Road to the Trials

Latest Episodes:

Maya Weigel: How a Neuroscience PhD Student Ran 2:28 Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Road to the Trials, host Matt Chittim sits down with Maya Weigel, who has emerged as one of the most compelling athletes in the marathon space. Maya recently finished top 10 at the USATF Marathon National Championships at CIM, running an impressive 2:28 and further establishing herself as a rising contender heading toward 2028.

A former Division III national champion and multiple-time All-American, Maya has been consistently performing at an elite level while simultaneously pursuing her PhD in neuroscience. In this conversation, she shares what it looks like to train at a world-class level while balancing long research hours, how she approaches marathon execution and consistency, and what continues to motivate her on both sides of her life — the lab and the roads.

Whether you're inspired by athletes who juggle big goals, fascinated by the mental side of performance, or simply love a good story of grit and long-term growth, this episode offers a thoughtful and energizing look at what’s possible.

This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.

We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Colin Mickow: The Marathoner You Still Haven’t Heard Enough About Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Hosts Matt Chittim and Peter Bromka sit down with elite marathoner Colin Mickow, one of the most consistently underrated men in American distance running. Colin is a two-time top-20 finisher at the Olympic Marathon Trials (15th and 21st), and he represented the United States on the world stage at the 2022 World Championships. This fall, he delivered another standout performance at the Chicago Marathon, continuing to build a resume that deserves greater national attention. In this episode, Colin shares what it’s like to compete at the highest level while flying under the radar, what he learned from the Trials, and how he has built sustained excellence over years. Matt and Peter dig into training load, racing mentality, life off the course, and what Colin is aiming for heading into Orlando.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Tessa Barrett: From Marine Corps Setback to a 2:30 Redemption Run at CIM Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

Hosts Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with Tessa Barrett, the 2013 Foot Locker National Champion and Penn State All-American whose return to elite racing has been nothing short of remarkable. Tessa won the Marine Corps Marathon this fall, running 2:34, only to learn afterward that the race wasn’t eligible for Olympic Trials qualification. Instead of letting the setback define her, she regrouped, kept her full-time career in finance rolling, and went to CIM where she ran 2:30 — an official OTQ and an enormous personal breakthrough. In this episode, she shares what it means to self-coach, train alongside a pack of guys in Washington DC, work more than full-time, and still believe she has more to give in this sport. A powerful story of resilience, identity, and grit.

This episode is also supported by Rocket Money. Rocket Money is the personal finance app that helps you take control of your money without lifting a finger. Track spending, see all accounts in one place, cancel unwanted subscriptions with a tap, and automate savings toward your goals. If you’ve ever wondered “Wait, what am I still paying for?” — Rocket Money will tell you. Get started and let your money work smarter for you at rocketmoney.com/gorun.

Stephanie Bruce: Pacing the OTQ, Mentorship, and Showing Up for Women in the Sport Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka are joined by one of the most respected and generous voices in the sport, Stephanie Bruce, on this episode of Road to the Trials.

Stephanie joined the show during a busy weekend surrounding the California International Marathon, where she played a pivotal role as both mentor and pacer. Through the Tracksmith Stamata team, Stephanie spent the weekend supporting and mentoring a group of women targeting times from sub-2:30 to sub-2:50. On race day, she served as the official pacer for the women’s Olympic Trials Qualifying group, helping guide dozens of athletes through the early and middle miles of CIM.

What makes the weekend even more remarkable is the timeline. Just one day earlier, Stephanie raced at the USA Cross Country Championships in Portland, placing 14th in a gritty effort. Less than 24 hours later, she lined up at CIM and ran 20 miles at OTQ pace in service of others.

In this conversation, Lindsey and Peter talk with Stephanie about:

Mentorship through the Tracksmith Stamata program
What it means to pace an OTQ group and put others’ goals first
Balancing elite competition, coaching, and motherhood
Longevity in the sport and continuing to show up at the highest level
Why investing in women at every stage of the journey matters

A mom of three, coach, retreat host, and multiple-time national champion, Stephanie brings perspective, humility, and deep care for the running community. This episode highlights the work that often happens behind the scenes and the people who make moments like CIM possible for so many athletes.

