Steep Ravine...Deep Thoughts About Running

Matt and Dave recap a packed weekend of track and field: the Boston Marathon’s thrilling finishes, standout American performances, and veteran runners making headlines. They also cover major collegiate meets including the Brian Clay Invitational and Mt. SAC, highlight record-breaking efforts and emerging NCAA stars, and share personal stories from past races and coaching updates.

Matt and Dave trade stories from the high school track circuit — weather, PRs, coaching tweaks, and standout performances at local meets. They chat about some Arcadia Invitational highlights, review the Australian national championships, spotlight a rising Australian sprint star, and tease ideas for the podcast's 100th episode.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank catch up on life in Napa—Matt describes swapping Roundup for sheep, cultivating and rolling the vineyard, and shares small‑town farming stories. They also break down recent track & field highlights: Shelby Hillahan’s 10K attempt, Kai Robinson and Woody Kincaid’s duel, Jane Hedengren’s NCAA‑level 10K, Cooper Lutkenhaus’s 800m world indoor win at 17, Stanford meet breakouts, college and high‑school results, coaching updates, and upcoming meets.

Matt and Dave interview Gary Towne, longtime Chico State cross country and track coach, about his 30-year career building a nationally competitive distance program and the culture behind sustained success. Gary discusses recruiting, athlete development, training philosophy, memorable races, alumni support, and the programs remarkable consistency, including a decades-long streak of conference 5K winners.

In this episode Matt and Dave speak with Peter Goldmacher about the Thousand Mile Club, a running program at San Quentin where incarcerated men train to run a marathon and find purpose, community, and rehabilitation. They discuss the club’s impact, coaching practices, the documentary 26.2 to Life, sponsor support, and how running helps transform lives both inside and beyond the prison walls.

Episode 88 of the Steep Ravine Podcast features Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank talking with Brad Barquist about his running journey from Bellevue and Interlake High School to the University of Michigan and a professional career with Mizuno. They cover his rapid rise in high school and college, coaching relationships, and memorable PRs and All‑American performances. The conversation culminates with Brad’s dramatic making of the 1996 U.S. Olympic 10,000m team — training in Georgia’s heat, battling Achilles issues, and rallying through the trials.

On this episode of Steep Ravine, hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank sit down with legendary coach and former University of Oregon runner Pat Tyson. They cover his time as a teammate and roommate of Steve Prefontaine, the famous "Oregon system" of training, and stories from NCAA cross-country championships. The conversation also explores Tyson’s coaching career — building exceptional high school programs at Shoreline and Mead, his long-term philosophy of consistency and belief, and his current work developing talent at Gonzaga as the team prepares for the track season and new conference challenges.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank welcome coach Chris Johnson of Siuslaw High School to discuss his 31-year career, the program’s state championship success, and memorable local stories from Florence, Oregon. The episode also covers major track news: Keely Hodgkinson’s World Record 1:54.87 indoor 800m, Tshepiso Masalela’s controversial 1500m disqualification, youngster Sam Ruthe's U20 dominance in his native Australia, Ethan Shuley's outta-nowhere 2:07 Osaka Marathon finish, fast college DMRs, and standout meets from Boston to Arkansas.

Matt Wilkinson and Dave Friend break down a whirlwind of indoor track action since the Millrose Games, covering standout meets at the Husky Classic, JDL Sound Running and Boston University’s Valentine's Day Invitational. Highlights include Femke Bol’s surprise sub-2:00 800 debut, multiple collegiate PRs and record attempts, fast pro miles (including a 3:45 American indoor run), and grassroots racing stories that show rising talent and deep fields across events.

Matt and Dave recap their Millrose Games weekend — fast races, tactical thrills, and memorable meetups. They cover Cole Hocker’s smart two‑mile win, Cam Myers’ breakout mile, Ellie St. Pierre’s comeback, and Colin Sahlman’s record indoor 800, plus behind‑the‑scenes stories from New York and Boston. Between snowbound visits with coaches, surprise run‑ins with athletes, and infield VIP moments, the episode mixes race analysis with travel anecdotes and the friendships that make the sport special.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank welcome Patty Gray-Bellan to episode 83 to talk about her start in running, NCAA titles at UC Davis, marathon victories, career in education and coaching, life in Boise, and the lifelong friendships and community built through running.

Matt and Dave recap the World Cross Championships in Tallahassee, highlighting Australia’s surprise mixed-relay win, standout individual performances, and team podiums, plus visa issues that affected entries. They also review the U.S. club championships, masters races, and memorable upsets and breakout runs. The hosts then break down fast road results from Houston (including multiple sub-60 men and ten women under 68) and the Valencia 10K, discuss upcoming indoor meets like Millrose, share coaching and training updates, and close with local grassroots racing stories and travel plans.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank find plenty to discuss despite the holiday-related lull in running competition.

