The Atlantic’s Nick Thompson on His New Book, Running Fast, Why We Run, and LetsRun.com

Chris Capeau the coach of 800m star Cooper Lutkenhaus, joins us 67:31 to talk about Lutkenhaus' amazing year and amazing race at USAs where the 16-year-old ran 1:42.27 to make the team for USA at Worlds. Prior to that we discuss the Diamond League returning with a bang on Saturday in Silesia with Noah Lyles vs Kenny Bednarek, vs Kishane Thompason at 100, and possible world record attempts by Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet. Plus, Keely Hodgkinson returns in the 800 meters, Niels Laros, Yared Nuguse, Josh Hoey & Hobbs Kessler square off at 1500m and do we have bad news for Dan Michalski? Want our Cooper Lutkenhause interview? 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 use code GOAT50 to save 50%. Show notes: 00:00 Silesia Preview with Chris Capeau 00:22 Start 08:13 What to Look Forward To Rest of Diamond League Season 08:16 Silesia Diamond League loaded: The Men's 100m Matchup of year 17:28 Women's 800m: Keely Hodgkinson Returns 20:17 Women's 3000m: Does Faith Kipyegon break the world record? 24:52 Beatrice Chebet, Tsegay in women's 1500: Could the world record go? 27:39 LetsRun drinking game *link 33:17 Men's 1500m Race Preview:Nuguse, Kessler, Hoey and Laros 38:57 Fisher vs. Brazier & Lutkenhaus 42:31 Big race for Yared Nuguse and Niels Laros 47:51 Predictions 48:29 Does Nikki Hiltz get the American 1500m record in Silesia 53:18 Fast times in Oordegem in 5k and steeple. Is Dan Michalski in trouble for Worlds? 59:56 Should we get rid of auto qualifiers for Worlds? 67:31 Chris Capeau (guest) 01:13:34 Pre-race expectations 01:18:54 Progression thoughout season 01:20:54 Predicting a Breakthrough Performance 01:22:17 Training Dynamics and Team Spirit 01:27:19 Injury this summer 01:34:14 Coaching Philosophy and Influences 01:39:04 Career Journey and Personal Challenges 01:42:21 Taking job at Cooper's school 01:45:44 Future Plans Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want our Cooper Lutkenhaus interview? 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?from=public use code GOAT50 to save 50%. 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/ad99f30f-fca5-4bcd-b5e9-ceeb58b028b9

11 Aug 1h 55min

The most shocking 800 in US history? 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus ran 1:42.27, four seconds faster than any high schooler ever, and almost beat Donavan Brazier, who completed his unbelievable comeback with the win. We try and breakdown Lutkenhaus's run and hopefully give enough love to Brazier's brilliance. Plus Yared Nugude and Josh Hoey suffered the devastation of USAs while Jonah Koech emerged, Cole Hocker did some Cole Hocker things and Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested en route. Become a LetsRun VIP & Get a 2nd Podcast Every Week 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 Cooper Lutkenhaus 1:42.27 - USAs 00:22 Start 1:15 Debate: Should There Be a World Championships Every Year? 2:31 Robert's article 5:45 Cooper Lutkenhaus 1:42.27 9:16 Comparing High School Phenoms *Michael Carter article 16:56 Donavan Brazier's unbelievable win 20:16 The doubters 22:41 Future Prospects and Advice for Cooper 31:55 John Kellogg appearance 38:39 Josh Hoey comes up short 40:55 Justin Rinaldi's post 44:00 Audio from last week 47:38 What about Worlds in 800? 50:11 Women's 800m: Roisin Willis Wins, Akins, Wiley come up short 57:49 Men's 1500: Jonah Koech FTW, Nugusge Devastated 01:11:27 Men's 5,000m: Cole Hocker FTW 01:16:17 Why does the rail keeping opening up for Hocker? 01:21:22 Steeplechase: Dan Michalski Dreams Become Reality, Kenneth Rooks wins 01:27:27 LetsRun shirt on NBC 01:28:30 Sprint Action: Sha'Carri Arrested *article 01:34:53 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Superstar 01:36:09 Lyles-Bednarek feud 01:40:42 Grand Slam Track Payment Issues 01:48:21 Presenting crazy scenarios to Jon links: LRC Track Needs More "Losers" & Upsets: Finishing 4th (or 5th) at USAs Sucks — And That’s What Makes It Great Justin Rinaldi's post Greatest of All Throws: Michael Carter’s Unbreakable High School Shot Put Record Turns 40 Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. 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/17aafbde-6894-4e20-81b6-594a5fd03a9d

