Running--State of the Sport

This week at “Running: State of the Sport,” George and I decided to skip the usual interview guest so we could spend more time on some really big and important recent news. We start, of course, with the just revealed doping offense of 2:09:56 Chicago Marathon (2024) winner Ruth Chepngetich. We also discuss and analyze: Faith Kipyegon’s “Breaking4” effort; Beatrice Chebet’s new world record for 5000 meters (13:58.06); the incredible high level of men’s 1500 meter/mile racing; and the results of the recent Western States 100-Mile. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#]Spotify [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#]Audible [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#]Pandora [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#]I Heart Radio [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#]YouTube [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#] "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#] and RunLongRunHealthy.com. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/8583175400516015884#] Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In our new podcast, Rich Kenah, CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, discusses the upcoming Peachtree 10K, the Grand Slam Track series, and the trials and tribulations of hosting a U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, as Atlanta did so sensationally in 2020.  Kenah is a past Olympian at 800 meters, and a former athlete agent, who once worked with Michael Jordan, the basketball star when he wasn't organizing track meets, or ironing out details of runner contracts. Also, George and Amby predict the Faith Kipyegon Breaking4 outcome, and their favorite in the Western States 100, both of which will take place in just a day or two. Learn more about the Atlanta Track Club here. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Watch Kipyegon's Breaking4 attempt Thursday, June 26, here. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Live and free on YouTube. It's scheduled to take place at 1:15 p.m. East Coast time. (That could change if Paris weather is not optimal.)  Western States will also be covered live and free on YouTube for 14+ hours Saturday, June 28, beginning at 8 a.m. East Coast Time. Here. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Spotify [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Audible [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Pandora [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#]I [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Heart Radio [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] YouTube [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] and RunLongRunHealthy.com. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/3505566732531874791#] Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Thomas Panek is blind, a frequent marathoner, and President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, a national nonprofit providing services to the visually impaired. Panek is the first person with vision loss to lead Lighthouse Guild. In addition to running marathons tethered to human guide runners, he has finished the New York City Half Marathon with a team of guide dogs. He is also working with Google engineers to develop a phone app that can help the blind "see" the road and various obstacles around them. In this podcast, Panek got George's attention by talking about "blind baseball"--a sport George is eager to witness. Amby was drawn to Panek's comments about how running can be especially powerful at improving the independence and mental health of physically challenged individuals.  Learn more about Thomas Panek and Lighthouse Guild here. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] Spotify [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] Audible [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] Pandora [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] I Heart Radio [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] Y [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#]ouTube [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] and RunLongRunHealthy.com. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/7668564975824804711#] Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

David Roche is producer of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, “Some Work, All Play,” with his cohost and wife, Megan. He’s also a contender to win the Western States 100 Miler at the end of June. That’s a rare combination. His back story is even more amazing. A little more than a year ago, Roche was seriously injured when struck by a car while bicycling a favorite road near Boulder, CO. At that time, the Duke Law School grad and ultramarathon coach had never even attempted a 100-mile. But last summer he broke a longstanding course record in the Leadville Trail 100, and several months later scored a convincing win (in torrid temps) in the Javelina 100. A fan of “Hamilton” the musical (“I’m not givin’ away my shot”) and Simone Biles (“F___ around and find out”), Roche professes to believe that almost everyone’s “amazing” and should reach high for their personal goals. Megan is both his coach, a champion ultra runner on her own, and an M.D. and PhD graduate from Stanford University. Every week, their pod covers the latest research findings about running, as they attempt to “science the sh__” out of endurance performance. You can learn more about David & Megan Roche at their SWAPrunning.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#]website, or at David's Instagram page. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] David's quest to win Western States has been chronicled here in a YouTube series [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] by video producer Cody Bare. Key Sections Of The Podcast 0:00 Introduction to David Roche: The Rise of an Ultra Runner 10:33 David's Background: Life, Family, and Coaching 13:43 The Dynamic Duo: David and Megan Roche 16:47 The Birth of a Podcast: Authenticity and Popularity 19:44 Language and Honesty: The Explicit Nature of the Podcast 22:37 Uplifting Messages: The Importance of Kindness 25:55 Science vs. Intuition: Balancing Training Approaches 28:42 Training Insights: The Art of Adaptation 31:44 Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of a Serious Accident 34:39 Life Lessons: Embracing Mortality and Racing 37:43 The Athletic Journey: From Football to Ultra Running 38:46 The Journey to Natural Running 40:13 Genetics and Athletic Performance 43:01 Rapid Rise in Ultra Running 47:35 Mental Resilience and Self-Confidence 51:32 The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running 54:28 Key Factors for Success at Western States 56:58 Reflections on the Evolution of Running 01:01:09 The State of the Sport of Running 01:03:53 Wishes for the Future WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] Spotify [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] Audible [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] Pandora [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] I Heart Radio [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] YouTube [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] and RunLongRunHealthy.com. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/827526465399760834#] Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In this episode, we chat with Alistair Cragg, coach of the highly successful Puma Elite Running team based in the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Cragg was a 3-time Irish Olympian with a lifetime best of 13:03 for 5000 meters. His wife and co-coach, Amy Hastings Cragg, represented the U.S. in the 2016 Olympic Marathon after winning the Olympic Marathon Trials that year.  In February, 2024, Puma runner Fiona O'Keeffe won the Marathon Trials in Orlando in her very first marathon (she qualified with a fast half-marathon time. In early 2025, Puma runners continued to excel on the roads. At the USA Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, both Taylor Roe and Alex Maier took the individual titles. Roe subsequently ran an eye-popping 49:53 in the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile, while Maier won the Dusseldorf Marathon in 2:08:33. Meanwhile O'Keeffe has healed from the injury that sidelined her at the Paris Olympics, and is training hard again. In our conversation with Alistair Cragg, he said that he could see her getting down to 2:15 in the marathon. Podcast segments include: Introduction to Alistair Cragg 01:26 Life as a Co-Coach and Family Man 04:41 Building the Puma Elite Running Team 06:10 Spotlight on Fiona O'Keeffe 12:16 Challenges at the Paris Olympics 19:05 The Future of Puma Athletes 25:31 Fiona's Journey and Team Dynamics 27:38 Success of Male Athletes in Dusseldorf 28:45 Alex Maier's Potential and Training Philosophy 31:27 The Impact of Shoe Technology on Performance 36:07 Balancing Training and Injury Prevention 39:56 Training Philosophy and Building Strength 46:25 The State of Distance Running 49:44 Puma is now claiming to have ⁠the world's fastest running shoe.⁠ [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] Its athletes appear to be equally fast. For more about the Puma Elite runners, check out ⁠PumaEliteRunning.com⁠ [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] and follow the team on ⁠Instagram. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] Spotify [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] Audible [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#]Pandora [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] I Heart Radio [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] YouTube [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] and RunLongRunHealthy.com. [https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4781434704182974775/4868111066545856529#] Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.