PODCAST · health
Marathon Training Academy
by Angie and Trevor
The Marathon Training Academy Podcast will help you unlock your potential to conquer the marathon and change your life. Since 2010 Angie and Trevor have shared tips, inspiration, and interesting guests interviews to help listeners run smarter, avoid injury, and go the distance. What RUNNER’S WORLD says about the MTA Podcast: “If you’re training for 26.2, running coach Angie Spencer and her husband, Trevor, have everything you need to reach the finish line. The duo provides plenty of training tips, interviews, and reviews of marathons from around the world. (Angie has run one in every state!) While they don’t always bring on guests, runners like Sara Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein, and even actor Sean Astin have all stopped by.”
Episodes
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Interview with Careth Arnold: Faith and Endurance
In this episode, we speak with ultra-runner Careth Arnold about her meteoric rise in the ultra-running world, her racing highlights, and the deep connection between faith and endurance. Bio: Careth Arnold is an elite ultrarunner who made history as the first American to win the brutal TDS race at...
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The Way of Excellence, Interview with Brad Stulberg
In this episode we speak with Brad Stulberg author of the book, ‘The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World‘. Brad Stulberg is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness, and coauthor of Peak Performance. He has written for The New York...
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A Disappointing Marathon
In this episode Coach Angie answers a question sent in by a listener from Ontario, Canada, who had a disappointing marathon due to severe cramping. What went wrong and how does one process a disappointing race? Links Mentioned in This Episode Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We...
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Enter the Pain Cave
In this episode we speak with Rafael Hidalgo who shares how endurance running can rewire your brain and transform your life. Rafael, who completed the 110 mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2023, believes the race’s most meaningful story lies not at the front of the pack, but at the back—and...
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Yes, We are in a Running Boom!
In this episode we speak with Genae Salinas the event director at the largest running industry trade show in the world. We discuss the current running boom, what trends are driving it, and how long will it last? Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to…
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Des Linden and Magda Boulet on Running the Marathon des Sables
In this episode, we are joined by Des Linden and Magda Boulet, who recount their adventure competing at the Marathon des Sables—a seven-day, 168-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert! This conversation focuses on the science of training, adaptability, and how runners respond under stress. Des...
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Expert Advice for Running Your First Marathon
In this crossover episode with Another Mother Runner podcast, we serve up expert advice for your first marathon—from how to pace yourself so you reach the finish line with a smile on your face, to advice on dealing with race-day anxiety. Thanks to Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat for...
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Trust Your Training to Go the Distance!
In this episode Coach Angie shares how to have the confidence to trust your training to go the distance on race day. This is how you finish 26.2 miles when your longest distance in training is only 20 miles. Plus, Trevor is back from a 45 day tour through Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia…
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This Runner Almost Died from Drinking too Much Water!
Imagine surviving your first marathon, only to nearly die from drinking water. In this episode, a Barcelona-based listener shares his terrifying battle with water intoxication—and the powerful life lessons he took from the finish line. Plus, Trevor breaks down his ultimate, off-the-beaten-path...
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The 27th Mile with Dimity McDowell
In this episode we speak with Dimity McDowell about her new book The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years. Dimity has written for numerous publications including Runner’s World, ESPN, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. In 2010 she cofounded Another…
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Recap of our Dolomites Running Adventure
In this episode we bring you along on our epic 80-mile running adventure in the Italian Dolomites. Hear trail running tips from our expert mountain guides, and inspiration from podcast listeners who joined us in the Alps! Special thanks to Jeff Thompson, Carly Brown, Louise Turner, Liz Mukherji,...
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More Ask the Coach Q&A
In this episode we bring you part 2 of our Ask the Coach Q&A as we tackle questions about fueling for an ultra, shin splints, bunions, super shoes, strength training, runner’s trots, knee pain, fueling, and running postpartum. Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to…
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Ask the Coach Q&A (2026 Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie and Coach Abby answer questions about running marathons (and getting faster) after age 50, considerations for female runners in menopause and perimenopause, heart rate training, the Maffetone Method, ultra training and more! Thanks to everyone who sent in a question!...
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Hard Work Pays Off -Interview with Cari Masek
In this episode, we speak with longtime Academy member Cari Masek, who ran her first marathon after being inspired by an episode of this podcast. Running has changed her life — giving her the confidence to set goals, dream big, and inspire others. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching.…
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Angie and Trevor’s Top 3 Picks
In this episode we share our top three gear picks, running books, favorite marathons, runners we admire, interesting things we’ve found on a run, embarrassing running mishaps, daily healthy habits and more! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach....
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The People Who Made the Marathon Cool
In this episode we speak with bestselling author Martin Dugard about the inspiring people who made running mainstream. The first NYC Marathon only had 127 runners (only 1 woman). Now it draws over 50,000 runners (half of whom are women) and over 2 million spectators. Martin Dugard explains how we...
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The 2 Hour Marathon Barrier has Been Smashed
In this episode Angie and Trevor discuss the watershed moment that just happened at the London Marathon when two runners smashed the 2 Hour Barrier in the marathon. Sabastian Sawe of Kenya ran 1:59:30 and Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished 2nd in 1:59:41! How did we get to this moment and what…
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Sara Hall -For the Love of the Grind!
