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The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

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Track and field's biggest names on the track, in the coaching ranks and within the industry sit down and open up in-depth to share brilliant insights and vivid snapshots from their professional/personal accomplishments and experiences in the sport. Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez. The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World. ▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com ▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag ▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag
More details
Track and field's biggest names on the track, in the coaching ranks and within the industry sit down and open up in-depth to share brilliant insights and vivid snapshots from their professional/personal accomplishments and experiences in the sport. Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez. The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World. ▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com ▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag ▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag
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Episodes

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"It's nice to have a reset. I'm looking at these people and I have something to work up to now, versus being at the top of the NCAA and hoping you get it right on the day. Now, I have, 'I need to improve by ten seconds if I want to be up there at USAs.' That kind of excites me. It's a little scary, but it's mostly exciting."

Margot Appleton is a Massachusetts native now running for the home team. She has joined Team New Balance Boston and is being coached by Mark Coogan.

At Virginia, she was an NCAA finalist in the 1500, stepped up to finish fourth in the 5000 meters at nationals, and then this spring put together a breakout campaign that included a 4:05.68 1500 at Raleigh Relays—fourth-fastest in NCAA history at the time—an ACC title, and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships.

Margot is comfortable moving between distances and continuing to sharpen herself against the very best in the country. And at just 23 years old, it still feels like she’s learning how good she can be. She is coming off personal bests in the 3000m and the mile at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and the Millrose Games. She was the second American and 6th overall in the Wanamaker mile.

In this conversation, we talk about her decision to join the refreshed Team New Balance Boston squad, what clicked this past season, how she thinks about racing at championship meets, and what her goals are for 2026.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Margot Appleton | @margotappleton on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

"It's nice to have a reset. I'm looking at these people and I have something to work up to now, versus being at the top of the NCAA and hoping you get it right on the day. Now, I have, 'I need to improve by ten seconds if I want to be up there at USAs.' That kind of excites me. It's a little scary, but it's mostly exciting."

Margot Appleton is a Massachusetts native now running for the home team. She has joined Team New Balance Boston and is being coached by Mark Coogan.

At Virginia, she was an NCAA finalist in the 1500, stepped up to finish fourth in the 5000 meters at nationals, and then this spring put together a breakout campaign that included a 4:05.68 1500 at Raleigh Relays—fourth-fastest in NCAA history at the time—an ACC title, and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships.

Margot is comfortable moving between distances and continuing to sharpen herself against the very best in the country. And at just 23 years old, it still feels like she’s learning how good she can be. She is coming off personal bests in the 3000m and the mile at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and the Millrose Games. She was the second American and 6th overall in the Wanamaker mile.

In this conversation, we talk about her decision to join the refreshed Team New Balance Boston squad, what clicked this past season, how she thinks about racing at championship meets, and what her goals are for 2026.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Margot Appleton | @margotappleton on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“My times were dropping and it was so exciting. Every week, they were dropping, dropping, dropping. It was pretty early in the season, too. At that point, I hadn't even made NCAAs. At the time when I ran 2:00, I had the number one time in the country. There was a lot that happened super fast… I think that was my favorite race of my life. I never even thought in my mind that I could run 2:00 even earlier on in the season. It broadened the horizons of what I think I'm capable of in the future and to never limit myself.”

My guest for today's episode is Victoria Bossong. This week on the podcast, CITIUS MAG is bringing you interviews with some of Team New Balance's latest signees as we celebrate five years of partnering with them on all things from the high school to the professional front. Yesterday, we brought you an interview with Roisin Willis and now we've got another strong rising 800m runner.

Victoria was a star high school sprinter in Maine who almost on a whim tried the 800m late into her prep career and found success. Fast forward a few years and she's fully committed to the event. In 2025 while at Harvard, she was the NCAA Indoor Championships runner-up and ran an outdoor personal best of 1:59.48. She just opened up her indoor season as a pro with an indoor 800m PB of 2:00.36. 

Off the track, she's just as impressive. She has her degree in neuroscience and has worked in a Harvard Medical School lab. In our chat, she discusses how she managed to balance all of that as a student-athlete, how she comes at the 800m from more of a sprinter background, and her goals for her first professional season.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Victoria Bossong | @victoriabossong on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“My times were dropping and it was so exciting. Every week, they were dropping, dropping, dropping. It was pretty early in the season, too. At that point, I hadn't even made NCAAs. At the time when I ran 2:00, I had the number one time in the country. There was a lot that happened super fast… I think that was my favorite race of my life. I never even thought in my mind that I could run 2:00 even earlier on in the season. It broadened the horizons of what I think I'm capable of in the future and to never limit myself.”

My guest for today's episode is Victoria Bossong. This week on the podcast, CITIUS MAG is bringing you interviews with some of Team New Balance's latest signees as we celebrate five years of partnering with them on all things from the high school to the professional front. Yesterday, we brought you an interview with Roisin Willis and now we've got another strong rising 800m runner.

Victoria was a star high school sprinter in Maine who almost on a whim tried the 800m late into her prep career and found success. Fast forward a few years and she's fully committed to the event. In 2025 while at Harvard, she was the NCAA Indoor Championships runner-up and ran an outdoor personal best of 1:59.48. She just opened up her indoor season as a pro with an indoor 800m PB of 2:00.36. 

Off the track, she's just as impressive. She has her degree in neuroscience and has worked in a Harvard Medical School lab. In our chat, she discusses how she managed to balance all of that as a student-athlete, how she comes at the 800m from more of a sprinter background, and her goals for her first professional season.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Victoria Bossong | @victoriabossong on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“I saw the door open and I really desperately wanted to take it and walk through it, but I wasn't sure if it was right – but sometimes you know deep down in your gut that it’s something you should do and you take the risk. Since making that decision, it’s felt right and true to what I want to do and where my goals are."

My guest for today's episode is Roisin Willis. Right now, she's in one of those rare moments where fitness, confidence, and clarity all seem to be lining up at once. We recorded this two days before the start of a spectacular weekend for her. It's Team New Balance week on the CITIUS MAG Podcast and we'll be bringing you interviews with many of their latest signees all throughout the week. In 2026, we're celebrating six years of New Balance partnering with CITIUS and we're grateful for their support on all levels from the high school to the pros.

In the span of just nine days, Roisin put together a short yet impactful indoor season. She opened up her professional career by running 1:59.59 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, looking smooth and convincing. Six days later, after deciding almost on a whim to race again, she went to Boston University and ran 1:57.97, becoming the first American woman to break 1:58 indoors and setting a new American record in the 800m. That's also a personal best for her indoors and outdoors, and she wasn't done yet.

Just two days after that record, Roisin lined up at the Millrose Games and won the 600m in 1:24.87, the seventh fastest performance by an American woman in history. Three races in nine days, two victories, one American record, and proof that she's in absolutely phenomenal shape.

Roisin has made the decision to shut down her indoor season. The reason for it is she has a long-term vision and a real life, which you get the sense from my conversation with her. She wants to be at a world-class level come outdoors and that means getting back to training. As she puts it plainly, she also needs to finish school at Stanford this spring.

You'll hear more about the importance of finishing her degree in our chat because at just 21 years old, Roisin has already lived multiple chapters in the sport. She was a high school prodigy out of Wisconsin, became an NCAA champion as a freshman, went through a difficult period marked by anxiety and burnout, and has now come out on the other side with a healthier perspective.

This recent run isn't just about how fast she's gotten, but also shows how much she's grown as a person. In this interview, we talk about the decision to chase times this year, how she made it through that rough patch, and why she decided to turn professional early.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Roisin Willis | @roisin.willis on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“I saw the door open and I really desperately wanted to take it and walk through it, but I wasn't sure if it was right – but sometimes you know deep down in your gut that it’s something you should do and you take the risk. Since making that decision, it’s felt right and true to what I want to do and where my goals are."

My guest for today's episode is Roisin Willis. Right now, she's in one of those rare moments where fitness, confidence, and clarity all seem to be lining up at once. We recorded this two days before the start of a spectacular weekend for her. It's Team New Balance week on the CITIUS MAG Podcast and we'll be bringing you interviews with many of their latest signees all throughout the week. In 2026, we're celebrating six years of New Balance partnering with CITIUS and we're grateful for their support on all levels from the high school to the pros.

In the span of just nine days, Roisin put together a short yet impactful indoor season. She opened up her professional career by running 1:59.59 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, looking smooth and convincing. Six days later, after deciding almost on a whim to race again, she went to Boston University and ran 1:57.97, becoming the first American woman to break 1:58 indoors and setting a new American record in the 800m. That's also a personal best for her indoors and outdoors, and she wasn't done yet.

Just two days after that record, Roisin lined up at the Millrose Games and won the 600m in 1:24.87, the seventh fastest performance by an American woman in history. Three races in nine days, two victories, one American record, and proof that she's in absolutely phenomenal shape.

Roisin has made the decision to shut down her indoor season. The reason for it is she has a long-term vision and a real life, which you get the sense from my conversation with her. She wants to be at a world-class level come outdoors and that means getting back to training. As she puts it plainly, she also needs to finish school at Stanford this spring.

You'll hear more about the importance of finishing her degree in our chat because at just 21 years old, Roisin has already lived multiple chapters in the sport. She was a high school prodigy out of Wisconsin, became an NCAA champion as a freshman, went through a difficult period marked by anxiety and burnout, and has now come out on the other side with a healthier perspective.

This recent run isn't just about how fast she's gotten, but also shows how much she's grown as a person. In this interview, we talk about the decision to chase times this year, how she made it through that rough patch, and why she decided to turn professional early.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Roisin Willis | @roisin.willis on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

USATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.

OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop’s Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop’s flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The 118th Millrose Games lived up to the hype! Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber, Anderson Emerole, Eric Jenkins, and Aisha Praught-Leer break down the biggest performances, top highlights, and most surprising results that went down at The Armory in NYC this afternoon.

Some of the top highlights include:

- Men’s Wanamaker Mile: Cam Myers won in 3:47.57, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Wanamaker Mile. Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:48.31, with Hobbs Kessler third in 3:48.68 and Nico Young fourth in 3:48.72.

- Women’s Wanamaker Mile: Nikki Hiltz took the title in 4:19.64, followed by Jess Hull in 4:20.11 and Klaudia Kazimierska in 4:21.36.

- Men’s Two-Mile: Cole Hocker won in 8:07.31, edging Josh Kerr (8:07.68), with Parker Wolfe third (8:07.93) and Ky Robinson fourth in 8:08.40.

- Women’s 600m: Roisin Willis topped the field in 1:24.87 after setting the indoor 800m American record just a few days ago.

- Three indoor collegiate records were shattered: NAU's Colin Sahlman in the 800m, Alabama's Doris Lemngole in the 3000m (with BYU's Jane Hedengren also dipping below the previous record), and New Mexico's Habtom Samuel in the two-mile.

+ Lots More

_____________________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

The 118th Millrose Games lived up to the hype! Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber, Anderson Emerole, Eric Jenkins, and Aisha Praught-Leer break down the biggest performances, top highlights, and most surprising results that went down at The Armory in NYC this afternoon.

Some of the top highlights include:

- Men’s Wanamaker Mile: Cam Myers won in 3:47.57, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Wanamaker Mile. Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:48.31, with Hobbs Kessler third in 3:48.68 and Nico Young fourth in 3:48.72.

- Women’s Wanamaker Mile: Nikki Hiltz took the title in 4:19.64, followed by Jess Hull in 4:20.11 and Klaudia Kazimierska in 4:21.36.

- Men’s Two-Mile: Cole Hocker won in 8:07.31, edging Josh Kerr (8:07.68), with Parker Wolfe third (8:07.93) and Ky Robinson fourth in 8:08.40.

- Women’s 600m: Roisin Willis topped the field in 1:24.87 after setting the indoor 800m American record just a few days ago.

- Three indoor collegiate records were shattered: NAU's Colin Sahlman in the 800m, Alabama's Doris Lemngole in the 3000m (with BYU's Jane Hedengren also dipping below the previous record), and New Mexico's Habtom Samuel in the two-mile.

+ Lots More

_____________________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The indoor season is already on fire and now it’s time for the 118th Millrose Games at the historic Armory.

We’re LIVE from New York with a CITIUS MAG Millrose Games Preview Show, breaking down everything you need to know before the fastest, deepest, and most tradition-rich meet of the 2026 indoor season.

Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber, Eric Jenkins, Aisha Praught-Leer, and Anderson Emerole dive into the biggest storylines, must-watch races and athletes.

What we preview:

• An all-time men’s two-mile field that could threaten history

• NCAA phenoms Doris Lemngole and Jane Hedengren colliding with pros in the women’s 3000m

• U.S. vs. Europe in a loaded men’s 800m

• The first-ever CITIUS MAG–sponsored women’s 1000m

• Jess Hull, Nikki Hiltz, Sinclaire Johnson and Dorcus Ewoi are chasing the win in the women’s Wanamaker Mile

• Yared Nuguse going for four straight titles in the men’s Wanamaker Mile

+ More

_____________________

How to Watch Millrose Games: The professional events begin Sunday, February 1 at 4:00 p.m. ET, airing live on NBC & Peacock.

Our full written preview on CITIUSMAG.com can be found here.

We’ll be on-site all weekend with live coverage, post-race interviews, and a full post-meet show dropping Sunday night.

_____________________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

The indoor season is already on fire and now it’s time for the 118th Millrose Games at the historic Armory.

We’re LIVE from New York with a CITIUS MAG Millrose Games Preview Show, breaking down everything you need to know before the fastest, deepest, and most tradition-rich meet of the 2026 indoor season.

Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber, Eric Jenkins, Aisha Praught-Leer, and Anderson Emerole dive into the biggest storylines, must-watch races and athletes.

