Road to the Trials

Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim

Co-hosts Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka interview every 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier along with a wide-ranging group of industry professionals in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

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203 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes203

Newest first

Jun 16, 2021 · 23 min
Ep. 25 - Abe Alvarado is Poised and Ready for the Trials
At the beginning of 2021 Abe Alvarado spoke about the importance of peaking at the right time. He and his Atlanta Track Club coaches were planning so that at the end of June he'd be ready to roll. Kudos to them as that is exactly what has happened. Abe is now on his way to Eugene with fantastic recent results in both the 800m and 1500m. In this episode, Abe talks about how he is feeling going into the Trials, his raceday routine, his mindset at the starting line, and how excited he is race both the 800m and 1500m. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Jun 14, 2021 · 28 min
Ep. 24 - Olivia Baker: Bouncing Back and Preparing for the Trials
The Olympic Track Trials start this week and Olivia Baker is ready! In her final episode before she races the 800m in Eugene, Olivia talks about the last two races she participated in, how she is feeling, and what she is doing to prepare for race day. At the Platinum PT track meet in Massachusetts, Olivia was startled to discover that she simply didn't have her legs with 250 meters to go. She fell off the lead and finished way back from the leaders. With the Trials only four weeks away she leaned heavily on her support network. That group helped remind her that she's Olivia Freaking Baker and that she has put in the work to compete with the best. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Jun 9, 2021 · 43 min
Ep. 23 - Keira D'Amato and a Dream Deferred
Sometimes the road to the Olympic Trials takes a detour and that is exactly what has happened for Keira D'Amato. Keira, one of the favorites in the 10k at the start of 2021, has been battling a hamstring injury for a few months. That injury seemed to be a minor hiccup - until it wasn't. Ultimately, it simply wouldn't allow Keira to do the hard training necessary to compete at the highest level. In this episode Keira opens us about injury, her thought process over the last six weeks, what it feels like to have a dream taken away when it felt so close, her vision for the future, and so much more. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Jun 4, 2021 · 39 min
Ep. 22 - Frank Lara is in the Flow
Frank Lara is fresh off a 10k PR at the Track Meet presented by Sound Running and a scorching 13:26 5k at the Portland Track Festival - the day after pacing the 10k to a 14:00! In short, it's all coming together for Frank and just the right time. In this episode, Frank give us a deep dive into the races. Especially the 5k. He provides wonderful insight into many aspects of racing that we haven't covered with any guest in the past. We also touch on his final preparations for the Trials. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 26, 2021 · 33 min
Ep. 21 - Dana Giordano Returns to Racing
After months of training Dana Giordano is now fully in race mode. Over the last couple of weeks she has competed at the Track Meet - Sound Running, NYC Qualifier - Trials of Miles, and the Adidas Boost Boston Games. Those events meant racing the 5k, 1500m, and the road mile respectively. In this episode, Dana provides an open and honest analysis of each race and puts each on into the larger mosaic of her season and what she learned from those experiences. We also do a quick preview of the Platinum PT Qualifier set for Saturday, May 29. If you want to watch the free livestream hosted by Carrie Tollefson, Mary Cain, and Chris Chavez go to this link: www.tracksmith.com/pages/2021-platinum-pt-qualifier. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 20, 2021 · 28 min
Ep. 20 - Olivia Baker Gets Her OTQ
Olivia Baker is back on the show with some exciting news to discuss. Two week ago she qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 800m with a 2:01:38 at the prestigious Mt. Sac Relays! Her heat was absolutely loaded with talent (Kate Grace, Brenda Martinez, Ellie Baker, Rebecca Mehra, among others) and Olivia ran incredibly well. With that said, and as we discuss in this episode, as excited as she is for her trials qualifying time she is eager and ready for more with three more tune-up races before heading to Eugene. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 18, 2021 · 36 min
Ep. 19 - Tyler Day Forced to Bow Out
