Marathon Training Academy

In this episode we speak with Matt Fitzgerald author of the book ‘How to Run the Perfect Race -Better Racing Through Better Pacing’. Matt will explain why many runners struggle with pacing in the marathon. We also take a look at the concept of “Work Rate”; and the central governor theory of fatigue versus Brehm’s motivational intensity theory. Links Mentioned in This Episode Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. UCAN -try UCAN Edge gels for FREE all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code “MTA”. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Book: How to Run the Perfect Race -Better Racing Through Better Pacing Matt Fitzgerald is a coach, nutritionist, and author of books on endurance sports including Pain & Performance, 80/20 Running, How Bad do you Want it and his most recent book “How to Run the Perfect Race- Better Racing Through Better Pacing.” He is cofounder of 80/20 Endurance and a lifelong endurance athlete.

In this episode we are joined by Coach Amber from MetPro to tackle nutrition questions sent in by listeners. We discuss meal timing, hydration, protein sources, menopause, how to balance performance and fat loss goals, managing cravings, fueling for an ultra, and we even dive into the current buzz around GLP1 medications. Whether you’re training for a marathon or an ultra, you’ll get practical nutrition advice to help optimize your running. Thanks to everyone who sent in a question! Links Mentioned in This Episode MetPro + MTA Coaching Deal. Special offer we’ve never done before limited to the first 30 people, signup for MetPro Nutrition coaching will also get MTA Run coaching included at no additional cost. $200 a month savings. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Coach Amber Velasquez has a Master of Health Sciences and is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian and a certified personal trainer. She’s a coach at MetPro and loves all things nutrition & fitness. When we had her on the podcast last year it was our most listened to episode in 2024 according to Spotify.

In this episode we interview a long-time member of our community named Debbie Gelber who has reinvented herself through running. A self-described late bloomer to the sport, she stepped on the treadmill at age 40 with a goal of losing weight, over a decade later she’s training for her 51st marathon! Debbie Gelber is a Fine Arts Instructor at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. She is currently training for the Tokyo Marathon working with MTA Coach Carrie. Links Mentioned in this Episode Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. The Drury Hotels -they have free breakfast and free food and drinks in the evening -something they call the 5:30 kick back. They have more than 150 locations in 26 states. Use our link to save 10% on your stay. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Debbie Gelber’s website: https://debrunsto50.wordpress.com

In this episode we interview Dakotah Popehn who finished as the first American woman at the Olympic Marathon in Paris! There was a time when she couldn’t fathom running 26.2, and actually DNF’d at her debut marathon. But she didn’t give up! Listen as Dakotah shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, tips on building mental strength, and the importance of getting good sleep during training. Sponsor Links Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match. Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase. UCAN -try UCAN Edge gels for FREE all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code “MTA”. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Most people first heard of Dakotah Lindwurm at the 2024 Olympic Trails. She has since gotten married and goes by Dakotah Popehn. Dakotah is a 29 year old elite runner from Minnesota who has raced everything from the mile to the marathon. She won the Grandma’s Marathon in 2021 and 2022; finished 3rd at the US Olympic Trials in 2024; and finished as the first American female at the Paris Olympic Marathon with a time of 2:26:44. She lives with her husband in the Twin Cities.

In this episode we speak with Jeff Horowitz author of the book ‘Think Like a Runner -Understanding Why We Run and How to Do It Better’. Learn about the importance of “finding your why”; the difference between chronological age versus training age; and recommended training changes for older runners. Formerly an attorney, Jeff quit law to pursue his passion for endurance sports. He currently teaches running at the George Washington University and has completed over 200 marathons and ultras across six continents. Links Mentioned in This Episode Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Think Like a Runner book.

In this episode we speak with Alistair Crompton, a trail guide with Run the Alps, about his latest adventures and what it’s like to run in the Swiss Alps. Plus, Coach Angie shares tips on training for an ultramarathon. Links Mentioned in This Episode Switzerland Running Retreat with Angie, Trevor, and Run the Alps. The Drury Hotels -they have free breakfast and free food and drinks in the evening -something they call the 5:30 kick back. They have more than 150 locations in 26 states. Use our link to save 10% on your stay. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. IQBAR -brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. Alistair Crompton is a mountain running & trekking guide, yoga teacher, and vegan chef based in Chamonix, France. He is originally from the UK when he’s not running he enjoys skiing and paragliding. Alistair will be one of our guides this year on our Running Retreat in Switzerland with @RunTheAlps

In this episode we share tips for achieving your running goals in 2025! Plus, we take a look at what fellow runners (and listeners to the podcast) have planned this year. Good news! You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Get the expert training and accountability you need to be a faster, stronger, runner. Let’s talk about your biggest challenges and see how we can elevate your training. Speak with a coach. Mentioned in This Episode MetPro -Become Your Best Self with their Proven Weight Loss strategies. You can take a free assessment and speak with a Metabolic Expert. Get $500 off their concierge coaching as a lister to the podcast. AG1 -It’s the perfect time to start a new healthy habit and AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Book – Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan.

In this episode we look back on the biggest running news, stories, and records in 2024 . . . the historic, the tragic, the inspirational, and the bizarre. We got it all! Links Mentioned in This Episode Take our Audience Survey! We are always looking for ways to improve the MTA Podcast and better serve our listeners. Speak with a Running Coach about one-on-one coaching or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. AG1 -is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. UCAN Energy -Try their Edge gels for FREE! all you pay is the cost of shipping. You can also get 20% off anything in their store with the code MTA. The Drury Hotels -they have free breakfast and free food and drinks in the evening -something they call the 5:30 kick back. They have more than 150 locations in 26 states. Use our link to save 10% on your stay.

In this episode Angie and Trevor share their favorite books from 2024 (both running and non-running related). This Episode is Sponsored by . . . Joint Health Plus! -Protect your joint cartilage from breakdown. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order. Sports Tours International, a company that’s taken runners and spectators to the most popular races around the world for 50 years. AG1 -the ultimate daily all-in-one health drink with 75 proven vitamins, minerals and whole food-sourced ingredients. Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Work with a Running Coach in 2025 or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. The Book Episode: Our Top Reads in 2024 Angie read a total of 201 books in 2024 (59 fiction and 142 non fiction; ebook= 3, audio= 115, hardcopy= 92). Authors We Interviewed on the Podcast In addition to reading these books we spoke with the authors! Dr. Michael Greger, author of the book ‘How Not to Age -The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older’ Dave Proctor, author of the book ‘Untethered: The Comeback Story of One of the Longest Fastest Runs in History’ Dr. Matthew Silver, author of the book ‘Built to Run -The Runner’s Guide to Fixing Common Injuries, Resolving Pain, and Optimizing Running Performance Now and For Life’ Doug Mayer, founder of Run the Alps and author of ‘Run the Alps Switzerland: 30 Must-Do Trail Runs’ and ‘The Race that Changed Running’. Alden Mills, former Navy SEAL, entrepreneur and author of the book ‘Unstoppable Mindset -How to Use What You Have to Get What you Want’ Marc Pollina, author of the ‘The Boston Marathon Handbook -An Insider’s Guide to Training for and Succeeding in the Ultimate Road Race’ Tina Muir, co-author of the book ‘Becoming a Sustainable Runner -A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet’ Angie’s Top 10 Non-Fiction Reads 1. Outlive- The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, M.D. This book explores the factors that affect longevity and aging. It covers a range of topics, including: Healthspan- the amount of time a person spends in good health. Medicine 3.0- making a shift from reactive to proactive medicine that focuses on prevention. The four horsemen- the four major chronic diseases that are vital to prevent for ultimate health span. They are heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Exercise- the most potent tool for enhancing health span. He recommends building strength and stamina to help combat the decline that comes with aging. Sleep- poor sleep can trigger a number of negative consequences including insulin resistance, cognitive decline, and mental health issues. Diet- he recommends avoiding fads diets and instead following either a Keto or Mediterranean diet. Emotional health- poor emotional health issues is one of the biggest roadblocks to longevity. Attia’s approach is to focus on maintaining healthspan rather than just longevity. 2. How to Stay Married- The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key This memoir covers tough subject matter in a humorous manner. This is the author’s journey to reconcile with his wife after discovering she is having an affair with a family friend. It details his struggles to understand the betrayal, navigate the complexities of their relationship, and ultimately fight to save his marriage through a series of absurd and often darkly comical situations. I think that anyone who is married or has been married will relate because of the challenges of relationships. 3. It.Goes.So.Fast: The Year of No Do-Overs by Mary Louise Kelly This is an honest and compelling memoir that grapples with the choices we make surrounding time and relationships. I think it really resonated with me because my kids are growing up so fast (our middle son is a senior and just turned 18). 4. Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope by Nicolas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wu Dunn The authors are journalists who chronicle the individual impact of the American approach to poverty and offers prescriptions for how the United States can adopt a more human approach to those who are struggling with deprivation, addiction, and despair. 5. The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, M.D. This book provides a comprehensive guide to navigating perimenopause and menopause. It offers science-backed information on all aspects of the experience, including physical changes, psychological impacts, treatment options, with a focus on addressing the often-overlooked symptoms and highlighting the need for more open discussion about menopause and its effects on women’s health. It particularly emphasizes the importance of understanding the biology behind declining estrogen levels and how to manage associated issues like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and bone density loss. This book came at a helpful time for me as I was struggling with multiple symptoms of perimenopause and researchi

In this episode we talk about how you as a long distance runner can let your mind wander as your body keeps moving forward mile after glorious mile! How to ‘put your legs on autopilot’. Links Mentioned in This Episode Work with a Running Coach in 2025 or join the Academy and use a MTA training plan. MetPro Nutrition Coaching -speak with a Metabolic Expert about your goals and get actionable steps toward fueling for performance, losing weight, adding muscle, or changing your body composition. Get $500 off their concierge coaching. Sports Tours International, a company that’s taken runners and spectators to the most popular races around the world for 50 years. Saysky High Performance Running Wear -Use code MTA15 to get 15% off running tights, shorts, tops, singlets, jackets, vests, sports bras and anything across their entire product line worldwide.

Trevor and Angie here just popping into your podcast feed to make an important announcement! Next July we are running the Eiger Ultra Trail in Switzerland and are inviting any listener to the podcast who is interested in joining us there! The Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB is so popular that is already sold out, but we have access to race bibs through our partner Run The Alps. The epic course has unrivaled mountain scenery on highly runnable trails. There’s a distance for every level for those who want to try a European trail race. The race offers a 16k, 35k, 51k, and 101k. We are doing this race as part of a 9 day running retreat that starts on July 12th, 2025. Spots are limited so please email us if you are interested. See this page for all the details. Let’s run!