What we preview:

• An all-time men’s two-mile field that could threaten history

• NCAA phenoms Doris Lemngole and Jane Hedengren colliding with pros in the women’s 3000m

• U.S. vs. Europe in a loaded men’s 800m

• The first-ever CITIUS MAG–sponsored women’s 1000m

• Jess Hull, Nikki Hiltz, Sinclaire Johnson and Dorcus Ewoi are chasing the win in the women’s Wanamaker Mile

• Yared Nuguse going for four straight titles in the men’s Wanamaker Mile

+ More

_____________________

How to Watch Millrose Games: The professional events begin Sunday, February 1 at 4:00 p.m. ET, airing live on NBC & Peacock.

Our full written preview on CITIUSMAG.com can be found here.

We’ll be on-site all weekend with live coverage, post-race interviews, and a full post-meet show dropping Sunday night.

_____________________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“Last year, I came into the indoor season with the sole goal of breaking 3:50 in the mile… That was the big goal to tick off. I thought I'd maybe have a shot at running 3:48-high or 3:49-low to mid, so to run 3:47 actually surprised me quite a lot. This year, I feel like that's almost the expectation now. The standard has definitely been raised and the bar's been raised.”

My guest for today's episode is Cameron Myers. Over the last three years, the world has gotten to know what Australia has known for a while – that something special has been coming. At just 19 years old, Cam ran 7:27 for 3000m to win the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, delivering the fastest 3K ever run by an Australian that's either indoors or outdoors. In the process, he broke national records held by Ky Robinson and Stewy McSweyn. He closed in 55.98 seconds over the last 400m and surged away from a world-class field with the kind of composure that you rarely see from a teenager. 

To put that performance into perspective, only three men in history have ever broken 7:28 before turning 20 years old. That's Eliud Kipchoge, Jacob Kiplimo, and Jakob Ingebrigtssen. That's the company that Cam Myers now keeps.

He talks about that stat in our chat, but what makes Cam so compelling isn't just the time; it's the way that he talks about the sport. He's thoughtful, honest, and remarkably grounded for someone who's already climbing so high in the global ranks. In our conversation, he's open about the challenges that he's faced, including a recent medical setback that forced him to withdraw from the World Cross Country Championships. We also talk about his breakout race in Boston, why stacking training upon training has become his guiding principle, how he's learning to race to win instead of just hanging on. Plus, he'll be one of the stars of the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games this weekend after taking third place last year in a U20 mile world record of 3:47.

We're speaking with Cam as part of his announcement that he has joined the Coros roster of professional athletes, which includes the likes of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Jess Hull, and Alex Yee. He shares a bit of his data-driven approach, but you can learn more if you read their blog post on him here.

Cam is already rewriting record books and he's doing it with a long view of where his journey can go since he'll be one of the stars for Australia when they host the 2032 Olympic Games.

____________

Mentioned in this episode:

COROS Blog Post - Cam Myers' Training: A Deep Dive

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Cam Myers | @camer0nmyers on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“Last year, I came into the indoor season with the sole goal of breaking 3:50 in the mile… That was the big goal to tick off. I thought I'd maybe have a shot at running 3:48-high or 3:49-low to mid, so to run 3:47 actually surprised me quite a lot. This year, I feel like that's almost the expectation now. The standard has definitely been raised and the bar's been raised.”

My guest for today's episode is Cameron Myers. Over the last three years, the world has gotten to know what Australia has known for a while – that something special has been coming. At just 19 years old, Cam ran 7:27 for 3000m to win the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, delivering the fastest 3K ever run by an Australian that's either indoors or outdoors. In the process, he broke national records held by Ky Robinson and Stewy McSweyn. He closed in 55.98 seconds over the last 400m and surged away from a world-class field with the kind of composure that you rarely see from a teenager. 

To put that performance into perspective, only three men in history have ever broken 7:28 before turning 20 years old. That's Eliud Kipchoge, Jacob Kiplimo, and Jakob Ingebrigtssen. That's the company that Cam Myers now keeps.

He talks about that stat in our chat, but what makes Cam so compelling isn't just the time; it's the way that he talks about the sport. He's thoughtful, honest, and remarkably grounded for someone who's already climbing so high in the global ranks. In our conversation, he's open about the challenges that he's faced, including a recent medical setback that forced him to withdraw from the World Cross Country Championships. We also talk about his breakout race in Boston, why stacking training upon training has become his guiding principle, how he's learning to race to win instead of just hanging on. Plus, he'll be one of the stars of the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games this weekend after taking third place last year in a U20 mile world record of 3:47.

We're speaking with Cam as part of his announcement that he has joined the Coros roster of professional athletes, which includes the likes of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Jess Hull, and Alex Yee. He shares a bit of his data-driven approach, but you can learn more if you read their blog post on him here.

Cam is already rewriting record books and he's doing it with a long view of where his journey can go since he'll be one of the stars for Australia when they host the 2032 Olympic Games.

____________

Mentioned in this episode:

COROS Blog Post - Cam Myers' Training: A Deep Dive

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Cam Myers | @camer0nmyers on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
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Chris Chavez and Kyle Merber reunite for the first time in nearly two years on the podcast for This Week In Track and Field.

At The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix:
– Hobbs Kessler broke the 2000m WR (4:48.79), outkicking Grant Fisher on the final lap with a 26.31 last 200m.
– Josh Hoey broke the  800m WR (1:42.50) and broke Wilson Kipketer’s legendary 1997 record (1:42.67). He was paced by his brother Jaxson Hoey, who hit textbook splits.
– Elle St. Pierre won the 3000 just eight months after having her second baby with a 8:26.54 victory over Australia’s Linden Hall in a last-lap surge.
– Jereem Richards took the men’s 300m 32.14 to 32.15 win, despite Noah Lyles’ WWE-style entrance from the stands.
– Cian McPhillips won the men’s 600m in 1:16.37, surged late to win over American hopefuls.
– Roisin Willis ran 1:59.59 wire-to-wire to win her professional debut.

Elsewhere:
– Cooper Lutkenhaus ran 1:45.23 to win the 800m, smashing the World Indoors standard at the Dr. Sander Invitational.
– 5000m World champion Cole Hocker opened his indoor season at the Hokie Invitational and broke the U.S. 2000m record in 4:52.92 just 24 hours before Kessler and Fisher took it down.
– New Zealand’s 16-year-old running phenom Sam Ruthe clocked a 3:53.83 mile at the Cooks International Classic — the fastest U16 mile in history.

Other news discussed:
– Two-time Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone announced Thursday she is expecting her first child with husband Andre Levrone Jr.
– Grant Fisher will make his half marathon debut at the NYC Half in March.
– Jakob Ingebrigtsen update: In a profile with The Guardian, he said: “I’ve fed my obsession my whole life” and added that he might be “autistic” due to his all-in intensity and singular focus. He also said he is still haunted by finishing 4th in the 1500m at Paris 2024. “Nine out of 10 times I win that race. That was the 10th.”

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Kyle Merber | @kylemerber

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

Chris Chavez and Kyle Merber reunite for the first time in nearly two years on the podcast for This Week In Track and Field.

At The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix:
– Hobbs Kessler broke the 2000m WR (4:48.79), outkicking Grant Fisher on the final lap with a 26.31 last 200m.
– Josh Hoey broke the  800m WR (1:42.50) and broke Wilson Kipketer’s legendary 1997 record (1:42.67). He was paced by his brother Jaxson Hoey, who hit textbook splits.
– Elle St. Pierre won the 3000 just eight months after having her second baby with a 8:26.54 victory over Australia’s Linden Hall in a last-lap surge.
– Jereem Richards took the men’s 300m 32.14 to 32.15 win, despite Noah Lyles’ WWE-style entrance from the stands.
– Cian McPhillips won the men’s 600m in 1:16.37, surged late to win over American hopefuls.
– Roisin Willis ran 1:59.59 wire-to-wire to win her professional debut.

Elsewhere:
– Cooper Lutkenhaus ran 1:45.23 to win the 800m, smashing the World Indoors standard at the Dr. Sander Invitational.
– 5000m World champion Cole Hocker opened his indoor season at the Hokie Invitational and broke the U.S. 2000m record in 4:52.92 just 24 hours before Kessler and Fisher took it down.
– New Zealand’s 16-year-old running phenom Sam Ruthe clocked a 3:53.83 mile at the Cooks International Classic — the fastest U16 mile in history.

Other news discussed:
– Two-time Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone announced Thursday she is expecting her first child with husband Andre Levrone Jr.
– Grant Fisher will make his half marathon debut at the NYC Half in March.
– Jakob Ingebrigtsen update: In a profile with The Guardian, he said: “I’ve fed my obsession my whole life” and added that he might be “autistic” due to his all-in intensity and singular focus. He also said he is still haunted by finishing 4th in the 1500m at Paris 2024. “Nine out of 10 times I win that race. That was the 10th.”

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Kyle Merber | @kylemerber

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Some light results took place over the week but it’s officially the indoor track season as a few pros drop some scheduling breadcrumbs as to when they’ll plan to step out onto the track for the first time this year.

Preet explains how qualifying for the World Indoor Championships works.

New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is in Boston on January 24th and it’s loaded with Noah Lyles, Donavan Brazier, Bryce Hoppel, Grant Fisher, Jake Wightman, Josh Hoey, Jessica Hull, Elle St. Pierre, and a lot more. In some cases, the talent is split off into two close race distances and it’s not great!

Plus, the 2026 Boston Marathon women’s elite field is out and it is stacked! Sharon Lokedi is back to defend against a modest international group but it’s a ridiculous wave of U.S. talent headlined by Emily Sisson and Fiona O’Keeffe. Plus more news from the past week!

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

Some light results took place over the week but it’s officially the indoor track season as a few pros drop some scheduling breadcrumbs as to when they’ll plan to step out onto the track for the first time this year.

Preet explains how qualifying for the World Indoor Championships works.

New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is in Boston on January 24th and it’s loaded with Noah Lyles, Donavan Brazier, Bryce Hoppel, Grant Fisher, Jake Wightman, Josh Hoey, Jessica Hull, Elle St. Pierre, and a lot more. In some cases, the talent is split off into two close race distances and it’s not great!

Plus, the 2026 Boston Marathon women’s elite field is out and it is stacked! Sharon Lokedi is back to defend against a modest international group but it’s a ridiculous wave of U.S. talent headlined by Emily Sisson and Fiona O’Keeffe. Plus more news from the past week!

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“I’m drawing a lot more confidence for the track from what I did on the grass just this last weekend. I’m really excited just to get there, get going, and keep building strength. The sky’s the limit because if I can do that on the cross course, who knows what I can do on the track. I’m super pumped for it!”

My guest for today's episode is Parker Wolfe. If you're paying attention to the next generation of American distance running, his name has been on that list for a while now. Just last weekend, Parker made his World Championships debut representing Team USA at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. In a loaded men's 10K field, he ran with patience and composure and steadily worked his way forward and finished as the top American across the finish line in 12th place.

Just a few months back, Parker left the NCAA as an 11-time All-American at North Carolina, anchoring the program during the early years of coach Chris Miltenberg's tenure and leading the Tar Heels to multiple top 10 national finishes in cross country. Individually, his highlight was probably winning the 2024 NCAA Outdoor 5K title where he upset Nico Young in one of the biggest races of his career.

The resume for Parker speaks for itself. He's run 3:34 for the 1500m, 3:54 for the mile, 7:30 for 3K, and 13:10 for the 5K. In this conversation, we talk about his transition from college to the world stage, what he's learned from racing these international studs, and what comes next as he steps into the next phase of his career as a pro with Swoosh TC under coach Mike Smith. Also, he's in a loaded men's two-mile at the Millrose Games on February 1st in New York City.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Parker Wolfe | @parkerw19 on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“I’m drawing a lot more confidence for the track from what I did on the grass just this last weekend. I’m really excited just to get there, get going, and keep building strength. The sky’s the limit because if I can do that on the cross course, who knows what I can do on the track. I’m super pumped for it!”

My guest for today's episode is Parker Wolfe. If you're paying attention to the next generation of American distance running, his name has been on that list for a while now. Just last weekend, Parker made his World Championships debut representing Team USA at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. In a loaded men's 10K field, he ran with patience and composure and steadily worked his way forward and finished as the top American across the finish line in 12th place.

Just a few months back, Parker left the NCAA as an 11-time All-American at North Carolina, anchoring the program during the early years of coach Chris Miltenberg's tenure and leading the Tar Heels to multiple top 10 national finishes in cross country. Individually, his highlight was probably winning the 2024 NCAA Outdoor 5K title where he upset Nico Young in one of the biggest races of his career.

The resume for Parker speaks for itself. He's run 3:34 for the 1500m, 3:54 for the mile, 7:30 for 3K, and 13:10 for the 5K. In this conversation, we talk about his transition from college to the world stage, what he's learned from racing these international studs, and what comes next as he steps into the next phase of his career as a pro with Swoosh TC under coach Mike Smith. Also, he's in a loaded men's two-mile at the Millrose Games on February 1st in New York City.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Parker Wolfe | @parkerw19 on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“The top three spots [at the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials], you've got to work very hard to get one of themwhich is exciting for me. Nothing was ever handed to me. I have to work hard for it and I'm willing to do the same thing for it now."

Zouhair Talbi joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to share his journey from Morocco to becoming an American citizen. He discusses his recent victory at the Houston Marathon, the decision to switch his allegiance to the United States and the challenges he faced along the way from the Moroccan federation.

He reflects on his early running career, the setbacks he encountered during the Tokyo Olympics where an issue with Morocco’s drug testing ruined his chance to become an Olympian and his transition to marathon running.

Talbi also talks about his experience in the US Army, his training insights, and his aspirations for the future, including the upcoming 2028 Olympic Trials.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Zouhair Talbi | @zouhairathle on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“The top three spots [at the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials], you've got to work very hard to get one of themwhich is exciting for me. Nothing was ever handed to me. I have to work hard for it and I'm willing to do the same thing for it now."