In this episode we speak with Sara Hall about her new memoir ‘For The Love Of The Grind’! Sara won the Master’s Division at the 2026 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:31:55. Sara Hall has been competing for over twenty years and has been nationally ranked for almost three decades. She is a…
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Run the Athens Marathon with Angie, Trevor, and Dean Karnazes!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed with an important announcement! Do you dream of running the Authentic Athens Marathon? This coming November we are teaming up with Dean Karnazes for a special tour for listeners to the MTA Podcast. Join us in Athens, Greece, for 7 days of...
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You Never Know What Running a Marathon Will Lead to Next!
In this episode, Trevor and Angie take you behind the scenes of what happened after Trevor completed his first marathon in 2011. Flashback with us to a sub-4 breakthrough in New Orleans, road trips to Alaska, running through the Olympic Stadium in Munich, trail adventures in the Alps, and the...
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What I’ve Learned About Marathon Training as I’ve Gotten Older
In this episode Coach Angie shares what she’s learned about training as she’s gotten older. She ran her first marathon in 2008 and has since completed 72 marathons and ultras. What has she learned about recovery, nutrition, strength, and balancing running with life? Enjoy! Links Mentioned in This...
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Interview with Mike Wardian
In this episode we speak with Mike Wardian -the 51 year old adventure runner who recently set the record for fastest 50k on Seven Continents in Seven Consecutive Days! He’s also planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA…
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How Angie Went from 5k to 50 Stater
In this episode Angie shares the story of how she went from struggling to train for her first marathon to becoming a Marathon Maniac, 50 State Marathon finisher, ultra-runner, and coach. We hope her story will be an inspiration to you! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an...
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Remembering Jeff Galloway + Run/Walk/Run Method
In this episode we pay tribute to Jeff Galloway (1945-2026) who passed away on February 25th at the age of 80. Jeff was an Olympian, author of over 20 books, and the creator of the Galloway Run/Walk/Run method (also called “Jeffing”). Hear an excerpt from our 2015 interview with Jeff; plus Coach...
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What it was Like to Run my First Marathon
In this episode we reach into the podcast vault and play a recording from when Trevor ran his first full marathon. This is an entertaining look at the joy and agony a first-timer feels, especially someone who once hated running. After two years of hard work Trevor was able to transform himself…
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Ultramarathon Training Q&A
In this episode we are joined by Coach Henry Howard to talk about the myths and facts around ultramarathon training . . . and answer questions from podcast listeners. Henry Howard was coached by Angie from 2014-2016 and was able to PR, BQ, and run his first ultra. Now he is a coach on our team...
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Achieving Big Goals -Interview with Dean Karnazes
In this episode Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes shares the 4 P’s for achieving big goals and how he pushes through the tough miles. Plus, you will learn the history of the world’s first marathon (held in 1896). And we share details about the epic 2026 Athens Marathon Tour which will be co-hosted…
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A Marathon Success Story with Katie Low
In this episode we bring you a marathon success story with Katie Low -who was able to transform her training and achieve the dream of running a BQ at the California International Marathon. In this conversation Katie shares how she went from being chronically fatigued and under-fueled to having…
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The Book Episode: Our Top Picks from 2025
This is our annual book episode! Angie and Trevor discuss the books they enjoyed in 2025– top picks for both fiction and nonfiction. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach. MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach. Altra...
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Top Running Stories from 2025
It’s time for our annual Year In Review where we take a look back at the top records, breakthroughs, and notable stories to come out of the running world in 2025. We bring you both the inspiring and the bizarre, it’s all in here! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert…
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Running Form Q&A with Coach Athena
In this episode Coach Athena joins the podcast to answer questions about optimizing running form. Athena ran her first marathon in 2002 and she learned some lessons the hard way! Listen as she answers questions about over-striding, heel striking, glute activation, core strength, proper form while...
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Interview with Doug Mayer
In this episode we bring you an interview with Doug Mayer -writer, ultra runner, and founder of Run the Alps. Hear Doug’s thoughts on cultivating an endurance mindset, new trends in trail running, and what it’s like to run in the Italian Dolomites. Plus, Trevor shares key takeaways from his…
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Interview with Nicolas Thompson
In this episode we speak with Nicolas Thompson -CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book, ‘The Running Ground -A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports’. Hear his reflection on how running helped him amid personal crises; getting faster after 40; and how he finds time to fit running into his...
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Running Shoe Tech and Terminology with Josh Levinson
In this episode we take you to Charm City Run in Frederick, Maryland, to speak with store owner Josh Levinson about running shoe tech and terminology. How are running shoes engineered these days and what is the insider terminology you should know? Learn about stack height, heel-to-toe drop,...
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Does the New York City Marathon Live Up to the Hype?
In this episode Coach Angie recaps the New York City Marathon and answers the question: does it live up to the hype? She shares her trepidation going into the race -especially after running a marathon the previous weekend. Hear tips on race-day logistics; and what’s it was like to run through the...
