Relay

Episode rundown:- Indy Mini weekend and what it’s like announcing vs watching elite races -Rebecca Schmidt’s 70:10 win and course record -Andie Cozzarelli qualifying for the Trials by 3 seconds and the chaos of that finish -How much elite marathoners are actually fueling (100–115g carbs/hour) -Practicing fueling in workouts and why it’s now part of training, not just race day -Long run evolution: from no fuel to “this is actually not that hard if you eat” -Super spikes and how track shoes went from nothing to full tech -Abby Steiner lawsuit and the idea of shoes contributing to career-ending injuries -Trials location debate (Phoenix vs St. Louis and what that means for racing conditions) -Finding non-running joy and perspective when things aren’t going well Media Mentioned:- Sara Hall audiobook (recommended listening format) - Survive and Advance by Tiana Bartoletta - Count My Lies (book) - Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV show starring Jon Hamm) - Beef (Netflix series starring Ali Wong) - TikTok content from Masai Russell and Tara Davis-Woodhall This episode is supported by Noogs! Noogs are a simple, great-tasting way to get in carbs and electrolytes before or during your run without overthinking fueling. Head to noogsnutrition.com and use code RELAY for 15% off your first order.

What we discussed:Erika coaching Cynthia Erivo through the London Marathon and meeting her in person for the first time The anxiety of coaching on race day and tracking apps failing mid-race Cynthia’s marathon execution, training swings, and performance relative to her PB Sub-2 marathon breakthrough and reactions to Sawa and Kiplimo’s performances Debate around super shoes, accessibility, and what actually makes runners faster Boston Marathon conditions, surge in fast times, and depth of competitive fields Emerging U.S. men’s marathon depth and recent breakout performances Penn Relays rivalry, NCAA 1500m record, and trash talk between athletes Eugene Marathon “pancake 5K” and the culture of fun race experiences Debate on helping runners at the finish line vs. racing your own race (and DQ implications)

Matt Chittim joins us for this week's group chat! We are so excited to have him back and joining Peter and Lindsey for this week's conversation!Episode Rundown:Lindsey’s honest FOMO, imposter syndrome, and figuring out where Boston fits in her lifePeter’s 16-mile “spectator run” through the course, complete with a B2 flyover momentThe explosion of Boston weekend culture beyond the expo, from pop-ups to live showsRunning fashion confusion, generational style shifts, and feeling wildly out of the loopThe Newbury Street pop-up scene and accidentally meeting Scott JurekShakeouts, community energy, and just wanting to be around “running stuff” all weekendThe sheer scale of Boston now, from 1,000+ person shakeouts to nonstop course traffic“Generational” weather and how it changed everything from pacing to confidenceWomen’s racing depth and the sense that sub-2:20 is about to become the new standardBreakout performances and massive PR jumps in the American fieldSharon Lokedi’s patient, surgical race strategy and late-race dominationJohn Korir’s negative split masterclass and closing speedThe density of the field getting faster, deeper, and more competitive at every levelStories that matter just as much as the pros, including a 50-year-old PR and redefining success

On this week's group chat, Lindsey and Peter are joined by Laura Thweatt and Gabby Hentemann to talk all things Boston Marathon ahead of Monday's race.ZBiotics pre-alcohol probiotic is an easy addition to your routine if you know you’re planning to have a few drinks. It’s a small shot you take before your first drink of the night, designed to help your body break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to that sluggish, not-great feeling the next day. It’s developed by a team of PhD microbiologists and works best when you still do the basics well. Pace your drinks, hydrate, and get good sleep. Whether it’s celebrating a race, a night out with friends, or wrapping up a training cycle, it’s a simple way to feel more like yourself the next morning. You can head to zbiotics.com and use the code RELAY26 at checkout for 15% off your first order.

