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

Feb 3, 2020 · 36 min
Ep. 41 - John Raneri
What a year and a half it’s been for John Raneri. A PR in every distance from the mile to the marathon that he recently topped-off with one of the best half marathons in U.S. history. John arrived at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon with a plan to compete and break 62 minutes - and he did just that. The results of the race were incredible. 29 men overall, and 14 American men, dipped under 62 minutes. John clocked a 1:01:51 to finish as the 11th American. Not only that, his performance as good for 34th all-time. John also makes a big, and surprise, announcement about his spring plans.
Jan 28, 2020 · 43 min
Ep. 40 - Neely Spence Gracey
Neely Spence Gracey is back! Neely ran 2:44:03 at the Houston Marathon to qualify for her third Olympic Trials. This was her first race since she gave birth to her son Athens over a year ago. It’s been a long way back for Neely, who was one of the best runners in the U.S. from 2015-17. In this episode, Neely displays her typical candor in discussing the injuries and hurdles she overcame to get to Houston, how her mentality changed after breaking her leg last summer, and how she approached Houston with an atypical build-up.
Jan 22, 2020 · 42 min
Ep. 39 - Jared Ward
On Saturday morning at the Houston Marathon expo I was an fortunate to record a live show with Jared Ward. He was his typical energetic and expansive self, making this conversation an immediate hit with everyone in attendance. Our topic was “Preparing for a Goal Race” and Jared discussed the physical, mental, and emotional sides of his prep. He was generous with his wide-ranging examples, and deep insight, that runners of all abilities can learn from.
Jan 14, 2020 · 37 min
Ep. 38 - Jennifer Hughes
Jennifer Hughes is on a mission. A mission to OTQ. At the 2019 Houston Marathon her journey began as she ran a disappointing 2:51. Her quest them took her to the Chicago Marathon then the California International Marathon, where she ran a heart-breaking 2:45:28. Just 28 seconds off her goal! This 41 year old mother of four has one final chance, and it’s back where it all started, at the Houston Marathon this Sunday. Learn all about this amazing woman and her never-say-die spirit.
Jan 7, 2020 · 52 min
Ep. 37 - Katrina Spratford
What a year 2019 was for Katrina Spratford. Katrina, who had specialized in cross-country after college, battled injuries throughout, and preceding, the build-up to her marathon debut at the California International Marathon. She fought through them all to make it to the starting line only to face a new set of challenges. Ultimately, she reached her goal of an OTQ with a hard-fought 2:44:16.
Dec 30, 2019 · 49 min
Ep. 36 - Ann Mazur a.k.a RunnersLoveYoga
Ann Mazur just capped a decade of non-traditional training by qualifying for the Olympic Trials at the California International Marathon with a time of 2:44:45. Ann had a successful college running career at Notre Dame where she teamed up with Molly Huddle. That is also when she started to dabble in yoga. Ann started to become a devoted yoga practitioner while in grad school at the University of Virginia and her athletic and professional life was changed forever. She has adopted a “run less, yoga more” approach and she has never been faster. You can learn more about that approach by watching her Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/YZ7tx1YB35o.
Dec 23, 2019 · 47 min
Ep. 35 - Meriah Earle
From collegiate runner, to non-runner, to the podium at the California International Marathon as a masters runner. Meriah Earle ran a 2:34:35 am to finish third at CIM and she is just getting started. She went into the race hoping to get an OTQ. It turns out, she was ready for much, much more. Meriah‘s resurgence isn’t nearly amazing in her own right, but shows what so many people are capable of doing even if they haven’t followed a linear path to their goals.
Dec 16, 2019 · 46 min
Ep. 34 - C.J. Albertson
Last weekend C.J. Albertson finished in a close second place at the California International Marathon with a personal best 2:13:40 - a mere four seconds behind Elisha Barno. C.J. has had a remarkable year including setting the world record in the indoor marathon and a mammoth training sessions (including a 30 mile training run three weeks before CIM where he averaged 5:15 per mile) all at a relatively young age for a marathoner. In a very short period of time, Albertson has elevated himself to the near top of the U.S. marathon field and has done so in an untraditional manner.
Dec 13, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 33 - Peter Bromka
I’ve recorded nearly 300 podcasts in my life and this episode with Peter Bromka was the most emotional and insightful one that I’ve ever done. Peter just ran 2:19:02 at the California International Marathon to nearly miss the Olympic Trials qualifying standard. That heartbreaking fact does not come close to telling the whole story. Peter is not only an excellent runner but also a fantastic writer who has put out wonderful pieces on the sport. Over the last couple years he has accrued a following of people who appreciate his work and see themselves in his attempt to achieve an Olympic Trials qualifying effort. In this episode, Peter shares his journey, his feelings before, during, and after the race, and how he views the process of dedicating yourself to a goal while managing a business and family life. You can learn more about Peter and read his work at https://www.peterbromka.com.
