James McKirdy: Starting a Journey to an OTQ

In this episode, hosts Matt Chittim, Peter Bromka, and Lindsey Hein sit down with legendary coach James McKirdy, the founder of McKirdy Trained. Over the past decade, McKirdy has built one of the most recognizable and influential coaching groups in the U.S., guiding dozens of athletes to Olympic Trials Qualifiers and shaping the way amateur runners approach high-level performance. Known for his passion, direct style, and ability to break down complex training concepts into simple, actionable advice, McKirdy has become a leading voice in the sport.The conversation dives into the state of the 2028 Olympic Trials qualifying window, the rise of super shoes, and the unique pressures athletes face as they chase OTQ standards. McKirdy shares stories from Berlin and CIM, reflects on how to balance risk and durability in marathon training, and explains why sleep, nutrition, and recovery are as important as mileage. He also talks through the mental side of the journey—how athletes can handle setbacks, stay motivated, and surround themselves with the right community. The hosts dig into the role of social media in today’s running world, the danger of comparisons, and how McKirdy has built races designed to give everyday runners the same professional-level opportunities as elites.This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone chasing big goals on the roads, from BQ hopefuls to athletes with OTQ dreams. It’s also an inspiring look at what it takes to believe in your potential, block out the noise, and build a sustainable path toward your best performances.This episode is presented by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.