Zouhair Talbi joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast to share his journey from Morocco to becoming an American citizen. He discusses his recent victory at the Houston Marathon, the decision to switch his allegiance to the United States and the challenges he faced along the way from the Moroccan federation.

He reflects on his early running career, the setbacks he encountered during the Tokyo Olympics where an issue with Morocco’s drug testing ruined his chance to become an Olympian and his transition to marathon running.

Talbi also talks about his experience in the US Army, his training insights, and his aspirations for the future, including the upcoming 2028 Olympic Trials.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Zouhair Talbi | @zouhairathle on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This week in track and field, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia cover:
– The World Cross Country Championships showcased impressive performances but faced broadcasting challenges. Preet explains his experience with watching.
– Houston’s half marathon saw the U.S. men’s half marathon list get totally re-written and then a strong run by Taylor Roe to move to No. 2 on the U.S. list.
– Zouhair Talbi runs the fourth-fastest marathon by an American but it takes a bit of explaining; Sara Hall went the full distance and continues to impress.
– Valencia produced European records by Andreas Almgren and Eilish McColgan.
– The bidding for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials is underway and St. Louis is interested.
– Preet likes figure skating!
– Unsurprisingly, Marvin Bracy-Williams has signed with the Enhanced Games
– A look at the other washed-up, has-been runners that are joining the doped Olympics.
– Albert Korir was provisionally suspended after testing positive for CERA.
– Our way too early picks for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

____________

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen: World Cross Country Championships Reactions: Jacob Kiplimo Wins 3rd Straight Title, Agnes Ngetich Dominates + More Highlights

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

This week in track and field, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia cover:
– The World Cross Country Championships showcased impressive performances but faced broadcasting challenges. Preet explains his experience with watching.
– Houston’s half marathon saw the U.S. men’s half marathon list get totally re-written and then a strong run by Taylor Roe to move to No. 2 on the U.S. list.
– Zouhair Talbi runs the fourth-fastest marathon by an American but it takes a bit of explaining; Sara Hall went the full distance and continues to impress.
– Valencia produced European records by Andreas Almgren and Eilish McColgan.
– The bidding for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials is underway and St. Louis is interested.
– Preet likes figure skating!
– Unsurprisingly, Marvin Bracy-Williams has signed with the Enhanced Games
– A look at the other washed-up, has-been runners that are joining the doped Olympics.
– Albert Korir was provisionally suspended after testing positive for CERA.
– Our way too early picks for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

____________

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen: World Cross Country Championships Reactions: Jacob Kiplimo Wins 3rd Straight Title, Agnes Ngetich Dominates + More Highlights

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Join Chris Chavez, Aisha Praught-Leer and Eric Jenkins as they unpack all of the action at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo continued his reign at the World Cross Country Championships, cruising to a third consecutive title in commanding fashion. Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi claimed silver for the third time in his career, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo rounded out the podium with bronze.

In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich delivered a statement performance, powering to victory to extend Kenya’s streak to 10 straight World Cross Country titles. The 10km world record holder broke clear early and won by 42 seconds, the second-largest winning margin in the history of the championships.

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

ASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. ⁠Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.⁠

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

Join Chris Chavez, Aisha Praught-Leer and Eric Jenkins as they unpack all of the action at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo continued his reign at the World Cross Country Championships, cruising to a third consecutive title in commanding fashion. Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi claimed silver for the third time in his career, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo rounded out the podium with bronze.

In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich delivered a statement performance, powering to victory to extend Kenya’s streak to 10 straight World Cross Country titles. The 10km world record holder broke clear early and won by 42 seconds, the second-largest winning margin in the history of the championships.

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

ASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. ⁠Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.⁠

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The World XC Championships return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992, with Saturday’s races in Tallahassee offering a chance to reignite global attention on the best distance runners in the world.

How to watch: The races will be broadcast on Peacock (starting at 9:35 a.m.) and will be televised on CNBC (starting at 10 a.m. ET).

Schedule (All times ET):

  • 9:45 a.m. – Mixed 4x2K Relay
  • 10:20 a.m. – Women’s U20 6K Race
  • 10:55 a.m. – Men’s U20 8K Race
  • 11:35 a.m. – Women’s Senior 10K Race
  • 12:20 p.m. – Men’s Senior 10K Race

You can read our full race preview here.

____________

Mixed Relay Preview:

Favorites: Kenya w/ Reynold Cheruiyot

Challengers:

  • Australia (Jessica Hull, Olli Hoare)
  • France (Agathe Guillemot)
  • USA (Sage Hurta-Klecker, Ethan Strand)
  • Morocco's NCAA stars
  • Kenya has won 3 of 4 editions since 2017.

Senior Women’s Race:

Star Power Dip: No Beatrice Chebet (pregnancy), no Olympic or World medalists from 5000m/10,000m entered.

Top Teams:

  • Kenya: Agnes Ngetich leads (14:01/28:46 PBs); Maurine Chebor debuts
  • Ethiopia: Loaded with U20 grads like Senayet Getachew, Asayech Ayichew
  • Uganda: Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah & Rebecca Chelangat return
  • USA: Led by Weini Kelati; Schweizer, Kurgat, Izzo in the mix
  • Wild cards: Megan Keith, Lauren Ryan

Senior Men’s Race:

Deepest Field Post-COVID: 145 entrants

Title contenders:

  • Jacob Kiplimo: Two-time champ, fresh off 2:02:23 marathon win
  • Ethiopia: Berihu Aregawi + rising star Biniam Mehary
  • Kenya: Daniel Ebenyo returns; Weldon Langat, Robert Koech support
  • France: Jimmy Gressier headlines strong squad

Team USA Outlook:

  • Potential for medal with Graham Blanks, Nico Young, Parker Wolfe, Rocky Hansen
  • U.S. last medaled in 2013 (silver)

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

ASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

The World XC Championships return to the U.S. for the first time since 1992, with Saturday’s races in Tallahassee offering a chance to reignite global attention on the best distance runners in the world.

How to watch: The races will be broadcast on Peacock (starting at 9:35 a.m.) and will be televised on CNBC (starting at 10 a.m. ET).

Schedule (All times ET):

  • 9:45 a.m. – Mixed 4x2K Relay
  • 10:20 a.m. – Women’s U20 6K Race
  • 10:55 a.m. – Men’s U20 8K Race
  • 11:35 a.m. – Women’s Senior 10K Race
  • 12:20 p.m. – Men’s Senior 10K Race

You can read our full race preview here.

____________

Mixed Relay Preview:

Favorites: Kenya w/ Reynold Cheruiyot

Challengers:

  • Australia (Jessica Hull, Olli Hoare)
  • France (Agathe Guillemot)
  • USA (Sage Hurta-Klecker, Ethan Strand)
  • Morocco's NCAA stars
  • Kenya has won 3 of 4 editions since 2017.

Senior Women’s Race:

Star Power Dip: No Beatrice Chebet (pregnancy), no Olympic or World medalists from 5000m/10,000m entered.

Top Teams:

  • Kenya: Agnes Ngetich leads (14:01/28:46 PBs); Maurine Chebor debuts
  • Ethiopia: Loaded with U20 grads like Senayet Getachew, Asayech Ayichew
  • Uganda: Joy Cheptoyek, Sarah & Rebecca Chelangat return
  • USA: Led by Weini Kelati; Schweizer, Kurgat, Izzo in the mix
  • Wild cards: Megan Keith, Lauren Ryan

Senior Men’s Race:

Deepest Field Post-COVID: 145 entrants

Title contenders:

  • Jacob Kiplimo: Two-time champ, fresh off 2:02:23 marathon win
  • Ethiopia: Berihu Aregawi + rising star Biniam Mehary
  • Kenya: Daniel Ebenyo returns; Weldon Langat, Robert Koech support
  • France: Jimmy Gressier headlines strong squad

Team USA Outlook:

  • Potential for medal with Graham Blanks, Nico Young, Parker Wolfe, Rocky Hansen
  • U.S. last medaled in 2013 (silver)

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

ASICS: When you move your body, amazing things happen to your mind. Lace up and feel the good vibrations. Check out all of ASICS’ latest running shoes and gear here.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the 2026 calendar in track and field how certain athletes are targeting specific events in the lead-up to the debut of the World Ultimate Championships. Plus: Gut reactions to the release of the 2026 World Cross Country Championship entries and how the Valencia 10K isn’t the only event taking talent away.

Chris and Preet are then joined by Anderson Emerole, Mac Fleet, Paul Hof-Mahoney, and David Melly to share their boldest predictions in 2026 including news/cultural topics, performance-related predictions, and then World Ultimate Championships predictions.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠@preet_athletics + Mac Fleet | @macfleet + Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney + David Melly | @chaserofsteeples + Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the 2026 calendar in track and field how certain athletes are targeting specific events in the lead-up to the debut of the World Ultimate Championships. Plus: Gut reactions to the release of the 2026 World Cross Country Championship entries and how the Valencia 10K isn’t the only event taking talent away.

Chris and Preet are then joined by Anderson Emerole, Mac Fleet, Paul Hof-Mahoney, and David Melly to share their boldest predictions in 2026 including news/cultural topics, performance-related predictions, and then World Ultimate Championships predictions.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠@preet_athletics + Mac Fleet | @macfleet + Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney + David Melly | @chaserofsteeples + Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2026-01-02

2025 Awards: The People Who Made Track And Field

100 min Transcript
View

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack the people who made track and field special in 2025. Categories include:

– World Record of the Year
– Performance of the year
– Athlete of the year
– Most entertaining athlete of the year
– Social media Moment of the Year
– Heartbreak Moment of the year
– Coach of the Year
– Best event of the year
– Marathon of the year
– Celebration of the year
– Breakout athlete of the year
– Late career resurgence of the year
– Doping bust of the year
– Retirement of the year

Chime in via the Spotify comments section to share your thoughts on these categories.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack the people who made track and field special in 2025. Categories include:

– World Record of the Year
– Performance of the year
– Athlete of the year
– Most entertaining athlete of the year
– Social media Moment of the Year
– Heartbreak Moment of the year
– Coach of the Year
– Best event of the year
– Marathon of the year
– Celebration of the year
– Breakout athlete of the year
– Late career resurgence of the year
– Doping bust of the year
– Retirement of the year

Chime in via the Spotify comments section to share your thoughts on these categories.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“That is the fun part for me – being able to be pushed to my limits, be out there doing it with other strong women, working off each other, and having a great coach and support staff. That’s so fun to me: the really, truly hard work. There’s just so much I love about this sport and this team, but that’s definitely how I would describe this first semester so far. It’s just been so much fun. I’m really looking forward to building with this team and just continuing to work hard and make some memories.”

My guest for today’s episode is Jane Hedengren, and if the last few months are any indication, we’re watching the very beginning of something special. She is one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025.

Just two weeks after finishing runner-up at the NCAA Cross Country Championships as a true freshman at BYU, Jane stepped onto the track in Boston and ran 14:44.79 for 5,000 meters, shattering the collegiate record — indoor and outdoor — and immediately vaulting herself to No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list indoors.

Jane came out of high school as one of the most decorated prep distance runners ever, becoming the first high school girl to break 15 minutes for 5,000 meters and setting nine national high school records along the way. She arrived at BYU this fall, dominated her collegiate cross country debut, won conference and regional titles, and then went toe-to-toe with Doris Lemngole at the NCAA Championships, finishing second on the biggest stage.

In our conversation, Jane talks openly about gratitude, patience, and keeping expectations from overshadowing the joy of competition. She reflects on how her training has become more intentional under Coach Diljeet Taylor, why fueling more has been a game-changer, and how learning to race with a level head has helped her grow faster — and happier — at the same time.

We also look ahead to the Millrose Games, where she’ll line up in the 3,000 meters against Lemngole — a race that puts Katelyn Tuohy’s 8:35.20 collegiate record firmly on watch — and what it means to develop inside a program that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term results.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Jane Hedengren | ⁠@janehedengren on Instagram⁠ 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

More description

“That is the fun part for me – being able to be pushed to my limits, be out there doing it with other strong women, working off each other, and having a great coach and support staff. That’s so fun to me: the really, truly hard work. There’s just so much I love about this sport and this team, but that’s definitely how I would describe this first semester so far. It’s just been so much fun. I’m really looking forward to building with this team and just continuing to work hard and make some memories.”

My guest for today’s episode is Jane Hedengren, and if the last few months are any indication, we’re watching the very beginning of something special. She is one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025.

Just two weeks after finishing runner-up at the NCAA Cross Country Championships as a true freshman at BYU, Jane stepped onto the track in Boston and ran 14:44.79 for 5,000 meters, shattering the collegiate record — indoor and outdoor — and immediately vaulting herself to No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list indoors.

Jane came out of high school as one of the most decorated prep distance runners ever, becoming the first high school girl to break 15 minutes for 5,000 meters and setting nine national high school records along the way. She arrived at BYU this fall, dominated her collegiate cross country debut, won conference and regional titles, and then went toe-to-toe with Doris Lemngole at the NCAA Championships, finishing second on the biggest stage.

In our conversation, Jane talks openly about gratitude, patience, and keeping expectations from overshadowing the joy of competition. She reflects on how her training has become more intentional under Coach Diljeet Taylor, why fueling more has been a game-changer, and how learning to race with a level head has helped her grow faster — and happier — at the same time.

We also look ahead to the Millrose Games, where she’ll line up in the 3,000 meters against Lemngole — a race that puts Katelyn Tuohy’s 8:35.20 collegiate record firmly on watch — and what it means to develop inside a program that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term results.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Jane Hedengren | ⁠@janehedengren on Instagram⁠ 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. ⁠Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS⁠.

OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. ⁠Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“One of the things we talk about on our team is if everyone is giving 51% or more and never taking more than 49%, your ecosystem is always going to be in balance. But if everyone isn’t willing to give more than 49% and they’re always taking more than 51%, then the ecosystem is never going to be in balance. We just try to keep an environment where people are waiting for other people to go to the bathroom, giving each other rides, taking turns at the lead, doing the little things. 

My guest for today's episode is coach Dena Evans of the Peninsula Distance Club, one of the most experienced, influential, and quietly impactful leaders in American distance running. What happened at CIM just doesn't come out of nowhere. It was the product of more than 25 years of coaching spent moving between youth athletes, post-collegiates, pros, and learning how to build something that lasts.

Along the way, Coach Evans has worn just about every different hat that this sport has to offer. She was the women's head coach for Team USA at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she’s served on nearly a dozen international team staffs over the past two decades, and she currently sits on the USATF Women's Long Distance Running Committee after years of leadership across track and across country. At the center of all of it is the Peninsula Distance Club, a post-collegiate team that she founded in 2007 – and that she still leads today.

It's a grassroots operation built on belief, patience, and also community, so if you're feeling generous, you can support them at the link here. Before PDC, Coach Evans was at Stanford from 1999 to 2005, where she led the Cardinal to a national cross country title and was named the NCAA Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2003. During that time, she coached many of the athletes that you've heard on this show or seen us cover.

In this conversation, we trace the long arc from that quiet moment at CIM to the very beginning where she was growing up in multiple sports, the influence of coaches like Vin Lananna and coach Frank Gagliano, and what she's learned by spending so much time with athletes in the often overlooked post-collegiate phase.

Coach Evans has seen the sport from nearly every angle. She's built her career patiently, deliberately, and with deep care.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Dena Evans | @dizneena on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

“One of the things we talk about on our team is if everyone is giving 51% or more and never taking more than 49%, your ecosystem is always going to be in balance. But if everyone isn’t willing to give more than 49% and they’re always taking more than 51%, then the ecosystem is never going to be in balance. We just try to keep an environment where people are waiting for other people to go to the bathroom, giving each other rides, taking turns at the lead, doing the little things. 

My guest for today's episode is coach Dena Evans of the Peninsula Distance Club, one of the most experienced, influential, and quietly impactful leaders in American distance running. What happened at CIM just doesn't come out of nowhere. It was the product of more than 25 years of coaching spent moving between youth athletes, post-collegiates, pros, and learning how to build something that lasts.

Along the way, Coach Evans has worn just about every different hat that this sport has to offer. She was the women's head coach for Team USA at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she’s served on nearly a dozen international team staffs over the past two decades, and she currently sits on the USATF Women's Long Distance Running Committee after years of leadership across track and across country. At the center of all of it is the Peninsula Distance Club, a post-collegiate team that she founded in 2007 – and that she still leads today.

It's a grassroots operation built on belief, patience, and also community, so if you're feeling generous, you can support them at the link here. Before PDC, Coach Evans was at Stanford from 1999 to 2005, where she led the Cardinal to a national cross country title and was named the NCAA Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2003. During that time, she coached many of the athletes that you've heard on this show or seen us cover.

In this conversation, we trace the long arc from that quiet moment at CIM to the very beginning where she was growing up in multiple sports, the influence of coaches like Vin Lananna and coach Frank Gagliano, and what she's learned by spending so much time with athletes in the often overlooked post-collegiate phase.

Coach Evans has seen the sport from nearly every angle. She's built her career patiently, deliberately, and with deep care.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Dena Evans | @dizneena on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Our guest for today’s episode is one of the most exciting sprinters in the world right now. Julien Alfred is the reigning Olympic champion in the 100m, a World Indoor champion in the 60m, and the athlete who is rewriting history for St. Lucia on the biggest stages in track.

On February 1st, 2026, Julien will return to The Armory in New York City to headline the women’s 60m at the Millrose Games — the same track where she ran a meet record back in 2024 before going on to win world and Olympic gold.

Our conversation with her isn’t just about medals or times; it’s about what comes after the breakthrough year and how you learn to carry success without letting it crush you.

Julien opens up about navigating pressure, expectations, and loneliness at the top and about growing up fast in St. Lucia, leaving home to chase a dream in Jamaica, Texas, and beyond, and learning how to protect her mental health while still pushing her limits.

We talk about trust — in her coach Edrick Floreal, in the process, and in herself — and why 2026 feels less about proving something to the world and more about rediscovering joy in the sport she loves.

____________

Host: Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme on Instagram

Guest: Julien Alfred | @julien.alfred on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

Our guest for today’s episode is one of the most exciting sprinters in the world right now. Julien Alfred is the reigning Olympic champion in the 100m, a World Indoor champion in the 60m, and the athlete who is rewriting history for St. Lucia on the biggest stages in track.

On February 1st, 2026, Julien will return to The Armory in New York City to headline the women’s 60m at the Millrose Games — the same track where she ran a meet record back in 2024 before going on to win world and Olympic gold.

Our conversation with her isn’t just about medals or times; it’s about what comes after the breakthrough year and how you learn to carry success without letting it crush you.

Julien opens up about navigating pressure, expectations, and loneliness at the top and about growing up fast in St. Lucia, leaving home to chase a dream in Jamaica, Texas, and beyond, and learning how to protect her mental health while still pushing her limits.

We talk about trust — in her coach Edrick Floreal, in the process, and in herself — and why 2026 feels less about proving something to the world and more about rediscovering joy in the sport she loves.

____________

Host: Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme on Instagram

Guest: Julien Alfred | @julien.alfred on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

In this week’s episode, Chris, Mac and Preet discuss:

– Grand Slam Track declares for bankruptcy

– Our partnership with them and being owed $272K

– The impact of the bankruptcy declaration and the athletes

– Recapping the European Cross Country Championships

– Athing Mu has parted ways with coach Bobby Kersee

– Highlights from the Merrie Mile and Honolulu Marathon weekend

– Interview with Ben Rosario ahead of the Marathon Project this weekend (1:35:34)

____________

Mentioned in this episode...

Listen: An Update On The State of CITIUS MAG + Summer 2023 Plans For U.S. Championships + World Championships 

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

In this week’s episode, Chris, Mac and Preet discuss:

– Grand Slam Track declares for bankruptcy

– Our partnership with them and being owed $272K

– The impact of the bankruptcy declaration and the athletes

– Recapping the European Cross Country Championships

– Athing Mu has parted ways with coach Bobby Kersee

– Highlights from the Merrie Mile and Honolulu Marathon weekend

– Interview with Ben Rosario ahead of the Marathon Project this weekend (1:35:34)

____________

Mentioned in this episode...

Listen: An Update On The State of CITIUS MAG + Summer 2023 Plans For U.S. Championships + World Championships 

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack all the biggest highlights from this weekend in the running world:

- US Cross Country Championships Recap – Who made Team USA for Tallahassee?

- Valencia Marathon Recap | Joyciline Jepkosgei – 2:14:00 (Course Record, World Lead) + John Korir – 2:02:24

- California International Marathon (CIM) Highlights | Molly Born and Futsum Zeinesellassie take the wins + 54 women and 52 men earned 2028 OTQs.

- BU Season Opener (Indoor Track) | Josh Hoey breaks the indoor 1000m world record. Jane Hedengren runs 14:44 to become #2 US indoor all-time, #11 in world history.

- World Athletics announces some rule changes | Relays now limited to two substitutions between rounds. World Indoor 400m will be contested as A and B finals (no more all-out semis). Long jump rule change (takeoff zone) is scrapped after backlash.

- Jakob Watch | Jakob Ingebrigtsen scratches from Euro XC.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack all the biggest highlights from this weekend in the running world:

- US Cross Country Championships Recap – Who made Team USA for Tallahassee?

- Valencia Marathon Recap | Joyciline Jepkosgei – 2:14:00 (Course Record, World Lead) + John Korir – 2:02:24

- California International Marathon (CIM) Highlights | Molly Born and Futsum Zeinesellassie take the wins + 54 women and 52 men earned 2028 OTQs.

- BU Season Opener (Indoor Track) | Josh Hoey breaks the indoor 1000m world record. Jane Hedengren runs 14:44 to become #2 US indoor all-time, #11 in world history.

- World Athletics announces some rule changes | Relays now limited to two substitutions between rounds. World Indoor 400m will be contested as A and B finals (no more all-out semis). Long jump rule change (takeoff zone) is scrapped after backlash.

- Jakob Watch | Jakob Ingebrigtsen scratches from Euro XC.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“As much as I wanted to win – what I really was after, what really drove me was finding out how good I could be. And it turns out I did. I found out how good I could be. I had a four or five-year stretch where seventh place in Boston was as good as I could be and 2:09:02 and 2:08:52 – right in that range was as fast as I could run. So, I found out. And it wasn’t good enough to win a major, but it was fun. It was a lot of fun to find out.”

My guest on today's episode is a close friend of CITIUS MAG and for the better part of a decade, one of the most respected, most relatable marathoners in the United States: Scott Fauble. He's here with us for a big announcement after years of doing things his way and doing them well. Scott is officially retiring from professional running.

If you've followed American marathoning at any point over the last seven or eight years, you know that Scott wasn't just good; he was consistently, relentlessly, unapologetically confident. Boston became his stage. He was top American in 2019, 2022, and 2023, each time dipping under 2:10 back when that wasn't happening all that often. He even beat Conner Mantz in Boston before Conner became the star that we know now.

If Scott had spent the last few years chasing flat fast courses like Chicago or London, his PR probably would live somewhere in the 2:07s. But that was never the point. You could hear it in past interviews that we've done with him. Scott built his career with a chip on his shoulder and gave American fans something real to root for at these major marathons. His toughness, his honesty, and the way he kept leveling up made you believe in the power of hard work.

In this episode, we look back on his career, unpack what happened over the last few years, and talk about what it means to move on and move forward from the sport that shaped him.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Scott Fauble | @sfaubs on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

“As much as I wanted to win – what I really was after, what really drove me was finding out how good I could be. And it turns out I did. I found out how good I could be. I had a four or five-year stretch where seventh place in Boston was as good as I could be and 2:09:02 and 2:08:52 – right in that range was as fast as I could run. So, I found out. And it wasn’t good enough to win a major, but it was fun. It was a lot of fun to find out.”

My guest on today's episode is a close friend of CITIUS MAG and for the better part of a decade, one of the most respected, most relatable marathoners in the United States: Scott Fauble. He's here with us for a big announcement after years of doing things his way and doing them well. Scott is officially retiring from professional running.

If you've followed American marathoning at any point over the last seven or eight years, you know that Scott wasn't just good; he was consistently, relentlessly, unapologetically confident. Boston became his stage. He was top American in 2019, 2022, and 2023, each time dipping under 2:10 back when that wasn't happening all that often. He even beat Conner Mantz in Boston before Conner became the star that we know now.

If Scott had spent the last few years chasing flat fast courses like Chicago or London, his PR probably would live somewhere in the 2:07s. But that was never the point. You could hear it in past interviews that we've done with him. Scott built his career with a chip on his shoulder and gave American fans something real to root for at these major marathons. His toughness, his honesty, and the way he kept leveling up made you believe in the power of hard work.

In this episode, we look back on his career, unpack what happened over the last few years, and talk about what it means to move on and move forward from the sport that shaped him.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Scott Fauble | @sfaubs on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia are back at it to preview the USATF Cross Country Championships in Portland this Saturday as well as the Valencia Marathon on Sunday. They also unpack the L.A. 2028 Olympics schedule, dive into some of the updates surrounding Grand Slam Track's financial situation, and lots more.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia are back at it to preview the USATF Cross Country Championships in Portland this Saturday as well as the Valencia Marathon on Sunday. They also unpack the L.A. 2028 Olympics schedule, dive into some of the updates surrounding Grand Slam Track's financial situation, and lots more.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“I've been thinking about it for a while… It was pretty apparent. I think because I'm very happy with how my career went, it made the decision easy. Realizing that I'm not in the mix for making teams anymore, I didn't want to keep running just to try to make USAs year in, year out. I felt good about everything and it felt like the right time.”

Evan Jager, a two-time Olympian for Team USA, is ending his professional track career at the age of 36. Jager is the most decorated U.S. steeplechaser in history, winning Olympic bronze in 2016 and World silver in 2017 along with seven straight national titles from 2012 to 2018. Jager’s 8:00.45 personal best, set in 2015, is the American record and he owns nine of the ten fastest marks on the U.S. all-time list. After years of injuries, Jager was able to make one last World team in 2022 and finished fourth at last year’s Olympic Trials. Jager discussed his long, storied career in an Exit Interview with Chris Chavez.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Evan Jager | @evanjager on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

“I've been thinking about it for a while… It was pretty apparent. I think because I'm very happy with how my career went, it made the decision easy. Realizing that I'm not in the mix for making teams anymore, I didn't want to keep running just to try to make USAs year in, year out. I felt good about everything and it felt like the right time.”

Evan Jager, a two-time Olympian for Team USA, is ending his professional track career at the age of 36. Jager is the most decorated U.S. steeplechaser in history, winning Olympic bronze in 2016 and World silver in 2017 along with seven straight national titles from 2012 to 2018. Jager’s 8:00.45 personal best, set in 2015, is the American record and he owns nine of the ten fastest marks on the U.S. all-time list. After years of injuries, Jager was able to make one last World team in 2022 and finished fourth at last year’s Olympic Trials. Jager discussed his long, storied career in an Exit Interview with Chris Chavez.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Evan Jager | @evanjager on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

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The 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships delivered on the hype! Isaac Wood and Paul Hof-Mahoney recap all the biggest takeaways from an action-packed morning in Columbia, Missouri, including:

- Women’s individual champion: Defending champion Doris Lemngole puts her championship experience to use, running 18:25.4 to win over Jane Hedengren’s 18:38.9.

