Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

As marathon runners, we think we understand endurance, pacing, and the tech that drives our sport. But what happens when you take the legs out of the equation and replace them with Formula 1 engineering, 3D-printed hard gloves, and highway-speed descents?In this episode, I sit down with an absolute titan of endurance sports: Marcel Hug, the "Swiss Silver Bullet." He is a 12-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and the most dominant athlete across the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Marcel just matched a historic milestone by winning his eighth London Marathon, and I wanted to bridge the gap between our running community and his world.We skip the fluff and go straight into the sports science. Marcel breaks down why he can race 8 to 9 marathons a year when we can barely survive two, how he navigates extreme downhills at 80 km/h (50 mph) without a steering wheel, and how his custom-molded carbon chassis ensures zero energy loss. If you love high-performance gear, brutal physiology, and the elite mindset, this conversation will completely change how you view marathon speed.The "Silver Bullet" Trademark: How a simple Christmas gift from his junior coach became a global symbol of dominance.The 9-Marathon Season: Why the smooth, cyclical physics of a push-rim chair allow wheelchair athletes to race nearly ten marathons a year with minimal joint impact.Technical Analysis (Chassis vs. Shoes): While we look for energy return in foam, Marcel looks for zero energy loss in his rigid, custom-molded carbon fiber seat.Punching at 20 MPH: The material science behind 3D-printed hard gloves and how athletes "hit" the push-rim rather than grabbing it.The Wind Tunnel Discovery: Why F1 aerodynamics forced a shift from solid disc wheels back to open-spoke wheels.The Strict Mindset of a Champion: A rare look at Marcel's internal dialogue when pushing the absolute limit entirely alone at the front of a Major.My Favorite Moment: "In a daily wheelchair, you grab the wheels with your fingers. With racing gloves, you punch the rim. Every single ounce of energy from your upper body has to go directly into forward movement." — Marcel HugConnect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607Connect with Us:

Ever wondered why your best ideas strike mid-run, or why you feel calmerafter a tough workout? In this week’s episode, we are joined by psychotherapistand triathlon coach Nestor Rivera to bridge the gap between physical effort andmental health.We dive deep into the biology of the "runner’s high"—movingbeyond just endorphins to explore the calming power of endocannabinoids. Plus,we discuss why running serves as such a powerful tool for neuroplasticity andcreativity, and why it can sometimes be the perfect companion to professionaltherapy.Whether you are navigating pre-race anxiety, looking for strategies to"chunk" your next marathon, or trying to beat the post-race blues,this conversation is packed with actionable insights for your mind and body.Connect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastConnect with Us:Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, updates and expert insights to keepyou informed on the latest in running and competitive sports. We sit down with Arj Thiruchelvam, performance coach and founder of Performance Physique, todiscuss a groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. We asked Arj to help us redefine "how much is too much" and why your smartwatch might be giving you a false sense of security regarding your training load. We tease the "30-Day Window" and why a single-session distance spike is the most dangerous move a marathoner can make.Why You Should Listen: You will learn how to scientifically audit your training month to prevent overuse injuries and why structural "load tolerance" is different from aerobic fitness.Our guest this episode: Arj Thiruchelvam — performancephysique.co.ukConnect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastFollowus on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we dive into seven evidence-backed principles that transform your physiology to build a faster marathon. We explore how high mileage functions as a "neuromuscular rewiring" tool to turn your legs into mechanical springs, increasing tendon stiffness and lowering oxygen cost. You will learn how to master metabolic flexibility to burn fat at higher speeds, the latest research on the 90-gram carbohydrate fueling revolution, and why high-load strength training is essential for biomechanical efficiency. We also provide updates and expert insights on the benefits of "super shoes," the critical role of deep sleep in recovery, and the performance-optimizing power of the 80/20 polarized training model to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.Why You Should Listen:Our guest this episode: MarathonJournal.com 🔗Connect with Us:Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcastYouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournalFollow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607