Dec 12, 2019 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 32 - Laura Thweatt
Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Amazingly, Laura Thweatt has two of them. After four years at Colorado University that didn’t progress the way she hoped, Laura seriously considered stopping her running career. Luckily she did not. She quickly rose to the top of the sport with wonderful performances in cross country and on the roads. After a fabulous marathon debut and second performance, Laura was beset by injuries. After two years she finally regained her health and toed the line at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. In that race she regained her status as one of the elite marathoners in the country and a key figure heading into the Olympic Trials.
Dec 9, 2019 · 33 min
Ep. 31 - Jared Ward
Jared Ward once again proved himself worthy on the highest stage. At the TCS NYC Marathon, Jared Ward clocked a 2:10:45 on his way to a sixth place finish. This fantastic time on a challenging course showed, once again, showed that Jared will be a favorite to finish in the top three at the Olympic Trials in February. In this episode Jared details his training, how he executed on race day, plans for winter training, and his BYU Cougars winning the NCAA men’s cross country championship.
Dec 2, 2019 · 30 min
Ep. 30 - Kellyn Taylor
It was great to catch-up with Kellyn Taylor after her recent performance at the TCS NYC Marathon. Kellyn finished finished just behind fellow U.S. elite marathoner Desiree Linden for seventh place , crossing the line in 2:26:52. This was the fifth fastest time by an American in NYC Marathon history. In this episode, we talk about her great race, how it didn’t quite match her pre-race expectations, and her epic training block leading into the race.
Nov 25, 2019 · 48 min
Ep. 29 - Dr. Stefanie Flippin: OTQ Attempt
At the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Dr. Stefanie Flippin was ready to put it down and earn her Olympic Trials Qualifying time. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and she was unable to reach this amazing goal. Stefanie was so effected by the cold weather and brutal winds that she could barely remember what transpired over the final six miles. Despite the conditions, she achieved a huge PR and an even better perspective on her effort and how far she’s come. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.
Nov 19, 2019 · 45 min
Ep. 28 - Lou Serafini
What’s better than seeing someone reach a goal they have spent years trying to accomplish? That’s exactly what Lou Serafini did at the TCS NYC Marathon. In his seventh marathon he battled cramps and a grueling 23rd mile to a stellar 2:16 finish. In this episode, Lou details his mental, physical, and emotional push to the finish. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.
Nov 14, 2019 · 1 hr
Ep. 27 - Carrie Tollefson: NYC/CHI Recaps and Way-to-Early Trials Talk
In this episode we welcome former professional runner, and a member of the New York City and Chicago Marathon broadcast teams, Carrie Tollefson. She breaks down both major marathons and provides her early insight into some of the top contenders for the Olympic Trials. It’s always a blast speaking with Carrie whose expertise for the sport is matched only by her great relationships with so many of the competitors. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.
Nov 11, 2019 · 38 min
Ep. 26 - John Raneri
It’s been a long road for John Raneri to realize his potential in the marathon. At the TCS NYC Marathon John did just that. 2:14:13, 15th Place overall, and 5th American. This huge performance was matched only by his excitement to finally get the marathon monkey off of his back. In this episode, we take a look at how his training evolved this year, busting through mid-race negative thoughts, and how he worked with other runners to make this his best race. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.
Nov 8, 2019 · 29 min
Ep. 25 - Roberta Groner
She did it! With her stellar performance at the TCS NYC Marathon last Sunday, Roberta successfully completed the marathon double that many thought was too much, too soon. Five weeks before NYC she ran the marathon at the World Championships in Doha. After a quick recovery period she stepped to the line in New York and dropped a 2:30:12 to finish as the fourth American in the stacked field. In this episode she details how she recovered so quickly from her midnight marathon in the desert and what motivated her when things got tough in NYC. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.
Nov 6, 2019 · 35 min
Ep. 24 - Race Preview with Dr. Stefanie Flippin and Heather McKirdy
This coming weekend is the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Dr. Stefanie Flippin Is ready to roll. She is on a mission to earn her Olympic Trials qualifying time of sub-2:45 In this episode she talks about how she is feeling in all areas heading into the race. We also hear from her coach, Heather McKirdy, who analyzes how far Stefanie has come over the past year and her expectations for Monumental.
Oct 30, 2019 · 50 min
Ep. 23 - NYC Marathon Preview
TCS New York City Marathon week is upon us and it is sure to be an amazing race. In this episode we hear from Kellyn Taylor, Roberta Groner, Jared Ward, John Raneri, and Lou Serafini. Each of them discuss their current fitness level, injury status, mental and emotional frame of mind, mantras and motivations, and goals for the race.
Oct 28, 2019 · 49 min
Ep. 22 - Sarah Horbol
Five years ago Sarah Horbol was running 25 miles a week in preparation for her first marathon. Today she has won several marathons and half-marathons. In this episode we talk about this amazing progression and how she is preparing for the Olympic Trials. This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker. 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.