Top Topics:The Speed Project explained (LA to Vegas, teams + solo efforts)Inside the culture and “who belongs” in alternative running spacesElite teams vs. adventure athletes and what it takes to winLogistics, pacing, and strategy (including 79-second quarters late in the race)Getting lost, off-course routes, and unconventional race navigationMental pressure within teams and not wanting to let teammates downErika’s Boston buildup and pro athlete perspective heading into race week

Episode Rundown:Tommie’s brutal 100K race recap (13,000 ft of climbing)Trail running realities: climbs, descents, and survival modeFueling strategies: gels, Coke, and potatoesAid station dynamics and race strategyPost-race recovery and what 100K does to your bodyAnimal encounters on runs… especially squirrelsThank you to our sponsor Noogs!NOOGS are sour energy chews made for endurance athletes who want fuel that actually tastes good during training and racing. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and made with natural colors and flavors. If you want to try them, head to ⁠noogsnutrition.com⁠ and use code RELAY15 for 15% off at checkout.

Topics discussed:- Erika Kemp wins New Bedford Half and uses it as a Boston build workout- New York Half performances and how fast the men’s field has become- NCAA indoor track drama, DQ controversy, and rising personalities in the sport- Doping conversations, testing challenges, and clean sport concerns- Barcelona Marathon 2:10 performance and confusion around record legitimacy

Episode rundown:- USATF half marathon championship aftermath and updates- LA Marathon chaos, the mile 18 medal debate, and surprising performances- New York City Marathon lottery frustration and the internet pile-on- Fred Kerley’s ban, whereabouts failures, and the Enhanced Games conversation- Books, podcasts, and pop culture detours

-US Half Marathon Championships leaders going off course and the fallout for podium, prize money, and team selection-Course marking, lead vehicles, and why “athletes should know the course” is a bad take-USATF response, rulebook rigidity, and what a fair resolution could look like-Indoor championships highlights including Nikki Hiltz, Cole Hocker, Noah Lyles, and Cooper Lutkenhaus-Enhanced Games conversation plus doping, whereabouts failures, and how fans feel about watchingThank you to our sponsor Noogs! NOOGS are sour energy chews made for endurance athletes who want fuel that actually tastes good during training and racing. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and made with natural colors and flavors. If you want to try them, head to noogsnutrition.com and use code RELAY15 for 15% off at checkout.

Gabby Hentemann joins as guest hostHyrox crossover and runners entering the hybrid athlete worldTrack talk and records: Keely Hodgkinson, “sketchy” marks, and the women’s 800The women’s 100-mile world record and what 12+ hours of running does to your brainEating disorder messaging, recovery, and the pressure cooker of marathon culture (taper week, body image, GLP-1 conversations)

Indoor season heating up: Cole Hocker’s American record, BU vs JDL, and banked vs flat tracksElite track culture vs road culture: pace lights, meet atmospheres, and where pros choose to raceTrail running momentum: Black Canyon, golden tickets, and Molly Seidel’s transitionHalf marathon and championship conversations: US Half Champs, World Half Champs, and timing builds for BostonThe content era of running: blue jeans marathons, influencer racing, and performance vs storytelling

Episode Rundown:Winter running survival: treadmill acceptance, frostbite fears, and training through deep coldInjury rehab reality check: Lindsey’s post-surgery boot decisions and the case for PTIndoor track culture: BU’s “illegal fast” track, infield chaos, and track time schedulingElite race logistics: buses, credentials, start-line waiting, and why pros deal with plenty of nonsense tooOlympics and sports fandom: Lindsey Vonn discourse, learning new sports fast, and choosing new Winter Olympic events to follow

Episode Rundown:Lindsey recaps the Donna Marathon finish line and why it is the best vibe in racingIndoor track is back and Peter is fully locked in on tactics, angles, and meet energyMillrose mile reactions, plus how storylines can flip in half a lapWorld record expectations vs actual racing, and why racing can be the whole pointThe 16-year-old mile conversation, pressure, and the burnout questionRunning fan etiquette: how to hype pros up without making it weirdWinter Olympics draft: what we’re watching, what we’re learning, and what is secretly terrifyingAnna Gibson story time and why ski mountaineering is a wild crossoverThe Boston Cop Slide moment and why it is basically luge trainingTraining through brutal winter: treadmill strategies, safety, and avoiding dumb injuries

