How Brendon Babenzien Started NOAH – 'Not A Running Brand' But Making Clothing For Runners

The Grand Slam Track series heads stateside for the first time, and we’re breaking it all down in this jam-packed episode of the CITIUS MAG Podcast. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole and a special return of Kyle Merber as the crew previews the Miami Slam from every angle—diving into the matchups, storylines, and athletes you won’t want to miss.Chris kicks things off by sharing some personal news: he’s stepping into the broadcast booth as a distance analyst for the Grand Slam Track studio show this weekend! From there, the team dives into a comprehensive preview of what’s set to be a thrilling three-day meet at the Ansin Sports Complex.You’ll get a full breakdown of the unique Grand Slam Track format, where athletes compete across six event groups and accumulate points in pursuit of a $100K prize. With top talent from across the globe descending on Miami, there’s no shortage of drama on tap.We highlight the key events and rivalries to watch, including:– Kenny Bednarek vs. Fred Kerley and the rest of a stacked men’s short sprints field– Gabby Thomas dropping back down to the 100m to battle Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Brittany Brown– The return of Olympic 400m champ Steven Gardiner and his showdown with Matthew Hudson-Smith– Marileidy Paulino’s redemption arc in the women’s 400m– Dylan Beard’s Cinderella story in the short hurdles– Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s last hurrah in the 400m hurdles before switching events– Deep fields in both men’s and women’s distance events, with stars like Grant Fisher, Cole Hocker, Nikki Hiltz, and Diribe Welteji going head-to-head with world-class ChallengersPlus, we preview which athletes are poised to cash in—or crash out—under the Grand Slam Track’s high-stakes scoring system.Whether you’re watching live on Peacock or tuning in on The CW, this episode will get you prepped and pumped for the action ahead. Be sure to subscribe to the CITIUS MAG Podcast on Apple or Spotify and follow along all weekend on YouTube.Read the full CITIUS MAG Preview here: https://citiusmag.com/articles/grand-slam-track-miami-preview-storylines-athletes

2 Maj 47min

“If I just focus on competing, it’s turned out to be really fun and turned out to work in my favor each time. That’s been the mindset: Let's just race, focus on competing, and not really worry about the clock. That’s a lot of how I approached Boston.”After finishing one spot off of the Team USA squads in the marathon and the 10,000m for the Olympics and the half marathon for the World Road Running Championships, Jess McLain has made it a habit of being so close, yet just off of these national teams.But on Patriots Day in Boston, she kicked it open, running a smart, gutsy race that saw her surge through the Newton Hills strategically with Emma Bates and Sara Hall chasing a lead pack and then closing in 5:15 seconds for the final mile. Jess cemented her place as one of the top contenders in American distance running.In today's conversation, we get into what changed with this particular marathon build, from training under coach David Roche to how she's getting used to these major marathon scenes. We talk a lot about the importance of carbs and how that's also been a game changer for her as well as why her drive to compete instead of focusing on times works so well. With big goals on the horizon and the 2028 Olympic cycle now underway, Jess McClain might just be getting started and really coming into her own as a marathoner.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Jess McClain | @jesstonn on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

30 Apr 53min

“I just like being an underdog. It has this feeling that almost reduces the pressure… I’m not going to change anything, but I’m going to try and go out there and show everyone that I can do it. That it’s possible.”In a race built on tradition, it takes something truly special to rewrite history, and that's exactly what Sharon Lokedi delivered at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Facing off once again with Hellen Obiri, the two-time defending champion and the Olympic bronze medalist, Lokedi flipped the script. When Obiri made a move with about one mile to go, Sharon just didn't hang on; she countered with a decisive surge of her own, and the result was a 2:17:22 victory – the fastest Boston Marathon ever run by a woman, smashing the old course record by more than 2.5 minutes. It was a win built on boldness.Lokedi stayed composed through an aggressive early pace, answered every challenge and move along the way, and delivered a ferocious negative split. In the process, she claimed her place in history not just as a champion, but as a new standard bearer for women's marathoning in Boston.Today, Sharon joins me to talk about the race that had her questioning the pace the whole entire way, her rivalry with Hellen Obiri, and how belief, guts, and a little bit of joy carried her all the way to the finish line into the arms of her mother on Boylston Street.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Sharon Lokedi | @shazrine on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

28 Apr 1h 1min

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia are back on the mic to break down one of the biggest weekends in recent marathon history.They dive into Sabastian Sawe’s breathtaking 2:02:27 victory at the 2025 London Marathon — including his devastating move at 30K, and what this win means for the marathon World #1 debate.On the women’s side, Tigst Assefa delivered a gutsy performance to break the women’s-only world record in 2:15:50, securing a massive payday and maybe reminding us all that she could be the very best women's marathoner in the world.The guys also discuss Jacob Kiplimo’s impressive marathon debut, Eliud Kipchoge’s graceful approach to this new chapter of his career and other key performances.We also unpack the Diamond League opener in Xiamen, China— including Karsten Warholm’s world best over 300m hurdles and Faith Kipyegon’s near-world record run.We'll record a preview of Grand Slam Track: Miami later this week on-site from Florida.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. ⁠Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.⁠SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy⁠.

