Jamil Coury, Mike Wardian on running the Barkley Marathons, 2017's epic ending

“People asked me if I was shocked crossing the line. To be honest, I didn't feel like the shock set in yet when I crossed the line because I thought I could run 3:48 or 3:49. I was really excited, but I don't feel like I was as shocked as other people. It was afterwards when someone told me I was number eight on the world all-time list. That's when I was like, ‘Wow.’”My guest for today's episode isGary Martin, a fan favorite here at CITIUS MAG since his high school days. Now he's a junior at the University of Virginia. Gary just delivered one of the fastest miles in NCAA history at the prestigious Millrose Games, running an incredible 3:48.82 – a performance that shattered his own school record and puts him at No. 2 on the all-time collegiate list and No. 8 on the world all-time indoor list.What makes this even more impressive is that he was the only collegiate runner in such a stacked field of pros and ran a very well-executed race surging through the field from being last at halfway to finishing 5th overall. Today we're diving into what this performance means for his season, his mindset going into that historic race, and how he's approaching the upcoming championship stretch. Plus, we talk about the evolution of his career at UVA and the rapid rise of collegiate milers pushing the 1500m and the mile to new limits.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Gary Martin |@gary.martin20 on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ withKETONE.com/CITIUSSPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more atSpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. ⁠Get 25% off all your orders atDrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

13 Feb 37min

“Once I made the Olympic team, it was kind of like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I finally accomplished that goal. This is weird to say, but I feel like there was a lot less pressure on me for the Olympics than any NCAA race. At NCAA races, I was expected to win. But at the Olympics, they're like, ‘She's here!’”My guest for today's episode isParker Valby. This is her third time on the show. Over the past year, she rewrote the NCAA record books, becoming the first woman in history to win 5 individual NCAA titles in a single academic year. It earned her the prestigious Bowerman Award. Her undefeated season included a record-breaking performance at every championship level from cross country to indoor to outdoor.She shattered the collegiate 10,000m record by 28 seconds, ran a historic 14:52 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and capped it all off with a runner-up finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials to qualify for her first Olympic team. Then she took 11th at the Paris Olympics. Now she's taking her talents to the professional stage with Team New Balance Boston under the guidance of Mark Coogan. She's navigating a new training environment with tougher competition and adjusting from being dominant in the NCAA to now trying to contend on the global stage. In this conversation, we talk about her transition to the pro ranks, her unique training approach that still prioritizes cross-training, and what she hopes to achieve in her first season as a pro.We also get into her Olympic experience and recap her professional debut at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix where she ran 8:34 for a personal best and third place finish against a very strong women's 3000m field.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Parker Valby |@parkervalby on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSKETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ withKETONE.com/CITIUSSPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more atSpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. ⁠Get 25% off all your orders atDrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.Podcast cover image by Dan Vernon via New Balance.

11 Feb 41min

The 2025 Millrose Games delivered historic performances, with Grant Fisher setting a 3000m world record (7:22.91) and Yared Nuguse breaking the Wanamaker Mile world record (3:46.63) in a night that rewrote the record books.Breaking it down:🔹 Fisher vs. Hocker in the 3000mFisher, the Olympic 5000m & 10,000m medalist, held off a stunning challenge from Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker in a race for the ages.Fisher ran 29.82, 29.82, 29.54 splits in the closing laps but couldn’t shake Hocker. With three laps to go, Hocker surprisingly surged into the lead, pushing the pace in pursuit of a world record.Fisher reclaimed the lead in the final stretch, securing the win and the $25,000 WR bonus with7:22.91, as Hocker clocked7:23.14—the second-fastest time in history.🔹 Nuguse dominates the Wanamaker MileJust an hour after Fisher’s record, Nuguse made history with a world record of3:46.63, breaking Yomif Kejelcha’s3:47.01 mark.Despite Josh Kerr withdrawing due to illness, the race delivered fireworks.Hobbs Kessler (3:46.90) also broke the previous WR, finishing second.Australia’s Cam Myers set a world U20 record (3:47.48), and France’s Azeddine Habz set a national record (3:47.56).+ more highlights and analysis

9 Feb 40min

The 117th Millrose Games are set for Saturday afternoon. When the professional races get underway at The Armory at 4 p.m., hold onto your hats for two straight hours of scintillating action.Last year saw two world records and three American records fall. With even stronger fields in 2025, Millrose could outdo itself.You can follow along with live results and watch on NBC Sports or Peacock (subscription required), and we’ll have live updates on all the CITIUS MAG social channels.FULL PREVIEW HERE: https://citiusmag.com/articles/millrose-games-preview-2025-athletes-storylinesStorylines discussed:💥 Hocker vs. Fisher (Men’s 3000m)Olympic 1500m champ Cole Hocker takes on double Olympic medalist Grant Fisher in a classic speed vs. strength battle.Fisher set an American record last year in the 2-mile at Millrose—can he take down Yared Nuguse’s 7:28.23 American record in the 3000m?World record watch: Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma’s indoor WR of 7:23.81 could be in danger.🔥 Nuguse vs. Kerr (Wanamaker Mile)Two-time defending champ Yared Nuguse looks for the three-peat against Olympic silver medalist Josh Kerr.Kerr is undefeated at Millrose over longer distances, but 0-3 in the Wanamaker Mile—will that change?World record chase: The 3:47.01 WR (Yomif Kejelcha, 2019) is in serious jeopardy.🚀 Can Nikki Hiltz hold off Georgia Bell (Women's Mile)?Hiltz has won four straight U.S. 1500m titles and outkicked rivals with ease.Olympic bronze medalist Georgia Bell (3:52 PB) is a different kind of challenge.🏃‍♂️ Can Brandon Miller break the 600m world best?Miller is targeting Donavan Brazier’s WR (1:13.77) after a strong 800m opener.Quincy Wilson (16-year-old Olympic gold medalist) could also take down the high school record.🏆 Women’s 3000m: Jessica Hull, Tuohy, and Whittni Morgan clashOlympic 1500m silver medalist Jessica Hull faces Katelyn Tuohy, who ran a collegiate record (8:35) here in 2023.Can Tuohy compete with top U.S. and international pros?