Tyler returns to the show to share some unfortunate news. I'll quote him from his recent Instagram post: "It's been a struggle trying to be a professional runner. Being able to only do two races and get sidelined for most of my rookie campaign, I wanted to bounce back in a big way from my injury and actually feel like a professional runner. Sadly, my struggles are continuing and I had to make the tough decision to end my season and ending my journey to this year's Olympic Trials. This was not an easy decision, but knowing I am early in this professional life, I want to get to the bottom of this injury and not prolong it any further. I'm bummed and frustrated that I have to deal with this injury when I was lucky enough to be healthy for my whole running career up to this point. But, this is part of my profession. Everyone has to deal with injuries at some point and so will I. Thank you for all the support." We talk all about the process that led to this decision, what his injury prognosis/diagnosis looks like moving forward, and a variety of other random topics that always come-up when Tyler and I get to talking. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 10, 2021 · 25 min
Ep. 18 - Dana Giordano Reports from Altitude Camp
It was great to get Dana back on the show in the midst of her high altitude training in Park City, Utah. She is there with her BAA teammates Elaina Tabb and Erika Kemp. Dana takes us through what the trip to altitude is like, how it has/hasn't affected her training, and how she is preparing for the 5k. Dana also gives an honest account of what it is like to train and live with two other high level athletes and what it's like from a friendship and competition perspective. Finally, with the Sound Running track meet around the corner, she let's us know what she does to make sure she is ready to compete at the highest level on race day. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 10, 2021 · 27 min
Ep. 17 - Keira D’Amato on Returning to 100%
Keira D'Amato is back and feeling good. After battling a small injury she is back to training at 100%. In this episode, Keira details why she has taken a conservative approach in her return to racing and a potential timetable for an upcoming race schedule. We also discuss a pending milk challenge between Keira’s husband and Ben Bruce. Finally, we take a fun deep dive into the famous D'Amato Family Competitions and potential new challenges. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
May 2, 2021 · 31 min
Ep. 16 - Abe Alvarado: Drake Relays Recap
Abe Alvarado is back with a full recap of his race experience at the Drake Relays. Abe competed in the USATF Road Mile Championship and the 1500m. Abe continues to improve week-after-week and these races, against some stiff competition, were no exception. In the road mile Abe was able to stay back during Jeff Theis's strong push from the gun. Once the field entered the stadium he used a big push over the final 300 meters to finish fourth in 4:00.40, holding off a late charge from Daniel Herrera. In the 1500m Abe ran in the top three (minus the pacer) for almost the entire race and crossed the line just steps behind winner Clayton Murphy finishing third in a time of 3:39.70. You can watch the race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1frRhEf_rU The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Apr 29, 2021 · 24 min
Ep. 15 - Frank Lara: Drake Relays Recap
Frank Lara is back from the Drake Relays where he had a successful weekend that has him excited for more. He dropped a 5k PR of 13:36 at the legendary meet against a quality field. As happy as he was with the PR, Frank makes it clear in this episode that he’s eager to continue working on his closing speed and preparing for one his pre-trials “A” races in two weeks. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a four mile tempo in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Apr 23, 2021 · 33 min
Ep. 14 - Tyler Day
Tyler is back on the pod and shares his insights on a wide variety of topics. We discuss his training (he's getting closer and closer to feeling 100%), which shoes he likes and how they feel on his healing achilles, how his nutrition has/has not changed over the past year as a pro, watching races as an injured runner, his standing on NAZ Elite re: jokester or punching bag, and more. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Apr 22, 2021 · 32 min
Ep. 13 - Frank Lara
Frank Lara is back on the show with a jam-packed episode. First, Frank breaks down the USATF 15k Championship (Gate River Run) where he won last year and ran very well again this year. Then he details what it's been like in Boulder, CO for him, and his team, and his community after the tragic shooting last month. Finally, he gives a preview of his upcoming 5k at the prestigious Drake Relays on Friday night. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Apr 15, 2021 · 30 min
Ep. 12 - Abe Alvarado
