Marathon Training Academy
The Marathon Training Academy Podcast will help you unlock your potential to conquer the marathon and change your life. Since 2010 Angie and Trevor have shared tips, inspiration, and interesting guests interviews to help listeners run smarter, avoid injury, and go the distance. What RUNNER’S WORLD says about the MTA Podcast: “If you’re training for 26.2, running coach Angie Spencer and her husband, Trevor, have everything you need to reach the finish line. The duo provides plenty of training tips, interviews, and reviews of marathons from around the world. (Angie has run one in every state!) While they don’t always b...
Join our 2027 Running Retreat in the Alps!
Next summer we are hosting a running retreat to the Zermatt Marathon in Switzerland -home of the iconic peak, the Matterhorn. After the marathon we will visit Chamonix, France, the trail running capital of the world! This tour includes two countries, two cultures, and two iconic mountains: The Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Can you join us?
The tour starts on June 30th 2027. Please email us if you are interested in going!
SEE THIS PAGE FOR DETAILS:
https://www.marathontrainingacademy.com/running-retreat-in-switzerland-and-france
“As Long As I’m Going, I’m Growing”
In this episode we speak with with longtime listener and Academy member Yali Szulanski, about how running has become a practice of recovery, faith, and learning to feel safe and strong in her body—and how to pursue ambitious goals without tying your worth to the outcome.
Yali Szulanski is a rabbi, mother of three, writer, and spiritual and emotional counselor. She’s an Academy Member and long-time listener to the podcast and is running the NYC Marathon and Philadelphia Marathons this fall.
“I’ve listened to Marathon Training Academy since training for my first...
Replay Episode: Sean Astin on the MTA Podcast
In this episode we play an interview we did with actor Sean Astin. Sean has completed 13 marathons and the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He’s a great storyteller and very open about his struggles as a runner.
Sean has over 140 acting credits to his name including Stranger Things, 50 First Dates, Rudy, Encino Man, Goonies, and playing Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He is currently serving a prominent leadership role as the National President of SAG-AFTRA, the Hollywood performers’ union.
This conversation was recorded in 2016 after Sean fini...
Interview with Careth Arnold: Faith and Endurance
In this episode, we speak with ultra-runner Careth Arnold about her meteoric rise in the ultra-running world, her racing highlights, and the deep connection between faith and endurance.
Bio: Careth Arnold is an elite ultrarunner who made history as the first American to win the brutal TDS race at UTMB in Chamonix, France. A mother of two based in Colorado, she transitioned from manual labor in forestry to professional sports without any collegiate athletic background, rapidly rising to the top 10 female ultrarunners in the nation. Sponsored by Altra, she is celebrated for her raw toughness...
The Way of Excellence, Interview with Brad Stulberg
In this episode we speak with Brad Stulberg author of the book, ‘The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World‘.
Brad Stulberg is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness, and coauthor of Peak Performance. He has written for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among many other large publications.
His work explores principles of mastery, meaning, and excellence that transcend capabilities and domains. He’s particularly interested in the philosophical and psychological foundations of sustainable excellence—getting the best o...
A Disappointing Marathon
In this episode Coach Angie answers a question sent in by a listener from Ontario, Canada, who had a disappointing marathon due to severe cramping. What went wrong and how does one process a disappointing race?
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Previnex -makers of Joint Health Plus and Muscle Health Plus -two products I take every day that help me maximize my recovery and performance as a long distance runner. Use...
Enter the Pain Cave
In this episode we speak with Rafael Hidalgo who shares how endurance running can rewire your brain and transform your life. Rafael, who completed the 110 mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2023, believes the race’s most meaningful story lies not at the front of the pack, but at the back—and deserves to be told. He unpacks this philosophy in his book, The Pain Cave: Start With Where, Not With Why.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next...
Yes, We are in a Running Boom!
In this episode we speak with Genae Salinas the event director at the largest running industry trade show in the world. We discuss the current running boom, what trends are driving it, and how long will it last?
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Drink AG1 -powerful, clinically-backed drink that fills common nutrient gaps and supports a healthy immune system—all in just one scoop.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed with the Altra Fit, with ro...
Des Linden and Magda Boulet on Running the Marathon des Sables
In this episode, we are joined by Des Linden and Magda Boulet, who recount their adventure competing at the Marathon des Sables—a seven-day, 168-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert! This conversation focuses on the science of training, adaptability, and how runners respond under stress.
Des Linden represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in the women’s marathon. In 2018, she became the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon. She holds the women’s 50K world record of 2:59:54, set in 2021.