8 Feb 54min

Introducing our newest podcast sponsor – Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS “Seeing them not just at their highs but also at their lows and how they fought to climb back up has taught me a lot about resilience and being relentless. I've become a better coach because I have the opportunity to work with these pro women and I'm excited to continue to get better, learn from them, and make sure that they're at the center of everything that I do. My guest for today's episode is Diljeet Taylor. We had her on the show last fall after she won the NCAA Cross Country Championships with her BYU women. For those of you who aren't familiar, she's one of the most transformative coaches in the sport. She's built BYU's women's cross country program and distance program into a national powerhouse, coaching NCAA champions, Olympians, and creating one of the strongest cultures in collegiate running. Now she's stepping into an even bigger role, leading a professional training group with Nike while continuing to coach at BYU. Nike has announced Swoosh TC for Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. It's being described by the brand as a network of elite athletes, coaches, and innovators working together to push the boundaries of performance and progress. Coach Taylor will oversee the Utah division, Jerry Schumacher will head Oregon along with Shalane Flanagan, and Mike Smith will lead the club in Arizona beginning in July 2025 in partnership from Rachel Smith. In this conversation, we make sense of what all of that means.  We get into the behind-the-scenes details of her new role, how she's balancing coaching, both collegiate and professional athletes, and what it takes to develop elite runners at the highest level. We also touch on the mindset of success, the importance of culture, and the transition from NCAA to professional racing. Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram  Guest: Diljeet Taylor | @diljeetdosanjhtaylor on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. ⁠Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

7 Feb 28min

I’m writing a book! I’m embarking on a new journey—this time, with words instead of miles. I'm thrilled to share that I’ve signed on with Dutton and Plume at Penguin Random House to write my first book: THE MARATHON BOOK (working title). This is my love letter to the marathon—a deep dive into its greatest moments, the legends who redefined what’s possible, and the lessons we can all learn along the way (including my own pursuit of breaking 3 hours). Think history, debates, interviews with some of the best to ever do it, and a whole lot of storytelling that captures what makes this race so special. From Pheidippides to the wildest performances at the Olympics, Boston, New York and other marquee races—I can’t wait to dig into it all. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a PR, or just love a good sports story, I can’t wait to share this with you.  Follow @themarathonbook on Instagram to keep up with my process and updates. So much more to come, but for now—I’m just at the starting line. Let’s go.

5 Feb 23min

“I had to really sit down and look at the journey, how far I’ve come, what I was able to accomplish in such a short time in my opinion, and just everything that I went through. It doesn’t haunt me. Like I said, I'm a graceful loser. But I'm training and I'm doing the work to make sure that if I'm ever in that position again – we'll see!” My guest for today's episode is Shafiqua Maloney, a name that maybe most track and field fans don't know, but should. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she made history as the first athlete from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to reach an Olympic final and finish fourth in the women's 800m, but her journey to that starting line was anything but easy. In the past few years, Shafiqua has faced struggles that most athletes never talk about – months of homelessness, the constant battle of pursuing an elite career without a sponsor or financial stability. Yet through it all, she never gave up. With the unwavering support of her mother, her coach, and her faith, she found a way to persevere and it all came together in Paris where she ran 1:57 on the biggest stage in the sport. Today, we talk about how she fought through those times, what it means to represent her country on such a big stage, and what comes next for an athlete determined to keep proving she belongs among the world's best. She'll be one of the headliners for the 2025 Millrose Games on February 8th in New York City. If you're in the area, get your tickets now. Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram  Guest: Shafiqua Maloney | @shaf400mx2 on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. ⁠Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

30 Jan 45min

“They said the race is going to start at 16K – I have to stay patient for that to finish the race strong. That was true. I felt at 16K, ‘Okay, now I am racing.’ This year, just knowing how it feels, was very helpful. I trusted my training and how well I’ve been doing in workouts. It was like, ‘Let's go out there and finish this race.’” My guest for today's episode is Weini Kelati, who's becoming synonymous with record breaking performances on the roads. Just last weekend at the 2025 Houston Half Marathon, Weini shattered her own American record, running 1:06:09 to take 16 seconds off the mark she set at the same race last year, battling cold temperatures, gusting winds, and a loaded international field. She delivered a gutsy performance, finishing second overall behind Ethiopia's Senayet Getachew. In this episode, we dive into Weini’s journey over the past few months from setting personal bests on the track to her debut at the Paris Olympics. We hear about her mindset going into Houston, the tough moments she overcame during the race, and why she's curious about pushing herself to even faster times. Plus, we discuss how this record fits into her broader goals for 2025 and beyond. Yes, we also talk about her potential in the marathon. Weini continues to cement herself as one of the best distance runners in the country. Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram  Guest: Weini Kelati | @weini_kelati on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. ⁠Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

29 Jan 33min