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Join our 2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed to make an important announcement! Next summer we are hosting a running retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and are inviting any listener to the podcast who wants to go! The Dolomites are known for their unique jagged...
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Race Recap of the Dublin Marathon 🇮🇪
In this episode we bring you to the Dublin Marathon in Ireland for one of our “World Famous Race Recaps”! Hear voices of MTA Podcast listeners we met in Ireland, inspiring stories, and various shenanigans. Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. Run…
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Catching Up With Alexi Pappas
In this episode we speak with Alexi Pappas -Olympian, filmmaker, actor, and bestselling author. Listen as Trevor and Angie chat with Alexi about goal setting, navigating change, the importance of mentors, how she gets through the later miles of a race, and more! Bio: Alexi Pappas was an NCAA All...
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Running Across Continents: Interview with Marie Leautey
In this episode we speak with Marie Leautey -a French runner who became the fastest woman to run around the world: 4 continents, 680 marathons, and 28,249 kilometers! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach. MetPro.co -For the first time ever, MetPro is...
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Interviews with Team Abbott Runners
In this episode we speak with three runners from Team Abbott — a community of runners who have faced serious health challenges but didn’t let those challenges define them! About Our Guests Elizabeth Pehota (Boston, MA): Three days out from running the 2022 Berlin Marathon, Elizabeth Pehota...
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Ask the Coach Q&A (Fall Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie Spencer and Coach Erin Smith answer questions about running two marathons in the Fall, tune-up races, Fartlek runs, hill training when you live in a flat area, hip pain, IT band pain, sore legs, and more! Coach Angie Spencer has run 70 marathons and ultras, including a...
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The Hero’s Journey of the Marathon
In this episode we apply the famous Hero’s Journey framework to marathon training and talk about how you can overcome obstacles, transform into a stronger runner, and gain the wisdom to inspire others! Links Mentioned in This Episode Run Coaching. Work with a MTA running Coach. STEP SPORTS TOKYO…
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Keira D’Amato -Don’t Call It a Comeback!
In this episode we chat with Keira D’Amato author of the new book, ‘Don’t Call it A Comeback -What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs and Started Chasing Happiness’. Keira ran competitively in college but was sidelined with an ankle injury and decided to step away from running. After having two...
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The Growth of the Running Industry
In this episode we speak with Christina Henderson about the current state of the running industry and trends that are bringing more people into the sport. Brands today are focusing on: localism, sustainability, digital integration, and experiential retail. What does that mean for you as a…
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Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) with Renee McGregor
In this episode we speak with Renee McGregor -sports dietitian and author of the book, ‘Fuel for Thought: A Practical Guide to Fueling for Your Adventures’. Renee McGregor is a leading sports dietitian, specialising in Eating Disorders, REDs, The Female Athlete, Athlete Health and Performance....
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Interview with Kitty Robinson
In this episode we speak with Kitty Robinson, a listener to the podcast who shares what it’s like to keep running through pregnancy, raising a large family, and surviving both brain and heart surgery. Kitty exemplifies the saying, “You can do hard things”! She’s author of two books: ‘Sometimes...
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Race Recap: The Eiger Ultra Trail -Our Switzerland Running Adventure
In this episode we bring you to the Swiss Alps as we run from village to village with listeners to the MTA podcast. Plus we recap the legendary Eiger Ultra Trail race, which is part of the UTMB World Series. *Special thanks to James and Susie Jin, Brad Rudler, Marcia Salovitz, Ryan Shea, Bekah...
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Interview with Joe De Sena
In this episode we speak with Joe De Sena an accomplished athlete, leader, and founder and CEO of Spartan. His goal is to get 100 million people off the couch. His new book is called, Extreme Balance: Paradoxical Principles That Make You a Champion. Life will throw many obstacles in your path,...
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Announcement: Run the Dublin Marathon with Angie and Trevor
We have another international running adventure planed this year and you are invited. We are going to Ireland to run the Dublin Marathon on October 26th 2025. Do you want to go? We have 6 spots left. Please email us or sign up with this link. Enter code MTA at checkout. Dates: Friday October 24th...
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Interview with Henry Abbott -Sports Journalist and Author
In this episode we interview Henry Abbott -sports journalist and author of the book ‘Ballistic, The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance’. Plus, we run down our 7,000 mile road trip across the USA! Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop. He led ESPN’s...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Marathon Training Academy Podcast will help you unlock your potential to conquer the marathon and change your life. Since 2010 Angie and Trevor have shared tips, inspiration, and interesting guests interviews to help listeners run smarter, avoid injury, and go the distance. What RUNNER’S WORLD says about the MTA Podcast: “If you’re training for 26.2, running coach Angie Spencer and her husband, Trevor, have everything you need to reach the finish line. The duo provides plenty of training tips, interviews, and reviews of marathons from around the world. (Angie has run one in every state!) While they don’t always bring on guests, runners like Sara Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein, and even actor Sean Astin have all stopped by.”
HOSTED BY
Angie and Trevor
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