28 Apr 1h 13min

“When you’re in that momentum phase, every week is just exciting. You look forward to the next workout because you’re just curious – I did well last week, let’s see how well I can do this week. It’s just fun to see everything come together at the right time. That’s what Boston was. I was just excited because I knew how much fitness I had gained in the last month. It was really just going out there and seeing what I had.”Sometimes the best breakthroughs don’t come after a perfect buildup — they come from trusting your gut, leaning into the tough days and racing fearlessly when it matters most. That’s exactly what Annie Frisbie did at the 2025 Boston Marathon.Running through a rocky buildup that started with an upper hamstring tear, Annie put herself right in the mix early on, going out aggressively with the lead pack and refusing to back down when the race got tough. She crossed the line in 2:23:21, nearly a three-minute personal best and the eighth-fastest Boston finish ever by an American woman.It’s a huge step forward for the Minnesota Distance Elite athlete, who first turned heads with a 2:26 debut at the 2021 New York City Marathon and has steadily — and quietly — been building toward a moment like this ever since.Today, Annie joins me to talk about the full story behind her Boston breakthrough — the injury recovery, the confidence building, the decision to go with the leaders early — and why this is just the beginning.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Annie Frisbie | @anniefrisb3 on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

28 Apr 56min

“Whether it's true or not, that's what I’ve got to believe. That’s the faith I’ve got to have moving forward. Regardless of what other people say, or what other people think, there is power in truth and being honest with myself. There's got to be faith and there's got to be belief that I not only can close that gap, but that I am in that tier and I can compete with the best.”My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. While Conner Mantz's 2:05 may have stolen the headlines, Clayton Young once again proved why he belongs in any conversation about the best marathoners in America. On a competitive day in Boston, he ran 2:0:7:04 – nearly a full minute personal best to finish seventh overall, tying his highest ever finish at a World Marathon Major. He did it despite a calf cramp at mile 20 and on an up and down lead up that included some frustrating half marathon results.But that's the kind of thing about Clayton's success, quiet consistency, big stage composure, and a resilience that keeps him right alongside the best, including his training partner and Olympic teammate, Conner Mantz. This Boston result marks their fourth straight marathon finishing as the top two Americans in every field, and every time Clayton Young shows up.In this conversation, we get into the Boston Marathon as it unfolded, what was actually going through his head when that mile 20 move got made, when that cramp hit, and why he's so good at staying in the mix.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Clayton Young | @_clayton_young_ on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy.

26 Apr 1h 5min

“It became, ‘No, I’m attacking this marathon.’ It was more of an assertive mentality. Hearing the crowds roar, I was fighting for the podium… It was like, ‘This is it.’ I’m doing what I set out to do and I feel great.’ It was a very special moment. I was pretty zoned in, but I enjoyed it and I’d love to live through it again.”On a brisk April morning in Boston, Conner Mantz delivered the marathon breakthrough that he's been waiting for. Running fearlessly from the front, Mantz surged through the Newton Hills, hung with a deep pack through about 40 kilometers, and stopped the clock in 2:05:08 seconds — a massive personal best and the second-fastest time ever run by an American. Boston is not a record eligible course, but this was a major performance. He finished fourth overall and just four seconds off the podium in one of the fastest editions in Boston Marathon history. It was a performance that firmly placed Mantz among the world's elite, showing he's not just America's top distance talent, but he's now a serious contender at the sport's highest level too. This came just months after breaking the American record in the half marathon in Houston and just weeks after backing that up with a 59:15 in New York. It's been a big year and it's only April.In today's episode, Conner and I talked through that Boston effort from studying past races, to covering all the big moves, to racing for time and place. We also dig into what's next, chasing Khalid Khannouchi’s American record, and the big step forward in American distance running.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

23 Apr 1h 8min

In this week’s episode, we dive into the breaking news that Faith Kipyegon—the triple Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder—is set to chase history in June with an attempt to become the first woman ever to break four minutes for the mile. We break down Nike’s Breaking4 announcement, the science behind the attempt, the pacing strategy, and whether it could redefine what’s possible in women’s distance running.Plus, we shift gears to preview what might be the greatest men’s marathon field ever assembled: the 2025 London Marathon. From Kiplimo’s debut to Kipchoge’s return, Sawe’s rise, and Olympic triathlon champ Alex Yee taking on 26.2—this race is packed with storylines and implications for the season ahead. We also discuss why Sifan Hassan may be the heavy favorite on the women's side.We close with quick hits from the upcoming Xiamen Diamond League, where Faith Kipyegon opens her season and Olympic champions square off in the field events.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. ⁠Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.⁠SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy!

23 Apr 1h 12min