In this Relay episode, we’re sharing a conversation from Road to the Trials that feels especially relevant right now. Peter Bromka sits down with JP Trojan, an Olympic Trials qualifier who ran 2:10 and finished fourth at the California International Marathon, a breakthrough performance that put him firmly on the map as we look ahead to the 2028 Trials.JP’s path is anything but typical. He ran collegiately at William & Mary and later used eligibility while attending Syracuse Law School, building his running career alongside a demanding academic track. Today, he trains with Minnesota Distance Elite while working full time as an immigration attorney in Minneapolis. JP shares what it looks like to hold both worlds at once, how he structures training around a high-responsibility job, and why he races with a competitor’s mindset instead of chasing a time.In light of what’s happening in Minnesota and the broader climate in our country, JP also talks about his work in immigration law and what this moment has been like on the ground. He offers tangible ways listeners can support affected communities, including two trusted organizations doing critical work. Our hearts are with Minnesota and with everyone experiencing fear, uncertainty, and trauma right now.Links to support:Advocates for Human Rights: https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/donateStand With Minnesota: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Erika Kemp.Episode Rundown:The 2026 Boston Marathon women’s professional field and how stacked it isErika Kemp’s decision to commit to Boston and what changed post-TokyoMarathon race strategy, decision fatigue, and why you must run your own raceTraining alone vs with partners and why empty-bleacher workouts matterWinter training realities, treadmill debates, and tuning out online noise

In this episode, we have Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Erika Kemp.Episode Rundown:Houston Half weekend energy and early-season racing mindsetErika Kemp’s race, PR, and returning to Houston after last year’s marathon breakthroughShould Houston be the USATF Half Marathon Championships?How pros use the half marathon in a spring marathon buildBrooks teammate camaraderie and in-race pack dynamicsTallahassee World Cross course madness and obstaclesTeam USA 4x2K relay selection and why it changes the fieldTraining in winter conditions, treadmill debates, and staying consistent

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim.Episode Rundown:- New Year energy and resolutions (reset vs “I don’t do resolutions,” plus the “January 5 is the real new year” take)- Houston Half Marathon hype (why it’s a perfect champs-style race, women’s and men’s fields, weather/wind talk)- World Cross Country in Florida (manufactured course chaos: hills, sand, logs, and what “real” XC should be)- College football sidebar (Oregon vs Indiana rivalry energy and what’s at stake)- Running culture debates (chip time vs watch time, content brain vs clock truth, and the “I just win, Google me” award vibe)Media Recommended:Books:- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid- Sweat Look Substack by Lee GlandorfPodcasts- Road to the Trials (new episode with Ben Rosario)- Singletrack Podcast – episode with Finn Melanson and Jeff Pelletier- I’ll Have Another – episode with Rory Linkletter- The Rambling Runner PodcastTV / Media- Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Behind the Scenes) on Disney+- Gazelle Elite YouTube videos (Detroit-based team, Trials-focused content)Support our sponsor:Check out Noogs Nutrition for sour energy chews that actually taste good and work. Vegan, gluten-free, made with natural colors and flavors. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off at noogsnutrition.com.

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka.Episode Rundown:Fueling and nutrition habits for training and racingTRE and CIM experiences and travel storiesThe nonstop marathon calendar and upcoming racesNotable performances and moments from the pro sceneInjuries, surgery decisions, and long-term relationship with runningSupport our sponsor:Check out Noogs Nutrition for sour energy chews that actually taste good and work. Vegan, gluten-free, made with natural colors and flavors. Use code RELAY15 for 15% off at noogsnutrition.com.

