On this week's episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael first do a mini preview of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, which released its elite fields this week, including one intriguing starter, Joshua Cheptegei.

Then they talk about three super weird footwear stories: the release of the first "super sandals" (or is it "super flip flops"?), yet another Crocs marathon world record, and Hoka's "speed loafer," which may be the most ridiculous shoe in history.

Then, they are joined by Marathon Handbook founder, Thomas Watson, to discuss his most recent column for the site, entitled "Super Shoes Don't Make You Faster, It Turns Out." He explains how he's never run a race in super shoes, and now faces a personal ethical dilemma: does he taint his pre-super shoe PRs this coming year? And is running in super shoes... wrong?

Read Thomas Watson's op-ed "Super Shoes Don’t Make You Any Faster, It Turns Out":
https://marathonhandbook.com/supershoes-dont-make-you-any-faster/

Our coverage of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-tokyo-marathon-announces-star-studded-lineup-of-defending-champions/

Kenyan Runner Wins Marathon Wearing Carbon-Plated Sandals:
https://marathonhandbook.com/kenyan-runner-wins-marathon-wearing-carbon-plated-sandals/

Hoka's "Speed Loafer" Is... A Sight to Behold:
https://marathonhandbook.com/need-to-run-to-a-meeting-introducing-the-hoka-speed-loafer/

Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:

https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

Over 210,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

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Alex, Katelyn and Michael start by talking all about Alex's big half marathon personal best last weekend in Houston (1:39). Then, they share their strategies for making winter running on the treadmill not suck. In fact, they have share how the gamify their easy runs, workouts and long runs on the treadmill so they are, dare we say, fun? (11:10)

Then, Alex and Michael discuss the massive new American record in the half marathon, set in Houston by Conner Mantz. They break down his run, and what Mantz could do in the marathon over the next few years. They also explore what Mantz should choose to do with his career (1:05:53).

Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:

https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358

Further Reading:

11 Tips To Nail Your Long Run On A Treadmill:
https://marathonhandbook.com/long-run-on-a-treadmill/

How To Run On A Treadmill: Basics, Benefits + 5 Fun Workouts To Try
https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-run-on-a-treadmill/

Marathon Training On A Treadmill: Our Expert Coach’s Top Tips
https://marathonhandbook.com/marathon-training-on-a-treadmill/

The Best Treadmill Workouts For Runners
https://marathonhandbook.com/treadmill-workouts/

HIIT Treadmill Workouts To Get Faster
https://marathonhandbook.com/hiit-treadmill-workout/

Here’s Our Pick Of The 13 Best Running Documentaries
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-14-best-running-documentaries/

The 70 All-Time Best Running Songs To Get You Pumped Up
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-70-all-time-best-running-songs-to-get-you-pumped-up/

Run To The Beat: High BPM Songs To Improve Your Running Performance
https://marathonhandbook.com/high-bpm-songs/

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

In this episode, we demystify every running trend that's trending on socials in 2025.

But first, Michael and news editor Jessy Carveth discuss the exciting breaking news that three of the greatest marathoners of all-time will race each other at this year's London Marathon. They explain why this could be a legendary and record-breaking marathon (02:05).

Then, Alex, Katelyn and Michael break down the top trends and fads in running and fitness, including:

What is the (insane) "75 Hard Challenge" (23:08)?
Are Run Streaks Wise (33:49)?
Is Zone 2 Training Still King? (45:35)
Is HIIT Training Still Worthwhile? (52:16)
Are Double Threshold Workouts Safe? (56:42)
Is Strava Healthy or Evil? (1:02:46)
Should You "Run Naked"? (1:11:28)
Beware of Over-Optimization and Orthosomnia (1:16:07)
Do Cold Plunges Work? (1:19:19)
The Barefoot Running Fad won't go away (1:20:29)
Fasted Running: brilliant or unhealthy? (1:22:12)
Is Strava Segment Sniping OK? (1:25:12)
Must I do Lactate Threshold Training? (1:27:09)
Why Run Clubs Are Awesome (1:27:24)
Should You Drink Chocolate Milk Post-Run? (1:28:53)
Rapid Fire Round: Silly Fad or Legit Trend (1:29:37)

They discuss what each of these trends is, if there's any science to back them up, if they've ever tried them. They also provide advice on how best to approach a running trend or fad ( (1:35:33).

Show Notes:

In 2025, It’s Time To De-Optimize Our Exercise Routines
https://marathonhandbook.com/in-2025-its-time-to-de-optimize-our-exercise-routines/

Zone 2 Training, Explained: How To Unlock Endurance And Speed
https://marathonhandbook.com/zone-2-training-the-science-benefits/

What Is Rucking? 4 Steps To Get Started Rucking Today!
https://marathonhandbook.com/rucking/

6 Ice Bath Benefits + What Is The Optimal Time To Stay In?
https://marathonhandbook.com/ice-bath-benefits/

Barefoot And Minimalist Running: The Ultimate Guide
https://marathonhandbook.com/barefoot-and-minimalist-running/

World’s Longest Running Streak Ends After 55 Years (Or 20,309 Runs)
https://marathonhandbook.com/jon-sutherland-running-streak/

What Is A Running Streak + How To Join The Run Streak Community!
https://marathonhandbook.com/what-is-a-running-streak/

Going Strava Segment Hunting In Front Of Drake’s House
https://marathonhandbook.com/going-strava-segment-hunting-in-front-of-drakes-house/

HIIT Treadmill Workouts To Get Faster
https://marathonhandbook.com/hiit-treadmill-workout/

Double Threshold Training: The Complete Guide For Runners
https://marathonhandbook.com/double-threshold-training/

Fasted Running: How To, Benefits, + Drawbacks
https://marathonhandbook.com/fasted-running/

Should You Drink Chocolate Milk After A Workout For Fast Recovery?
https://marathonhandbook.com/chocolate-milk-after-a-workout/

Quitting Strava: The Surprising Benefits Of A Social Media Break
https://marathonhandbook.com/quitting-strava/

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marathon-handbook-podcast/id1687070922

Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7o72muiWY6TSNrwfzirqH6?si=3522f6812e5f4d55

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Follow us on IG:

Each week, the editors at marathonhandbook.com, one of the largest running focused websites in the world, discuss what's going on in the running world, as well training advice for every distance from the 5K to ultramarathons.