- Men’s individual champion: New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel runs 28:33.9 to finally get his individual cross country victory after finishing runner-up last year.

- Women’s team champion: Hannah Gapes and Grace Hartman’s 5th and 6th place finishes lead NC State to the team win with 114 points over BYU’s 130 points.

- Men’s team champion: OSU redeems themselves from last year’s 7th place showing to finish with 57 points ahead of New Mexico’s 82 points.

+ Reactions and analysis on the biggest surprises and most exciting moments, including Syracuse finishing 4th, Hilda Olemomoi peaking at just the right time, and lots more.

More description

The 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships delivered on the hype! Isaac Wood and Paul Hof-Mahoney recap all the biggest takeaways from an action-packed morning in Columbia, Missouri, including:

- Women’s individual champion: Defending champion Doris Lemngole puts her championship experience to use, running 18:25.4 to win over Jane Hedengren’s 18:38.9.

- Men’s individual champion: New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel runs 28:33.9 to finally get his individual cross country victory after finishing runner-up last year.

- Women’s team champion: Hannah Gapes and Grace Hartman’s 5th and 6th place finishes lead NC State to the team win with 114 points over BYU’s 130 points.

- Men’s team champion: OSU redeems themselves from last year’s 7th place showing to finish with 57 points ahead of New Mexico’s 82 points.

+ Reactions and analysis on the biggest surprises and most exciting moments, including Syracuse finishing 4th, Hilda Olemomoi peaking at just the right time, and lots more.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“You get these really unique matchups that you probably wouldn’t get in the lead-up to a championship, but you can in a lead-up to Millrose because people are looking to race and have some fun.” - Grant Fisher

Buckle up because one of the greatest indoor matchups that we've ever seen is officially coming back to the Armory. Today's episode is all about a rematch that we already have to look forward to in 2026. Cole Hocker and Grant Fisher are stepping back onto that 200m track at the Armory for the 2026 Millrose Games. This time, for a 2-mile showdown.

Last year, these two didn't just race over 3000m; they absolutely rewrote the history books. Grant Fisher dropped a world record of 7:22 and Cole Hawker was right behind him in 7:23. Both men went under the previous world record. Both men ran absolutely fearlessly. It set them up very well for strong 2025 outdoor campaigns.

Now as we fast forward into 2026, Cole Hocker is heading into the new year as the Olympic champion in the 1500m and the reigning world champion at 5000m. Fisher is a double bronze medalist who spent all of 2025 sharpening one of the best closing kicks in the world. And instead of running back the same event at 3K, they're leveling up this time with the 2-mile and the perfect opportunity for these two to test their limits again.

What makes this rivalry so electric is that they meet right in the middle of who they are as athletes. Cole Hocker, the swaggering closer who showed that he's unafraid to surge early and Grant Fisher, the diesel engine who can drag any field through at record-setting pace and then still have a gear at the bell. When these two collide, you don't just get a race; you get a moment. Millrose specializes in moments. Get your tickets today at Millrosegames.org 

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on Instagram & Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

“You get these really unique matchups that you probably wouldn’t get in the lead-up to a championship, but you can in a lead-up to Millrose because people are looking to race and have some fun.” - Grant Fisher

Buckle up because one of the greatest indoor matchups that we've ever seen is officially coming back to the Armory. Today's episode is all about a rematch that we already have to look forward to in 2026. Cole Hocker and Grant Fisher are stepping back onto that 200m track at the Armory for the 2026 Millrose Games. This time, for a 2-mile showdown.

Last year, these two didn't just race over 3000m; they absolutely rewrote the history books. Grant Fisher dropped a world record of 7:22 and Cole Hawker was right behind him in 7:23. Both men went under the previous world record. Both men ran absolutely fearlessly. It set them up very well for strong 2025 outdoor campaigns.

Now as we fast forward into 2026, Cole Hocker is heading into the new year as the Olympic champion in the 1500m and the reigning world champion at 5000m. Fisher is a double bronze medalist who spent all of 2025 sharpening one of the best closing kicks in the world. And instead of running back the same event at 3K, they're leveling up this time with the 2-mile and the perfect opportunity for these two to test their limits again.

What makes this rivalry so electric is that they meet right in the middle of who they are as athletes. Cole Hocker, the swaggering closer who showed that he's unafraid to surge early and Grant Fisher, the diesel engine who can drag any field through at record-setting pace and then still have a gear at the bell. When these two collide, you don't just get a race; you get a moment. Millrose specializes in moments. Get your tickets today at Millrosegames.org 

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on Instagram & Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
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Published 2025-11-18

2025 NCAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

72 min Transcript
View

Chris Chavez and Isaac Wood preview the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships set to take place in Columbia, Missouri this weekend.

- The NCAA Cross Country Championships are Isaac’s Super Bowl

- Key Regional performances and takeaways

- The Case For and Against NC State, BYU, Florida, New Mexico, Notre Dame and Oregon on the women’s side

- The Case For and Against Oklahoma State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Syracuse, Virginia and Oregon on the men’s side

- Is this Jane Hedengren’s title to lose?

- Can Habtom Samuel finally pull off the win?

- Who will be the top American and top freshman on the men’s side?

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Isaac Wood | ⁠@isaacew on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

Chris Chavez and Isaac Wood preview the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships set to take place in Columbia, Missouri this weekend.

- The NCAA Cross Country Championships are Isaac’s Super Bowl

- Key Regional performances and takeaways

- The Case For and Against NC State, BYU, Florida, New Mexico, Notre Dame and Oregon on the women’s side

- The Case For and Against Oklahoma State, Iowa State, New Mexico, Syracuse, Virginia and Oregon on the men’s side

- Is this Jane Hedengren’s title to lose?

- Can Habtom Samuel finally pull off the win?

- Who will be the top American and top freshman on the men’s side?

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Isaac Wood | ⁠@isaacew on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“My biggest thing has been remembering that I’m not Dathan, I’m not Kelsey, but that’s why I was hired. The three of us all have very different experiences, we bring different things to the table, and we’re just hoping to give the athletes this well-roundedness in support and resources... That’s the really cool part about what OAC is doing. We’re trying to help this next wave of incredible athletes maximize what they’re capable of and it’s okay that we all do that differently.”

My guest for today's episode is Laura Thweatt, the former professional marathoner who has now stepped into an assistant coach role and is helping oversee the roads team with the On Athletics Club. For 13 years, Laura was a steady coaching presence for high school runners in Boulde and now she's made the jump to guide the likes of 2025 New York City Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and has also helped Joe Klecker navigate the transition from the track to 26.2.

Laura is someone who understands the emotional and psychological side of performance. The OAC has seen quite a bit of success in its first five years as a team and as the sport is in one of the most competitive eras ever. Laura is now the connective tissue between the original core of the team and the next generation stepping onto the roads. She talks about how she's built that trust with the athletes, fostered the culture, and developed her own coaching philosophy and style.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Laura Thweatt | @lthweatt on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

“My biggest thing has been remembering that I’m not Dathan, I’m not Kelsey, but that’s why I was hired. The three of us all have very different experiences, we bring different things to the table, and we’re just hoping to give the athletes this well-roundedness in support and resources... That’s the really cool part about what OAC is doing. We’re trying to help this next wave of incredible athletes maximize what they’re capable of and it’s okay that we all do that differently.”

My guest for today's episode is Laura Thweatt, the former professional marathoner who has now stepped into an assistant coach role and is helping oversee the roads team with the On Athletics Club. For 13 years, Laura was a steady coaching presence for high school runners in Boulde and now she's made the jump to guide the likes of 2025 New York City Marathon champion Hellen Obiri and has also helped Joe Klecker navigate the transition from the track to 26.2.

Laura is someone who understands the emotional and psychological side of performance. The OAC has seen quite a bit of success in its first five years as a team and as the sport is in one of the most competitive eras ever. Laura is now the connective tissue between the original core of the team and the next generation stepping onto the roads. She talks about how she's built that trust with the athletes, fostered the culture, and developed her own coaching philosophy and style.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Laura Thweatt | @lthweatt on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

I had worked too damn hard to get back to the line to just accept defeat and sit there and not even finish the race. I didn’t even have to think about it. I just got straight back into it… I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise since I didn’t know what my fitness was like coming in. I thought it was decent, but this was almost an extra test of, ‘Can you fall in the last lap and still make the final? Then alright, you must be pretty fit!’ I tried to take it in a positive light. To be able to do that as comfortably as I did meant that I was in a good spot.”

My guest for today's episode is George Beamish, the 2025 world champion in the men's 3000m steeplechase. If you somehow missed it, go back and watch that last lap in Tokyo. It was one for the ages. George was 11th with 400m to go, behind the world record holder and the reigning four-time global champion, but this is textbook George we're talking about. The guy who has made a career out of chaos and closing speed in those final stages of the race.

In this episode, he'll put you in his shoes for the final lap and how he flipped the story of that race on its head. He stopped the clock in 8:33, the slowest winning time for the steeplechase at a global championship since 1968 and somehow one of the most electric finishes that you'll ever see.

For New Zealand, it was their first gold in a track event at Worlds in a long time. For Beamish, it was validation after years of injuries and disappointments at global championships and that with a little bit of belief, he'd still be able to prove his best. Today we talk about that race and the season as a whole.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: George Beamish | @georgebeamish on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

I had worked too damn hard to get back to the line to just accept defeat and sit there and not even finish the race. I didn’t even have to think about it. I just got straight back into it… I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise since I didn’t know what my fitness was like coming in. I thought it was decent, but this was almost an extra test of, ‘Can you fall in the last lap and still make the final? Then alright, you must be pretty fit!’ I tried to take it in a positive light. To be able to do that as comfortably as I did meant that I was in a good spot.”

My guest for today's episode is George Beamish, the 2025 world champion in the men's 3000m steeplechase. If you somehow missed it, go back and watch that last lap in Tokyo. It was one for the ages. George was 11th with 400m to go, behind the world record holder and the reigning four-time global champion, but this is textbook George we're talking about. The guy who has made a career out of chaos and closing speed in those final stages of the race.

In this episode, he'll put you in his shoes for the final lap and how he flipped the story of that race on its head. He stopped the clock in 8:33, the slowest winning time for the steeplechase at a global championship since 1968 and somehow one of the most electric finishes that you'll ever see.

For New Zealand, it was their first gold in a track event at Worlds in a long time. For Beamish, it was validation after years of injuries and disappointments at global championships and that with a little bit of belief, he'd still be able to prove his best. Today we talk about that race and the season as a whole.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: George Beamish | @georgebeamish on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“Sometimes you have these workouts on paper that look pretty intimidating. To be able to get them done and feel strong towards the end of them is always an exciting feeling. Obviously you don’t always nail it, but doing things that maybe you haven’t done before or that you’re not quite sure if you can do is always exciting.”

My guest for today's episode is Fiona O'Keefe: the reigning U.S. Olympic Trials champion and now the fastest American woman ever on the New York City Marathon course. She's also someone who's showing us what it looks like to grow, stumble, and come back stronger.

In 2024, Fiona burst onto the scene in Orlando with a 2:22:12 performance, the fastest debut marathon in American history. But after the high of that performance came the hardest stretch of her career: an injury that forced her to drop out of the Olympic marathon in Paris after just one mile.

It could have been a moment that derailed everything. Instead, it became a lesson that shaped her next chapter. She took her time and returned to the marathon in New York to prove that patience pays off, running 2:22:49 and finishing 4th against one of the deepest fields in race history.

She beat the Olympic champion, hung tough with some of the present legends in the marathon, and reminded everyone why she's built for this distance. We talk about what it means to find herself after the Olympic heartbreak and why she really feels at home in the marathon distance. Fiona O'Keefe announced herself as America's next marathon star in Orlando and reminded people that she's at a high level again in New York.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Fiona O’Keeffe | @fiona_okeeffe on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

More description

“Sometimes you have these workouts on paper that look pretty intimidating. To be able to get them done and feel strong towards the end of them is always an exciting feeling. Obviously you don’t always nail it, but doing things that maybe you haven’t done before or that you’re not quite sure if you can do is always exciting.”

My guest for today's episode is Fiona O'Keefe: the reigning U.S. Olympic Trials champion and now the fastest American woman ever on the New York City Marathon course. She's also someone who's showing us what it looks like to grow, stumble, and come back stronger.

In 2024, Fiona burst onto the scene in Orlando with a 2:22:12 performance, the fastest debut marathon in American history. But after the high of that performance came the hardest stretch of her career: an injury that forced her to drop out of the Olympic marathon in Paris after just one mile.

It could have been a moment that derailed everything. Instead, it became a lesson that shaped her next chapter. She took her time and returned to the marathon in New York to prove that patience pays off, running 2:22:49 and finishing 4th against one of the deepest fields in race history.

She beat the Olympic champion, hung tough with some of the present legends in the marathon, and reminded everyone why she's built for this distance. We talk about what it means to find herself after the Olympic heartbreak and why she really feels at home in the marathon distance. Fiona O'Keefe announced herself as America's next marathon star in Orlando and reminded people that she's at a high level again in New York.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Fiona O’Keeffe | @fiona_okeeffe on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“I've heard over and over that you have to respect the distance. I kind of understood that, but you need to experience it to have respect for it and the emotional waves that you go through during it. I had heard that and it made sense to me, but the true understanding of that hit later. That was humbling a little bit. It’s not an easy race. You can't fake a marathon.”

My guest for today's episode is Kylie Mantz. If that name sounds familiar, yes, she is the wife of CITIUS MAG Podcast regular and U.S. marathon record holder Conner Mantz. But beyond that, Kylie is coming off a year in which she walked on to BYU's track team and can call herself a marathoner now after making her debut just a couple days ago with a strong 2:43 victory at the Two Cities Marathon in Fresno, California. 

