Emma Bates

We imagined doing PG-13 things to a very tasty gel before this great episode! The main training topic was a discussion of steady running. Lots of theory talks about “hard days hard and easy days easy.” But we think there’s a place for an addition: “medium days medium.” We discuss the rationale and timing of how to work steady running into a typical week.

We also had a big discussion of pregnancy and sponsorships, after Emma Bates announced that she was no longer running for UCAN. We had a few days to calm down, so the angry rants are strong but less intense than they would have been last week. 

And this one was full of fun topics! Other topics: ankle yeeting, colon health in runners (and David’s screening experience), our favorite gels, a data snack connecting sauna use to lower resting heart rate, a study on sodium bicarbonate’s effect on 5k performance, a big study on post-exercise ketones improving adaptation, a shocking TUE dashboard, hard candy to simulate the mouth rinse studies, depletion runs, hemoglobin levels, and lots more.

Come for the science. Stay for David realizing that his takes are aggressively wrong. We love you all! HUZZAH!

-David and Megan

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Come to our LIVE SHOW in Boston! Join Alex, Katelyn and Michael and some very special guests, + giveaways and prizes!📅 Saturday, April 18, at 6:45 p.m📍 Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury Street 🎟️ It’s free to attend, but make sure to RSVP now, as space is limited: https://forms.gle/sFk28hfMYznrsNxMABoston Article:https://marathonhandbook.com/could-boston-marathons-qualifier-problem-be-solved-by-going-two-days/

Michael and Jessy are back with the top five running stories of the week — and there's a lot to unpack. Before they dive in, a quick celebration: Jessie ran her debut half marathon over the weekend, clocking a 1:34 after just six weeks of run training. Not bad for a professional cyclist.

Story 1: London Marathon Eyes 100,000-Runner, Two-Day EventThe Guardian has reported that the London Marathon could expand to a two-day, 100,000-runner event as early as 2027. The proposal would see the men's and women's elite races split across Saturday and Sunday, each with 50,000 mass participants. With 1.1 million ballot applicants this year and London's status as the world's largest single-day charity fundraiser, the upside is enormous — but the logistical hurdles are just as big. London Marathon Events has not confirmed or denied the report.

Story 2: Emma Bates Claims She Was Dropped by Sponsor for Being PregnantIn an Instagram video, American elite marathoner Emma Bates revealed that her nutrition sponsor UCAN ended their partnership after she told them she was pregnant. UCAN pushed back, saying the decision was made in September 2025 — before they knew about the pregnancy — as part of a broader strategic shift away from elite athlete sponsorships. With no clear evidence either way, it's a he said/she said story that has stirred significant debate in the running community.

Story 3: US Half Marathon Championship Controversy Gets More ComplicatedFollowing the Atlanta debacle where lead runners Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Edna Ker were sent off course during the US Half Marathon Championships, World Athletics has approved a one-time expanded entry of seven athletes (up from four) for the World Half Marathon Championships this fall. The catch: there will be an A team (four scoring runners) and a B team (three non-scoring runners wearing different kits). The big unresolved question — who earns the A team spots? Michael and Jessie weigh in.

🎙️ Listen out this weekend for Alex Cyr's exclusive one-on-one interview with Jess McClain — her first time speaking publicly about the Atlanta controversy.

Story 4: Modesto Marathon Winner Disqualified After Lead Bike ErrorBenjamin Enowitz crossed the finish line first at the Modesto Marathon in California — and was immediately handed a DNF. He'd been led short of the halfway turnaround point by the lead vehicle and didn't complete the full distance. It's not the first time the Modesto race has had a lead vehicle incident, and it's part of a wider pattern the team has noticed: course errors caused by lead vehicles are becoming a weekly story in 2026.

Story 5: Chaos at China's Shang Do World Heritage MarathonThree separate incidents at the same race in China generated headlines worldwide. First, a runner with the surname Wang stopped mid-race to do the splits and pose for photographers — earning a two-year race ban. Then, a runner named Zang was photographed carrying a clear drawstring bag stuffed with hundreds of free race gels — also disqualified and banned for two years. Finally, a third runner received a lifetime ban from the Chengdu race after a bib-swapping incident.

Breaking News (just before recording): Former New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir has reportedly tested positive for EPO or an EPO-derived substance. Full coverage next week.

“If I just focus on competing, it’s turned out to be really fun and turned out to work in my favor each time. That’s been the mindset: Let's just race, focus on competing, and not really worry about the clock. That’s a lot of how I approached Boston.”