Marathon Handbook's editors Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci and Michael Doyle provide beginner's tips on how to start running, or how to get back into running after a big break. Whether you're just starting to run for the first time and are thinking about trying your first 5K or half marathon, or if you've been running for years, but took a bit of a pause and are now seeking motivation and guidance, they have tips, insights, and do's and don't's for how to build a solid running routine.

Related Links:

Couch to 5K: https://marathonhandbook.com/couch-to-5k-training-plan/
Couch To 10K: https://marathonhandbook.com/couch-to-10k-training-plan/
Training Plan Database: https://marathonhandbook.com/running/
12 Essential Pre-Run Stretches: https://marathonhandbook.com/pre-run-stretches/
The 12 Best Post-Run Stretches: https://marathonhandbook.com/post-run-stretches/
What To Eat Before A Run: https://marathonhandbook.com/what-to-eat-before-a-run-2/
Our Complete Strength Training Plan For Runners:https://marathonhandbook.com/strength-training-plan-for-runners/
The 11 Best Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do At Home: https://marathonhandbook.com/bodyweight-exercises/
The Best Total Body Gym Workout For Runners To Get Strong: https://marathonhandbook.com/total-body-gym-workout/
How To Choose Running Shoes: https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-choose-running-shoes/
How To Start Running Today: https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-start-running/
The 10% Rule: Is It A Valid Way To Increase Your Weekly Running Mileage? https://marathonhandbook.com/the-10-percent-rule/
11 Running Motivation Hacks To Propel Your Training: https://marathonhandbook.com/running-motivation-hacks/
The Run Walk Method: https://marathonhandbook.com/run-walk-method/

Alex, Katelyn and Michael get out their crystal balls and peer into the future of running. But first, they discuss their holiday experiences (00:00), along with the reboot of The Marathon Project, a fascinating COVID-era event that is making its return in 2025 (16:26).

Then, they get into their predictions. Marathon Handbook's staff members each produced one bold running-related prediction for 2025. Now, they unpack theirs, explaining why truly custom running shoe technologies will finally become the norm (20:57), big changes with running races and the running scene (30:40), and whether or not the sub-two hour marathon will finally be broken on a legal course in 2025 (47:29).

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marathon-handbook-podcast/id1687070922

Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7o72muiWY6TSNrwfzirqH6?si=3522f6812e5f4d55

Further reading:

The Marathon Project Is Back in 2025:
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-marathon-project/

Our Bold Predictions For The Running World In 2025:
https://marathonhandbook.com/our-bold-predictions-for-the-running-world-in-2025/

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

Marathon Handbook's editors Alex, Michael and Katelyn discuss the merits and peril of giving and receiving running themed gifts (00:00). Then, they get into how to set and stick to your 2025 running-related New Year's Resolutions (18:24). Finally, they reveal their own personal running resolutions and goals for the new year (48:07).

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ugptQqL4OZI

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marathon-handbook-podcast/id1687070922

Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7o72muiWY6TSNrwfzirqH6?si=3522f6812e5f4d55

Further reading:

Watch our episode on how to set marathon goals:
https://youtu.be/HT3fQi7wooI?feature=shared

Running Goals: 96 Exciting Goal Ideas For Your Next Training Cycle:
https://marathonhandbook.com/running-goals/

Goal Setting Considerations:
https://marathonhandbook.com/goal-setting-considerations/

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

Our Top 10 Stories of The Year Are...​ Crazy records, unbelievable performances and lots of controversy; 2024 was a wild year in the running world.

Our big Year-In-Review show is here! Alex, Katelyn and Michael go all the way back to January 2024, and run through every major event that took place in the running world over the past 12 months (16:41). There are wacky world records (Crocs, 1,000-marathon club, age group heroics), extraordinary performances, and quite a bit of intense controversy.

Then, we count down the 10 most popular stories on marathonhandbook.com in 2024 (1:06:43) Plus, we reveal the 10 most popular training articles of 2024 (1:18:34).

Watch a video version of this pod on YouTube (or on Spotify):

https://youtu.be/1B_t5NQcFN8

Watch our video The Top 5 Racing Shoes of the Year:
https://youtu.be/NABZQUSP_uw

Come see us live at the 2025 Boston Run Show! March 1-2:
https://thebostonrunshow.com/

Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/

Listen and subscribe to our Podcast here:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-marathon-handbook-podcast/id1687070922

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/40fbGjW1uLpDFnzsDfFXYn?si=6b44ece05be643fb

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb3iPx8Lcl9n2WSDyO4K0i5yfz93H8BZk&si=lx248VvhqYFir0rq

Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

Marathon Handbook was founded in 2016, with the mission from day one of helping you to run far, set goals and meet them. We provide free and super popular coach-vetted training plans for just about every distance and ability level, from your first 5K to a sub-3 hour marathon, to a 100-miler training plan. We've got you covered. We also follow the latest news and storylines in the running world, and review all the best shoes, running watches and gear on our site and our Youtube channel.

At our heart, we are runners and athletes ourselves – every person on our team is a running coach, distance runner, or certified health and fitness trainer.

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