Matt and Dave welcome longtime friend Rod Berry to recap recent cross‑country highlights — NXN, the USA Cross‑Country Championships and the Sharon Colyear-Danville Indoor Season Opener at Boston University. They then dive into Rod’s life and running career, from Redwood and Stanford to coaching, memorable race stories, and his epic 5,100‑mile European Divide bike adventure at age 65, sharing humor, wisdom and endurance lessons.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank break down the latest cross-country moments: comprehensive NCAA championship coverage (D1–D3), standout individual runs, and a thrilling women’s duel between Doris Lemongole and freshman Jane Hedengren. They highlight team results, surprising finishes, and notable performances across the men’s and women’s fields. The episode also covers the California State high school championships—including team and individual winners and combined-region implications for NXN—plus course-building talk for NXN/USAs, and travel anecdotes from the Gans Creek trip.

Matt and Dave recap the excitement from Oregon state meets, share coaching stories and standout performances, and discuss how athletes fared at regional Nike and NCAA qualifying races. They also break down key college regionals, at-large bids, and individual standouts while previewing the upcoming national championships and what to watch next week.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank talk with three top collegiate runners — Connor Foley (Dartmouth), Hayden Boaz (Princeton) and Ben Bouie (Harvard) — about recent races, transitioning from high school to college running, and balancing Ivy League academics with elite training.

Matt and Dave catch up on listener shout-outs and Lyle Smith’s NIWOT connection, plus reflections on Van Cortland and college conference races. They cover major storylines: Iowa State issues, Jane Hedendren’s dominant performance, Ivy League highlights, and the New York City Marathon’s dramatic photo finish. They finish with local high school district results, personal coaching updates, and reactions to an unforgettable World Series.

Matt and Dave unpack a massive weekend in running: standout freshman performances at Princeton and Nuttycombe, BYU’s dominant showing at Pre-Nationals, and strong NCAA meet results. They discuss team dynamics, course differences, and the nuances behind fast cross-country times. They also dive into the Chicago Marathon, highlighting record-pace efforts and impressive pros like Connor and Galen, then wrap with local high school updates and personal coaching stories.

On this episode of The Steep Ravine Podcast, Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank interview Lyle Smith about his book Blood, Sweat, and Spikes, the rise of Bernardsville’s legendary running program, and the coaching influence of Ed Mather and Mark Wetmore. Lyle shares behind-the-scenes stories of youth clubs, the Lydiard-inspired training, national meets, and how that culture followed athletes from a tiny New Jersey town to Boulder’s elite teams; the book is available in bookstores and on Audible.

Hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank break down highlights from the World Athletics Championships, including dramatic finishes, surprise medalists, and standout performances from athletes like Cole Hocker, Faith Kipyegon, Isaac Nader, and more. They mix race analysis with personal stories from a UC Davis gathering, a Heidelberg beer anecdote, notes on live scoring in the multis, and a look ahead to the cross-country season.

Live reactions and analysis from the World Championships: 1500m semis filled with falls and a controversial move by Cole Hawker under review, Ethan Strand’s agonizing near‑miss, and dramatic steeplechase and field event finishes. ESPN keeps calling Dave to see if he's available to announce next year's Prefontaine meet.

In this episode of the Steep Ravine podcast, Matt and Dave recap the Fifth Avenue Mile, kick off the 2025 Cross Country banter, and gear up for the World Track and Field Championships.

Matt and Dave welcome former collegiate standout and Running Warehouse co-founder Joe Rubio to discuss his running journey — from high school cross country to two Olympic Trials — and the training habits that shaped him.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank as they cover unforgettable highlights of the recent USA Outdoor National Championships!

In this episode of Steep Ravine, Dave shares the secrets to leading an effective high school XC Training Camp. Then Matt and Dave preview the upcoming USA Outdoor Championships. There are a ton of Americans running fast and this meet is going to be red hot!

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank in the latest episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast as they catch you up on the latest outdoor season events. Things are really heating up!

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast! Join Matt Wilkinson and his good friend Dave Frank in conversation with 2025 NCAA 800 meter champion, Sam Whitmarsh. Sam speaks about his remarkable career, personal challenges, and the inspiring outlook that has guided him to success. After the visit with Sam, Dave and Matt round out their coverage of the NCAA championships.

Join Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank on the Steep Ravine Podcast as they delve into the exciting world of track and field. In this episode, they begin to recount their experiences at the NCAA Division 1 Track and Field Championships, including placing fun $1 bets on race outcomes, mingling with fellow track enthusiasts, and witnessing outstanding athletic performances. This episode covers the women's results.   

