Road to the Trials

Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim
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Co-hosts Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka interview every 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier along with a wide-ranging group of industry professionals in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

  1. −7 h

    Alex Burks: Three Breakthroughs at the Same Course, a 2:15 OTQ, and Why Running Is Still Fun

    Alex Burks has a unique relationship with Rockland Lake. It's where he ran his first breakout half marathon, his first major marathon breakthrough, and this spring, where he punched his ticket to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:15:49, qualifying by just 11 seconds. In this conversation with Peter Bromka, Alex looks back on the years between those breakthrough performances, the frustrating cycle of marathon blowups, and the nutrition and mindset changes that finally helped everything come together. They also revisit Alex's standout race at the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, where he moved from the back half of the field into the top 50 by staying patient while others faded in the Florida heat. Alex shares what he's learned about training, why he believes consistency matters more than chasing huge mileage, his fascination with trail ultras, and how he's approaching the next Olympic Trials with a healthier perspective than ever before.  Thank you to our sponsors: Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com. Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

    1 tim 3 min

  2. −2 d

    Esteban Trujillo: A Decade Away from Running, Then a 2:14 Marathon at Age 40

    After walking away from running for nearly a decade, Esteban Trujillo never expected he'd one day be racing 2:14 marathons. But at age 40, he's become one of the fastest masters marathoners in the world, finishing second overall in the masters division at the 2026 Boston Marathon and running 2:14:30 at CIM to easily qualify for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. In this episode, Esteban shares his remarkable journey from competing at the University of Oregon alongside future Olympians to completely quitting the sport, moving to Alaska, and eventually rediscovering running through a spontaneous marathon. He discusses how patience has become his greatest training tool as a masters athlete, working with coach Brad Hudson, the lessons learned from Boston and CIM, joining Puma's Project3 program, and helping launch Front Range Elite to support the next generation of elite runners in Colorado. Thank you to our sponsors: Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

    1 tim 3 min

  3. 2 juli

    Erin McDonald: Rediscovering Running and a 2:32 Marathon Breakthrough

    After stepping away from competitive running for nearly four years, Erin McDonald wasn't sure she'd ever return to the sport at a high level. Now, she's a 2:32 marathoner, a 4:31 miler, and an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Following a breakthrough performance at the 2025 CIM, Erin joins Road to the Trials to share how falling back in love with running transformed both her mindset and her performances. In this episode, Erin reflects on her collegiate career at Michigan State, the burnout that led her away from the sport, and the unexpected path back to elite marathoning. She talks about training with Bay Area Distance Crew, winning the Bayshore Half Marathon in a course-record 73:37, balancing competition with joy, and why this second chapter of her running career feels so much more fulfilling than the first. Erin also shares what she's learned about patience, confidence, and embracing the process as she looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. Thank you to our sponsors: ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout. Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

    49 min

  4. 30 juni

    Ryan Smith: The Finish Line Reaction Everyone Was Talking About

    Ryan Smith only planned to gain experience in his marathon debut. Instead, he ran 2:15:34 at the Vermont City Marathon, won the race, and punched his ticket to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. But as Ryan explains, the result wasn't about chasing a time. It came from years of consistent training, learning to trust his instincts, and taking a patient approach to building fitness after injury. Ryan shares why he prioritizes effort over pace in training, how cross-training became a key part of his success, what he learned from his first marathon, and why he's already thinking differently about preparing for the Olympic Trials. He also talks about balancing a full-time career in energy economics, the Boston running scene, Division III running, and the unexpected experience of going viral after his emotional finish line interview. Precision Fuel & Hydration Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

