Caitlin Phillips: 4th Olympic Trials Qualifier, Longevity in the Marathon, and Returning to Racing as a Mother

Caitlin Phillips’ journey to her fourth Olympic Trials qualifier is not defined by a single breakthrough, but by years of consistency, setbacks, and a deep-rooted love for the sport. In this conversation, Caitlin shares what it took to return to elite marathoning after childbirth, a serious pelvic floor injury, and a long stretch away from running. After running 2:36 at the California International Marathon and placing second in the masters field, Caitlin reflects on how this qualifier carries a different weight than the others. This time, it was not about chasing a time she knew she could hit, but about rediscovering whether it was even possible again. The episode explores the uncertainty of rebuilding from zero, the mental shifts required during postpartum recovery, and the patience it takes to test your limits week by week. Caitlin also opens up about longevity in the sport, what keeps her connected to running after decades, and how community, especially in New York City, has shaped her experience. From early high-mileage breakthroughs to evolving goals as a mother and masters athlete, she offers an honest look at how motivation changes over time and why stepping back can sometimes be just as important as pushing forward. The conversation also touches on the evolving running landscape, the rise of competitive club culture, and the growing visibility of women pursuing big goals at every stage of life. Caitlin’s story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear, and that success can look different in every chapter, but still be just as meaningful.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.