Marathon Handbook Podcast

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.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. Rocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorunWe cover:Whether to repeat a sub-3 training block or hire a coachHow much marathon pace should actually hurtLong runs vs. overall volume — what matters more?Shoes for mid-pack marathoners: super shoes or not?Training in extreme heat for cold-weather marathonsInjury, identity, and staying motivated when running is taken awayAlcohol during marathon training: moderation vs. abstinenceFine-tuning pace by seconds per kilometerThis 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 podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 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

Show Notes

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.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.
Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. 
Rocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorun
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 podcast@marathonhandbook.com.
🎤 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

What is Marathon Handbook Podcast?

Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: podcast@marathonhandbook.com