Magdalena Lewy-B...
Expert Advice for Running Your First Marathon
In this crossover episode with Another Mother Runner podcast, we serve up expert advice for your first marathon—from how to pace yourself so you reach the finish line with a smile on your face, to advice on dealing with race-day anxiety. Thanks to Sarah Bowen Shea and Coach Liz Waterstraat for having us on the AMR podcast!
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Don’t miss the Lexington Health Run Hard Half...
Trust Your Training to Go the Distance!
In this episode Coach Angie shares how to have the confidence to trust your training to go the distance on race day. This is how you finish 26.2 miles when your longest distance in training is only 20 miles. Plus, Trevor is back from a 45 day tour through Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, and Portugal. Hear his “pro tips” for traveling in these countries.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
MetPro.co -get a comp...
This Runner Almost Died from Drinking too Much Water!
Imagine surviving your first marathon, only to nearly die from drinking water. In this episode, a Barcelona-based listener shares his terrifying battle with water intoxication—and the powerful life lessons he took from the finish line. Plus, Trevor breaks down his ultimate, off-the-beaten-path “Beer Hall Crawl” through Bavaria. Tune in to discover the hidden local spots most American tourists completely miss!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Run the Athens Marathon with Angie...
The 27th Mile with Dimity McDowell
In this episode we speak with Dimity McDowell about her new book The 27th Mile: How to Smooth the Rough Transition Out of Your Running Years. Dimity has written for numerous publications including Runner’s World, ESPN, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. In 2010 she cofounded Another Mother Runner. A mother of two, she lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two dogs.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
...Recap of our Dolomites Running Adventure
In this episode we bring you along on our epic 80-mile running adventure in the Italian Dolomites. Hear trail running tips from our expert mountain guides, and inspiration from podcast listeners who joined us in the Alps!
Special thanks to Jeff Thompson, Carly Brown, Louise Turner, Liz Mukherji, Bekah Shininger, Sonia Dolan, Hank Grabowski, Melissa Bently, Julia Cassandra, Marybeth Duke, Bud Haas, Sheila O’Neil, and our guides from Run the Alps: Bruno Yates, Alistair Crompton, and Marion Giraud!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Ru...
More Ask the Coach Q&A
In this episode we bring you part 2 of our Ask the Coach Q&A as we tackle questions about fueling for an ultra, shin splints, bunions, super shoes, strength training, runner’s trots, knee pain, fueling, and running postpartum.
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.Lagoon Sleep -With Lagoon pillows, you’ll fall asleep faster because you’re matched with the pillow that will be most comfortable for your sleep position and body type. Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first...
Ask the Coach Q&A (2026 Edition)
In this episode Coach Angie and Coach Abby answer questions about running marathons (and getting faster) after age 50, considerations for female runners in menopause and perimenopause, heart rate training, the Maffetone Method, ultra training and more! Thanks to everyone who sent in a question!
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.MetPro.co -get a complimentary assessment and consultation with a metobolic coach.
Lagoon Sleep -With Lagoon pillows, you’ll fall asleep faster because you’re matched with the pill...
Hard Work Pays Off -Interview with Cari Masek
In this episode, we speak with longtime Academy member Cari Masek, who ran her first marathon after being inspired by an episode of this podcast. Running has changed her life — giving her the confidence to set goals, dream big, and inspire others.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
June 3 is Global Running Day and UCAN is doing their biggest sale of the year! Get 40% OFF sitewide with code MTA40. Stock up on long-lasting, easy-on-the-gut fuel, including the NEW Strawberry Kiwi and Citrus Energy Gel...
Angie and Trevor’s Top 3 Picks
In this episode we share our top three gear picks, running books, favorite marathons, runners we admire, interesting things we’ve found on a run, embarrassing running mishaps, daily healthy habits and more!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Previnex -makers of Joint Health Plus and Muscle Health Plus -two products I take every day that help me maximize my recovery and performance as a long distance runner. Use code MTA for 15% off your first order.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed wi...
The People Who Made the Marathon Cool
In this episode we speak with bestselling author Martin Dugard about the inspiring people who made running mainstream. The first NYC Marathon only had 127 runners (only 1 woman). Now it draws over 50,000 runners (half of whom are women) and over 2 million spectators. Martin Dugard explains how we got here. Hear about Steve Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit, Grete Waitz, Bill Rogers, Jim Ryun, and others.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed with the Altra Fit, with room for...
