Marathon Handbook Podcast

The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?
In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.

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We discuss:
• The surprising origins of the half marathon
• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon
• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness
• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners
• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”
• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)
• Strength training mistakes runners make
• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves
• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?
• And… what should we rename the half marathon?

Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.

Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com•
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Topics/Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:23 Half Marathon Overview
2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon
9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon
19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)
28:21 Physiology of the Half
36:33 Why the Half is Hard
41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood
44:51 Weekly Training Structure
48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts
53:59 Common Training Mistakes
58:06 Long Runs
1:02:01 Fueling During the Race
1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half
1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery
1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?
1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons
1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics
1:26:29 Rebranding the Half
1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half

Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down the five most compelling stories in running this week — starting with one of the most bizarre marathon disqualifications ever, after a runner was spotted racing the Hong Kong Marathon with a baby strapped to his chest.
From there, they dive into Des Linden’s jaw-dropping spring race schedule, which somehow includes the Marathon des Sables, Boston, and London — all within weeks. The episode also features a standout moment from Boston’s indoor Grand Prix, where a 60-year-old grandmother ran a mile world record, plus two more historic performances on the track.
The conversation wraps with elite running politics, world record context, and a lighthearted but surprisingly thorough investigation into which marathon Harry Styles might target in 2026 — with Chicago, London, and New York all in play.
Insightful, opinionated, and deeply nerdy in the best way — this is The Running Story.
Planning Upcoming Tour Around Marathons?📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter

In this Winter 2026 Mailbag, the Marathon Handbook crew answers listener questions on some of the toughest — and most misunderstood — topics in marathon running.
From runners who missed sub-3 by seconds, to first-time marathoners chasing Boston, to athletes sidelined by injury, this episode dives deep into both the physical and mental side of training.

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We cover:
Whether to repeat a sub-3 training block or hire a coach

How much marathon pace should actually hurt

Long runs vs. overall volume — what matters more?

Shoes for mid-pack marathoners: super shoes or not?

Training in extreme heat for cold-weather marathons

Injury, identity, and staying motivated when running is taken away

Alcohol during marathon training: moderation vs. abstinence

Fine-tuning pace by seconds per kilometer

This is a must-listen for anyone training for a marathon — whether you’re chasing Boston, your first finish, or a big personal breakthrough.
Interview with Pete Pfitzinger, co-author of Advanced Marathoning: https://youtu.be/pw9edKx9Mws?si=1bQ_KYd_dRLdUGUm
📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter
🎙 New episodes weekly from Marathon Handbook

The Running Story is Marathon Handbook’s weekly news recap show with Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth. This week we break down Des Linden’s big 2026 announcement—she’s heading to the Sahara for the Marathon des Sables (00:35), then celebrate Dot McMahan’s remarkable Houston Marathon performance as the 49-year-old hits the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying standard for a record sixth Trials appearance (04:29). We also cover a frightening situation at the Winter Spine, where human rights advocate Sarah Porter was removed from the event after death threats were received (06:46). Next up: Molly Seidel storms into the ultra world by winning the Bandera 50K outright and smashing the course record in her ultra debut, plus a look ahead to Black Canyon and the Western States “golden ticket” path (09:58). We wrap with a lighter one—Ed Sheeran revealing he’s a runner, and the bigger trend of pop stars embracing running (14:03). 
#Running #Marathon #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #TrackAndField #RunningNews #MarathonHandbook #DesLinden #MollySeidel #EdSheeran

In this Marathon Handbook Podcast episode, Michael Doyle, Katelyn Tocci, and Alex Cyr unpack what actually defines a long run—and how long is “long” for different goals (00:07). After some pre-run chaos (Patriots/Boston accent talk) (01:14), Alex breaks down his Houston Half Marathon PR and the wild sub-elite start experience (07:03), including pacing strategy and the trio finish (21:17). Then the crew goes deep on long-run philosophy: how to structure it across a training block, when to add quality like fast finishes or marathon-pace intervals, and why many runners cap the long run around three hours (30:13) (53:10). They also cover fueling basics—carbs per hour, gels, gut training, and modern trends like hydrogels (1:15:16) (1:23:23), before Coach Katelyn lists common long run mistakes (too fast, skipping fueling, skipping deload weeks, poor recovery, and more) (1:30:22). Mailbag submissions are open at [email protected] (1:48:55), and Katelyn teases a 10-mile race update for next week (1:51:46).
This episode is presented by Lagoon Sleep – Adjustable, breathable pillows designed to improve sleep and recovery. Take the 2-minute sleep quiz and get 15% off with code MARATHON.👉 https://lagoonsleep.com/marathonhandbook Wahoo KICKR RUN – A smart treadmill that adapts to your pace with RunFree Mode and lateral tilt. Get a FREE Headwind fan with code MHRUN.👉 https://www.wahoofitness.com Momentous – NSF-certified supplements trusted by elite athletes. Get up to 35% off your first order with code MARATHON.👉 https://www.livemomentous.com
📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected].
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#running #marathontraining #longrun #halfmarathon #10ktraining #5ktraining #runners #runningtips #endurance #fueling