Today on group chat, we have Matt Chittim, Peter Bromka, and Kofuzi.Episode Rundown:Valencia Marathon recapCIM results and Olympic Trials qualifiersTRE (The Running Event) takeawaysBU indoor 5K performancesNXN and U.S. cross country weekendWestern States and HardRock lotteriesInternational racing travel challengesShoe industry trends and TRE brand updatesMarathon Project previewEarly OTQ surge and what it means for 2024–2025

Lindsey Hein, Matt Chittim, and Peter Bromka sit down for a California International Marathon (CIM) preview as CIM hosts the USATF Marathon Championships. They break down the top storylines on the men’s and women’s sides, talk about who might contend for the win, who is chasing OTQs, and what to expect from the Road to the Trials live shows at the expo.They also share some CIM history, favorite athlete storylines, and why this year’s field is so deep from front to back.

This week on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Kofuzi, and Peter Bromka. Episode Rundown:Thanksgiving as the biggest running day and different takes on turkey trotsKofuzi’s Valencia Marathon taper and using a turkey trot as a workoutNCAA cross country championships, NC State’s women, and big individual performancesWhat makes great team culture in college programs and how that shows up on race dayMeta smart glasses, running tech, and whether POV glasses actually work for contentBehind the scenes of TRE, brand events, and how influencers cover running gear

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Kofuzi, and Peter Bromka.Topics Discussed:Kofuzi’s Valencia build and recent high-mileage weeksSummer marathon training struggles and preferring winter/spring racesEgo, round-number mileage, and listening to an aging bodyRedefining success when PRs may be behind youFamily cost of marathon training and needing the race to “be worth it”Running in public, pressure not to let people down, and inspiring other 40+ runnersLessons from pros like Annie Frisbie and Makenna Myler about not giving up and staying curious

Today on the group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Kofuzi, and Erika Kemp talking about their weekends in running!-Indy Monumental weekend recap and Lindsey's sold-out after-party-Kofuzi’s first true XC 8K with creek crossings in the snow-Erika’s B.A.A. Half takeaways and “thread the needle” race plan-Why the B.A.A. Half feels harder than Boston and who showed up-Indy’s “why is everyone puking?” finish-line phenomenon-OTQ vibes, course records, and why Indy is becoming a PR magnet-Swag talk: flannel race shirt > race tee, plus the scrubs era

Today, on group chat Erika Kemp, Kofuzi, Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka are giving you the full recap of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon!

On this week's group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka. Episode Rundown:-NYC Marathon week plans (travel, Halloween, where to cheer)'-Course talk: Fifth Ave vs Queensboro + Boston comparisons-Elite preview: American women & major debuts-Men’s field + who to watch-Tommie Runz's Javelina 100 chaos-Ruth Chepng'etich ruling + doping conversation-WR context + how it affects fan trust-Helen vs Sharon rivalry-Book recommendations + XC talk-Personal suspension stories + wrap-upMedia referenced:-Books: High School Runner; The Running Ground (Nick Thompson); We Love to Run (Stephanie Reents)-Podcast: Coffee Club episode w/ Joe Klecker-Race Coverage: TCS New York City Marathon broadcast-Creators/mentions: Kofuzi, Fast Women

Today on group chat, we have Tommie Runz, Peter Bromka, and Erika Kemp.Episode Rundown:Tommie’s leap from The Speed Project (LA → Vegas) to saying yes to Javelina 100—and how trail culture replaced marathon pressure.Tommie's loop plan, pacing, heat management, and staying “locked in.”Crew strategy and gear: the “sundress” shirt, hydration vest, and two-person crew dream team.Fuel and gut check: PB&J on wheat (yes, really), gels, and vegan-friendly options.Detroit Free Press Marathon recap (bridge and underwater mile).The #CongratulateAMarathoner movement—why showing up matters.