The 2 Hour Marathon Barrier has Been Smashed
In this episode Angie and Trevor discuss the watershed moment that just happened at the London Marathon when two runners smashed the 2 Hour Barrier in the marathon. Sabastian Sawe of Kenya ran 1:59:30 and Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished 2nd in 1:59:41! How did we get to this moment and what can we learn from it?
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
MetPro.co -get a complimentary assessment and consultation with a metobolic coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed with the Altra Fi...
Sara Hall -For the Love of the Grind!
In this episode we speak with Sara Hall about her new memoir ‘For The Love Of The Grind’! Sara won the Master’s Division at the 2026 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:31:55.
Sara Hall has been competing for over twenty years and has been nationally ranked for almost three decades. She is a previous American record holder in the Half Marathon when she ran 1:07:15 at the Houston Half in 2022. Sara and Ryan Hall live in Flagstaff, Arizona, and have four adopted daughters from Ethiopia.
For the Love of the Grind is a love letter...
Run the Athens Marathon with Angie, Trevor, and Dean Karnazes!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed with an important announcement! Do you dream of running the Authentic Athens Marathon? This coming November we are teaming up with Dean Karnazes for a special tour for listeners to the MTA Podcast. Join us in Athens, Greece, for 7 days of running, sight-seeing, trying amazing cuisine, and hanging out with other likeminded runners (and spouses).
The trip starts on November 5th and ends November 13th 2026. The tour is near capacity so please email us soon if you want to go!
SEE THIS PAGE...
You Never Know What Running a Marathon Will Lead to Next!
In this episode, Trevor and Angie take you behind the scenes of what happened after Trevor completed his first marathon in 2011. Flashback with us to a sub-4 breakthrough in New Orleans, road trips to Alaska, running through the Olympic Stadium in Munich, trail adventures in the Alps, and the incredible listener community that literally hosted us in their homes from Missoula to Switzerland. You never know what running a marathon will lead to next!
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Lagoon Sleep...
What I’ve Learned About Marathon Training as I’ve Gotten Older
In this episode Coach Angie shares what she’s learned about training as she’s gotten older. She ran her first marathon in 2008 and has since completed 72 marathons and ultras. What has she learned about recovery, nutrition, strength, and balancing running with life? Enjoy!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Lagoon Sleep -take their awesome 2 minute sleep quiz to find your match. Use the code “MTA” for 15% off your first purchase.
The North Face offers everything you want to outfit your next outdoor adventure from rugged, expedition-proven luggage to haul all of your gear...
Interview with Mike Wardian
In this episode we speak with Mike Wardian -the 51 year old adventure runner who recently set the record for fastest 50k on Seven Continents in Seven Consecutive Days! He’s also planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
Air Doctor Pro air purifier: use promo code MTA to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free!
IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydrat...
How Angie Went from 5k to 50 Stater
In this episode Angie shares the story of how she went from struggling to train for her first marathon to becoming a Marathon Maniac, 50 State Marathon finisher, ultra-runner, and coach. We hope her story will be an inspiration to you!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach!
IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just te...
Remembering Jeff Galloway + Run/Walk/Run Method
In this episode we pay tribute to Jeff Galloway (1945-2026) who passed away on February 25th at the age of 80. Jeff was an Olympian, author of over 20 books, and the creator of the Galloway Run/Walk/Run method (also called “Jeffing”).
Hear an excerpt from our 2015 interview with Jeff; plus Coach Angie explains how to incorporate the Run/Walk/Run Method in your training.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with y...
What it was Like to Run my First Marathon
In this episode we reach into the podcast vault and play a recording from when Trevor ran his first full marathon. This is an entertaining look at the joy and agony a first-timer feels, especially someone who once hated running.
After two years of hard work Trevor was able to transform himself from a desk potato to a successful marathon finisher. He ran the 2011 St. Louis Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with a finishing time of 4:31:40. He’s since completed 25 marathons and two 50ks.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run...
Ultramarathon Training Q&A
In this episode we are joined by Coach Henry Howard to talk about the myths and facts around ultramarathon training . . . and answer questions from podcast listeners.
Henry Howard was coached by Angie from 2014-2016 and was able to PR, BQ, and run his first ultra. Now he is a coach on our team helping clients reach their potential! He is a Certified Running Coach, 3:16 marathoner and has multiple Boston, NYC, and Chicago qualifiers. He has finished more than 45 marathons and ultras (50k to 100 miles) with some podium finishes. Most recently he finished the Dinosaur Valley 100...
