Road to the Trials

This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven, Goodr, and Precision Fuel & Hydration.Megan Connolly's path to the Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. A former Division I runner turned broadcaster, Megan spent years casually running marathons before deciding to fully pursue the Olympic Trials standard. Along the way, she donated a kidney, became a mother, returned to racing postpartum, and ultimately qualified for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials at the McCurdy Micro Marathon.In this episode, Megan joins Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein to reflect on the long road to 2:37. She shares how the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials reignited her competitive fire, why learning to love the training process mattered more than any finish time, and the mental lessons she learned after falling short at Indy before finally getting it done at McCurdy. Megan also opens up about balancing elite training with motherhood, her career with WWE, the life-changing experience of becoming a living kidney donor, and why controlling what you can control has become her guiding philosophy both in sport and in life.Thanks to our sponsors:Kava HavenKava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.GoodrGoodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

Fresh off a career-best 2:22 at the 2026 Boston Marathon, Annie Frisbie joins Road to the Trials to reflect on one of the biggest performances of her career. Annie finished eighth overall and was the second American across the line, continuing her remarkable success on the Boston course. She shares what clicked on race day, why she thrives in the chaos of championship-style racing, and the memorable moment of finding teammate Dakotah Popehn in the lead pack mid-race.Annie also opens up about the lessons she carried from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, how that disappointment ultimately helped her grow as an athlete, and why confidence has become one of her greatest strengths as a competitor. The conversation explores training with Minnesota Distance Elite, balancing racing across distances from the 5K to the marathon, life as a full-time professional runner, and how she's already thinking about the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Plus, Annie shares details from her recent engagement in Switzerland and why Boston continues to bring out her very best.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.WahooThe Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.