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.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

203 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes203

Newest first

Mar 3, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 5 - Keira D'Amato & Frank Lara: Texas Qualifier Recap
Last weekend the Trials of Miles Racing put on the extraordinary Texas Qualifier meet in Austin, TX and it was a huge success. Citius Mag showcased the event through their YouTube channel and covered a truly elite collection of U.S. track talent. Both Keira D'Amato and Frank Lara participated, in the 10k and 5k respectively, and fared very well. The conditions in Austin were tough, the humidity had a huge effect - especially in the 10k, but Keira and Frank were up to the challenge. In this episode, they both detail there training leading into the Texas Qualifier and give a full breakdown of their races. Photo credit for the episode graphic goes to Brenden Clarke - https://brendenclarke.com. 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).
Feb 25, 2021 · 38 min
Ep. 4 - Tyler Day
Tyler Day is a professional runner for HOKA Northern Arizona (NAZ) Elite. Day was planning on focusing on this year’s U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in the 10k. As a Northern Arizona University sophomore, Day finished ninth at the 2017 USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships at 10,000 meters. In 2018, he was ninth again–this time at 3,000 meters at the USATF Indoor Championships. A year later Day earned a spot on the U.S. team that competed in Lima, Peru at the Pan American Games where he was tenth over 5,000 meters. Last winter Day had a breakout season that included a personal best at 3,000 meters (7:45.70) as well as his American collegiate record at 5,000 meters (13:16.95)–the latter of which saw him go toe-to-toe with Olympic Silver Medalist Paul Tanui, losing by just one second. Right now Tyler is battling an injury while trying to recover quickly with plenty of time to earn his OTQ standard then makes waves at the Trials. A process that so many runners can relate to. 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).
Feb 24, 2021 · 43 min
Ep. 3 - Frank Lara
Frank Lara is a professional runner for the Roots Running Project based in Boulder, Colorado. He also works part-time for Strava as a community management representative. The past two years have proven to be big for Frank. In 2020, he won the U.S. 15K champion then set a massive personal best of 27:44 in the 10,000m in 2021. In December Frank participated as a pacer at The Marathon Project, running the first 20 miles at sub-2:09 pace. In this episode we talk about his progression to becoming one of America's elite distance runners, coordinating his running with other elite pro's, and what his current training looks like heading into the Trials of Miles meet in Austin, TX. 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).
Feb 23, 2021 · 45 min
Ep. 2 - Dana Giordano
Dana Giordano is a professional runner for the B.A.A. and Adidas. She's a 4:08 1500m and 15:18 5K runner who ran track and cross-country at Dartmouth College and hopes to compete at the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials. In April, Dana added another line to her impressive resume: host of the More Than Running podcast. Five years ago Dana finished one spot away from the qualifying from the 2016 Olympic Trials and she is eager to make it happen this year. As we discuss in this episode, Dana is excited to see which event, the 1500m or 5k, turns out be her main race heading into the summer. We also take a deep dive into her recent foot injury that caused her to cruise through New Balance Grand Prix last week. 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).
Feb 18, 2021 · 38 min
Ep. 1 - Keira D'Amato
In 2020, Keira D’Amato had arguably the best year of any American distance runner. She set PR’s at nearly every distance including an American record in the 10 mile. She then transitioned from the country’s best amateur runner/real estate broker to a Nike pro runner. An amazing transformation for any runner in their mid-30’s and an inspiration to runners all over. Keira is now considered among a core group of talented favorites in the 10k for the Olympic Trials. Learn all about her remarkable transformation and much, much more.
Feb 17, 2021 · 56 min
Season Two Primer with Lindsey Hein and Mario Fraioli
The Road to the Trials have returned for season two and we are fired up! We will be bringing you a behind the scenes look at the training and racing of some of America's best track athletes as they prepare for the Olympic Track Trials in June. Specifically, we will be following Keira D'Amato, Dana Giordano, Olivia Baker, Frank Lara, Tyler Day, and Abe Alvarado. In this episode we are joined by Lindsey Hein and Mario Fraioli, hosts of the highly rated I'll Have Another and Morning Shakeout podcasts, and we set the stage for the lead-up to the trials. We discuss the year long gap between now and the Olympic Marathon Trials, whether we thought the Olympics would even happen, our favorite Olympic track & field memories, the events and athletes we are most excited to follow this spring, and we discuss where the six athletes we will be following this season compare to their peers in the lead-up to what will be an extremely entertaining track season.
