Team New Balance Boston Coach Mark Coogan On Elle St.Pierre's Epic Season, A Potential New Balance Sweep In The 1500m + More

“I wouldn’t toe the line for any race if I didn’t think I could win. I’m a David amongst Goliaths out there, but I think I’ve always got a chance [to win].”In 2024, Dakotah Popehn wasn't on most people's U.S. Olympic team shortlist, but that didn't stop her from running herself onto the team with a fearless third place finish at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and a gutsy run in Paris that saw her leading the Olympic marathon around halfway. Popehn turned heads and rewrote the expectations around her name.Now she's back on the major stage – this time lining up in Boston with confidence, momentum, and a whole new set of eyes on her. She's won Grandma’s Marathon and has been to the Olympic Games, but in the five World Marathon Majors she’s raced, she's actually never cracked the top ten. Could that change in Boston?In this episode, we talk about how she's navigated a year of breakthroughs, how she's approaching Boston as both an underdog and a contender, and what she thinks of PUMA's Fast-R 3, which is already making headlines as the latest great innovation in the super shoes era.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Dakotah Popehn | @dakotahlindwurm on Instagam 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!

17 Apr 36min

“That’s one of the beauties of Boston: that anyone can win on the day... There’s just too many variables. So do I have a shot? Yes. While that shot might be slim, it might be small, it’s definitely there and I definitely think about it. That’s what motivates me and makes me want to toe the line on race day and see what happens.”My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. It should come as no surprise that this episode pairs well with last week's interview with Conner Mantz because since fall 2023, he's lined up alongside Conner in nearly every major race from Chicago to the Olympic Trials, Paris to New York, and most recently, in Houston back in January.While the spotlight often lands on Conner Mantz, it's impossible to overlook what Clayton has done: second at the Trials, ninth at the Olympics, seventh in New York City, and a personal best of 60:52 in Houston earlier this year for the half marathon. He's always been in the mix – always one move, one moment away from turning the tables.In today's conversation, Clayton reflects on the highs and lows of this particular training block, how he's managed to regain his confidence late in the build, and how he's approaching his Boston Marathon debut this upcoming Monday.Since he started representing himself, he also shares a bit of how he's making a bet on himself and how he went about structuring his contract for the race. It also wouldn't be fair if I didn't ask him what he thought his chances were of winning on race day. This episode talks about competition, belief, and the challenge of chasing your best when you're already running with the best every day in training.Host: 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!

15 Apr 53min

“The part I also really love is finding the edges: How do we pursue the elite edge of world-class performance? I think as I've gotten further, that part is exciting me more and more as we go on here. But it doesn't have to just be world- class – how do you get people to find out how good they can really be?”When Chris Miltenberg took the helm at North Carolina in 2019, the Tar Heels distance programs had not won an ACC cross country title since before most of his current athletes were born. Fast forward to today and under Miltenberg's leadership, UNC has not only climbed back to the top of the ACC podium in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track, but they've reestablished themselves as a legitimate national contender too.Miltenberg has led UNC to top ten finishes at the NCAA cross country, indoor, and outdoor championships, he's coached Parker Wolfe to UNC's first-ever 5000m outdoor national title, signed the program's highest ranked recruiting class, and has built a culture of buy-in, belief, and bold ambition. Most recently, he's coming off an indoor season where Ethan Strand broke the collegiate records in the 3000m and mile before taking the NCAA title. Makayla Paige won the women's 800m to become the Tar Heels' first women's NCAA champion since 2018.But this isn't just a North Carolina story; Miltenberg's impact has been felt at every stop. At Stanford, he led the Cardinals to a top five program of the year finish and coached national champions like Grant Fisher, Sean McGorty, and Elise Cranny. At Georgetown, he guided the Hoyas to the 2011 NCAA Women's Cross Country title with the team that was led by Emily Infeld.In today's conversation, we talk about how he's building something sustainable in Chapel Hill, his approach to culture, and what it takes to coach through transitions, setbacks, and expectations. We also dig into athlete development, milestone moments, and why being present is one of the most underrated skills a coach can have.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Chris Miltenberg | @chris.miltenberg 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!

11 Apr 1h 31min

“I think I'm a guy who can win these races on the right day. I just need to prove that. I think the way to prove that, at least to myself, is to finish in the top three… I'd rather focus on getting on the podium in some of these races."Welcome back Conner Mantz to the CITIUS MAG Podcast for his 9th career appearance on the show. He's back ahead of his return to the 2025 Boston Marathon and he's bringing some serious momentum with him. In the past year alone, Mantz has shattered the American half marathon record in Houston, backed it up with another 57:15 performance at the NYC Half, which is a non-record eligible course, yet quite the performance. He's continued his streak of finishing as the top American in every major marathon since the fall of 2023.We talk about what's different this time around in Boston after his 11th place finish there in 2023, what he's learned from racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's best, and what he takes from another upcoming race with Clayton Young. We also go through some of the top contenders in the field and Conner expresses his thoughts on who's got a shot of winning and what he's taken away from each of those competitors.We explore where his mindset is heading into Patriots Day 2025 – a day that could crown the next American to break through on Boston's legendary course. It's been more than a decade since we've had an American man win – and Conner Mantz has a shot.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: The go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. Check out the Flite XT Mid-Crew — my personal favorite. Great grip, comfy fit, stylish look. 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! 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. 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!