    1 tim

  5. 25 juni

    Megan Connolly: The WWE Broadcaster Who Qualified for the Olympic Trials

    This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven, Goodr, and Precision Fuel & Hydration. Megan Connolly's path to the Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. A former Division I runner turned broadcaster, Megan spent years casually running marathons before deciding to fully pursue the Olympic Trials standard. Along the way, she donated a kidney, became a mother, returned to racing postpartum, and ultimately qualified for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials at the McCurdy Micro Marathon. In this episode, Megan joins Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein to reflect on the long road to 2:37. She shares how the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials reignited her competitive fire, why learning to love the training process mattered more than any finish time, and the mental lessons she learned after falling short at Indy before finally getting it done at McCurdy. Megan also opens up about balancing elite training with motherhood, her career with WWE, the life-changing experience of becoming a living kidney donor, and why controlling what you can control has become her guiding philosophy both in sport and in life. Thanks to our sponsors: Kava Haven Kava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials. Precision Fuel & Hydration Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com. Goodr Goodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

    1 tim 1 min

  6. 22 juni

    Madey Dickson: From the Mile to a 2:28 Marathon and Learning to Take Risks

    Madey Dickson never planned to become a marathoner. A standout miler at Brigham Young University, she first tried the marathon almost on a whim before discovering she might be better at 26.2 than she ever expected. Less than a year after fully committing to the event, Madey has already run 2:28 twice, first at the 2025 US Marathon Championships at CIM and again at the 2026 Boston Marathon. In this episode, Madey shares her rapid rise in the marathon, working with coach Rory Linkletter, balancing elite training with a full-time nursing career, and the mindset shifts that helped unlock a new level of confidence. She talks about racing much of Boston alone, learning to fuel properly after a painful marathon debut, training in Utah’s thriving running community, and why she believes the next step in her development is taking bigger risks on race day. Madey also looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials and explains why she wants to line up ready to truly go for it. Thank you to our sponsors: Precision Fuel & Hydration Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

    45 min

  7. 18 juni

    Annie Frisbie: A 2:22 Breakthrough and Another Boston Masterclass

    Fresh off a career-best 2:22 at the 2026 Boston Marathon, Annie Frisbie joins Road to the Trials to reflect on one of the biggest performances of her career. Annie finished eighth overall and was the second American across the line, continuing her remarkable success on the Boston course. She shares what clicked on race day, why she thrives in the chaos of championship-style racing, and the memorable moment of finding teammate Dakotah Popehn in the lead pack mid-race. Annie also opens up about the lessons she carried from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, how that disappointment ultimately helped her grow as an athlete, and why confidence has become one of her greatest strengths as a competitor. The conversation explores training with Minnesota Distance Elite, balancing racing across distances from the 5K to the marathon, life as a full-time professional runner, and how she's already thinking about the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Plus, Annie shares details from her recent engagement in Switzerland and why Boston continues to bring out her very best. Thank you to our sponsors: Precision Fuel & Hydration Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com. Wahoo The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

    55 min

  8. 15 juni

    Erik Linden: Trusting the Process, Reinventing the Journey, and Running 2:12

    This episode is supported by Kava Haven, Wahoo, and Precision Fuel & Hydration. Erik Linden returns to the Olympic Trials stage after running a breakthrough 2:12 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, continuing a marathon journey that has been defined by patience, curiosity, and a willingness to follow his own path. A previous Trials qualifier for Orlando, Erik has steadily improved over the years while balancing running with the rest of life, constantly searching for new ways to stay engaged, motivated, and growing in the sport. In this conversation, Erik reflects on his progression from collegiate runner to 2:12 marathoner, the training changes that fueled his latest breakthrough, and why he's never been afraid to evolve as an athlete. He and Peter discuss finding the right training environment, trusting intuition, navigating the gap between competitive amateur and professional running, and what it means to keep pursuing improvement after years in the sport. It's a thoughtful look at longevity, reinvention, and the joy of continuing to chase what's possible. Thanks to our sponsors: Kava Haven Kava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials. Precision Fuel & Hydration Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com. Wahoo The Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

    54 min
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Om

Co-hosts Matt Chittim, Lindsey Hein, and Peter Bromka interview every 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier along with a wide-ranging group of industry professionals in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Information

  • Skapad av
    Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    197
  • Åldersgräns
    Vuxet innehåll
  • Copyright
    © Peter Bromka, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim
  • Programmets webbplats
    Road to the Trials

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