Achieving Big Goals -Interview with Dean Karnazes
In this episode Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes shares the 4 P’s for achieving big goals and how he pushes through the tough miles. Plus, you will learn the history of the world’s first marathon (held in 1896). And we share details about the epic 2026 Athens Marathon Tour which will be co-hosted by MTA and Dean Karnazes!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Athens Marathon Tour with Dean Karnazes and MTA. The tour starts on November 5th and ends November 13th 2026. Space is limited so please email us if you want to go!<...
A Marathon Success Story with Katie Low
In this episode we bring you a marathon success story with Katie Low -who was able to transform her training and achieve the dream of running a BQ at the California International Marathon. In this conversation Katie shares how she went from being chronically fatigued and under-fueled to having more energy for training and running a marathon without hitting the wall!
Katie works as a character animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios and is co-host of the Animation Happy Hour Podcast.
Talk to our Head Coach about your goals in 2026. Free 30 minute consultation. <...
The Book Episode: Our Top Picks from 2025
This is our annual book episode! Angie and Trevor discuss the books they enjoyed in 2025– top picks for both fiction and nonfiction.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA Running Coach.
MetPro.co -See what it’s like working with your own metabolic coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So you can focus on what really matters: Getting out there!
AG1 Next Gen has new fl...
Top Running Stories from 2025
It’s time for our annual Year In Review where we take a look back at the top records, breakthroughs, and notable stories to come out of the running world in 2025. We bring you both the inspiring and the bizarre, it’s all in here!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Join the Academy and access our new course Optimizing Your Running Form by Coach Athena!
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for...
Running Form Q&A with Coach Athena
In this episode Coach Athena joins the podcast to answer questions about optimizing running form. Athena ran her first marathon in 2002 and she learned some lessons the hard way! Listen as she answers questions about over-striding, heel striking, glute activation, core strength, proper form while running hills, and if it makes sense to tinker with your natural running form. Enjoy!
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Join the Academy and access our new course Optimizing Your Running Form by Coach Athena!
...
Interview with Doug Mayer
In this episode we bring you an interview with Doug Mayer -writer, ultra runner, and founder of Run the Alps. Hear Doug’s thoughts on cultivating an endurance mindset, new trends in trail running, and what it’s like to run in the Italian Dolomites. Plus, Trevor shares key takeaways from his journey to North America’s largest trade show for runners.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites with Run the Alps. See this page for details. The tour starts on June 16th 2026. (8-nights, 9-days).
Run Coachi...
Interview with Nicolas Thompson
In this episode we speak with Nicolas Thompson -CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book, ‘The Running Ground -A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports’. Hear his reflection on how running helped him amid personal crises; getting faster after 40; and how he finds time to fit running into his day.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfort, balance, and strength. So yo...
Running Shoe Tech and Terminology with Josh Levinson
In this episode we take you to Charm City Run in Frederick, Maryland, to speak with store owner Josh Levinson about running shoe tech and terminology. How are running shoes engineered these days and what is the insider terminology you should know? Learn about stack height, heel-to-toe drop, stability, energy return, carbon and nylon plates, midsole foam durometer, torsional rigidity, gusseted tongue, and more.
Josh and Kara Levinson opened their first specialty running store in 2002. Charm City Run now has 7 locations (six in Maryland and 1 in Delaware) and 200 employees!
Special thanks to Academy...
Does the New York City Marathon Live Up to the Hype?
In this episode Coach Angie recaps the New York City Marathon and answers the question: does it live up to the hype? She shares her trepidation going into the race -especially after running a marathon the previous weekend. Hear tips on race-day logistics; and what’s it was like to run through the Five Boroughs.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs for London, Berlin, Sydney, and Cape Town!
...
Join our 2026 Running Retreat in the Italian Dolomites!
Trevor and Angie here just jumping into your podcast feed to make an important announcement! Next summer we are hosting a running retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and are inviting any listener to the podcast who wants to go!
The Dolomites are known for their unique jagged appearance and mix of Italian and Austrian culture and cuisine. We will trail run from village to village through this mountain paradise and finish at the famous resort town of Cortina D’Ampezzo where the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held.
The tour star...
Race Recap of the Dublin Marathon 🇮🇪
In this episode we bring you to the Dublin Marathon in Ireland for one of our “World Famous Race Recaps”! Hear voices of MTA Podcast listeners we met in Ireland, inspiring stories, and various shenanigans.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Run Coaching. Work with an expert MTA running Coach.
Run the London Marathon in 2026 with Sports Tours International USA. They have guaranteed bibs for London, Berlin, Sydney, and Cape Town!
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of feet with room for your toes, for comfo...