After finishing one spot off of the Team USA squads in the marathon and the 10,000m for the Olympics and the half marathon for the World Road Running Championships, Jess McLain has made it a habit of being so close, yet just off of these national teams.

But on Patriots Day in Boston, she kicked it open, running a smart, gutsy race that saw her surge through the Newton Hills strategically with Emma Bates and Sara Hall chasing a lead pack and then closing in 5:15 seconds for the final mile. Jess cemented her place as one of the top contenders in American distance running.

In today's conversation, we get into what changed with this particular marathon build, from training under coach David Roche to how she's getting used to these major marathon scenes. We talk a lot about the importance of carbs and how that's also been a game changer for her as well as why her drive to compete instead of focusing on times works so well.

With big goals on the horizon and the 2028 Olympic cycle now underway, Jess McClain might just be getting started and really coming into her own as a marathoner.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Jess McClain | @jesstonn on Instagram

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OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

Jason and Kevin discuss the favorites and dark horses for the 2025 Boston Marathon, including Evans Chebet, Sisay Lemma, Conner Mantz, Hellen Obiri and Emma Bates. Then the guys chat about the return of Athing Mu, Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles podcasting about each other and the newest iteration of super shoes. 

The 2025 Boston Marathon promises an exciting blend of redemption stories, debut intrigue, and head-to-head rivalries across both elite fields. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma returns after last year’s audacious front-running victory, facing off against 2024 Chicago champ John Korir, two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet, rising Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, and U.S. hopeful Conner Mantz. Other contenders include Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and Americans Clayton Young and CJ Albertson, each hoping to outlast the pack or capitalize on race-day chaos.

In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri is chasing a rare three-peat in Boston, entering as the clear favorite despite a strong field. She’ll be challenged by past podium finishers Amane Beriso and Sharon Lokedi, 2:16 marathoner Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and rising marathon star Irene Cheptai. The American field is led by Keira D’Amato in her Boston debut, Emma Bates returning to form, and Dakota Popehn riding Olympic momentum. Young talents like Gabi Rooker, Jessica McClain, and Jackie Gaughan round out a promising domestic squad, with veterans Des Linden and Sara Vaughn adding experience to the mix.

Cooler temperatures, slight winds, and the Newton Hills promise another unpredictable Patriot’s Day. Tactics, toughness, and timing will determine who claims the tape on Boylston.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. ⁠Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.⁠

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy!

"I hope that through my work, people saw my life."

With a legendary 14-year career on the track and on the roads, professional 1500m runner and miler Jenny Simpson decided earlier this year that she was ready to retire. After spending 2024 diving into the world of marathoning, Jenny announced that she would run the TCS New York City Marathon as her final professional race. 

Then, after crossing the finish line in 2:31:54 and settling onto the couch with a bowl of ice cream (Blue Bell mint chocolate chip), Jenny got an invitation — and an immediate jolt off that couch. Instead of heading into retirement, Jenny embarked on The Great World Race, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. 

 Up next: Jenny and Jason (and their two dogs) are packing up the Winnebago and spending the next year on a 50-state Run USA tour. In this supersized, two-hour episode, Jenny talks about all of it, and shares her reflections on her legacy in the sports.

FOLLOW JENNY & JASON'S RUN USA TOUR @JENNYANDJASONRUNUSA AND ON YOUTUBE.

SPONSORS: 

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

In this episode:

• How Jenny is feeling after a 10-marathon year (2:20)
• Jenny’s decision to race the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and to make it her last professional race (8:30)
• What Jenny hopes her legacy will be (14:55)
• Jenny recaps her New York City Marathon (23:10)
• On getting the invitation to run The Great World Race, just days after finishing the New York City Marathon (53:30)
• “It’s as hard as you think it is” (1:02:10)
• Jenny recaps each day of The Great World Race (1:05:50)
• What’s next for Jenny Simpson? (1:46:45)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I’m living the dream, being who I am, truly and authentically. I can’t complain at all. It’s not even work."

Tiara Williams is a self-proclaimed "little track nerd." The creator, journalist, broadcaster, and in-stadium announcer is the host of "Real Talk with Tee," and she's become a fan and athlete favorite for her genuine and insightful post-race interviews (that often involve dancing and laughing). Whether she's behind the mic, behind the camera, on the mic, or on camera, Tee brings a lightness to her reporting that puts athletes at ease. In this conversation, the former heptathlete talks about her passion for the sport and its athletes, and about how she has built "Real Talk" to what it is today, including stints at multiple World Championships, the 2024 Paris Olympics, international Diamond League meets, Athlos, and more. Plus, what it's like being one of the only Black women in the mixed zone, and where Tee hopes to go from here.

