Weekend Listen: Fiona O'Keeffe American marathon superstar

The NCAA Cross Country Championships are Saturday and we break them down. Can Jane Hedengren be the first freshman to win NCAAs on the women’s side in 40 years? Is she as fit as any American ever? Can Habtom Samuel get over the hump? What about Brian Musau and Rocky Hansen? Will NC State and Oklahoma State climb atop the podium once again? USATF’s books are out and we break them down. Quick Links: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club Thread of the Week: Will Jane Hedengren's height hold her back? Max Siegel video NCAA Cross Country is RUINED – Florida Women, OSU, New Mexico thread New NCAA ranking system Shoe Deals of the Week: 👟 Nike Pegasus Plus: Save $52 👻 Brooks Ghost 16: $99 ✨ Brooks Ghost 17: add to cart for price drop ☁️ On Cloudswift 4: $135.99 🔥 Nike Pegasus 41: $109 Timestamps: 00:00 Join Us at the NCAA Cross Country Event! 00:29 Shop.letsrun.com 01:05 Enter NCAA Prediction Contest 01:52 Welcome to the Let's Run Track Talk Podcast 03:44 Faith in Humanity Restored 04:41 NCAA shirts? 09:17 Jane Hedengren Hype 15:41 As fit as any American ever? 24:48 Diljeet Taylor's comments & Jane's training 30:25 Jenny Simpson? 32:24 Thread of Week: Is Jane too tall? 34:59 Men's NCAA Cross Country Contenders: Habtom Samuel, Brian Musau, & Rocky Hansen 39:56 MacBook Air $250 off → only $749 41:34 Rocky Hansen and the Changing Landscape of NCAA Cross Country 45:46 Men's team contenders 48:16 Rocky Hansen's Potential and Performance 50:52 Impact of NIL and Scholarship Changes 54:31 Men's team title contenders 01:02:42 Women's team title 01:09:59 Coaches who don't suck 01:14:07 USATF 2024 Financials and Sponsorship Issues 01:29:57 Enter our contest 01:30:58 Shoe Deals Want our live NCAA preview podcast as a podcast? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/3f793ad9-3d79-4c30-93fe-d3b8142d259d

19 Nov 1h 31min

US Olympic Marathon Trials champion Fiona O'Keeffe joins us at 55:03 to break down her 4th-place finish at the NYC Marathon, how she rebounded from Olympic heartbreak, and what it's like training under Amy and Alistair Cragg. She opens up about her workouts, recovery from injury, and her long-term goals for 2026 and beyond. Before that, we dive into a wild week in track and field: USADA quietly banned Marvin Bracy, the 2022 World 100 m silver medalist, for nearly four years after he provided "substantial assistance" in a federal doping investigation involving the AIU and the DEA. The story first broke through former sprinter Rae Edwards (RaesTake), who claimed Bracy had been serving a secret suspension and said Bracy's then-coach Dennis Mitchell tipped off the authorities after Bracy confided in him about using a PED. The case has sparked major questions about transparency, informants, and how far USADA should go in keeping suspensions hidden. Plus, the IOC bans males from women's sports, Conner and Kylie Mantz headline the Two Cities Marathon, Elise Cranny may be training with Keely Hodgkinson in the UK, and much more. 🛍️ Shop LetsRun Gear: https://shop.letsrun.com/ 📞 Contact Us Email: podcast@letsrun.com Voicemail/Text: 1-844-LETSRUN 🎧 Get a second podcast every week. Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for bonus shows, shoe discounts, and exclusive content → https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes: 0:00 Marvin Bracy Popped and Fiona O'Keeffe Teased 0:23 Introduction and Weekly Highlights 1:31 Revisiting Fiona O'Keeffe's Olympic Marathon 7:15 The Impact of Super Shoes 12:13 Olympics Ban on Males in Women's Sports 19:10 Marvin Bracy's Secret Doping Ban 20:55 Rae Edwards and Dennis Mitchell's Role 30:00 Secret Suspensions and Transparency Debate 32:39 Did USADA Let an Olympic Trials Runner Serve a Secret Ban? 36:54 Was the 2022 USA 100 m Sweep a Farce? 40:07 Public Proposals – Yay or Nay? 44:15 Conner and Kylie Mantz at the Two Cities Marathon 49:43 Elise Cranny Training with Keely Hodgkinson? 55:03 Fiona O'Keeffe Interview (NYC Marathon, Comeback, Training, Future) 59:18 Training Insights and Key Workouts 1:02:46 Transition to Marathon Training 1:03:37 Copenhagen Half Experience 1:05:44 Final Reflections and Learnings 1:06:46 Goals and Career Aspirations 1:08:57 Path to the Marathon 1:11:07 College Mileage and Progression 1:12:19 Olympic Trials Victory and Injury 1:14:37 Olympic Race Day Experience 1:19:37 Recovery from Stress Fracture 1:25:43 Future Race Selection and Priorities 1:28:30 College Development and Training Group Dynamics 1:34:21 World Road Running Championships 1:35:51 Super Shoes and Technology 1:37:56 Long-Term Career Plans 1:38:48 Join the Supporters Club Related Links WADA Statement: WADA says an athlete who used EPO and steroids competed at an Olympic qualifier and never had their ban announced Erin Brown Tweet: https://x.com/TheErinBrown/status/1983401964156432668 Joanna Harper story: A Brief History of Intersex Athletes in Sport – LetsRun.com Rae’s Take tweets (August): https://x.com/search?q=(from%3ARaestaketv)%20until%3A2025-08-18%20since%3A2025-08-01&src=typed_query&f=live Two Cities Marathon thread: https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=13864597#post-9 Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/e6b4bd44-c785-4588-b871-9cd53d9b458f