Kylie didn't run much in high school. In fact, she only started running consistently in the last two years or so. At first, it was just to understand her husband's world and then because she realized that she could belong in it. Fast forward to this year and she's raced in a BYU singlet, trained under coach Diljeet Taylor, and ran 34:57 for 10,000m on the track. Then after that, she's taken super well to the roads all while wrapping up her degree in elementary education.

What I love about this conversation is that her path is unconventional and refreshingly honest. She learned the sport from scratch with the occasional lessons from Conner and then found the confidence and spark to chase the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon. That's 2:37. She's proving that it's never too late to start and to dream big.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Kylie Mantz | @kyliehmantz on Instagram + Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“I've heard over and over that you have to respect the distance. I kind of understood that, but you need to experience it to have respect for it and the emotional waves that you go through during it. I had heard that and it made sense to me, but the true understanding of that hit later. That was humbling a little bit. It’s not an easy race. You can't fake a marathon.”

My guest for today's episode is Kylie Mantz. If that name sounds familiar, yes, she is the wife of CITIUS MAG Podcast regular and U.S. marathon record holder Conner Mantz. But beyond that, Kylie is coming off a year in which she walked on to BYU's track team and can call herself a marathoner now after making her debut just a couple days ago with a strong 2:43 victory at the Two Cities Marathon in Fresno, California. 

Kylie didn't run much in high school. In fact, she only started running consistently in the last two years or so. At first, it was just to understand her husband's world and then because she realized that she could belong in it. Fast forward to this year and she's raced in a BYU singlet, trained under coach Diljeet Taylor, and ran 34:57 for 10,000m on the track. Then after that, she's taken super well to the roads all while wrapping up her degree in elementary education.

What I love about this conversation is that her path is unconventional and refreshingly honest. She learned the sport from scratch with the occasional lessons from Conner and then found the confidence and spark to chase the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon. That's 2:37. She's proving that it's never too late to start and to dream big.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guests: Kylie Mantz | @kyliehmantz on Instagram + Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The 54th New York City Marathon is in the books, and what a race it was. Nearly 60,000 runners took to the streets of the Big Apple, and near-perfect weather conditions meant that times were fast and racing was fierce.

We got to witness both historically-fast and historically-close races, as three women broke the 22-year-old course record and the men’s race was decided by a photo finish, the smallest margin in the race’s history. Hellen Obiri is now a two-time champ—winning first in 2023 and again in 2025—and Benson Kipruto claimed his fourth World Marathon Major title by mere inches.

For the second time this year, Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi claimed the top two spots on a World Marathon Major podium. In April, Lokedi held off Obiri to claim her first Boston Marathon title as both shattered the course record. Once again, Obiri and Lokedi (plus third-placer Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champ) worked together to run the fastest time in New York history. Only this time, Obiri turned the tables on her rival with a blistering final 800 meters and a 2:19:51 victory.

For those watching along on the CITIUS MAG YouTube broadcast, Chris Chavez came very close to ending up on “Old Takes Exposed.” With about half a mile to go in the men’s race, he called Benson Kipruto as the race winner. Kipruto, the Paris bronze medalist and a three-time World Marathon Major winner, had survived the whittling down of the lead pack over the second half and found himself in the driver’s seat in Central Park, putting the hurt on 2024 London champ Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

There was only one problem: with 200 meters left in the race, Mutiso found one last gear and began to reel Kipruto back in. Kipruto was focused on navigating the slight uphill finish of New York’s and only realized Mutiso was so close in the final steps, turning on one last burst of speed to stay ahead of his challenger. It was a true photo finish, as 0.3 seconds separated the duo and both men were credited with a time of 2:08:09.

You can find our full NYC Marathon recap here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

The 54th New York City Marathon is in the books, and what a race it was. Nearly 60,000 runners took to the streets of the Big Apple, and near-perfect weather conditions meant that times were fast and racing was fierce.

We got to witness both historically-fast and historically-close races, as three women broke the 22-year-old course record and the men’s race was decided by a photo finish, the smallest margin in the race’s history. Hellen Obiri is now a two-time champ—winning first in 2023 and again in 2025—and Benson Kipruto claimed his fourth World Marathon Major title by mere inches.

For the second time this year, Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi claimed the top two spots on a World Marathon Major podium. In April, Lokedi held off Obiri to claim her first Boston Marathon title as both shattered the course record. Once again, Obiri and Lokedi (plus third-placer Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champ) worked together to run the fastest time in New York history. Only this time, Obiri turned the tables on her rival with a blistering final 800 meters and a 2:19:51 victory.

For those watching along on the CITIUS MAG YouTube broadcast, Chris Chavez came very close to ending up on “Old Takes Exposed.” With about half a mile to go in the men’s race, he called Benson Kipruto as the race winner. Kipruto, the Paris bronze medalist and a three-time World Marathon Major winner, had survived the whittling down of the lead pack over the second half and found himself in the driver’s seat in Central Park, putting the hurt on 2024 London champ Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

There was only one problem: with 200 meters left in the race, Mutiso found one last gear and began to reel Kipruto back in. Kipruto was focused on navigating the slight uphill finish of New York’s and only realized Mutiso was so close in the final steps, turning on one last burst of speed to stay ahead of his challenger. It was a true photo finish, as 0.3 seconds separated the duo and both men were credited with a time of 2:08:09.

You can find our full NYC Marathon recap here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“[The marathon] rewards people that are patient, consistent, and build up strength. I’ve got a good engine, so late in the race I feel like my cardio holds up very well. As long as the body holds up, it’s going to be a good day!”

My guest for today’s episode is Joel Reichow, who could be viewed as a surprise story of the New York City Marathon and the top American finisher in 2025.

In a race packed with Olympians and pros backed by some of the biggest brands in running, Joel — a 32-year-old unsponsored athlete from Minnesota — ran the best race of his life, clocking 2:09:56 to finish sixth overall and claim top American honors.

At 24 miles, he was still in 12th and starting to get a bit tired. Then he saw the front starting to come back and ripped a 4:45 mile to catch them. He held strong through Central Park and won out for the U.S. honors over the likes of Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker.

Joel’s marathon journey hasn’t been flashy. He ran for South Dakota State under Rod DeHaven, grinded through years on the roads, and is working at a running store while chasing marathon miles.

Patience paid off, and finally, he put it all together on one perfect day in New York.

We talk about what it takes to break through, how he’s supporting the dream and his recollection of Sunday’s race. Joel may have come into New York as a name few knew but now he’s certainly on most people’s radars.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Joel Reichow | @joelreichow on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

“[The marathon] rewards people that are patient, consistent, and build up strength. I’ve got a good engine, so late in the race I feel like my cardio holds up very well. As long as the body holds up, it’s going to be a good day!”

My guest for today’s episode is Joel Reichow, who could be viewed as a surprise story of the New York City Marathon and the top American finisher in 2025.

In a race packed with Olympians and pros backed by some of the biggest brands in running, Joel — a 32-year-old unsponsored athlete from Minnesota — ran the best race of his life, clocking 2:09:56 to finish sixth overall and claim top American honors.

At 24 miles, he was still in 12th and starting to get a bit tired. Then he saw the front starting to come back and ripped a 4:45 mile to catch them. He held strong through Central Park and won out for the U.S. honors over the likes of Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker.

Joel’s marathon journey hasn’t been flashy. He ran for South Dakota State under Rod DeHaven, grinded through years on the roads, and is working at a running store while chasing marathon miles.

Patience paid off, and finally, he put it all together on one perfect day in New York.

We talk about what it takes to break through, how he’s supporting the dream and his recollection of Sunday’s race. Joel may have come into New York as a name few knew but now he’s certainly on most people’s radars.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Joel Reichow | @joelreichow on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The 54th running of the New York City Marathon is shaping up to be a great one. The women’s race features four of the most exciting road racers on the scene today, all duking it out for claim to the title of world’s top active marathoner. The high-quality men’s field looks wide open, and the masters battle between two of the sport’s GOATs is sure to keep things interesting. And you can always count on the million-plus spectators lining the streets of all five boroughs to bring unmatched energy to the race.

With a forecast calling for pretty ideal conditions—low-40º temps at the start, a high that shouldn’t exceed the mid-50s, and gentle breezes—the weather shouldn’t slow things down too much; that’s a job for the notoriously challenging course.

Not counting the Sydney Marathon, which only joined the World Marathon Major ranks this August, New York City boasts the slowest course records of all WMMs. (The men’s record of 2:04:58 was run by Tamirat Tola in 2023, and Margaret Okayo set the women’s mark of 2:22:31 way back in 2003.) If the other non-Boston WMMs have a tendency to become time-trial-like races of pure attrition, NYC is more often a tactical affair, albeit one with plenty of bridge-induced attrition!

HOW TO WATCH: The professional women’s field is scheduled to start at 8:35am ET, with the men following at 9:05am. From there, the civilian fields will get underway on a rolling basis, beginning at 9:10am.

Coverage of the race will begin a bit earlier, at 8:00am, and will conclude at 11:30am. You can tune in via New York’s ABC 7 if you’re local, or ESPN2 if you’re not in the Tri-State area. Additionally, ABC7NY.com will stream live from the finish line from 10:30am until 6:00pm, should you want to watch a particular athlete cross it.

The HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, and Aisha Praught Leer as they bring you their commentary, analysis, and humor on our LIVE watchalong on Sunday morning.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram + Aisha Praught Leer | @aishapraughtleer on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | ⁠⁠@macfleet on Instagram⁠⁠ + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠⁠⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠⁠⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠⁠⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

More description

The 54th running of the New York City Marathon is shaping up to be a great one. The women’s race features four of the most exciting road racers on the scene today, all duking it out for claim to the title of world’s top active marathoner. The high-quality men’s field looks wide open, and the masters battle between two of the sport’s GOATs is sure to keep things interesting. And you can always count on the million-plus spectators lining the streets of all five boroughs to bring unmatched energy to the race.

With a forecast calling for pretty ideal conditions—low-40º temps at the start, a high that shouldn’t exceed the mid-50s, and gentle breezes—the weather shouldn’t slow things down too much; that’s a job for the notoriously challenging course.

Not counting the Sydney Marathon, which only joined the World Marathon Major ranks this August, New York City boasts the slowest course records of all WMMs. (The men’s record of 2:04:58 was run by Tamirat Tola in 2023, and Margaret Okayo set the women’s mark of 2:22:31 way back in 2003.) If the other non-Boston WMMs have a tendency to become time-trial-like races of pure attrition, NYC is more often a tactical affair, albeit one with plenty of bridge-induced attrition!

HOW TO WATCH: The professional women’s field is scheduled to start at 8:35am ET, with the men following at 9:05am. From there, the civilian fields will get underway on a rolling basis, beginning at 9:10am.

Coverage of the race will begin a bit earlier, at 8:00am, and will conclude at 11:30am. You can tune in via New York’s ABC 7 if you’re local, or ESPN2 if you’re not in the Tri-State area. Additionally, ABC7NY.com will stream live from the finish line from 10:30am until 6:00pm, should you want to watch a particular athlete cross it.

The HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, and Aisha Praught Leer as they bring you their commentary, analysis, and humor on our LIVE watchalong on Sunday morning.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram + Aisha Praught Leer | @aishapraughtleer on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | ⁠⁠@macfleet on Instagram⁠⁠ + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠⁠⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠⁠⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠⁠⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Hillary Bor will be making his marathon debut in Sunday's New York City Marathon. He is taking great confidence from a healthy training block and a runner-up finish at the US 20K Championships, where he ran 56:32 for No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list. He stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue in New York City to discuss his preparation for the race.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Hillary Bor | @bor.hillary on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Mac Fleet | ⁠@macfleet on Instagram⁠ + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

More description

Hillary Bor will be making his marathon debut in Sunday's New York City Marathon. He is taking great confidence from a healthy training block and a runner-up finish at the US 20K Championships, where he ran 56:32 for No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list. He stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue in New York City to discuss his preparation for the race.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Hillary Bor | @bor.hillary on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Mac Fleet | ⁠@macfleet on Instagram⁠ + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Jessica Warner Judd suffered a tonic clonic seizure at the European track and field championships in 2024 and stuggled with symptoms in early 2025. She decided to leave the track to focus on making her marathon debut in New York City. She stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue to discuss her preparations for the race.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Jessica Warner Judd | @jesswarnerjuddxx on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

More description

Jessica Warner Judd suffered a tonic clonic seizure at the European track and field championships in 2024 and stuggled with symptoms in early 2025. She decided to leave the track to focus on making her marathon debut in New York City. She stopped by the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Avenue to discuss her preparations for the race.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Jessica Warner Judd | @jesswarnerjuddxx on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the ⁠HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue⁠, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. ⁠Register or get more details for all of the events here.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Patrick Sang — the coach behind Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and many other Kenyan stars — reflects on humility, intuition, and the unseen architecture of greatness from more than two decades of coaching. In this wide-ranging interview that we recorded from the NN Running Team Pop Up in New York City (15 E 40th Street), Sang discusses his role as a coach, teacher, mentor, and friend to some of the best in the world, the lessons on longevity and how he’s taking great inspiration from Kipchoge’s career to foster in Faith Kipyegon’s future success on the roads.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Patrick Sang

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.

More description

Patrick Sang — the coach behind Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and many other Kenyan stars — reflects on humility, intuition, and the unseen architecture of greatness from more than two decades of coaching. In this wide-ranging interview that we recorded from the NN Running Team Pop Up in New York City (15 E 40th Street), Sang discusses his role as a coach, teacher, mentor, and friend to some of the best in the world, the lessons on longevity and how he’s taking great inspiration from Kipchoge’s career to foster in Faith Kipyegon’s future success on the roads.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Patrick Sang

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for another year of programming out of the HOKA flagship store at 579 5th Avenue, including: giveaways of commemorative HOKA x NYC 2025 merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and more; an easy run with Sofar Sounds + secret concert experience, tonight at 6:00pm; and opportunities to test and shop the HOKA Mach X 3 and the Rocket X 3. HOKA will also have a hub at the marathon expo. Plus, the HOKA Flagship store will host CITIUS MAG’s coverage of the elite races. Register or get more details for all of the events here.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

New York City gears up for its biggest day of the year — the 2025 NYC Marathon. The race is as tough and electric as the city itself, and this year’s field is stacked.

