Marathon Handbook Podcast
Latest Episodes
Join us for an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Barkley Marathons, one of the most brutal and mysterious ultramarathons on the planet. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in this year’s race — from the start line in Frozen Head State Park to the final taps of "Taps" for runners who didn’t finish.
🔥 What We'll Cover:
- Who toed the line in the 2025 Barkley Marathons
- How far each runner got — loop-by-loop breakdown
- Was this the toughest edition ever? We compare it to past years
- Detailed finish statistics: Did anyone even finish the "Fun Run"?
- Weather, course conditions, and any route changes
- Historical data deep dive: Finish rates, race trends, and how the 2025 field stacked up against Barkley legends
📊 We also explore the full history of the Barkley Marathons, including:
- First-time finishers and repeat attempts
- How rare are Barkley finishes, really?
- Data trends across decades: Has the race gotten harder?
💀 Was the 2025 Barkley Marathons unbeatable? We look at the numbers.
Further Reading:
Was 2025 the Hardest Barkley Marathons Ever? The Data Says Yes:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-barkley-marathons-data-analysis/
Re-live the event with our live updates of the 2025 Barkley Marathons:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-barkley-marathons-results/
Read our story "No Finishers for 2025 Barkley Marathons as 36-Hour Cutoff Passes":
https://marathonhandbook.com/breaking-no-finishers-for-2025-barkley-marathons-as-36-hour-cutoff-passes/
Who is Lazarus Lake, the Barkley Marathons creator?
https://marathonhandbook.com/lazarus-lake/
Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
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https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/
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#ultramarathonrunner #ultramarathon #barkleymarathons #runningpodcast #running
Our editors Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr dig into everything you need to know about the Barkley Marathons, the most mysterious, alluring and difficult race in the world. They go into the history of this 100-mile running race, its long list of eccentricities, how to get into the Barkley, and what the heck happened this year on the course, with no finishers.
Follow our live updates of the 2025 Barkley Marathons:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2024-barkley-marathons-results/
Read our story "No Finishers for 2025 Barkley Marathons as 36-Hour Cutoff Passes":
https://marathonhandbook.com/breaking-no-finishers-for-2025-barkley-marathons-as-36-hour-cutoff-passes/
Who is Lazarus Lake, the Barkley Marathons creator?
https://marathonhandbook.com/lazarus-lake/
Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB
#ultramarathonrunner #ultramarathon #barkleymarathons #runningpodcast #running
We dream of the perfect race day, but let’s be honest—things can (and often do) go wrong at retty much any running event distance, from the 5K to ultramarathon distances. On today's podcast, we'll delve into the top 10 hiccups that can wreck your race.
From blown-up pacing to blister meltdowns, weather surprises fueling nightmares, to the dreaded running side stitch, we’re getting into everything that could go wrong in a race and, more importantly, how to fix it in the moment. Plus, we will share personal horror stories from the road and trail.
For each issue, we'll break down the details and science behind why it happens, practical tips on how to handle it in the moment, and strategies to prevent it from happening again.
Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
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Alex, Katelyn and Michael were live onstage at the Boston Run Show. They discuss the biggest running trends in 2025 and beyond: Are we really experiencing a running boom, and will it last? Are the World Marathon Majors making a mistake by expanding, and which events will be added next? Why is "running the new dating app"? And what do Nike's curious new set of running shoe patents suggest about the future of super shoes?
Over 230,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
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Alex, Katelyn and Michael try something a little different in this week's podcast. They compete in a "race draft," similar to a sports fantasy draft, but with running events. They each have to build the perfect calendar year of running events, by picking one of the following: an ultra/trail event, a marathon, a half, a 10K, a 5K, a "wild card" race, and an event to they'd like to spectate as a fan. If a race is selected, it's off the board!
Follow along and tell us who has the best schedule of dream races for the year, along with your picks!
You can watch a video version of our podcasts on our YouTube channel, or on Spotify!
Over 240,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
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Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael discuss the 2025 Tokyo Marathon moments after the elite races wrapped up. They break down all the action, including a surprising win on the men's side, and a risky move by defending champion Sutume Kebede in the women's race. Plus, the look at track great Joshua Cheptegei's race, which is his second shot at running a marathon. Was it a success?
And finally, where does Tokyo stand as a major marathon? Is it still one of the best races in the world?