12 Nov 1h 39min

We break down a record breaking NYC Marathon, the news Grant Fisher is skipping World Cross Country and a lot more. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And a super soft tshirt? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Hellen Obiri smashed the New York City Marathon record from 2003 and went sub 2:20 as Benson Kipruto became the first man to win all three major American marathons. American Fiona O'Keefe impressed in 4th as unheralded Joel Reichow was 6th for the US men. Plus what happened with Jane Hedengren at the Big 12s, should theWorld Athletics Athlete of the Year award process be revamped, and RIP legendary coach Clyde Hart. Show notes: 00:00 New York records & revelations, Grant Fisher OUT of World cross, Parker Valby's return 00:22 Introduction and Podcast Overview 04:28 Hellen Obiri goes sub 2:20 and gets NYC course record 10:23 American women 4 of the 5 fastest American times ever in NY 19:41 Men's race and crazy finish 24:52 Could Conner Mantz have won? 30:46 The Swiss orienteering guy 36:14 Eliud Kipchoge's Performance and Future Plans 46:49 Where your dreams become reality Joel Reichow first American 51:25 Minnesota Distance Elite impresses 53:01 Nick Thompson's Marathon 54:41 Is Parker Valby back? 59:52 Grant Fisher's skipping world cross 01:03:25 World Cross Country Championships Debate 01:09:25 Des Linden downplays the marathon and shitting yourself during a race 01:13:20 NCAA Cross Country Highlights 01:18:16 Josh Hoey's Coaching Changes 01:26:45 World Athletics AOY "controversy" 01:35:28 Tribute to Clyde Hart Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/608b4d77-247d-4291-bccb-0b983d2032f7

5 Nov 1h 39min

American 800 star Josh Hoey and his coach Justin Rinaldi have parted ways after Rinaldi helped transform Hoey into one of the top 800m runners in the world, but Hoey didn't make Team USA for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the reasons behind the split, disagreements over training intensities, and Hoey's tendency to push himself too hard. The hosts express their surprise and disappointment, debating the consequences of this decision on Hoey's future career. Was Josh Hoey's decision wise? Join our club to hear the rest of the podcast We're giving you the 1st 7 minutes of the podcast for free. The rest is for Supporters Club members. Join today https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public and if you sign up for the annual membership you get Nicholas Thompson's new book The Running Ground for free in addition to a LetsRun.com shirt. (If you'd prefer Sean Brosnan's book, email us podcast@letsrun.com after you sign-up). https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public Show notes: 00:00 Josh Hoey & Justin Rinaldi part ways 00:22 Introduction and Exciting News Teaser 02:48 Revealing the Big News 04:47 Analyzing the Decision 07:45 Statements from Both Sides 12:22 A greek tragedy? 18:13 Alan Webb comparison? 20:03 Josh's Relentless Training Regimen 27:19 Speculations on Josh's Future Show notes: Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/a4f22c1d-2f50-44c6-81d3-fadb353e761b