Men’s Preview:

- Abdi Nageeye defends his title.

- Legends Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele aim for one last battle.

- Rising U.S. stars Biya Simbassa, Joe Klecker, and Hillary Bor chase world-class competition.

Women's Preview:

- Olympic champ Sifan Hassan has stolen the show as the headliner

- Past NYC winners Sharon Lokedi, Sheila Chepkirui, and Helen Obiri return.

- Fiona O’Keefe (first race since Trials win), Emily Sisson, and Molly Seidel add U.S. firepower.

Where to watch:

- National TV coverage: ESPN2, 8 AM ET.

- Live commentary and analysis from the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel at the same time, live from the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Ave.

Also on today's show:

- The World Treadmill Championships are real — and happening in 2026.

- Iowa State XC athletes suspended for team rule violations?

- Jakob Ingebrigtsen gets his tonsils out and now wants three world records.

- Andreas Almgren has quietly pieced together one of Europe’s best distance seasons in history.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

New York City gears up for its biggest day of the year — the 2025 NYC Marathon. The race is as tough and electric as the city itself, and this year’s field is stacked.

Men’s Preview:

- Abdi Nageeye defends his title.

- Legends Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele aim for one last battle.

- Rising U.S. stars Biya Simbassa, Joe Klecker, and Hillary Bor chase world-class competition.

Women's Preview:

- Olympic champ Sifan Hassan has stolen the show as the headliner

- Past NYC winners Sharon Lokedi, Sheila Chepkirui, and Helen Obiri return.

- Fiona O’Keefe (first race since Trials win), Emily Sisson, and Molly Seidel add U.S. firepower.

Where to watch:

- National TV coverage: ESPN2, 8 AM ET.

- Live commentary and analysis from the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel at the same time, live from the HOKA Flagship Store on 5th Ave.

Also on today's show:

- The World Treadmill Championships are real — and happening in 2026.

- Iowa State XC athletes suspended for team rule violations?

- Jakob Ingebrigtsen gets his tonsils out and now wants three world records.

- Andreas Almgren has quietly pieced together one of Europe’s best distance seasons in history.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to ⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“My big mantra for the whole weekend is to just execute. Just do what we’ve done in practice and this is going to work. I haven’t thought about kicking into the park or anything like that because that’s going to take care of itself if I execute mile 22. And if I execute mile 21, that’s going to make mile 22 better. Just working from the start, if I execute each bottle station and each section of the course, I think it’s going to be very positive."

My guest for today’s episode is Joe Klecker — a 2020 Olympian and a U.S. 10,000-meter champion on the track. But this year marks something new. After an adductor injury forced him out of the Olympic Trials and cost him a shot at Paris, Klecker is stepping into the next phase of his career — the roads. We chronicled much of this transition last winter when we produced a mini-documentary series on Klecker facing off against Conner Mantz and Clayton Young in January.

In January, he ran his first half-marathon in Houston and ran 1:01:06. By spring, he was grinding through the U.S. road circuit with races in Atlanta, D.C., Boulder and learning what it takes to trade spikes for super shoes. And now, he’s taking on the biggest debut of all: the New York City Marathon.

In this episode, we talk about that transition, the process of learning the roads in a very public way and how he’s dialed in a plan for a successful day in New York. Without further ado, here is Joe Klecker.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Joe Klecker | @joe_klecker on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

More description

“My big mantra for the whole weekend is to just execute. Just do what we’ve done in practice and this is going to work. I haven’t thought about kicking into the park or anything like that because that’s going to take care of itself if I execute mile 22. And if I execute mile 21, that’s going to make mile 22 better. Just working from the start, if I execute each bottle station and each section of the course, I think it’s going to be very positive."

My guest for today’s episode is Joe Klecker — a 2020 Olympian and a U.S. 10,000-meter champion on the track. But this year marks something new. After an adductor injury forced him out of the Olympic Trials and cost him a shot at Paris, Klecker is stepping into the next phase of his career — the roads. We chronicled much of this transition last winter when we produced a mini-documentary series on Klecker facing off against Conner Mantz and Clayton Young in January.

In January, he ran his first half-marathon in Houston and ran 1:01:06. By spring, he was grinding through the U.S. road circuit with races in Atlanta, D.C., Boulder and learning what it takes to trade spikes for super shoes. And now, he’s taking on the biggest debut of all: the New York City Marathon.

In this episode, we talk about that transition, the process of learning the roads in a very public way and how he’s dialed in a plan for a successful day in New York. Without further ado, here is Joe Klecker.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Joe Klecker | @joe_klecker on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Olipop’s Crisp Apple: it's like sparkling apple juice meets those gummy apple rings from your childhood. It’s sweet, fizzy, and comforting. Crisp Apple started as a holiday special, but people went absolutely wild for it. You begged, Olipop listened, and now it's officially part of the family. Like every Olipop, it's made with real ingredients that do good. 50 calories, 5g of sugar, and full of prebiotics and plant fiber that help your gut feel right. You can find Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, or just head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 for 25% off your orders.

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“When I crossed that finish line and ripped my shirt off, I was like, ‘Yeah!’ That was one of my best moments… It was a dream come true, something that I’ve been wanting for years. I’ve dreamt about that moment and I finally got that moment!”

Our guest today is Oblique Seville — the new 100-meter world champion and the man who brought Jamaica back to the top of men’s sprinting. On a humid night in Tokyo in September, Seville ran 9.77 to win his first global title, the fastest championship final in six years, and the first for a Jamaican man since Usain Bolt. It was a performance years in the making and the fulfillment of potential we’d seen flashes of since he was 21 and running 9.86 for fourth place at the World Championships.

In past championships, it was always something — an injury here, a tight groin there, or a perfect semifinal that came one race too soon. But this year was different with two big Diamond League wins, a healthy buildup and a conviction that his time had come. He said in the mixed zone: ‘This is my year. I’m going to take this moment and no one is going to take it away from me.’

In this episode, we talk about how he finally made it happen — the lessons learned from setbacks, the mentorship of coach Glen Mills, and what it means to carry Jamaica’s legacy forward after Bolt.

Oblique Seville isn’t loud, and he doesn’t need to be. His running does all the talking. Without further ado, please welcome – the world’s fastest man.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Oblique Seville | @obliqueseville on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“When I crossed that finish line and ripped my shirt off, I was like, ‘Yeah!’ That was one of my best moments… It was a dream come true, something that I’ve been wanting for years. I’ve dreamt about that moment and I finally got that moment!”

Our guest today is Oblique Seville — the new 100-meter world champion and the man who brought Jamaica back to the top of men’s sprinting. On a humid night in Tokyo in September, Seville ran 9.77 to win his first global title, the fastest championship final in six years, and the first for a Jamaican man since Usain Bolt. It was a performance years in the making and the fulfillment of potential we’d seen flashes of since he was 21 and running 9.86 for fourth place at the World Championships.

In past championships, it was always something — an injury here, a tight groin there, or a perfect semifinal that came one race too soon. But this year was different with two big Diamond League wins, a healthy buildup and a conviction that his time had come. He said in the mixed zone: ‘This is my year. I’m going to take this moment and no one is going to take it away from me.’

In this episode, we talk about how he finally made it happen — the lessons learned from setbacks, the mentorship of coach Glen Mills, and what it means to carry Jamaica’s legacy forward after Bolt.

Oblique Seville isn’t loud, and he doesn’t need to be. His running does all the talking. Without further ado, please welcome – the world’s fastest man.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Oblique Seville | @obliqueseville on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years by the AIU following her admission to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic and masking agent in doping. The announcement from the AIU was made public on Thursday morning.

Chepngetich broke the women's marathon world record in 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She is the 2019 World Champion and three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon.

The AIU shared that Chepngetich was tested 15 times out of competition and four times in competition in 2024. After she broke the world record, the AIU tested her more as she prepared to race the 2025 London Marathon. Chepngetich struggled in the two races that followed.

Tune in for more of the details on Chepngetich's case. You can also read our recap article here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years by the AIU following her admission to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic and masking agent in doping. The announcement from the AIU was made public on Thursday morning.

Chepngetich broke the women's marathon world record in 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She is the 2019 World Champion and three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon.

The AIU shared that Chepngetich was tested 15 times out of competition and four times in competition in 2024. After she broke the world record, the AIU tested her more as she prepared to race the 2025 London Marathon. Chepngetich struggled in the two races that followed.

Tune in for more of the details on Chepngetich's case. You can also read our recap article here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The NCAA Cross Country season just got real — and Jane Hedengren stole the show. In her college debut, the BYU freshman dominated Pre-Nats, running 18:42.3 to shatter the Gans Creek course record by 25 seconds.

In this episode, we break down Hedengren’s historic win, her incredible high school resume, and what it means for BYU’s title hopes heading into NCAAs. We also dive into everything from Grace Hartman’s Nuttycombe victory, New Mexico’s big statement on the men’s side, and the rising stars shaping the 2025 NCAA XC season.

Catch all the analysis, storylines, and bold predictions from Pre-Nats, Nuttycombe, and beyond — plus what to watch for as BYU, NC State, and Oregon gear up for the championship run.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠ + Isaac Wood | @isaacew on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

The NCAA Cross Country season just got real — and Jane Hedengren stole the show. In her college debut, the BYU freshman dominated Pre-Nats, running 18:42.3 to shatter the Gans Creek course record by 25 seconds.

In this episode, we break down Hedengren’s historic win, her incredible high school resume, and what it means for BYU’s title hopes heading into NCAAs. We also dive into everything from Grace Hartman’s Nuttycombe victory, New Mexico’s big statement on the men’s side, and the rising stars shaping the 2025 NCAA XC season.

Catch all the analysis, storylines, and bold predictions from Pre-Nats, Nuttycombe, and beyond — plus what to watch for as BYU, NC State, and Oregon gear up for the championship run.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠ + Isaac Wood | @isaacew on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

*Note: The first few minutes of Ben's interview were cut due to audio issues. The audio quality improves throughout the interview.

Canadian distance runner and Olympian Ben Flanagan is finally making his marathon debut at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon this Sunday. Fresh off his 2024 season that included his Olympic debut in the 5000m, Flanagan opens up about the challenges of transitioning to the marathon, including an injury-shortened build in 2025. He’s focused on winning the Canadian Championship and using this race as a launching pad for his marathon future.

Jon Green, Flanagan's coach, also joins us live in Toronto to share about guiding him towards his marathon debut. The two share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to step up to the marathon and the mindset of an elite runner in transition.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Ben Flanagan | @ben_flanagan on Instagram

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

*Note: The first few minutes of Ben's interview were cut due to audio issues. The audio quality improves throughout the interview.

Canadian distance runner and Olympian Ben Flanagan is finally making his marathon debut at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon this Sunday. Fresh off his 2024 season that included his Olympic debut in the 5000m, Flanagan opens up about the challenges of transitioning to the marathon, including an injury-shortened build in 2025. He’s focused on winning the Canadian Championship and using this race as a launching pad for his marathon future.

Jon Green, Flanagan's coach, also joins us live in Toronto to share about guiding him towards his marathon debut. The two share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to step up to the marathon and the mindset of an elite runner in transition.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠

Guest: Ben Flanagan | @ben_flanagan on Instagram

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | ⁠https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠WahooFitness.com⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“If I had even one race like one of my many races this year in another year, I would have been like, “This year was phenomenal because I had that one really good race.’ This year felt like every race but one went very well. Every race, I ended up like, ‘I can’t believe I just did that’ or, ‘That was awesome!’ Things maybe weren’t perfect, but a lot of my races were close to perfect and that was special to me.”

My guest for today’s episode is Conner Mantz, the new American record holder in the marathon.

On a crisp October morning in Chicago, Mantz ran 2:04:43, smashing Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old mark and becoming the fastest American ever over 26.2 miles. It’s a record that survived generations of greats from Meb Keflezighi to Ryan Hall to Galen Rupp but Conner Mantz, the soft-spoken racing assassin, made it real.

If you’ve caught all of Conner’s post-marathon recap podcast episodes that we’ve done on this show, you’ll notice that he carries the same naïve faith that once made him think he could win NCAA titles and make Olympic teams. It’s the same inner voice that still says he can win a World Marathon Major some day or medal at the 2028 Olympics.

We talk about what it means to finally get the record, how the race played out into something historic and the proof of what hard work and self-belief can bring you to.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“If I had even one race like one of my many races this year in another year, I would have been like, “This year was phenomenal because I had that one really good race.’ This year felt like every race but one went very well. Every race, I ended up like, ‘I can’t believe I just did that’ or, ‘That was awesome!’ Things maybe weren’t perfect, but a lot of my races were close to perfect and that was special to me.”

My guest for today’s episode is Conner Mantz, the new American record holder in the marathon.

On a crisp October morning in Chicago, Mantz ran 2:04:43, smashing Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old mark and becoming the fastest American ever over 26.2 miles. It’s a record that survived generations of greats from Meb Keflezighi to Ryan Hall to Galen Rupp but Conner Mantz, the soft-spoken racing assassin, made it real.

If you’ve caught all of Conner’s post-marathon recap podcast episodes that we’ve done on this show, you’ll notice that he carries the same naïve faith that once made him think he could win NCAA titles and make Olympic teams. It’s the same inner voice that still says he can win a World Marathon Major some day or medal at the 2028 Olympics.