Mar 19, 2020 · 27 min
Ep. 55 - Diljeet Taylor: BYU Women’s XC and Distance Coach
Diljeet Taylor is the women’s cross country and distance coach at BYU and one of the best coaches in the country, at any level. Last fall her Cougars finished second in the NCAA Championships after improving year after year since she took over. How did that same team do during the Indoor Championships? Cancelled. How about the Track Championships? Cancelled. In this episode Diljeet dives into how COVID-19 has affected her athletes, her team, their training, her coaching, and her potential recruits. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava Newsletter Patreon
Mar 17, 2020 · 45 min
Ep. 54 - Jared Ward: Olympic Trials Wrap-Up
In the lead-up to the Olympic Marathon Trials, Jared Ward was considered to be the safest bet to make the Olympic team on the men's side. While no means a guarantee, he was perceived to be in a very good position to represent the U.S.A in Japan. His years of success, and consistency were at the heart of this belief. Yet, when race-day came, Jared did not have the race he envisioned earning a 27th place finish. In this episode, Jared displays extraordinary candor and introspection in detailing exactly what happened in Atlanta physically, mentally, and emotionally as well as what the future holds. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Rambling Runner Run Club on Strava Newsletter Patreon
Mar 12, 2020 · 32 min
Ep. 53 - Lou Serafini: Olympic Trials Wrap-Up
In our Olympic Trials wrap-up with Lou Serafini we hear from an amazingly self-aware runner who has started to channel his inner drive and goals. Lou did not run the time that he anticipated but he still achieved his over-arching goal. In addition, Lou talks about all of the work that he and colleagues at Tracksmith have done over the past year to help OTQ runners make their dreams come true. What Lou has done for the running community exceeds even his most amazing athletic accomplishments. Follow the Rambling Runner: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter Patreon
Mar 9, 2020 · 37 min
UPDATED Ep. 52 - Roberta Groner: Olympic Trials Wrap-Up
What an amazing year 2019 turned out to be for Roberta Groner. The World Championships then six weeks later NYC Marathon was a marathon double of epic proportions. Unfortunately, the Olympic Trials did not go her way. Roberta did not finish the race and was forced to leave the course around mile 17. In this episode, Roberta shares the details about that experience, the amazing successes she has experienced, and the wonderful advice she has for other runners who are hoping to achieve their wildest dreams. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter Patreon
Mar 5, 2020 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 51 - Sarah Bishop: Olympic Trials Wrap-Up
In the most emotional episode we have published, Sarah Bishop details the overwhelming response she had to bringing her children to the Olympic Trials to watch her compete. Sarah is one of the most competitive, no-nonsense, people we have had on this show, which makes this interview all the more special. In the past year she has rebuilt her body from a severe injury, adopted a new sport (triathlon), turned pro in that sport, competed at the World Championships, won a marathon with a shiny new PR three weeks before the Olympic Trials, then finished top-5 in a 70.3 in New Zealand a week later. Good luck finding a more inspiring athlete than Sarah Bishop. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter Patreon
Mar 3, 2020 · 32 min
Ep. 50 - Kellyn Taylor: Olympic Trials Wrap-Up
In our first Olympic Marathon Trials recap we catch-up with Kellyn Taylor after she finished 8th in a time of 2:29:55. We talk about the complexity of falling short of her goal while being elated for her teammates, the shin/calf issue affected her training and race, her thoughts on going into a big race with a “Plan B,” and what the short term future holds. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter Patreon
Mar 1, 2020 · 52 min
Ep. 49 - Olympic Trials Recap with Jason Fitzgerald
What an amazing event the Olympic Marathon Trials turned out to be. The men’s and women’s races were absolutely spectacular. In this episode I am joined by Jason Fitzgerald, from the Strength Runner Podcast, immediately after the finish and we take a deep dive into both races, the course, and all things Olympic Trials. Sponsor: In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter Patreon
Feb 26, 2020 · 32 min
Ep. 48 - Kellyn Taylor
In our final episode before the Olympic Marathon Trials we reconnect with Kellyn Taylor. Kellyn details her recovery post-NYC Marathon, the challenges of starting a new marathon cycle, how her coach Ben Rosario changed this up time around, and her outlook for the Trials. Kellyn also details her family's experience with foster care and how that impacted her life over the last few months. Sponsors: VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race. Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter
Feb 24, 2020 · 53 min
Ep. 47 - Parker Stinson & Men’s Trials Preview
