Conner Mantz Targets Sub-2:08 Debut At The Chicago Marathon + Future World Cross Country And Track Plans

“For the longest time, I thought sub-2:08 was 4:50/mile pace just because that’s what coach Eyestone said one day but he mistyped it in his text message. It’s 4:53 pace, which actually makes me feel a lot more confident in sub-2:08 because this whole time I’ve been thinking sub-4:50 per mile not even thinking that I should check his math out on my own. I think sub-2:08 is reasonable. I know my strengths are and I know where I’m good.”

Two-time NCAA cross country champion Conner Mantz is getting ready to make his marathon debut this weekend at the Chicago Marathon. In the past 12 months, he earned national titles in the half marathon and 20K. He’s got a 1 :00:55 second personal best for the half marathon, which puts him at No. 9 on the all-time U.S. list so there’s plenty of excitement over his potential in the marathon. We talked all about that, his expectations for the race, how much he wants to focus on track or cross country in the future and much more. Plus, we get some NCAA cross country predictions from him.

SUPPORT THE SPONSORS

TRACKSMITH: Tracksmith is an independent running brand inspired by a deep love of the sport. Their new Fall Collection was just released and is now available. It features staples ready for all your training and racing needs. Inspired by classic team kits, their Van Cortlandt Collection features lightweight 2:09 mesh in performance silhouettes. For training, their Van Cortlandt Grand Shorts and Van Cortlandt Tee are some of my favorites. Get free shipping by using code CITIUS at checkout & 5% of the sale will benefit the Release Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit supporting those in need of substance abuse and mental illness treatment through scholarships.

GARMIN: Music. Training. Data. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is my favorite running partner. You do the running. This GPS running smartwatch does the thinking. It even gets to know you and your body better, mile after mile and song after song. Get one for yourself here >> https://bit.ly/3Pcu0qo

Article One Eyewear: Article One is an independent eyewear company based in Flint, Mich. with designers with deep roots in running. All their frames are handcrafted in a small village in Northern Italy. Designed with your entire day in mind, Article One takes you from a long run in the morning to drinks on the patio to wind down. Their timeless silhouettes, paired with technical components — like adjustable silicone nose pads, polarized lenses, and spring hinges — create running sunglasses that are standalone. CITIUS MAG listeners get 20% off using CITIUSMAG at checkout at https://articleoneeyewear.com/

FINAL SURGE: If you are a coach, Final Surge makes planning and analyzing workouts simple and helps streamline communication with your athletes. If you’re an athlete out there hammering miles and tempo runs solo with no guidance or direction, Final Surge is also here to offer up some world-class training programs. Check out their offerings today: FINALSURGE.COM – USE CODE CITIUS FOR 10% OFF.

VELOUS FOOTWEAR: VELOUS is an active recovery footwear brand designed to help you restore, revive & Reenergize before and after you train. Two years in development, this team has created the world's most comfortable, supportive and lightweight active recovery shoe in the world. Get 20% off using code CitiusMag20.