We talk about what it means to finally get the record, how the race played out into something historic and the proof of what hard work and self-belief can bring you to.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

What. A. Day. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa unleashed two of the fastest marathons in history in Sunday’s Chicago Marathon. Kiplimo’s 2:02:23 makes him the seventh-fastest man ever and he did it in only his second career marathon. Feysa’s 2:14:56 announced her arrival as one of the five fastest women of all time with a perfectly paced negative split.

Behind the fireworks, storylines kept coming: Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Alex Masai rounded out the podium, while Conner Mantz lit up home soil fans with a North American record of 2:04:43. On the women’s side, Megertu Alemu and Magdalena Shauri joined Feysa in a flurry of personal bests. It was a good day to run fast.

For more reactions and parting thoughts from Chicago, you can read our recap here. You can also catch the replay of our watchalong here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

What. A. Day. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa unleashed two of the fastest marathons in history in Sunday’s Chicago Marathon. Kiplimo’s 2:02:23 makes him the seventh-fastest man ever and he did it in only his second career marathon. Feysa’s 2:14:56 announced her arrival as one of the five fastest women of all time with a perfectly paced negative split.

Behind the fireworks, storylines kept coming: Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Alex Masai rounded out the podium, while Conner Mantz lit up home soil fans with a North American record of 2:04:43. On the women’s side, Megertu Alemu and Magdalena Shauri joined Feysa in a flurry of personal bests. It was a good day to run fast.

For more reactions and parting thoughts from Chicago, you can read our recap here. You can also catch the replay of our watchalong here.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Join CITIUS MAG hosts Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof-Mahoney and Mac Fleet as they break down the biggest storylines of the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Some of the topics the crew dives into include:

- What to expect for weather and the course

- Who to watch in both the men's and women's elite fields

- Top American men and women who are looking to shake things up

- Race winner predictions

- Top American predictions

- Predictions on what Conner Mantz will run

+ More

____________

For more:

Read: Chicago Marathon preview article

Listen: Chicago Marathon preview podcast

____________

Hosts: Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram, Karen Lesiewicz | @karen_les on Instagram, & Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram & Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠⁠⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.⁠

More description

Join CITIUS MAG hosts Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof-Mahoney and Mac Fleet as they break down the biggest storylines of the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Some of the topics the crew dives into include:

- What to expect for weather and the course

- Who to watch in both the men's and women's elite fields

- Top American men and women who are looking to shake things up

- Race winner predictions

- Top American predictions

- Predictions on what Conner Mantz will run

+ More

____________

For more:

Read: Chicago Marathon preview article

Listen: Chicago Marathon preview podcast

____________

Hosts: Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram, Karen Lesiewicz | @karen_les on Instagram, & Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney on Instagram

Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram & Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠⁠⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Our guest today is Faith Kipyegon, the greatest 1500m runner the sport has ever known. In Tokyo, she won her record fourth World Championship 1500m title — seven global golds in this event including her three Olympic golds. It is a reign that now stretches over four years and twenty-two straight victories.

In Tokyo, that 1500m final was also a masterclass performance. She led from the gun and never looked back and ran 3:52.15 to win by nearly three seconds, the largest margin of any of her global titles. It was Faith at her purest: precise, patient, untouchable.

In this episode, we talk about how Kipyegon continues to perfect the impossible by breaking world records three years in a row and racing not for dominance but for legacy. She’s won everything there is to win, yet somehow, it feels like she’s still getting better. Faith Kipyegon has redefined what greatness on the track looks like.

You can watch the full interview with Faith Kipyegon here.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Faith Kipyegon | @faithkipyegon on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

Our guest today is Faith Kipyegon, the greatest 1500m runner the sport has ever known. In Tokyo, she won her record fourth World Championship 1500m title — seven global golds in this event including her three Olympic golds. It is a reign that now stretches over four years and twenty-two straight victories.

In Tokyo, that 1500m final was also a masterclass performance. She led from the gun and never looked back and ran 3:52.15 to win by nearly three seconds, the largest margin of any of her global titles. It was Faith at her purest: precise, patient, untouchable.

In this episode, we talk about how Kipyegon continues to perfect the impossible by breaking world records three years in a row and racing not for dominance but for legacy. She’s won everything there is to win, yet somehow, it feels like she’s still getting better. Faith Kipyegon has redefined what greatness on the track looks like.

You can watch the full interview with Faith Kipyegon here.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Faith Kipyegon | @faithkipyegon on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.⁠

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2025-10-08

2025 Chicago Marathon Preview + ATHLOS Returns To NYC

74 min Transcript
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This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia preview all the storylines, athletes, and matchups to watch at the 2025 Chicago Marathon this Sunday.

We dive into the top contenders in both the men’s and women’s fields, share our predictions, and highlight a few sleeper picks and dark horses who could shake things up. We also break down which American runners to keep an eye on and take a closer look at the full elite start list to give you a better sense of what to expect on race day.

We also preview ATHLOS, which returns to NYC this Friday with a stacked lineup. We run through the top athletes competing, the events we’re most excited about, and what fans should know heading into the meet.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia preview all the storylines, athletes, and matchups to watch at the 2025 Chicago Marathon this Sunday.

We dive into the top contenders in both the men’s and women’s fields, share our predictions, and highlight a few sleeper picks and dark horses who could shake things up. We also break down which American runners to keep an eye on and take a closer look at the full elite start list to give you a better sense of what to expect on race day.

We also preview ATHLOS, which returns to NYC this Friday with a stacked lineup. We run through the top athletes competing, the events we’re most excited about, and what fans should know heading into the meet.

____________

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠@preet_athletics on Instagram⁠

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. ⁠RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at ⁠⁠WahooFitness.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide.⁠⁠ ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“Probably 20, hopefully 24 miles, I'm working with people. But then somewhere between the last 10K and the last two miles, it's going to be a race with whoever is around me. You never know how these races play out, but hopefully I'm going to see people in front of me, I'm going to catch them…and place as high as I can. That's how I see this race playing out: I'm in a pack for 18 to 20 or 24 miles and after that I'm hawking down people.”

My recurring guest is back – Conner Mantz is back before he takes on one of the longest-standing marks in American distance running: Khalid Khannouchi’s 2:05:38 American record in the marathon. It’s been 23 years since anyone has touched that time and if there’s an American ready to rewrite the standard, it’s Mantz.

He’s already run faster — 2:05:08 this spring in Boston — but because that course isn’t record-eligible. Chicago will be his chance to make it official.

As we’ve unpacked on this show all throughout the year, it’s been a breakthrough year for him. In January, he took down Ryan Hall’s American half marathon record with a 59:17 in Houston. He ran a little faster in another non-record eligible course at the NYC Half in March. In April, he went stride for stride with 2:02 and 2:03 guys in Boston and finished fourth – just shy of the podium.

This weekend, he’ll line up in Chicago as America’s top marathoner and someone who continues to take the next steps to becoming one of the best in the world. He’s got quiet confidence and we’ve grown accustomed to seeing him test his limits in workouts and these races. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to chase a record, how this build compares to others, what’s his race plan and how he’s sizing up his competitors.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“Probably 20, hopefully 24 miles, I'm working with people. But then somewhere between the last 10K and the last two miles, it's going to be a race with whoever is around me. You never know how these races play out, but hopefully I'm going to see people in front of me, I'm going to catch them…and place as high as I can. That's how I see this race playing out: I'm in a pack for 18 to 20 or 24 miles and after that I'm hawking down people.”

My recurring guest is back – Conner Mantz is back before he takes on one of the longest-standing marks in American distance running: Khalid Khannouchi’s 2:05:38 American record in the marathon. It’s been 23 years since anyone has touched that time and if there’s an American ready to rewrite the standard, it’s Mantz.

He’s already run faster — 2:05:08 this spring in Boston — but because that course isn’t record-eligible. Chicago will be his chance to make it official.

As we’ve unpacked on this show all throughout the year, it’s been a breakthrough year for him. In January, he took down Ryan Hall’s American half marathon record with a 59:17 in Houston. He ran a little faster in another non-record eligible course at the NYC Half in March. In April, he went stride for stride with 2:02 and 2:03 guys in Boston and finished fourth – just shy of the podium.

This weekend, he’ll line up in Chicago as America’s top marathoner and someone who continues to take the next steps to becoming one of the best in the world. He’s got quiet confidence and we’ve grown accustomed to seeing him test his limits in workouts and these races. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to chase a record, how this build compares to others, what’s his race plan and how he’s sizing up his competitors.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“The one thing I reminded myself of and something my coach has been telling me all year is this: Don’t feel like you have to be anybody else. What you’ve been doing has been working for you. Continue to do that. If you’ve been being Melissa all year and you’ve been winning all year, what else do you need to do? Just go out there and be yourself.”

My guest for today’s episode is Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — the 25-year-old from Georgetown, South Carolina who just pulled off one of the rarest feats in track and field: the golden sprint triple crown.

At the World Championships in Tokyo, Melissa won the 100, the 200, and was part of the Team USA team that took gold in the 4x100m relay — becoming the first American woman ever, and only the second woman in history after Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to sweep the sprints at a single Worlds.

Her winning times — 10.61 in the 100m and 21.68 in the 200m — weren’t just dominant; they cemented her as the fourth-fastest woman of all time and within striking distance of Flo-Jo’s world record.

But what makes Melissa’s story so special isn’t just the speed. It’s also the journey.

If you’ve followed some of her career leading into 2025, she calls herself a self-described ‘village kid’ who had two partial college offers. She saved her dad’s life at 17 years old with a bone marrow transplant. She built herself from an NCAA champion out of Coastal Carolina to a global superstar, who can boast the title of the fastest woman on earth.

In this episode, we talk about that rise, the lessons that come with greatness all throughout 2025 from her races in April through September, and how she’s thinking about being one of the faces of the sport.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden | @__melissaj19 on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“The one thing I reminded myself of and something my coach has been telling me all year is this: Don’t feel like you have to be anybody else. What you’ve been doing has been working for you. Continue to do that. If you’ve been being Melissa all year and you’ve been winning all year, what else do you need to do? Just go out there and be yourself.”

My guest for today’s episode is Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — the 25-year-old from Georgetown, South Carolina who just pulled off one of the rarest feats in track and field: the golden sprint triple crown.

At the World Championships in Tokyo, Melissa won the 100, the 200, and was part of the Team USA team that took gold in the 4x100m relay — becoming the first American woman ever, and only the second woman in history after Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to sweep the sprints at a single Worlds.

Her winning times — 10.61 in the 100m and 21.68 in the 200m — weren’t just dominant; they cemented her as the fourth-fastest woman of all time and within striking distance of Flo-Jo’s world record.

But what makes Melissa’s story so special isn’t just the speed. It’s also the journey.

If you’ve followed some of her career leading into 2025, she calls herself a self-described ‘village kid’ who had two partial college offers. She saved her dad’s life at 17 years old with a bone marrow transplant. She built herself from an NCAA champion out of Coastal Carolina to a global superstar, who can boast the title of the fastest woman on earth.

In this episode, we talk about that rise, the lessons that come with greatness all throughout 2025 from her races in April through September, and how she’s thinking about being one of the faces of the sport.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden | @__melissaj19 on Instagram 

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

“You almost need to just have this fearlessness towards it. You can absolutely look at what each of the athletes have done and put them up on a pedestal, but you almost have to be like, ‘They’ve done that, but I’m going to try and do this today.’”

My guest for today’s episode is Jessica Hull, who just earned her second straight global medal with a bronze in the 1500m at the World Championships in Tokyo. Hull went toe-to-toe with the greatest of all time, Faith Kipyegon, hanging on until the final 200 meters before battling all the way to the line to secure her spot on the podium.

Last year was obviously a dream season for Jess — an Olympic silver medal, a 2000m world record, a 3:50 personal best. This year, she didn’t always hit the same highs, but she raced with consistency, courage, and adaptability, proving she’s a contender in every scenario. In Tokyo, she left it all out there, fending off a charging Nelly Chepchirchir to hang on for bronze in 3:55.16. A repeat of the disastrous tie-up that happened in the Diamond League final was avoided.

In this episode, we talk about how she leveled up to get to this point, we talk about the bond shared between all of the 1500m women and the reverence and respect for Faith Kipygeon, her exploration of the 800m which saw her break the Australian record in 1:57.15 in the semifinals and then reaching the final, where she ran another 1:57.

Plus, you’ll learn where some of her early thoughts are on her plans for 2026.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Jessica Hull | @jessicaahull on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

More description

“You almost need to just have this fearlessness towards it. You can absolutely look at what each of the athletes have done and put them up on a pedestal, but you almost have to be like, ‘They’ve done that, but I’m going to try and do this today.’”

My guest for today’s episode is Jessica Hull, who just earned her second straight global medal with a bronze in the 1500m at the World Championships in Tokyo. Hull went toe-to-toe with the greatest of all time, Faith Kipyegon, hanging on until the final 200 meters before battling all the way to the line to secure her spot on the podium.

Last year was obviously a dream season for Jess — an Olympic silver medal, a 2000m world record, a 3:50 personal best. This year, she didn’t always hit the same highs, but she raced with consistency, courage, and adaptability, proving she’s a contender in every scenario. In Tokyo, she left it all out there, fending off a charging Nelly Chepchirchir to hang on for bronze in 3:55.16. A repeat of the disastrous tie-up that happened in the Diamond League final was avoided.

In this episode, we talk about how she leveled up to get to this point, we talk about the bond shared between all of the 1500m women and the reverence and respect for Faith Kipygeon, her exploration of the 800m which saw her break the Australian record in 1:57.15 in the semifinals and then reaching the final, where she ran another 1:57.

Plus, you’ll learn where some of her early thoughts are on her plans for 2026.

____________

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Jessica Hull | @jessicaahull on Instagram

Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

____________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.

WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.

OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. ⁠You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.⁠

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
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