29 Okt 8min

The #1 cross country team in the country is racked by some teamwide suspensions for violations of "team rules" for the rest of the year. World record holder in the marathon Ruth Chepngetich was banned 3 years. Agnes Ngetich, Yomif Kejelcha, and Andreas Almgren ran fast in Valencia. Who will go fastest in New York City this weekend? Mini preview of the marathon preview at the end. Want our full NYC Marathon Preview podcast? Become a LetsRun.com VIP today. Annual members get the new Nick Thompson book for free, plus a LetsRun.com tshirt. Show notes: 00:00 College doping scandal?, Valencia half, 7th American sub 2:09, New York City Marathon week 00:24 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:53 Special Announcements and Supporters Club 07:15 Jon's thoughts on Ruth Chepngetich suspension 15:15 Iowa State scandal? 22:36 Florida, Arkansas cases 25:36 Duane Ross & Balco 30:55 Texas Tech won NCAA title with Divine Oduduru who later was popped for doping 36:41 Valencia Half Marathon: World record given a scare by Agnes Ngetich 40:58 Andreas Almgren European record 44:04 Jakob Kiplimo record not ratified, but neither was Grant Fisher's 5000m 50:24 Handling Rumors and Speculations 53:23 Keely Hodgkinson's see through dress gets write-up in Daily Mail 54:37 Kenya's World Cross Country Trials in the books and the team is... 01:03:09 Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he wants 1500, mile & 5k world records 01:06:34 USC Cross Country team's gets beats by a bunch of little girls 01:12:13 USAs Daniel Mesfin wins Dublin Marathon in 2:08:51, 7th American under 2:09 this year 01:20:34 New York City Marathon mini preview 01:21:38 Boston Red Sox's Alex Cora running New York 01:26:14 Sifan Hassan vs Obiri vs Lokedi on women's side Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/7a212fd2-7842-4166-b820-bcc353b20c7f

29 Okt 1h 30min

Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, former editor-in-chief of Wired, 2:29 marathoner, and daily LetsRun visitor, joins this week’s LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast to talk about his new book, The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports (buy it here). Thompson shares how he went from a decent high school runner to running 2:29 in his 40s and setting the American record for 50K in the 45–49 age group. He opens up about the mental breakthrough that unlocked his improvement, lessons from surviving thyroid cancer, and how running helped him understand his complicated relationship with his father. Nick talks about why we run, how it fits in our life, and also he tells wild stories about getting fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes and being kidnapped in Morocco. Plus some business advice for LetsRun.com, and his thoughts on today’s top track stars. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we’ll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. 00:00 Get The Running Ground for free by joining the LetsRun.com Supporters Club 02:00 Introducing Nick Thompson 03:56 What inspired The Running Ground 05:57 Nick’s realization and running breakthrough 09:31 His complicated relationship with his father 19:32 Balancing running with life and career 23:00 Training and staying injury-free with the Alexander Technique 30:42 Reflecting on Stanford and early running years 34:00 Moving to ultras and the joy of trail running 36:58 Getting kidnapped in Morocco 40:38 Fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes 46:20 Nick’s thoughts on today’s track and field stars 54:04 Nick’s advice for LetsRun.com and navigating the AI era 1:00:18 Wrapping up and how to get the book free Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we’ll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/13a2d960-f122-4afb-9779-334ed3c6add5

28 Okt 1h

Jane Hedengren blew her NCAA debut out of the park? Could she be the favorite at NCAA cross country? Joshua Cheptegei's improved in marahton #3 in Amsterdam, but is he even better than Conner Mantz? What about Mo Farah?marathon performances and questions whether he's cut out for the distance, comparing him to other marathoners like Connor Mantz and Mo Farah. Parker Valby and Katelyn Tuohy are entered in the NYRR 5k. Does that mean they'll do US cross? What about Nico Young, Grant Fisher, and Cole Hocker? Plus, should they debate Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post? Show notes below: Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes: 00:00 Jane Hedengren debut, Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy return, Joshua Cheptegei vs Conner Mantz + Keely Hodgkinson 00:22 Welcome to Track Talk: Introduction and Hosts 02:36 Jonathan Gault's Soccer Pilgrimage 05:26 Jane Hedengren's Collegiate Debut 09:13 Is she the favorite for NCAAs? 14:38 History isn't kind to top hs 5000m runners 16:09 Joshua Cheptegei marathon #3 2:04:52 in Amsterdam 29:09 Conner Mantz vs Joshua Cheptegei 32:42 Cole Hocker at US Cross? 40:24 Who will be ready in December? 41:06 Debate on Cross Country Team Selection 44:54 Katelyn Tuohy and Parker Valby for NYRR 5k 49:28 Who are favorites? 56:01 Supporters Club and upcoming news tease 59:01 Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post 01:07:47 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off Links: Weekt That Was: Hedengren and Cheptegei Hedengren's debut Keely's outfit Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/d2c4be54-32ae-4020-9256-819703331c7d

21 Okt 1h 14min