FOLLOW TEE @_realtalkwithtee

SPONSORS: 

• Volvo Cars: Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!)
• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

In this episode:

• What Tee was up to at The Running Event, and how she describes her job and role in the running industry (2:10)
• On staying authentic while building a career and brand (4:00)
• All about Tee’s childhood, what she was like growing up, and how she got into running and sports (4:45)
• How Tee got started in sports journalism (11:20)
• The evolution of Real Talk with Tee (18:50)
• What it was like interviewing Shericka Jackson at the Paris Olympics, and what it was like seeing that interview in Sprint Season 2 (27:10)
• How Tee has found her way in the mixed zone (29:30)
• On being intimidated by certain athletes (47:10)
• What’s next for Tee? (51:20)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Now that I’m free of that relationship, who am I now? I needed to know this new version of myself. So I started doing things I’ve always been like, 'Huh, maybe I want to try this, maybe I want to do that.' I was like, 'Why don’t I just give running a go?' I'd always see people in Prospect Park doing the loop, and I was always like, 'I want to be one of those people who’s doing that!'"

Phoebe Robinson knows fun. She's a stand-up comedian, writer, producer, actress, and host and star of Two Dope Queens (the podcast and the show). She's the author of the best-selling You Can't Touch My Hair and Everything's Trash. And she moderated Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour in five different cities. So what's fun for Phoebe right now? Running, of course! In this episode, Phoebe talks about how and why she became a runner just one year ago. Phoebe ran her first marathon, the Boston Marathon, earlier this year, and is currently training for the New York City Marathon. Plus: Phoebe's takes on turning 40, her friendship with Bono, and Sex and the City. 

FOLLOW PHOEBE @dopequeenpheebs

SPONSORS:

• The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN.
• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.

In this episode:

• How it feels to be a marathoner (2:30)
• How it feels to have just turned 40 (4:00)
• What Phoebe is watching right now (16:00)
• What Phoebe used to want to be when she grew up (19:55)
• What hasn’t Phoebe done? (23:45)
• What it was like moderating Michelle Obama’s Becoming book tour (28:15)
• Phoebe talks running! (32:55)
• Phoebe looks back on her first half marathon (45:45)
• How becoming a marathoner has changed Phoebe’s life (51:05)]
• How running has worked its way into Phoebe’s work (57:15)
• Phoebe’s goals for the 2024 New York City Marathon (59:30)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

One year after the late Kelvin Kiptum obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record by 34 seconds, running an almost unfathomable 2:00:35, Ruth Chepngetich topped that. Her astounding time of 2:09:56 is one of the greatest running performances in history, makes her the first woman to run under 2:10 in a marathon, and lopped one minute and 57 seconds off Tigist Assefa’s old world record.

On the men’s side, Kenya’s John Korir notched his first-ever World Marathon Majors victory in 2:02:44. (What a time for the sport of marathoning we’re in right now, where a 2:02 showing is basically a footnote!)

Hosts:

Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

Time Stamps:

Ruth Chepngetich:

1:31 - Breaking down her 2:09:56 world record

9:40 - More on her running history + Chicago victory 

13:52 - Stats + analysis on her record

Skepticism surrounding Chepngetich’s world record:

19:01 - Training factors

22:27 - Potential for doping

25:48 - Chepngetich being questioned in the press conference

37:19 - Language barrier

39:35 - The press center during the marathon

American women:

41:21 - Susanna Sullivan, 7th/1st American, 2:21:57

42:57 - Lindsay Flanagan, 9th/2nd American, 2:23:31

44:33 - Keira D’Amato dropping out due to injury 

45:13 - Emma Bates, 11th/3rd American, 2:24:00

Men’s race:

47:18 - John Korir, 1st in 2:02:44

50:06 - More on the top finishers

American men:

53:25 - CJ Albertson (7th/1st American, 2:08:17) and Zach Panning (10th/2nd American, 2:09:16)

Final thoughts:

56:15 - Feedback on the broadcast

1:06:29 - CITIUS live at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Mentioned in this episode…

Read: Parting Thoughts From The 2024 Chicago Marathon: Ruth Chepngetich Destroys Women’s World Record In 2:09:56 at Chicago Marathon

Read: Tweet by Steve Magness comparing Ruth Chepngetich’s world record to equivalent performances

Watch: Interviews with some of the top stars from the Chicago Marathon

Watch: Chicago Marathon full replay

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