6 Aug 1h 52min

Want the full podcast? Join our Supporters Club today https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public and use code GOAT50 to save 50% off your first year The men's 1500m event exceeded expectations Jonah Koech getting the shock win, Ethan Strand being second and Olympic champion Cole Hocker getting the final Worlds spot as Yared Nuguse missed the team (unless he wins the Diamond League final). LetsRun.com singlet wearer and Supporters Club member Dan Michalksi nearly beat Olympic silver medallist Kenneth Rooks in the steeple and joins us at 52:39 to discuss his rags to riches story. Nikki Hiltz looked great, Lexy Halladay-Lowry won the women's steeple and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone still doesn't have Sanya Richards Ross' 400m record. We break it all down. Show notes: 00:00 USA 1500m Madness 00:22 Introduction and Initial Reactions 05:06 Men's 1500m Detailed Analysis 25:53 Women's 1500 28:10 Men's steeplechase 34:32 Women's Steeplechase Recap 39:48 Angelina Napoleon's Journey 42:09 Sydney McLaughlin's 400 Win 47:08 Grand Slam Track Payment Issues 48:56 Die-Hard Track Fans 52:39 Daniel Michalski joins show 01:04:40 More 1500 Talk who is Worlds favorite 01:10:26 Sunday Preview Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. 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/2277e63c-cda7-453c-95e0-c6db597a061d

3 Aug 21min

The 2025 USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships start Thursday in Eugene. Wejo, Rojo, and Jon give their picks for Tokyo in all the distance events and then surmise about some of the other events. Want podcasts from USAs? You have to be a LetsRun.com VIP to get them. Join our Suppoters Club today https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Play in our $200,025 USAs Prediction Contest Show notes: 00:00 Introduction and Supporters Club Promotion 01:02 Start 03:08 SF Marathon Banter 05:23 USAs Prediction Contest 06:29 USAs Previews 08:08 Men's 800m *link 18:09 Women's 800m 25:15 Men's 1500m *link 34:19 Women's 1500 37:03 Men's Steeplechase 45:31 Women's Steeplechase 51:11 Men's 5000m w Intern Tate 01:09:38 Women's 5,000 01:16:01 Men's 10,000 01:18:58 Women's 10,000 01:22:34 Top Storylines at USAs 01:22:46 Men's 100: What about Noah and the high schooler? What about Sha'Carri? 01:32:18 Women's 400 & Sydney 01:34:49 Ethiopian Team Selections 01:40:30 Grand Slam Track Update 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 Give us feedback on this podcast or call us 1-844-LETSRUN and leave a voicemail https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/43a26c17-01b6-40ae-854d-7fbea333e095

29 Juli 1h 45min

American marathoning legend Deena Kastor reflects on the life and legacy of her legendary coach Joe Vigil, who recently passed away at 95. Deena's instagram tribute to Coach Vigil is here. At 36:40 we switch topics to Deena's thoughts on Ruth Chepngetich, the marathon world record holder, testing positive for a masking agent. Want daily podcasts from USAs? Join the LetsRun.com Club to get all of our podcasts. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes: 00:00 Deena Kastor Remembers Joe Vigil 01:20 Start 02:51 Reflecting on Coach Joe Vigil's Legacy 09:20 Deena's College Struggles and Finding Coach Vigil 11:18 Training with Coach Vigil 17:24 Running USA 20:38 Deena's historic Olympic medal in 2004 24:50 Memories and Life Lessons from Coach Vigil 33:19 Embracing Simplicity in Running and Life 36:40 Ruth Chepngetich Testing Positive 44:46 The Future of Clean Sport 56:26 Final Thoughts and Reflections 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/25c597e1-18f3-42e6-9b4e-eb2be2a230dd