In this two-part episode with Parker Stinson he details the specifics around his decision not to run in the Olympic Trials and we do a preview of the event. The first part of the conversation is dedicated to his health This decision for Parker was excruciating and I thank him for his candor in telling the story. In the second half of the conversation, in classic Parker fashion, he provides insight into the race and racers heading into what could be a classic American Marathon. Sponsors: VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race. Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Newsletter
Feb 21, 2020 · 46 min
Ep. 46 - Women’s Marathon Preview with Erin Strout and Alison Wade
We are now one week away from the Olympic Trials. It’s time to start analyzing the field and make predictions about what could happen on race day. In this Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials preview I am joined by two of the most knowledgeable peoplep in the industry - Erin Strout, senior writer at Women‘s Running, and Alison Wade, creator of the Fast Women newsletter. In this episode we discuss the following questions: Compare your excitement level for the trials to another sporting event (or life event?) Favorite part(s) of the build-up to the race? Favorite athlete(s) to follow and why? Favorite story line coming into the race? Factors that could influence the outcome of the race that aren't related to the fitness level of the athletes? List of people you'd include in a group of runners that wouldn't surprise if they qualified? Characteristics that you considered when trying to come up with your top 3? Top 3 prediction? Winning time prediction? Why exactly you chose them? Hardest people to leave out? Athlete most likely to set the pace (either fast or slow)? How do you think the race will pay out strategically? Favorite darkhorse candidate? Sponsors: In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com. VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race. Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Patreon
Feb 17, 2020 · 34 min
Ep. 45 - Lou Serafini
Lou Serafini is officially ready to roll. After the TCS NYC Marathon he took a short break in November before embarking on a series of shorter races through the winter. It wasn't a typical build-up but Lou states clearly in this episode that he fully believes that he is ready to have the race of his life. In fact, he even called his shot. While we were recording he said he is ready to set a 5k PR, and he did just that with a 13:48 the night before we published this episode. Lou also give his thoughts on the trials, his current fitness, and his plans for the weekend. Sponsors: In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com. VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Patreon
Feb 13, 2020 · 42 min
Ep. 44 - Sarah Bishop
Our pre-Olympic Trials prep continues with Sarah Bishop. This episode is the full Sarah Bishop experience. We talk about her training after the China IRONMAN 70.3, how she increased her running after the triathlon season, her decision to run the Mesa Marathon (which she won with a 2:39 PR) last weekend before heading to New Zealand for another triathlon before she goes to Atlanta the week after. Her full and energetic life is on full dIsplay is this wide-ranging conservation. In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com.   Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information. VDOT O2 is a coaching platform for runners of all levels. Coaches are using VDOT O2 to more effectively individualize their athlete's training pinpointing the paces you need to train at to improve effectively. All coaches can take advantage of a 30-day free trial at www.vdoto2.com, Athletes not working with a coach can use the code RAMBLING to get 15% off a custom training plan for your next goal race.
Feb 11, 2020 · 37 min
Ep. 43 - Roberta Groner
With the Olympic Marathon Trials approaching quickly, we will reconnect with all of our entrants that we have followed since June. First up is Roberta Groner. We talk about her rest period in November, her struggle to find the fire to train hard in December, and how everything is coming together in January and February. She also discusses the Atlanta course in detail and provides us with a clear picture of her fitness and race plan. In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com. Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information.
Feb 6, 2020 · 48 min
Ep. 42 - Kate Landau
Kate Landau comes to the show with one of the best marathon resumes in America. She finished top-15 at both Boston and the NYC marathons in 2019 and has improved year-after-year. She is also a masters runner and a single mother! In this episode, Kate talks about her plans for the Trials, why she will also be racing Boston this year, how battling disored eating for 20 years (including 10 when she left running altogether) affected her, and how she views the current movement in the sport to bring these issues to light. In an era where there are more diet plans than people getting personalized nutrition can make all the difference. InsideTracker analyzes 43 different biomarkers so you can optimize your health and performance. Use code RAMBLINGRUNNER to save 15% at www.insidetracker.com. Founded in 2014, COROS was born from the desire to make products that are more accurate, reliable, durable and easier to use than what was previously on the market. COROS features the longest battery life on the market, with 25 hours in full GPS mode on the entry level PACE and an astonishing 60 hours on its top level VERTIX. Visit www.coros.com for more information.