Road to the Trials

Latest Episodes:

Andrew Bowman: Two Marathons in Three Weeks and Still Dreaming Bigger Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Matt Chittim and co-host Peter Bromka sit down with marathoner and coach Andrew Bowman, a new dad who has already punched his ticket to the 2028 Trials. Andrew talks about qualifying again this fall after a tough weather day at Detroit Free Press, turning around quickly to race Indy Monumental, and how he and his wife, marathon standout Sydney Devore, support each other through parenting, coaching, and big racing goals. He shares what he learned from his DNF at the 2024 Trials in Orlando, how he thinks about training as both an athlete and coach, and why he is still dreaming about sub 14 for 5K while chasing the next marathon breakthrough.

This episode is sponsored 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”.

Race Week in Sacramento: 2025 CIM Preview Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Lindsey Hein, Matt Chittim, and Peter Bromka sit down for a California International Marathon 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 episode is also sponsored by OS1st Socks, an official partner of the California International Marathon. OS1st creates performance socks with purpose, built for runners who pay attention to the details that matter on race day. Their designs blend blister protection, moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial technology, targeted cushioning, and light compression, all while allowing natural toe splay to support the fit and function of modern racing shoes. OS1st is trusted by specialty running stores nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing sock brands in run specialty. From performance socks to compression sleeves, every product is engineered to reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help runners train hard and recover well. Find your local retailer at os1st.com/trials. And in true Matt Chittim fashion, he’s still wearing his first pair from five years ago — so if you spot him out on the run, feel free to compliment his socks.

Lucy Dobbs: Powered by Working Man’s Track Club and a 2:32 in Indy Nov 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka catch up with newly qualified athlete Lucy Dobbs, who ran a standout 2:32 at the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, taking second place and earning a four-minute personal best. Lucy shares how she approached race day in Indianapolis, what clicked for her in training, and why Monumental has been home to several breakthrough moments in her career. This will be her second Olympic Trials, after first qualifying in 2023 with a 2:36 performance at the same race.

Lucy talks about balancing training with her full-time job as an actuary at OneAmerica Financial, her experience running with Working Man’s Track Club, and the structure and support that help her chase big goals while working full time. She also gives a glimpse into her life outside of running, including her love of horses and her involvement in competitive equestrian events. This conversation highlights the multidimensional life she leads and the discipline that makes her success possible both on and off the roads.

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”.

The Marathon Wolverine: Joe Whelan’s Relentless Racing Schedule Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Road to the Trials brings on marathon workhorse Joe Whelan, also known on this episode as “The Marathon Wolverine.” Joe digs into what it looks like to be incredibly durable in the marathon, as Joe has already raced Berlin, Boston, Grandma’s, Austin, and Indianapolis Monumental in 2025, with California International Marathon circled as his true A-race.

Joe shares how he thinks about stacking marathons in a single year, how he bounces back so quickly, and what he is targeting at CIM and beyond as he looks toward the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. He also reflects on his roots in upstate New York, his time running for Syracuse University, and the mindset that keeps him excited and hungry after so many 26.2 mile efforts.

Your Official 2025 CIM Course Preview with Brendan Gregg, Course Director Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this special Road to the Trials episode, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim team up with Brendan Gregg, the Course Director of the California International Marathon and a former CIM champion, for the ultimate 2025 race preview.

Brendan brings insider knowledge from both sides of the barriers: years of experience designing and refining the course, and firsthand insight as an elite athlete who has mastered it himself. Together, the trio walks listeners through every key detail of race weekend — from boarding the buses on race morning to navigating the final miles into Sacramento.

Over the episode, Peter, Matt, and Brendan break down:

What runners should expect at the start, including timing, logistics, and what actually matters in those early minutes before the gun
How to approach pacing over CIM’s rolling terrain, where to stay patient, and where to open up
Strategy differences for first-timers, OTQ chasers, negative-splitters, and anyone trying to survive that long descent into the city
Course features that matter more than people think — and the ones that don’t
How to stay composed in the final 10K and set up a strong, efficient finish on the streets of Sacramento

Peter also shares lessons from racing CIM five times, giving runners an honest sense of the effort, rhythm, and mental checkpoints that define the race.

Whether you’re racing for a PR, an OTQ, or the joy of a fast December marathon, this is the comprehensive course breakdown you’ll want in your pocket.

This episode is sponsored 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”.

This episode is also sponsored by OS1st Socks, an official partner of the California International Marathon. OS1st creates performance socks with purpose, built for runners who pay attention to the details that matter on race day. Their designs blend blister protection, moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial technology, targeted cushioning, and light compression, all while allowing natural toe splay to support the fit and function of modern racing shoes. OS1st is trusted by specialty running stores nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing sock brands in run specialty. From performance socks to compression sleeves, every product is engineered to reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help runners train hard and recover well. Find your local retailer at os1st.com/trials. And in true Matt Chittim fashion, he’s still wearing his first pair from five years ago — so if you spot him out on the run, feel free to compliment his socks.