Join Matt and Dave on this episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast as the duo discusses the highly anticipated NCAA Nationals, providing in-depth analysis of the distance races. The episode captures the excitement of record-breaking performances from high school phenoms and collegiate stars. With predictions and insights, Matt and Dave prepare listeners for what promises to be an exhilarating competition. Don't miss out on their humorous banter and thoughtful commentary as they raise the bar for track and field podcasts.

Join us for an exciting episode of the Steep Revee Podcast as hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank, along with returning guest Jim Scatini, dive into the highlights and controversies surrounding the Oregon and California State Track and Field Meets. From spectacular performances and record-breaking feats to unexpected disqualifications and impassioned rants, we cover the thrilling events that unfolded. 

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank in this insightful episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, where they are joined by special guest Bill Gregg from Davis High School. Dive into a rich discussion about the dynamics of coaching, the evolution of running programs, and the introduction of promising young athletes. Reminisce about the '80s with recollections of coaching cross country at UC Davis and the influence of renowned coaches. Listen as Bill Gregg shares his journey from Chico High School to becoming an influential coach at Davis High, mentoring both his own children and other successful runners.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank in this energetic episode of Steep Ravine, where they dive into tales of resilience, global adventures, and the relentless spirit of runners. From busy travel schedules and unexpected illnesses to thrilling high school meets and college conference championships, they cover it all.

Join Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank in this episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast as they opine on great NBA coaches and the Golden State Warriors victory over Houston, before moving on to outstanding track performances from Mountainside High's stand-out athletes to the Pros.

Welcome to the Steve Ravine Podcast, hosted by Matt Wilkinson alongside his good friend, Dave Frank. Join them as they dive into the Arcadia results and other ramblings.

Welcome to the 58th episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast with hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank. In this episode, Matt and Dave delve into the latest happenings in the world of running, including a deep dive into newly the launched Grand Slam Track Series by Michael Johnson, coverage of the Stanford Invitational and highlights from the Oregon Relays. Tune in for a blend of companionship, humor, and insider insights from the track and field world.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank on this engaging episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, where they welcome the start of the outdoor season with The Ten and The Raleigh Relays.

In this heartfelt episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank pay tribute to their good friend, Steve Strangio, who recently passed away. They share personal memories and stories from friends to celebrate Steve's life, his love for running, and his impact on those around him.  After honoring Steve, the hosts dive into a recap of the exciting NCAA Indoor Championships, highlighting standout performances and thrilling races. They cover key events from both men's and women's competitions, analyzing top contenders and memorable moments. The episode also transitions into a look at the World Indoor Championship meet, spotlighting remarkable achievements from athletes across the globe.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank as they dive into the latest happenings in the world of athletics in this episode of Steep Ravine. They'll cover standout performances at NCAA meets, international races, and indoor championships. From the fastest American indoor mile by Heather McLean to an explosive 5K won by Nico Young, this episode is packed with highlights and insights.

Join us in this exciting episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast as host Matt Wilkinson and his good friend Dave Frank dive into an enthralling conversation with legendary runner and coach, Mark Coogan.  In this engaging discussion, Mark shares anecdotes from his running career, including his unexpected encounters with track stars and his unique path to elite coaching. As the head coach of the New Balance Boston team, Mark offers a rare glimpse into the world of professional running, shedding light on recruitment strategies, team dynamics, and the profound impact of community involvement. Whether you're a passionate runner, an aspiring coach, or simply fascinated by the stories of sporting legends, this episode promises to deliver inspiration and insights that resonate far beyond the track.

Join Matt and Dave in episode 53 of the Steep Ravine Podcast. The episode spotlights the heated performances from the USA Indoor Championships and the Terrier DMR Challenge at Boston University. Explore the fiercely competitive 3000 meters on both the men's and women's sides, featuring remarkable talents like Nikki Hiltz and Shelby Houlihan. The hosts also find new respect for racewalking feats that push the limits of speed and endurance. In an exciting highlight, discover how high school milers are stepping up, with record-breaking achievements hinting at a promising future for young athletes such as Tayvon Kitchen, Josiah Tostensen, and Owen Powell.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, where hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank discuss some exciting developments in the world of running. This episode kicks off with a mini celebration of their 52nd show, marking a year of insightful banter and running updates. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into recent record-breaking performances, starting with Grant Fisher's remarkable 5000m run at BU, setting a new indoor world record with a time of 12:44. They also discuss Jakob Ingebrigtsen's sensational mile record and the highly competitive races at the University of Washington's Husky Classic, highlighting Nico Young's impressive closing speed. Matt and Dave also share their thoughts on the outdoor scene, including the Barcelona Half Marathon, where Jacob Kiplimo shattered the world record, becoming the first man to break the 57-minute barrier. Tune in for a lively episode filled with insights, analysis, and a touch of humor as the hosts bring you up to speed with the latest in running news.

