Mailbag Madness: Boston Qualifying Plans, Tune-Up Races & Shoe Rotation Debate

In this Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer listener questions about training, racing, injuries, and running gear.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.comTopics include building a long-term plan to qualify for the Boston Marathon, whether runners should race a half marathon before their goal marathon, and how hard workouts should feel during a training block.We also discuss returning to running after Achilles and plantar fasciitis injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and whether runners actually need a shoe rotation to improve performance and reduce injury risk.Questions answered in this episode:How should I structure a multi-year Boston qualifying plan?Is racing a half marathon 8 weeks before a marathon a good idea?How fatigued should you feel during training?How do you safely rebuild mileage after injury?Do runners really need multiple pairs of running shoes?Plus: running stories, weird animal encounters on the run, and Alex’s now-infamous runner feet.Have a question for the show?Email [email protected]