Kristin Dailey: Faster as a Master and Just Getting Going Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Kristin Dailey joins hosts Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka to share her late-blooming rise in the marathon. After years of running for fitness, a stranger encouraged her to try 26.2. She ran her first marathon at the age of 40 in 3:07, then teamed up with Mary Johnson’s Lift Run Perform team to break three hours in Indianapolis. Now training with DW Running in the Chicago area, Kristin has elevated to a 2:36:08 at the recent 2025 Chicago Marathon, earning her U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. A mother of four, she talks about balancing family and training, what changed in her approach over the past few years, and why she’s lining up next at CIM before stepping away from the marathon next year to explore other goals.

You'll love this conversation with Kristin!

Makenna Myler: Thriving with Type-B Training Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Peter Bromka sits down with Makenna Myler, one of the most exciting ascending marathoners in the U.S. right now. Makenna finished 7th at the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, proving she can show up on championship day, and she joins the show fresh off her run in Chicago — a performance she calls “a little disappointing,” but only because her trajectory has her aiming higher than ever.

Peter and Makenna dig into the training environment that’s shaping this next chapter: she recently moved from Flagstaff, where she trained under Ryan Hall, to Utah to join coach Ed Eyestone and a deep group of professional women who are pushing each other every day. She shares what it’s been like to adapt, evolve, and chase another breakthrough in a marathon career that keeps climbing.

The conversation also explores the very real highs and lows Makenna has navigated in recent years. She went viral for running a mile while pregnant — twice — an experience that brought both encouragement and intense scrutiny. She also battled long COVID for nearly a year, something she discusses with surprising grace given how difficult that season truly was. Through all of it, Makenna talks about staying grounded, staying curious, and continuing to bet on what’s possible.

This episode is supported by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Jack Daniels’ VDOT formulas and trusted by coaches and athletes to simplify training and track progress. Learn more at V.O2.com.

Enjoy this conversation with Makenna Myler.

Alana Levy: Kicking With Confidence and Only 7 Seconds to Spare Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein sit down with Alana Levy, who ran 2:36:53 at the Chicago Marathon and punched her ticket to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Alana’s progression over the past few years has been remarkable: she broke three hours, then 2:50, and now has taken another eight minutes off her time to reach a new level. She reflects on attending the 2024 Trials not with disappointment but with genuine inspiration, an experience that shaped her training and mindset heading into this fall.

A member of Brooklyn Track Club, Alana talks about racing across a variety of distances in the New York running scene, finding confidence in different race environments, and learning how to build momentum one season at a time. Her story is grounded, joyful, and full of forward motion — a look at what’s possible when patience, progression, and community come together.

Support our Sponsor:

This episode is supported by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Jack Daniels’ VDOT formulas and trusted by coaches and athletes to simplify training and track progress. Learn more at V.O2.com.

Maria Lindberg: A PR and 1st Masters Runner at Chicago After 21 Marathons and Years of Persistence Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Lindsey Hein and Matt Chittim chat with Maria Lindberg, the first masters finisher at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, where she ran 2:34 at age 42. A former high school and college All-American, Maria has now completed 21 marathons and is running some of her fastest times ever. She explains how shifting to “intuitive” training without a coach and stacking consistent high-mileage weeks helped her drop from 2:49 to 2:34. Maria breaks down her even-keeled Chicago execution and how it led her to this PR. As a mom of three, she talks about modeling healthy habits, letting goals evolve, and avoiding comparison spirals by focusing on long-term consistency. Looking ahead, Maria plans to use her current fitness at the Indy Monumental Half and the Marathon Project before building toward Boston and the next Trials window.

This episode is supported by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Jack Daniels’ VDOT formulas and trusted by coaches and athletes to simplify training and track progress. Learn more at V.O2.com.

Ryan Ford: From Opportunity to Pressure in Under a Year Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Ryan Ford joins Road to the Trials to talk about his breakout year and his transition to the ON Athletics Club (OAC) in Boulder. After a standout performance at the 2024 Boston Marathon—running 2:08:00 and firmly establishing himself as one of America’s top marathoners—Ryan has quickly become a name to know in U.S. distance running. He is now coming off of a 2:09:37 at the recent Chicago Marathon.

Hosts Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein sit down with Ryan to reflect on his rapid rise: from his marathon debut in New York with an 11th-place finish, to his recent Olympic Trials qualifier in Chicago. He shares what it’s been like joining OAC, how he’s approaching training under a new system, and what his goals look like heading toward the 2028 Olympic cycle.

Throughout the conversation, Ryan opens up about his mindset, how he approaches pacing and race strategy, and the lessons he’s learned through three marathons in under a year. It’s an inside look at one of the most exciting new names in American marathoning—and a glimpse into what’s next for his career.

This episode is supported by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Jack Daniels’ VDOT formulas and trusted by coaches and athletes to simplify training and track progress. Learn more at V.O2.com.

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