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    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    About

    Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from wrapping your head around running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! 

    Each week, our team of editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the hottest new gear and tech, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running!

    Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts!

    For inquiries: hi@marathonhandbook.com

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    Marathon Handbook

    Wait, Super Shoes Don't Actually Make You Faster?

    Wait, Super Shoes Don't Actually Make You Faster?

    January 30, 2025
    51m

    Athletes Mentioned

    On this week's episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael first do a mini preview of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, which released its elite fields this week, including one intriguing starter, Joshua Cheptegei. 

    Then they talk about three super weird footwear stories: the release of the first "super sandals" (or is it "super flip flops"?), yet another Crocs marathon world record, and Hoka's "speed loafer," which may be the most ridiculous shoe in history.

    Then, they are joined by Marathon Handbook founder, Thomas Watson, to discuss his most recent column for the site, entitled "Super Shoes Don't Make You Faster, It Turns Out." He explains how he's never run a race in super shoes, and now faces a personal ethical dilemma: does he taint his pre-super shoe PRs this coming year? And is running in super shoes... wrong?

    Read Thomas Watson's op-ed "Super Shoes Don’t Make You Any Faster, It Turns Out":
    https://marathonhandbook.com/supershoes-dont-make-you-any-faster/

    Our coverage of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon:
    https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-tokyo-marathon-announces-star-studded-lineup-of-defending-champions/

    Kenyan Runner Wins Marathon Wearing Carbon-Plated Sandals:
    https://marathonhandbook.com/kenyan-runner-wins-marathon-wearing-carbon-plated-sandals/

    Hoka's "Speed Loafer" Is... A Sight to Behold:
    https://marathonhandbook.com/need-to-run-to-a-meeting-introducing-the-hoka-speed-loafer/

    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/

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    More from Marathon Handbook Podcast

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    Who Is Runner of the Year? Our 2025 Awards + Elite Debates & Hot Takes

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    Athletes Mentioned

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    Joshua Cheptegei