25 Juli 59min

Want a 2nd podcast every week? Want the bonus audio at the end of the podcast? Want the podcast when it's first released? Join our club http://www.letsrun.com/subscribe World record holder in the marathon Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich was popped for a masking agent. Does LetsRun.com deserve an apology from Kenyan parliament? The London Diamond League saw a huge upset with Phanuel Koech taking down Josh Kerr while Emmanuel Wanyonyi triumphed over Marco Arop and a resurgent Donavan Brazier. What does Brazier’s 1:43.08 run mean? Niels Laros pulled off your traditional :) 800/5000 double at Euro U23s. Could he be the favorite for Worlds at 1500? Deal of the Day: 1. Nike Pegasus 41 $85 2. Vaporfly 3 Save $83 3. More Savings at Dick's Want a 2nd podcast every week? 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 Doping Allegations in Kenya 01:35 Deal of day 02:16 Start 02:56 Ruth Chepngetich's Doping Suspension *Rojo's Chat GPT tweet Forum thread: So we know Ruth is dirty... but was it EPO or something stronger? WADA worried about athletes using haemoglobin taken from: Marine Worm, Arenicola marina (M101) Fancy Bears 'Likely Doping' list 15:34 2 year suspension 23:55 Proposals for Anti-Doping Measures – What about the agents? 32:46 What about her World Record? 40:12 Intern Tate Segment: How dirty is the sport? 44:35 Why not Americans? 50:21 The Coldplay kiss cam 53:16 London Diamond League Parting Thoughts 55:00 Donovan Brazier’s Performance – Encouraging? 01:07:56 Niel Laros Hype Train Increases after Euro 23s 800 & 5000 Double 01:11:24 Faster at 800 than Nuguse, Hocker, Kerr, Ingebrigtsen 01:12:57 Hobbes Kessler Comparison 01:17:48 Who is the favorite for Worlds in the 1500? 01:23:14 Who is favorite in men’s 200? 01:25:25 Men’s 10,000m? 01:27:44 Women’s 100 01:30:11 Women’s 800 01:34:18 Joe Vigil RIP 01:37:17 Post of the Week 01:38:29 Dreams Become Reality Performance of Week 01:39:47 Supporters Club audio https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? 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/7ec98fb5-74ca-48dc-8929-5d6baaf2caa2

