Rizzo Run Club Podcast

Episode 28- 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks: Kati Israel's Extraordinary Journey

What does it take to run a marathon every single Sunday for an entire year? In this episode, I sit down with Kati Israel, an endurance athlete originally from Estonia and now living in Montreal, who has taken on the remarkable challenge of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks. That's 26.2 miles every Sunday for a full year. I recently caught up with Kati at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, where she completed marathon number 22 of her journey. Along the way, she is raising money for charity while inspiring runners around the world to believe in themselves, stay disciplined, and pursue goals that may seem impossible. Kati shares the physical and mental demands of the challenge, the lessons she's learned through consistency and commitment, the highs and lows of running week after week, and how this experience has transformed her perspective on endurance, resilience, and purpose. Whether you're training for your first marathon, chasing a personal best, or looking for motivation to tackle your own ambitious goals, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical lessons from someone living the challenge one Sunday at a time.

Episode 27- Can London Marathon Survive a 2-Day Race Weekend? Genius or Gamble?

The future of marathon racing may be changing forever. In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the biggest questions facing the running world after the record-breaking demand for the 2027 London Marathon: Can the London Marathon realistically pull off a two-day event? With more than a million runners applying for entry, the pressure is growing for race organizers to expand capacity. But what happens when one of the world’s biggest marathons stretches across an entire weekend? We break down every angle of the debate: * The massive logistical challenge of shutting down London for two days * Hotel demand, rising travel costs, and flight availability * Political pressure and city infrastructure concerns * Volunteer and support crew fatigue * Sponsor expectations and broadcast implications * How the elite races would work in a two-day format * Whether a split weekend would dilute the magic and prestige of the London Marathon We also examine the ripple effect across the marathon world: If London successfully expands to two days, will the Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon eventually be forced to consider the same move? This is more than a conversation about race capacity. It’s a discussion about the future of the Marathon Majors, the economics of global racing, and whether growth comes at the expense of tradition. If you’re passionate about marathons, race culture, marathon majors, running history, or the future of the sport, this episode is for you.

Episode 26-The 2026 London Marathon Experience | Expo, Corrals & Race Day Energy

In this episode, I take you inside the full experience of the 2026 London Marathon — from the excitement of the London Marathon Expo to the energy of race morning in one of the biggest marathons in the world. I break down everything from the weather conditions, traveling through London, arriving at the start line on a private shuttle, navigating the starting corrals, and what it truly felt like running through the streets of London on marathon day. This is more than just a race recap — it’s an immersive look into one of the world’s six major marathons and the unforgettable atmosphere that makes the London Marathon one of the most iconic races in running. Whether you're training for your first marathon, planning to run the London Marathon in the future, or simply love marathon stories and running culture, this episode brings you directly into race weekend. Topics include: * 2026 London Marathon recap * London Marathon Expo experience * Race morning logistics * Starting corrals and shuttle experience * London Marathon course atmosphere * Marathon travel tips * World Marathon Majors * Running culture and community Subscribe for more marathon recaps, running culture conversations, race strategy, and behind-the-scenes stories from the global running community

Episode 25- Boston Marathon Recap, London Marathon Loading

Fresh off one of the most electric race days in marathon history, this episode breaks down everything from the 2026 Boston Marathon. From elite dominance to historic performances across the American field, we dive into the moments that defined the day. We cover the race winners, key moves from the elite field, and why this year felt different — with records falling and American runners stepping into a new era on both the men’s and women’s sides. Plus, with the London Marathon just days away, we shift gears and look ahead to what could be another unforgettable weekend in the world of marathoning. If you love the sport, the stories, and the energy of race day — this one’s for you.

Everything You Need to Know Before the 2026 Boston Marathon

If you're running the Boston Marathon, this is the only episode you need before race weekend. In this episode, I’m joined by Boston Marathon finisher Leah Ruiz to break down everything—from the moment you arrive in Boston to the final stretch down Boylston Street. We cover: * What to expect at the expo and how to navigate it * The electric atmosphere around the finish line all weekend * Pop-up shops and activations across Back Bay * Race morning logistics: bag drop, buses, and getting to Hopkinton * What Athlete’s Village is really like (and how to prepare) * A full course breakdown—including strategy for the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill * What the finish line experience actually feels like Whether it’s your first Boston or your fifth, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes, stay calm on race day, and make the most of one of the most iconic races in the world. You earned your spot—now let’s make sure you run it right.