The Relay crew is back recapping everything from the 2024 Chicago Marathon weekend — from Conner Mantz’s near-perfect American record run to the grin heard ‘round the world from Jacob Kiplimo. The crew also covers:What it’s like spectating when your videos look like found-footage horror filmsThe announcer pronunciation debacles (Tosh vs. Tosh!)Mary Ngugi Cooper’s Nala Track Club and why she’s an international iconThe Chicago Marathon bottle chaos (and the award for smoothest grab)Lindsey’s future as the only person qualified to announce OTQs at the finish line

It’s Chicago Marathon week, and the Relay crew runs a full-on snake draft with five-person rosters and XC-style scoring. Matt hosts alongside Erika, Peter, Kofuzi, and Tommie Runz.

This week on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein, Matt Chittim, and Peter Bromka.Episode Rundown:Boulderthon recapTravel-to-race vs PR-chasing mindsetBoston Marathon cutoff talk and tightening standardsChicago Marathon expo plans and live show plugTrail and Ultra World ChampionshipsVKs, 200-mile races, and why they’re surprisingly watchableRoad to the TrialsFinn’s 100-Mile Wilderness FKT shoutoutJeff Cunningham’s marathon pod and current reads

As Relay's first-ever Team USA competitor, we couldn't resist the chance to dive deep with Erika into the whole experience, including the heat, humidity, ice hats, and pacing strategies. Sunglasses, after parties, and all things Tokyo.Running in the heat is TOUGH! But this was a fun one.If we missed anything leave a question in the comments and we'll ask Erika!

This week on group chat, we have Tommie, Kofuzi, Peter, Erika, and Marcus.Episode Rundown:The extreme Tokyo heat and humidity and how it affected athletes and fansMarathon experiences, aid station violations, and Susanna Sullivan’s raceStandout events: men’s and women’s steeplechase, women’s 800m, men’s 1500m, men’s 400 hurdlesMondo Duplantis and the pole vault world record momentsTeam USA relay handoff issues and practice debatesControversial DQs, rules enforcement, and racing tacticsFred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, and Enhance Games controversiesPrize money delays and the frustrations for pro athletesLooking ahead to marathon season: Berlin, Chicago, New York

On this week's group chat, Matt Chittim, Peter Bromka, and Lindsey Hein break down all that has happened at the Tokyo World Championships so far!

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka. Episode Rundown:Erika Kemp in Tokyo — Lindsey and Peter hyping up Erika’s marathon and her confidence, calling her a “crusher” and “pleasant surprise” on the show.Brooks’ identity shift — the back-and-forth about Brooks trying to go from “run happy” to “we’re serious now,” with the high school movie training montage analogy.Emily Infeld kick talk — Lindsey saying “she’s gonna outkick you” and Peter joking about Beatrice Chebet not letting her hang around.’90s 10K nostalgia — Peter’s rant about missing the days when athletes would “crash out from 3K out” and his VHS/YouTube Haile Gebrselassie & Paul Tergat clip reference.Parenting + 5K race story — Lindsey’s kids racing each other, her tough-love cheerleading (“I don’t have water, keep going!”), and Glenn’s mind games between brothers.

This week on group chat, we have Kofuzi, Peter Bromka, Tommie Runz, and a little bit of Lindsey Hein!Episode Rundown:UTMB week through a newcomer’s eyesSydney Marathon as the new MajorPre-race ritualsKipchoge now and nextContent + culture

Today on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim.Topics we covered:Cooper Lutkenhaus goes pro at 16 and signs with NikeNIL deals, college eligibility, and the value of NCAA programs vs. professional contractsRisks and benefits of skipping the collegiate system (facilities, coaching, social/educational experience)Fall marathon fields announced (Chicago and New York), with key athletes and matchupsUTMB week preview: OCC, CCC, UTMB, and international trail running storylines

In this lively conversation, Lindsey Hein, Erika Kemp, Tommie Runz, and Peter Bromka discuss various topics ranging from recent running events to internet culture and memes. They share hot takes on food preferences, analyze Faith Kipyegon's performance from the Diamond League, the importance of points in track and field, and the dynamics of community track events. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the challenges of 5K and 10K races and personal anecdotes about their experiences in running, the pressures of performance in the age of social media, and the impact of social media on athletes' performance and mental health.