Abe Alvarado has raced the 800m three weeks in a row and he is starting to feel it. After a second place finish he has notched two consecutive victories in opposite fashion. In this episode we dissect each race, take deep dive into his training, learn was race day is actually like (hint: there's much more it that than you may think), and talk about pacing his progress so he is ready to peak at the right time of the year. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with a watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Apr 8, 2021 · 31 min
Ep. 11 - Keira D'Amato
Keira returns to the show to discuss a wide variety of topics - from the fun, to the important, and many things in-between. We cover her recent injury that prevented her from racing in the Gate River Run (the USATF 15k Championship), her excitement over her recent focus on intense speedwork, races against a local high schooler, the Great American 5000 featuring Team Slugs vs Team Studs, plus much more. You can learn more about the the Great American 5000 at www.sportsbackers.org/events/great-american-5000. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Mar 31, 2021 · 54 min
Ep. 10 - Texas Relays: Abe Alavarado & Olivia Baker
The Texas Relays is an historic event that has traditionally brought some of the best high school, university, and professional talent together in one meet. Last weekend Abe Alvarado and Olivia Baker both competed in the 800m and both finished in second after barely getting out-kicked coming down the homestretch. Their times, 1:48 and 2:03 respectively, were solid efforts (all-thing considered, as you'll hear in the episode) and portend a bright spring campaign. In this episode you'll hear how each of their races played out, what their focus was in training heading into the weekend, what their focus will be in April, and much more. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Mar 25, 2021 · 30 min
Ep. 9 - Dana Giordano
Dana is back on the show with some good news to share. In our first conversation she detailed the foot injury that derailed her at the beginning of 2021. She has been steadily working her way back and things are progressing well. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what that rehab has looked like, the various benefits of having training partners, and how her plans changed a little bit regarding race selection for the spring. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Mar 17, 2021 · 34 min
Ep. 8 - Tyler Day
Tyler Day is back on the show to talk about the rehabilitation of his right Achilles tendon. In this episode he takes us through the steps he and his support team have taken over the past three months to get him physically and mentally prepared to return to training. This week he had his first true workout in months and, as you will hear, he is stoked at the prospect of returning to action. You can follow Tyler's daily training log here: https://site.finalsurge.com/NAZEliteLog/TylerDay The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Mar 11, 2021 · 41 min
Ep. 7 - Abe Alvarado
In our last intro episode of season two we feature the speedy and inciteful Abe Alvarado. Abe's start in running was later than most of his peers but he progressed quickly from there. Recruited by Diljeet Taylor, a coaching legend who currently works at BYU, Abe found his stride under her tutelage and elevated himself into a three time All-American. Abe's accomplishments also include 2020 USATF Indoor Championships 800m bronze medalist and 2019 USATF Indoor Championships 800m silver medalist. His PR's are as follows: 800m: 1:46.53 1000m: 2:18.01 1500m: 3:36.82 You can follow Abe at https://atlantatrackclubelite.org/Athlete/AthletePage?name=AbeAlvarado. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).
Mar 9, 2021 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 6 - Olivia Baker
Olivia Baker is one of the best 400 and 800 meter runners in the country and will be battling tooth and nail for a spot on the 2021 Olympic Team. It was an honor to have her on the show to discuss her training pre-COVID and how it has looked over the past few months, balancing elite track with her desire to be a neurosurgeon, pushing through performance limits, and her upcoming spring schedule. You can follow Olivia at www.instagram.com/obaker64. The Road to the Trials Podcast is presented by COROS Wearables – makers of Performance GPS Watches that help athletes train to be their best. Athletes like World Record Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge and Multi-time US Champion Emma Coburn trust COROS watches to track their training from Long Runs to Track Workouts. With their innovative Track Mode, you can measure your next track workout to near perfection, whether you’ve got 400 meter repeats in Lane 1 or a 4 mile temp in lane 5, you can trust COROS to provide the stats you crave. Show your support for the brands that support this podcast, and pick up the PACE 2 – the lightest GPS watch on the market. Enter code “Trials” at checkout on COROS.com for a free accessory with watch purchase (simply add the accessory of your choice to your cart).