About this episode

The episode discusses the role of cross-training in running and answers various listener questions related to marathon training.

This week, Michael, Alex, and Katelyn dig into that enduring debate before working through a full mailbag of listener questions: from whether it's worth traveling internationally for a bucket-list marathon, to pacing strategy on brutally hilly courses like Boston, to setting a realistic goal for your first-ever marathon. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Icebreakers 4:59 Sponsor: Kila Custom Insoles 7:01 Fall Marathon Training Kicks Off 7:42 Training Updates: Katelyn, Alex & Michael 24:51 Sponsor: Lagoon Sleep Pillows 26:40 Q1: Should You Travel for a Marathon? (London Marathon Lottery) 49:37 Sponsor: Marathon Handbook RunClub 53:01 Q2: Is Cross-Training a Substitute or Compliment to Running? 1:15:04 Q3: Setting a Realistic First Marathon Goal Pace 1:21:07 Q4: Pacing Strategy for Hilly Marathons (Boston) 1:42:15 Q5: Balancing Music and Marathon Training 1:54:11 Wrap-Up & Announcements SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Kila creates custom insoles made with supershoe foam. Visit kilarun.com and use code “marathon” to get $80 off your first order. Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to…

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael, Alex, Katelyn

Topics covered

• cross-training
• marathon training
• listener questions
• pacing strategy
• goal setting
• sponsorship

Keywords

• cross-training
• marathon
• pacing strategy
• goal setting
• listener questions

Sponsors

Kila Custom Insoles, Lagoon Sleep Pillows, Marathon Handbook RunClub

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• Is Sydney the Toughest Marathon Major? Our On-the-Ground 2026 Preview · August 28, 2026 · 54 min
• How to Peak for a Marathon (Our EXACT Peak Weeks) · August 27, 2026 · 1h 19m
• 2026 NYC Marathon Elite Field Preview · August 23, 2026 · 44 min
• More Miles or More Speed? How to Actually Get Faster as a Runner · August 20, 2026 · 1h 50m

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