22 Juli 1h 40min

High schooler Quincy Wilson scorched a 44.10 400m and Athing Mu ran 2:00 in Tennessee. With USAs 16 days way we looked at who will be in and who will be out for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo?Wilson, Mu, Addie Wiley, Parker Valby, Josette Andrews? Jakbo Ingebrigtsen is back training. What are his odds for Worlds? Dennis Young of Front Office Sports joins us at 82:24 to discuss Grand Slam Track, Athlos, and his article, "Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems" AG1 Next Gen is Here drinkag1.com (sponsored) The supplement industry is a mess. Every day a new pill or powder hits the shelf. Untested. Unsubstantiated. Unbelievable. That is, until AG1 Next Gen. Backed by four gold-standard clinical trials, tested for heavy metals, and NSF Certified for Sport, Next Gen is trusted. And verified. With a three year, 20 million dollar commitment to new research, AG1 is the daily health drink cleaning up the supplement aisle. More info here. Deal of the Day: Save $83 on Nike Vaporfly . If you'd rather have the Alphafly click here, Pegasus Plus here. Or want the Jakob Ingebrigtsen shoe? Show notes: 00:00 DrinkAG1.com 00:58 Start 04:28 Quincy Wilson's Impressive Performance 12:14 Will he make TEAM USA individually? 18:44 Intern Tate's segment 19:36 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Training Update: Normal Service Has Resumed 30:04 Jakobs vs Prime Kenenisa Bekele at 5000m *Thread: "Wow. Just watched 5000m championship 2008" 37:54 The 5th Placer Never Beats the 1st Placer 40:50 Deal of the Day: Huge Savings on Nike Vaporfly (and Alphafly) 42:24 Join the Supporters Club to hear Josh Hoey, Noah Lyles, Emmanuel Wanyonyi Talk 42:51 In or Out: Athing Mu 50:35 Jonah Koech update 54:08 Athing Mu's chances at USAs 56:40 Alicia Monson 01:01:32 Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy in 2025 01:04:31 Hobbs Kessler 01:08:21 Josette Andrews 01:08:53 Abdihamid Nur 01:13:19 Maggi Congdon 01:16:48 Ethan Strand & Parker Wolf Join Mike Smith's Nike Swoosh TC 01:21:36 Grand Slam Track's Financial Troubles 01:22:24 Dennis Young of Front Office Sports on Track & Field Struggles & Opportunities *article 01:43:41 AG1 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/555ccc2a-b74f-42d7-bb4a-e079f64d5ae9

16 Juli 1h 43min

One final look at an amazing 50th Prefontaine Classic, highlighted by the world records of Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon, with the upset win in the Bowerman Mile by podcast listener Niels Laros. Athing Mu struggled? What does it mean? Cole Hocker and Yard Nuguse are looking good for Tokyo but what about Hobbs Kessler, Ethan Strand, and Nathan Green? And Monaco is Friday with Noah Lyles going head to head in the 200 vs Letsile Tebogo in a mouth watering match-up, plus a loaded men's 800. ** AG1 Next Gen is Here drinkag1.com** The supplement industry is a mess. Every day a new pill or powder hits the shelf. Untested. Unsubstantiated. Unbelievable. That is, until AG1 Next Gen. Backed by four gold-standard clinical trials, tested for heavy metals, and NSF Certified for Sport, Next Gen is trusted. And verified. With a three year, 20 million dollar commitment to new research, AG1 is the daily health drink cleaning up the supplement aisle. More info here. Want our podcast recapping Monaco? 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 LetsRun Red White and Blue Shirts $20 Use code July4 @ https://shop.letsrun.com/ Show notes: 00:00 July 4th Sale Announcement Use code July4 @ https://shop.letsrun.com/ 01:00 Start 08:44 Discussion on Athing Mu's Sub Par Performance *Thread 15:59 Could she have Henry Rono type season? *thread 23:48 US Women's 800 Wide open 25:50 Sha'Carri & Athing gracious afterwards *interview 27:58 Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet's World Records 28:34 Chebet wans to run the 1500 *thread 33:42 Chebet vs Kipyegon & 3000? 36:18 AG1 Next Gen https://drinkag1.com/ 37:47 Niels Laros Wins Bowerman Mile! 48:42 Intern Segment: Who is the odd US man out in 1500? 49:55 US 1500 Ranks Stacked 53:30 Kessler vs Strand 56:17 What about Fisher beating a bunch of 3:29 guys? 01:01:14 Kessler is Nick Willis? 01:04:20 Great Job Nike & Pre, Bad Job NBC 01:17:49 Lyles vs Tebogo at Monaco This Week 01:20:04 What's up with Lyles instagram? *link 01:24:46 Stacked Men's 800 & Men's 5000, Rooks in Steeple 01:28:49 Who is most likely to break WR? Nuguse, Fisher, or Hocker? 01:32:00 10 Year Anniversary of this Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want our podcast recapping Monaco? 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/d455f7c1-165a-4d10-9e06-502d47169382

9 Juli 1h 34min