In this conversation, Lindsey, Tommie, Matt, and Peter are joined by Sandy Roberts and Pat Price, founders of the Sir Walter Miler. They dive deep into the history and evolution of the Sir Walter Miler event. Topics discussed:Introduction to the Sir Walter Miler eventThe community engagement aspectEvolution of the event over the yearsThe role of top athletes and sponsorshipInfield access for fans and athlete engagementThe “dreamer” component of the raceChallenges in event organization and logisticsThe importance of teamwork and volunteersThe process of selecting athletes and building the fieldFuture plans and succession for the event

This week on group chat, we have Kofuzi, Lindsey Hein, Stef Flippin, and Peter Bromka talking all things USAs!

This week on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim talking all things USAs!

Today on group chat, we have Tommie Runz, Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim.Top Topics Covered:1. Doping Scandals Rock Running: Deep dive into Ruth Chepngetich’s doping news, reactions from within the running world, and how it impacts both elite athletes and fans.2. What Mainstream Audiences Actually Hear About Running: Which stories make it beyond the running bubble—records vs. scandals.3. Who’s to Blame?: Discussion on accountability—athletes, agents, sponsors, and federations.4. The Systemic Issues in Global Athletics: Why countries like Russia got banned but Kenya hasn’t, and the complexities of systemic doping.5. How Fans Cope with Scandals: Balancing skepticism with joy for the sport and why cynicism can’t win.6. USA Championships Hype: Previewing the most exciting events at USAs, especially the 1500m and 800m.7. Hot Take Showdown – Who’s the Best Athlete on the Track?: Fierce debate—1500m runners, 400m hurdlers, pole vaulters, or decathletes?8. Culture of Doping and Pressure to Perform: Comparing doping cultures in Kenya, cycling, and other sports.9. Wild Side Tangents – Coldplay Cheating Scandal & Internet Virality: How a random CEO, an HR rep, and Coldplay hijacked social media.10. Emotional Intelligence & Crying in Movies: A hilarious and heartfelt wrap-up with favorite sad movies and what makes people cry (or not).Media mentioned in the episode: PodcastsSounds Like a CultTV Shows & MoviesThe Bear Seven Pounds The Pursuit of Happyness Train to Busan Yes Day The Florida Project BooksDinner for Vampires

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka.Episode Rundown:Track and Field Summer Highlights: From Bailey Hertenstein's world standard in the 5K to Diamond League drama and Noah Lyles vs. Letsile Tebogo.Hardrock 100 and Trail Running Talk: Why 50-year-old Ludo dominated, Katie Schide's calm dominance, and the challenge of long ultras.Swimming Confessions: Lindsey and Peter share their struggles with swimming form, awkward pool encounters, and comparing swim meets to track.Inside Podcasting: Reflections on becoming better interviewers, letting guests sit in silence, and podcasting pet peeves.Summer Parenting Chaos: Camps, swim meets, trying to avoid too much structure, and nostalgic summer boredom with four kids at home.

Today on group chat, we have Peter Bromka and Erika Kemp.Episode Rundown:50th anniversary atmosphere and in-person experience at Pre ClassicStandout performances across events, including Gudaf Tsegay’s and Faith Kipyegon’s world recordsSage Hurta-Klecker’s standout pacing job and pacing strategy overallLong jump drama and showmanship from Tara Davis-WoodhallTactical racing missteps, including Yard Nuguse drifting in the final stretchPhysicality and unpredictability of the 800mPrize money delays and Grand Slam Track League controversySha’Carri Richardson’s return and injury timelinesErika’s marathon build and “get fit to get fit” approachAthlete personalities, celebrations, and the importance of storytelling in track and field

Today on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Peter Bromka, Tommie Runz, Kofuzi, and Marcus Brown.Episode Rundown:Running in the Heat and the “Park” Workout DebacleThe Ethics of Running in CemeteriesPeachtree Road Race PreviewFaith Kipyegon and Breaking 4 Event Legitimacy vs. StorytellingHow Track Can Be More Fun (Without Losing Respect)Should Kipchoge Keep Racing?Western States Shoutout + Tommie’s Ultra AspirationsHow to Start Running (Literally Just Take Off?)