Over 240,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
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Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael go deep on this weekend's Tokyo Marathon, the first World Marathon Major of the year!
Topics Covered:
- The intriguing history of the race
- The course
- They power rank the World Marathon Majors
- They give Tokyo a score out of 100
- Compare the elevation and course profile
- How to get into Tokyo 2026
- Unpack the elite women's race
- Unpack the elite men's race
Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:
https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358
Over 239,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running:
https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB
Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael delve into the concept of running economy, exploring its definition, significance, and the factors that influence it. They explain the role running form plays, and practical tips for improving running economy.
They also share six ways you can improve your running economy, emphasizing the importance of strides, strength training, building an aerobic base, incorporating VO2 max workouts, running at goal pace, fine-tuning body composition, and the role super shoes can play on race day.
We Cover:
- What is running economy?
- Steve Prefontaine vs. Frank Shorter: a running economy comparison
- Elite runners shows that running economy can compensate for lower VO2 max.
- The role biomechanics and neuromuscular efficiency play in running economy
- Strength training
- Heel striking: good or bad?
- How to test your running economy
- Tip 1: Run strides and hill sprints
- Tip 2: Strength training is essential
- Tip 3: Build an aerobic base
- Tip 4: Run VO2 max workouts
- Tip 5: When to run at goal pace
- Tip 6: Fine-tune your body composition
- Bonus Tip: The role super shoes can play on race day.
Then, Alex and Michael are joined by running legend Amby Burfoot to analyze the crazy half marathon world record, which was set by Jacob Kiplimo last weekend in Barcelona.
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Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:
https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Over 210,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB
With the 2025 marathon season just around the corner, our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael ask: who (if anyone) will finally break the two-hour barrier on a legal marathon course? They explore the science behind running a sub-two marathon, the evolution of shoe technology, Eliud Kipchoge's Breaking2 and INEOS 1:59 Challenge events, and the haunting spectre of the world record holder, late Kelvin Kiptum. They then get into where, when and who could finally break this elusive barrier in distance running.
Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:
https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358
Further Reading:
The Haunting “What If…” Of Kelvin Kiptum
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-haunting-what-if-of-kelvin-kiptum/
Watch our video "Why Is the Marathon 26.2 Miles?"
https://youtu.be/cLMdmp1K4sM
What Is Lactate Threshold Training For Athletes?
https://marathonhandbook.com/lactate-threshold-training/
What Is VO2 Max? + How To Measure And Improve Your VO2 Max
https://marathonhandbook.com/what-is-vo2-max/
Running Economy: How To Become A More Efficient Runner
https://marathonhandbook.com/running-economy/
Marathon Pacers Explained: The Pros And Cons Of Running With A Pacer
https://marathonhandbook.com/marathon-pacers/
What Is Drafting? + How This Controversial Tactic Can Win You Back Seconds (Or Minutes!)
https://marathonhandbook.com/what-is-drafting/
How To Run Negative Splits: The Key To A Faster Race Time
https://marathonhandbook.com/negative-splits/
Nike’s Alphafly Vs Vaporfly: What Separates The Shoe Giant’s Two Flagship Supershoes?
https://marathonhandbook.com/alphafly-vs-vaporfly/
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Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Over 210,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB
On this week's episode, Alex, Katelyn and Michael first discuss the wild and bizarre outcome of the Strava x Chipotle Challenge. Then, the play a game of "Is it true that..." They look at the science (or lack thereof) behind:
Does running on soft surfaces actually make you less injury prone than running on pavement?
Should you try to run a negative split in the marathon to achieve the best outcome?
Are there runners who just don't respond to the performance bump from super shoes?
And is it true that beet juice can improve your running performances? And what about taking caffeine during a race?
Further reading:
Two Ultrarunners took the Strava x Chipotle Segment Challenge to the Extreme:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-strava-x-chipotle-challenge/
The 6 Health Benefits Of Beet Juice To Boost Your Athletic Performance:
https://marathonhandbook.com/health-benefits-of-beet-juice/
Coffee Before Running? Performance Benefits + How Much To Drink:
https://marathonhandbook.com/coffee-before-running/
What Is The Best Surface To Run On To Avoid Injury?
https://marathonhandbook.com/best-surface-to-run-on/
The Fastest Marathon Shoes Right Now:
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-fastest-marathon-super-shoes-of-2024/
Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:
https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Over 210,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB