey Hein lives in North Carolina with her husband of 15 years, Gle
The Norwegian Method of Training
In this episode we speak with Brad Culp -author of the book The Norwegian Method. Plus, Coach Angie discusses the value of Zone 2 Training.
Brad Culp is a sports journalist who has contributed to many triathlon publications. Culp has finished more than 100 races (including 15 marathons). He currently resides in Illinois with his wife and two children.
His new book is titled The Norwegian Meth
15 Year Podcast Anniversary Episode 🎉
In this episode we celebrate the 15 Year Anniversary of the Podcast! Listeners call in to tell us what running marathons and half marathons has taught them about life.
Runners from all over the world shared their inspiring stories, mantras, and advice. Thanks to everyone who sent in a voicemail, and THANK YOU ALL for supporting the podcast for the last 15 years!
Sponsor Links
Drury Hotels -
How to Get Into the World Marathon Majors (Part 2)
In this podcast episode we talk about why you should run the World Marathon Majors; and how to get into the Berlin, Chicago, and NYC Marathons.
Plus we share a special announcement about a trip we are hosting to Dublin, Ireland!
The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most prestigious marathon series in the world, hosting over 250,000 runners per year, and millions applying for a bib. There a
How to Get Into the World Marathon Majors (Part 1)
Here’s your guide to getting a race bib for the Tokyo, Boston, London, and Sydney Marathons! Our next episode will focus on Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors is the most prestigious marathon series in the world, hosting over 250,000 runners per year, and millions applying for a bib. Many runners in our audience are working toward their Six Star Medal (Angi
How to Run the Perfect Race: Interview with Matt Fitzgerald
In this episode we speak with Matt Fitzgerald author of the book ‘How to Run the Perfect Race -Better Racing Through Better Pacing’. Matt will explain why many runners struggle with pacing in the marathon. We also take a look at the concept of “Work Rate”; and the central governor theory of fatigue versus Brehm’s motivational intensity theory.
Links Mentioned in
Nutrition Q and A with Coach Amber
In this episode we are joined by Coach Amber from MetPro to tackle nutrition questions sent in by listeners. We discuss meal timing, hydration, protein sources, menopause, how to balance performance and fat loss goals, managing cravings, fueling for an ultra, and we even dive into the current buzz around GLP1 medications.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or an ultra, you’ll get
Reinventing Yourself Through Running: Interview with Debbie Gelber
In this episode we interview a long-time member of our community named Debbie Gelber who has reinvented herself through running. A self-described late bloomer to the sport, she stepped on the treadmill at age 40 with a goal of losing weight, over a decade later she’s training for her 51st marathon!
Debbie Gelber is a Fine Arts Instructor at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. She is current
Recommended
1-2-3 Learn Spanish with Me!
128 Civics Questions for U.S. Citizenship Test
12 Hour Sound Machines for Sleep (no loops or fades)
#12minconvos
12 Minute Meditation
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson, Book Summary, Podcast, English
1440 Explores
1490 Doom - Lore Series Podcast
15 MINS OF FAME
15 Minute Mysteries: The Deep Dive
15 minutes de grâce et de vérité
15 Minutes of Infamy