Western States 100 is always one of the highlights of the running calendar and the 2025 edition was no different! There was more pre-race hype than we've ever had before and the race absolutely delivered.In this episode, Stefanie Flippin, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim break the men's and women's races, talk about lasting impressions from the race, and what they learned this year that could inform future races.

Petear Bromka and Matt Chittim preview the Western States Endurance Run in a year that is so full of storylines that they didn't come close to mentioning them all in an hour long episode! With that said, they cover the Return of the King (Killian), the hunt for course records (and the attrition that could result), and a look at the potential Top 10 for the men's and women's races.You can watch Western States starting Saturday morning on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WesternStates

Today on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, and Kofuzi.Topics Covered:How elite runners train and race in extreme heatBehind the scenes at Brooks HQ Kofuzi accidentally holding Des Linden’s prototype race shoeWhat running gear says about your race-day confidenceThoughts on breaking the women’s mile world record (Breaking 4)Matching personalities with running shoe brandsPros reacting to performance tech like Omius headbands and 3D race kitsRace-day mantras—from serious to hilariousWhat’s going on with the New Balance Boston team Trail running growth and Broken Arrow race highlightsMedia suggestions:Lindsey Hein – It’s a Love Story by Annabel MonaghanPeter – The Way Around by Nicholas Triolo Kofuzi – The Observer’s Guide to Japanese Vending Machines by Tanner Bowden Erika Kemp – Watching the Netflix series Trainwreck

In this episode of Relay, host Lindsey Hein introduces the newest member of the Relay team: Erika Kemp. Erika is an accomplished professional distance runner for Brooks, a 2:22 marathoner, and a two-time U.S. champion. She made headlines in her debut marathon at Boston in 2023, running the fastest time ever recorded by an American-born Black woman.Since then, she’s dropped over ten minutes off her PR, running 2:22 at the 2025 Houston Marathon, and most recently earned a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in the marathon. Erika will line up this September alongside Brooks teammates Susanna Sullivan and Jess Tonn, who is replacing Betsy Saina following her pregnancy announcement.In this conversation, Lindsey and Erika catch listeners up on Erika’s recent career milestones, her current training in Rhode Island under coach Kurt Benninger, and what’s ahead. Erika also shares her passion for representation in the sport and her commitment to mentoring young runners.We're thrilled to have Erika joining the Relay podcast as a regular co-host. She’ll be part of the Monday crew, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. This conversation is your chance to get to know her a little better and hear her perspective heading into an exciting summer.A quick note: the audio quality in this one isn’t perfect due to a technical issue during recording. There’s a bit of crackle in Lindsey’s mic, but the conversation is still worth the listen.Enjoy this introduction to Erika Kemp—Relay’s newest voice on the mic.

Today on group chat, we have Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim. Episode Rundown:All of the subscriptions that you need to be a track fanThe recent news on Grand Slam trackBoston Marathon’s consideration of downhill coursesChanges to the Boston Marathon registering processOslo Diamond League Nico Young’s breakout 5k winThe Women’s 400m race in OsloPortland Track Festival

This week on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, Stef Flippin, and Peter Bromka.Episode Rundown:Some love for Ali FellerErika’s mini 10k race and World Championship team selectionWe Out Here Trail FestThe Zooming DemonsNCAA athletes now being paid and what that may mean for track and fieldCatching up on the Diamond League performancesJane Hedengren's recent results and a chat about high school phenoms

Episode Rundown:Erika Kemp joins Relay!Grand Slam Track catch upErika’s career plans - any chance she gets back on the track?NYC Mini 10KOlympic Trials StandardsMedia recommendations:American Fly GirlHBO MountainheadForever on NetflixFour Weddings on HBO