We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Amanda Mosborg: From D3 to Winning Indy Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka sits down with Amanda Mosborg, whose rise in the marathon over the past year and a half has been nothing short of remarkable. Amanda ran her first marathon at Grandma’s with a 2:47, followed it up with a breakthrough 2:37 at the Boston Marathon, and then capped off the year by running 2:31 to win the Indy Monumental Marathon. A former Division III runner who later competed at Northwestern using her extra eligibility, Amanda shares her perspective on steady progression, embracing endurance sports beyond running, including nordic skiing, and keeping the sport fun even while pushing her limits. This is a thoughtful and motivating conversation with an athlete who clearly loves the process as much as the results.

Leigh Anne Sharek: Keeps The Dream Alive! Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with Leigh Anne Sharek, a Brooklyn, New York based marathoner and founding member of Brooklyn Track Club, fresh off a huge breakthrough at CIM.

Leigh Anne shares what most people do not admit out loud. She spent much of the race wanting to drop out, managing the mental grind mile by mile, before something shifted around mile 20.5 and she fully woke up, raced, and closed the final 10K faster than she ever has in a marathon. The result was a 2:35 finish and a second Olympic Trials qualifier, with real margin under the standard.

They talk about her nontraditional path into competitive running, why New York’s culture pushed her toward the marathon, how Brooklyn Track Club grew from a small crew into a major community, and what it means to keep showing up when the goal keeps getting harder. Leigh Anne also breaks down why packs matter, how CIM’s women’s group dynamic differs from major marathons like Chicago, and how she has learned to stack training blocks and experience instead of starting over after every attempt.

They also get into her career as a forensic scientist in New York City, the role of joy and community in longevity in the sport, and what she wants to explore next now that she has checked the OTQ box.

JaQuavious Harris: A 10-Minute Marathon Breakthrough Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with JaQuavious Harris for one of their first post-race interviews from the California International Marathon. Jaquavious ran more than two minutes under the Olympic Trials standard, setting a massive marathon personal best and delivering one of the most energetic finish-line interviews of the weekend. In this conversation, he shares his journey to the marathon, his training under coach Ed Eyestone, and how faith, family, and community have shaped his path as a professional runner. This episode offers a deeper look at the story behind a breakthrough performance and the mindset that carried JaQuavious to a 2:13 marathon at CIM.

This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.

We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Futsum Zienasellassie: Two Time U.S. Marathon Champion Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Road to the Trials, we speak with Futsum Zienasellassie, the winner of the US Marathon Championship at CIM. Futsum tracked down Joe Whelan with one mile to go to grab the win!

We explore his journey from his first marathon victory in 2022 to his recent triumph, discussing the changes in his training environment and primary sponsor.

Futsum shares insights into his mental and physical preparation, the challenges he faced, and the support he received from his new team and family. We also delve into his approach to racing, his experiences in different training locations, and his aspirations for the future.Sponsors

OS1st - Buy the best and most durable running socks around at www.os1st.com/trials.

Noogs - Discover Noogs, the tasty electrolyte gummies made for athletes who want easy energy and hydration on the go. www.noogsnutrition.com/discount/rtt15.

CIM OTQ Frenzy: Lindsey, Peter and Matt Break It All Down Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

This episode is a CIM weekend recap with Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim. They share what it was like on the ground in Sacramento, from the expo and live shows to race day on a nearly perfect marathon weather day. You will hear behind the scenes stories from the OTQ packs, finish line interviews and why CIM has become such a go to race for chasing big goals.

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.

Best Finish-line Friends - How Two Gazelle Elite Teammates Ran to an OTQ together Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with the fourth and fifth place finishers from the Indy Monumental Marathon, teammates and training partners Gabby Hentemann and Alyssa McElheny of Gazelle Elite. They broke the tape just seconds apart in Indianapolis, but arrived there through very different paths.

Gabby, a Division I alum, debuted at the marathon with an Olympic Trials qualifier, while Alyssa, a former Division III athlete, has chipped away at her time over years of steady progress. One calls herself a “pace pusher.” The other is a metronome. Together they share how their contrasting personalities and racing styles work in training, how Gazelle Elite has shaped their belief, and what it takes to line up in Indy with OTQ dreams on the line.

They also talk about the behind the scenes of their semi viral post race videos, the emotional payoff of seeing years of work show up on race day, and what is next as both athletes turn their attention toward the Trials build.

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