10 Apr 50min

The first-ever Grand Slam Track event in Kingston is in the books and twelve athletes are walking away $100,000 richer. That’s $1.2 million in prize money handed out across one weekend.The weekend closed the way it began: with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone doing Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone things — cruising to a 50.32 in the 400, winning her race group, and reminding the world why she’s the face of this sport. First signee. Final champion. Signature Sydney.Grant Fisher snuck into Slam Champion status with a gritty 3rd in the 3k after winning the 5k on Friday — edging Hagos Gebrhiwet by a single point. Sasha Zhoya won the men’s short hurdles group by winning the 100 flat — proving that versatility, not just velocity is the new currency for the big money.Melissa Jefferson-Wooden doubled up in the sprints. Emmanuel Wanyonyi did just enough to hold off Marco Arop in the standings. Ejgayehu Taye ran 14:54 to sweep her distance group. And Alison dos Santos? Leaned like his life depended on it to close a 400m thriller by two hundredths.Oh — and Jamaica got its moment too. Danielle Williams, world champ turned home crowd hero, claimed her slam title in the short hurdles with a win in the flat 100. First Jamaican Slam Champion. First Challenger to knock out the Racers. Crowd went bananas.Every race meant something. Every move on the track changed the leaderboard. And from the pacing to the prize money, it actually felt like a sport you could follow.Next stop? Miami, May 2–4. New city. New matchups. Same $100K at the finish line.

6 Apr 40min

Chris Chavez, Aisha Praught-Leer, Eric Jenkins and Anderson Emerole unpack all the action from Day 2 of Grand Slam Track: Kingston.Kenny Bednarek — Mr. 2x Olympic Medal, now Mr. Slam Champion — swept the short sprints and made it look easy. 100m? Win. 200m? Win. $100k? Yes please. Not bad for a weekend in Jamaica.Gabby Thomas? She didn’t just win. She leveled up. A massive 400m PR (49.14!) — behind only a world-leading time from Salwa Eid Naser — locked down the Women’s Long Sprints crown. Two races. One trophy. Another six-figure payday.But it wasn’t just the Americans cleaning up. Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain edged out the 400m crew to win the Men’s Long Sprints Slam. Diribe Welteji outkicked Nikki Hiltz to take the Women’s Short Distance title in a spicy 1500m. And oh yeah — there was that absolutely loaded men’s 1500 field where 800m Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi stepped up in distance and beat the entire Paris medal stand.Tonight was the night that we believe fans started to rock with the brand-new league format. Fast, fresh, and fun. It’s a modern take on track with real stakes — and real checks — on the line.And it’s only Day 2.Let’s talk about the money. The medals. The matchups. And why this might be the shake-up the sport’s been waiting for.

6 Apr 32min

Chris Chavez, Aisha Praught-Leer, Eric Jenkins and Anderson Emerole recap all the action from Day 1 of Grand Slam Track: Kingston Highlights include:– Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone captured the victory in the Women's Long Hurdles 400m Hurdles in 52.76 winning the race by nearly two seconds. –Alison dos Santos defeated Jamaican favorite Roshawn Clarke to win the Men’s Long Hurdles 400 Meter Hurdles in 47.61. –Nikki Hiltz set a new personal best and a world-leading time in the Women’s Short Distance 800 Meters in 1:58.23. They edged out Deribi Welteji by .06 seconds in what was a thrilling finish that saw six of the eight runners in the field break 2:00.– Gabby Thomas made history as the first-ever Grand Slam Track race winner in the Women's Long Sprint 200m in 22.62.– Kenny Bednarek ended the evening with a victory in the Men’s Short Sprints 100m.

5 Apr 33min

We’re talking paydays. Primetime. Professional track.Welcome to Grand Slam Track, launching this weekend in Kingston, Jamaica—the first stop in a brand-new, big-budget, athlete-first pro league created by Michael Johnson.You want Olympic stars? Try Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, Grant Fisher, Cole Hocker, Fred Kerley, Mary Moraa—the best of the best, signed and showing up.You want stakes? How does $100,000 per event winner sound? Yeah. And you want drama? It's all baked in: Racers vs. Challengers. One weekend. Two events per athlete. Only one Slam Champion.This all kicks off in Kingston, which is basically sprinting’s holy land. If anyone’s gonna test Fred Kerley or Kenny Bednarek on their 100m trash talk, it’s the Jamaican crowd… and Oblique Seville.We’ve got Gabby vs. Marileidy. Yared vs. Kerr vs. Hocker. Elise Cranny sweating it out after a 30:36 in SoCal, now lining up in 88-degree heat for the 5000m. Sydney McLaughlin opening her season in April. And a 1500m/800m field on the men’s side that looks more stacked than your TikTok algorithm.So let’s get into it: the matchups, the payouts, and the storylines that’ll define Grand Slam Track.

4 Apr 1h 34min