Road to the Trials

Latest Episodes:

Theresa Hailey: Two-Time Trials Qualifier Aims for a Third Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Theresa Hailey, a dedicated marathoner who has qualified for the Olympic Trials twice. In this episode, Theresa shares her experiences overcoming injuries, her mental strategies for racing, and her goals for the future. Discover how she balances her passion for running with her new role as a foster parent.

Sponsor

Big shout-out to the best coaching platform in the business - V.O2.

V.O2 was built from the foundation of a scientifically-validated training methodology. Based on former Olympian, author, and legendary running coach Jack Daniels’ exercise science principles, the methodology not only benefits runners of all ages and abilities when it comes to improving their running fitness but it also serves as the best measure of running economy. Visit ⁠https://vdoto2.com⁠ today for more information.

Welcome to Season Four - Three Hosts, Every Single Qualifier, One Big Goal Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Season Four of Road to the Trials!

This will be the most epic season yet as we look to interview every qualifier to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles as well as plenty of industry professionals along the way.

Our expanded goal is matched by our expanding team! We now have three co-hosts - Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka.

We are thrilled to be your central hub for everything related to the Olympic Marathon Trials. This season, we're diving deep into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of athletes on their journey to the Trials.

Follow us on Instagram @RoadToTheTrials for behind-the-scenes content and post-race highlights as well as our new website www.roadtothetrials.com.

Sponsor

Big shout-out to the best coaching platform in the business - V.O2.

Ep. 21 - Sara Vaughn: Boston Marathon Recap May 11, 2023

Show notes

Unfortunately for Sara Vaughn, the 2023 Boston Marathon didn't playout anywhere close to how she imagined it going. Sara decided to step off the course around mile 15 and that is where her race ended. In this episode, Sara provides of a full analysis of what went wrong, her thought process during the race, and how she is handling the disappointment that comes with a DNF.

Ep. 20 - Dani Moreno: Road Marathon Debut at Boston and Narrowly Missing an OTQ Apr 28, 2023

Show notes

In our latest Boston Marathon recap, we hear from Dani Moreno. This race wasn't merely a chance to experience Boston, this was Dani's first road marathon and a full-fledged attempt to break 2:37 and grab an Olympic Trials qualifying time. That's a lot to handle but Dani was ready. As one of the best sub-ultra trail runners in the world, she spoke about the atmosphere at Boston and how it compares to UTMB and the world's best trail scenes. Dani takes us through the race as she set herself up for a time in the mid-2:30's and what happened when it started to slip away at mile 24 before she finished in 2:38:23.

Ep. 19 - Nell Rojas: Boston Marathon Recap Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

At last week's Boston Marathon, Nell Rojas went up against some of the world's best after a less-than-ideal build and did her thing. Nell ran a 2:24:51, a personal best, which was good for 14th overall and 3rd American. Two weeks before Boston, Nell finished 3rd at Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (USATF Championship). In this episode we detail the training that led to these performances as well as the race tactics and details that defined them. Nell displays her trademark candor and good humor in describing all of it!

Ep. 18 - Nico Montañez: Boston Marathon Recap Apr 21, 2023

Show notes

Nico Montañez finished the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:10:52 which was good for 13th overall and the 5th American. A fantastic finish that left Nico wanting more. In this episode he details nearly every mile of the race, the moves that were made, who he ran with, gaps in the second group, and what he thought may have limited his performance in the final miles.

Ep. 17 - CJ Albertson: Boston Marathon Recap Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Our first Boston Marathon recap starts with CJ Albertson. CJ ran a gutsy race that proved to far more impactful that his 12th place overall finish (4th American).

We dive into all of it while talking at length about his well-crafted IG post detailing his experience:

"2:10:33- 12th place at the Boston Marathon
On paper, a mediocre result. With analysis, a poor result- with a 62:20 1st half split, then fading hard for a 68:13 2nd half.
But this race was special. For awhile now, it’s been difficult to enjoy running or really anything in life- and I’ve had this feeling that I’m not exactly myself- like my life and personality has been filtered in grayscale. This weekend in Boston was full of vibrant color. Running 15 miles with the world’s best marathoners, far faster than I’ve ever ran before- felt right, and I felt like me. It’s hard to describe, but the genuine joy, peace, and fun I experienced during the race hit me in a way that I could only interpret as “this is who I am”.
Yesterday, I wasn’t fit enough to race a full 26.2 with the world’s best- and many would say I should’ve ran the first half slower (including me before the race). Analytically, they are correct. But I was rewarded anyway. I was reminded of who I am, the greatness I was created for (not just in running), and the joy of running and life.
We all have greatness within us. We may not have achieved it yet, haven’t mastered the habits/discipline necessary to get there, and sometimes may not even feel it’s true- but it’s still who we are. Time to live it out."

Ep. 16 - CJ Albertson: Boston Marathon Preview Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Our final Boston Marathon preview episode before race day is with CJ Albertson. This will be CJ's third Boston after clocking a 2:11 and a 2:10 in 2021 and 2022. In this episode CJ details his atypical 6-8 week build, his feelings on racing/race strategy, his detailed thoughts on tapering (or lack thereof) including a somewhat spicy 21 mile run on Monday, and his thoughts on using ketone esters in training and on race day.

Ep. 15 - Nico Montañez: Boston Marathon Preview Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Nico Montañez is back on the show to give us a full preview of the upcoming Boston Marathon. First we dive into his 2022 experience that left Nico, who was as fit as he'd ever been, navigating emergency dental surgery and running on antibiotics. Then Nico details his training over the past six weeks, how he is approaching race day strategy and tactics, and his favorite pre-race movie. Oh, and of course we talk about his all new mustache.

Ep. 14 - Dani Moreno: Boston Marathon Preview Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Our Boston Marathon previews continue with Dani Moreno. Dani, one of the top sub-ultra trail runners in the world, is gearing up for Boston in a way that is truly unique. Not only is a road marathon not her forte, but her home of Mammoth Lakes, CA has had historic snowfall that pushed nearly all of her running onto the treadmill. Despite the atypical build, Dani nearly nabbed an OTQ time at the Ventura Half Marathon several weeks ago.

In this episode she details her recent training, her spectacular race at Ventura, her strategy for Boston, and her race weekend logistics. Finally, Dani talks about her new podcast, Sub Hub, that you can find on your favorite podcast provider.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected