Road to the Trials

Latest Episodes:

Jax Siddall’s Marathon Debut Win: From 6th Grade Teacher to Eugene Marathon Win Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Jax Siddall joins Peter Bromka after a breakthrough performance at the Eugene Marathon, where he won his marathon debut and secured an Olympic Trials qualifier. A sixth-grade teacher in Colorado, Jax shares the path that took him from Eastern Kentucky University to the front of one of the country's premier marathons.

Jax reflects on the training philosophy that has fueled his development, lessons learned from time spent in Flagstaff, balancing teaching with high-level running, and what it's like to race alone for much of a marathon. He also discusses the importance of consistency, learning from athletes around him, and why he believes his best running is still ahead of him.

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Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Joey Whelan: 35 Marathons, 6 Course Records, and Still Finding Another Gear Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Joey Whelan returns to the podcast after one of the busiest stretches of racing imaginable. Since his breakout performance at CIM, he's added wins and course records in Austin and Buffalo, raced internationally in Hamburg, and continued building toward even bigger goals. Through it all, he's remained one of the sport's most unique competitors, balancing aggressive racing, high mileage, and a willingness to line up far more often than most elite marathoners.

In this conversation, Joey reflects on leading CIM for nearly the entire race, what he learned from racing solo for so many miles, and why he's increasingly embracing tactics, double-threshold training, and new approaches to recovery. He also shares his thoughts on the evolving American marathon scene, chasing World Championships qualification, the realities of racing without an agent, and why he's excited for another showdown with some familiar rivals at Grandma's Marathon.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans built around carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools make it easier to dial in race-day nutrition and training fuel. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Wahoo is changing the indoor running experience with the KICKR RUN treadmill, featuring automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Use code TRIALS28 for a free Bluetooth fan (a $319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

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Elena Hayday: From 2:30 to 2:24 at Boston and Chasing Something Bigger Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Elena Hayday joins the podcast after a massive breakthrough at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where she ran 2:24 and officially entered a new level of American marathoning. But as she shares in this conversation, the performance was years in the making. After multiple marathons that almost came together, tough lessons with fueling and GI issues, and balancing elite training alongside a neuroscience PhD program, Boston was the race where everything finally clicked.

Elena talks about the process of fully committing to running, joining Minnesota Distance Elite, training alongside athletes like Dakota Popehn and Annie Frisbie, and learning to believe she belongs in those front packs. She also shares how working with a dietitian transformed her recovery, why she’s starting to think differently about racing instead of just pacing, and what it feels like to suddenly realize the Olympic Trials — and maybe even Team USA — could truly be within reach.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners take the guesswork out of fueling with a science-backed approach to carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their personalized fuel plans and educational resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

ZBiotics is the maker of a pre-alcohol probiotic designed to support a better next day after drinking. Developed by PhD microbiologists, it works by breaking down a byproduct of alcohol associated with rough mornings. Learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 with code TRIALS26. All purchases are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Amanda Martin on Winning Eugene and Learning How to Trust the Marathon May 28, 2026

Show notes

Amanda Martin joins Road to the Trials after a massive breakthrough at the 2026 Eugene Marathon, where she ran 2:34 and won the race after years of chasing the Olympic Trials standard through injuries, setbacks, burnout, and some truly brutal marathon experiences.

Amanda shares her long road from swimming and Division III running to chronic stress fractures, cross-training marathons on the elliptical, collapsing in races, and wondering if the marathon would ever actually click for her. She talks openly about grief after losing her father, the pressure she put on herself for years while chasing a time goal, and how moving to Utah and training around athletes like Kiera D’Amato helped completely reshape her mindset around racing.

The conversation dives deep into marathon fueling, sports anxiety, learning how to race without obsessing over pace, and why covering her watch during Eugene may have changed everything. Amanda also reflects on the surreal feeling of finally running strong over the final 10K of a marathon, crossing the finish line at Hayward Field victorious, and realizing the goal she had carried for nearly eight years had finally become real.

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Luke Maher: Inside Puma Project 3 and the Rise of the Sub-Elite Marathoner May 26, 2026

Show notes

Luke Maher joins Road to the Trials to pull back the curtain on Puma Running’s Project 3 initiative and how it’s helping fuel one of the most exciting eras in amateur marathoning. From early access to prototype super shoes to building a global community of runners chasing breakthrough performances, Luke shares how the program grew from a product idea into something much bigger.

The conversation also gets into the super shoe era, the support Project 3 gives athletes beyond gear, the $3,000 PR bonus, and why runners like Joey Whelan and Alana Hadley show how close the gap can be between everyday life and pro-level racing.

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Wahoo

The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

Aidan Reed: Chasing the Marathon While Falling in Love With the Half May 21, 2026

Show notes

This episode is supported by Kava Haven and Precision Fuel and Hydration.

Aidan Reed has quietly become one of the most versatile runners in the American road scene, finding success everywhere from the 10-mile to the half marathon while continuing to chase breakthroughs in the marathon. In this conversation, he reflects on life with the Roots Running Project, the evolution of American marathoning, and what it’s really like trying to compete at the highest level during one of the deepest eras the sport has seen.

Aidan also opens up about his experiences at both the Olympic Marathon and Track Trials, his ambitions to represent Team USA internationally, and the importance of building a life outside of running through community organizing and activism. It’s an honest conversation about ambition, identity, and what keeps him motivated heading toward 2028.

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Andie Cozzarelli: A 14-Year Journey Back to the Olympic Trials May 18, 2026

Show notes

Andie Cozzarelli’s path back to the Olympic Trials qualifier spans nearly 14 years, from qualifying for her first Trials in 2012 through years of injuries, RED-S, surgeries, setbacks, and rebuilding her relationship with running and her body. She finally broke through again, running 2:36:59 and securing her return to the Trials in one of the final dramatic races of the qualifying window.

In this episode, Andie opens up about the highs and lows between those two qualifiers, including stepping away from unhealthy training patterns, recovering from hip surgery, and learning how to approach the marathon from a healthier and more sustainable place. She shares how self-coaching, consistent training, and a renewed focus on fueling and recovery helped her finally put everything together again after years of setbacks.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of chasing long-term goals, what it felt like to line up at the Olympic Trials a decade apart, and why this qualifier meant so much more than just the standard itself.

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Sean Grossman: Chasing the OTQ for 2,303 Days May 14, 2026

Show notes

Sean Grossman’s road to the Olympic Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. After years of near misses, injuries, tough marathon lessons, and balancing elite training with a full-time career in construction management, he finally broke through with a 2:15 at the McKirrdy Micro Marathon after 2,303 days of chasing the OTQ.

In this episode, Sean reflects on growing up on Long Island, running at the University of Miami, and gradually building himself into one of New York City’s top amateur marathoners. He shares what it was like stacking marathon cycles after the New York City Marathon, learning how to finally race the final 10K well, and navigating the mental grind of the McKirdy Micro Marathon’s repetitive looped course.

Enjoy!

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Conner Peloquin: From Walking Away From the Sport to 2:15 and Back to the Trials May 11, 2026

Show notes

Conner Peloquin’s path back to the Olympic Trials wasn’t linear. After qualifying in 2019 and DNFing at the 2020 Trials, he stepped away from the sport, battled injuries, and eventually believed a 2:16 standard was out of reach. Fast forward to today, and he’s not only back, he’s running faster than ever.

In this episode, Conner shares the full arc of his journey, from early success and setbacks to nearly walking away from competitive running altogether. A turning point came unexpectedly, sparked by a mix of life changes, a half marathon breakthrough, and a reconnection with former teammate and now coach Rory Linkletter, who helped unlock a new level of potential.

His breakthrough race at the McCurdy Micro Marathon was supposed to be low-pressure, just a step along the way. Instead, it became a defining performance. Conner takes us inside that day, from early doubts and physical discomfort to finding his rhythm in the pack and ultimately running 2:15, a result that reignited his competitive fire.

Beyond the performance, this conversation dives into the evolution of his training, including a shift away from proving fitness in workouts toward building it over time. He discusses the impact of double threshold training, consistency over perfection, and learning to respect recovery after years of overreaching.

Conner also reflects on the role of faith, perspective, and balance in his life, and how focusing on something greater than running helped him rediscover both joy and discipline in the sport.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Trials, his goal is simple but deeply meaningful: finish the race. After years of chasing times and battling setbacks, this chapter is about showing up fully, competing with gratitude, and embracing the process that got him there.

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Hannah Rowe: Back to the Trials After Six Years and a Trail Detour May 07, 2026

Show notes

Hannah Rowe’s return to the Olympic Trials stage is anything but straightforward. After qualifying for the 2020 Trials, she spent years chasing a faster standard that once felt out of reach, navigating injuries, burnout, and a complete shift away from road racing. What followed was a two-year journey through trail racing, rediscovering her love for running in the mountains before taking one final shot at the marathon.

In this episode, Hannah shares the emotional and physical toll of repeatedly going after a goal that didn’t come easily. From breakthrough races at Grandma’s to setbacks that left her questioning her future in the sport, her story captures the reality of long-term pursuit. She opens up about losing her identity in the process, stepping away to reset, and how trail running ultimately brought her back to herself.

Her return to the marathon at the McCurdy Micro wasn’t supposed to be perfect. In fact, she felt terrible leading into race day. But what unfolded was the best race of her life, a breakthrough performance where everything finally clicked after years of effort.

This conversation explores belief, resilience, and the complex relationship between mind and body, especially from someone who studies it professionally. Hannah also looks ahead to the 2028 Trials, balancing big goals on both the roads and trails, and embracing the next chapter of her running career with a renewed perspective.

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