In this episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank catch up after a brief hiatus. They recap the whirlwind of recent events in the running world. The duo dives into Connor Mance's impressive performance at the Houston Half Marathon and the much-anticipated result of the American record quest. They discuss the thrilling head-to-head between Grant Fisher and Cole Hocker in the Men's 3000 at the Milrose Games, where both athletes broke the former world record. The episode also covers the return of Shelby Houlihan to competitive racing following her four-year ban, analyzing her stunning times and what it means for the sport. Listeners get insights into coaching dynamics and the impact of professional clubs on post-collegiate athletes, with a spotlight on the new Nike Swoosh International team. From Nikki Hiltz's 3K victory to Josh Hoey's strategic win in the 800m, the episode is brimming with athletic achievements and intriguing commentary on the current state of track and field.

Welcome to the Steep Ravine Podcast, where hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank celebrate their 50th episode with a unique two-guest format featuring Ethan Strand and his father, Scott Strand. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of these accomplished runners, exploring Scott’s transition from a walk-on at Auburn to becoming a professional, and Ethan's meteoric rise in collegiate athletics at the University of North Carolina.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank as they sit down with decorated American distance runner Galen Rupp in this episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast.  After last February's Olympic Trials Marathon, Galen had hip surgery followed by a long stretch of rehab in Flagstaff where he could be close to his coach, Mike Smith. Dive deep into Galen's newfound passion for coaching at Northern Arizona, the differences between collegiate and professional running atmospheres, and how he finds balance with family life amidst rigorous training and competition schedules. Galen opens up about career-defining moments, his pursuit of excellence, and his views on the evolving world of athletics. He also reflects on formative experiences, the joy of pushing limits, and the invaluable support from his family and coaches throughout his journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with engaging stories, personal insights, and a glimpse into the mind of one of America's greatest distance runners.

In this episode of the Steep Ravine Podcast, hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank delve into the fascinating world of running with their special guest, Dr. Amol Saxena. They discuss his incredible career, from humble beginnings at the Chili Chase 5K to becoming a trusted figure among elite athletes. Learn about his pioneering work with Achilles surgeries, his involvement with Olympic runners, and the groundbreaking Shockwave therapy that has become a game-changer in sports medicine. Dr. Saxena shares behind-the-scenes stories from his practice, his approach to optimizing athletic performance through innovative techniques, and the evolving technology in running footwear. Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges personal anecdotes with professional expertise, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those who push the limits in the world of competitive running.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank in Episode 47 of the Steep Ravine Podcast as they discuss the intriguing dynamics of physical and mental gifts in the world of running and sharing anecdotes about athletes who embody these traits in varying combinations. Adding a personal touch, Matt shares his journey of tearing down an old family home and beginning anew with a fresh construction project. The hosts round off the episode with updates on upcoming races and coach training, setting the stage for exciting future episodes. Tune in for insightful conversation and inspiring stories from the world of running and beyond.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank on the Steep Ravine Podcast as they dive into a journey of inspiration and history in the world of running with their special guest, Jen Thatcher. In this episode, Jen shares her remarkable experiences as a high school and collegiate runner, shedding light on the evolution of women's athletics through her personal stories. Listeners will travel back to the early 80s, uncovering the camaraderie and competitive spirit that fueled Jen's passion for running, as well as her groundbreaking accomplishments at UC Davis. Get ready to explore the legacy of coaches who inspire beyond their time, creating pathways for future generations in the sport.

Join Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank for Steep Ravine Episode 45 where they share stories and updates about recent cross-country events, including the Foot Locker Nationals and USATF Club Nationals. Dave shares his experiences from the Club Nationals, detailing the challenging conditions and memorable moments. The episode also delves into the Bowerman Award, celebrating the top track and field athletes of the year, and highlights the impressive achievements of Parker Valby and Leo Neugebauer. The hosts discuss the intriguing decisions of young runner Sadie Engelhardt and the implications for her racing future. Tune in for a lively and informative discussion, full of anecdotes, insights, and laughter as Matt and Dave explore the latest happenings in the world of running.

Join hosts Matt Wilkinson and Dave Frank on this week's episode of Steep Ravine where they cover the Sharon Colyear-Danville indoor kickoff meet at Boston University, the high school cross country national championships at NXN, the Cal International Marathon and their usual banter.