What do you do after running 2:05 at the Boston Marathon? If you’re Conner Mantz, you get back to work.The American half-marathon record holder (59:17 in Houston) and the fastest American ever on Boston’s storied marathon course (2:05:08) is locked in on Chicago this fall.Earlier in 2024, Conner made his Olympic debut in Paris, where he delivered a gutsy, top-10 finish in brutal conditions—proving he belongs on the biggest stage in the sport. Coached by Ed Eyestone and training at altitude in Provo, Utah, Conner is building toward another breakthrough. His summer block has been quietly brutal: long progressive runs that close near race pace, back-to-back workouts with tight recovery windows, and high-volume consistency that only a few can handle.Before turning pro in late 2021, Conner was one of the most dominant collegiate runners of his generation. At BYU, he won back-to-back NCAA cross country individual titles and helped lead the Cougars to national team glory in 2019. That grit, that consistency, and that team-first mindset still drive him today.His resume speaks for itself: he’s run 59:17 in the half marathon, 2:05:08 in the marathon (Boston 2025), 27:26 in the 10,000m on the road (Beach to Beacon 2025; Course Record), 13:11.48 in the 5,000m on the track, and 3:37.96 in the 1,500m on the track.This isn’t just about chasing the edge of human performance. It’s about building a career—not just off talent—but off intention, consistency, and belief.In today's conversation, Conner dives deep into his training and preparation for his American Record attempt at the Chicago Marathon on October 12th, 2025. Tap into the Conner Mantz Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Angelina Napoleon is 20, but she’s already shaking up the NCAA and U.S. elite running scene like a veteran.She is a World U20 medalist, NCAA runner-up, Olympic Trials finalist, and the owner of more national records than most people rack up in a lifetime.Let’s talk numbers: She ran 9:32 for the 3000m steeplechase this summer, a personal best that put her within a heartbeat of the Paris Olympic team. She still owns the U.S. high school record in the 2000m steeple, clocking 6:18 back in 2022. In the 1500? 4:10. The mile? 4:33. She’s got insane talent.But stats only scratch the surface. Angelina’s story is about way more than medals. Born and raised in Allegany, New York (and now training at NC State), she’s gone from self-taught hurdler to NCAA All-American and team leader. She’s fiercely honest about mental health, fueling struggles, and coming back from setbacks—using her platform to speak out for equity, mentorship, and real talk in women’s sports.From hosting “Mindful Miles” on Instagram to launching a nutrition series with her new NIL deal, Angelina is showing athletes that you can be both vulnerable and unstoppable. In today's conversation, Angelina walks me through this massive breakthrough performance, what goes into a breakthrough, the blueprint for her breakthrough, what it means to make a world championship team, why having a bleieving coach is so crucial, using missing the trials last year as motivation, and her dreams to break 9:00 in the steeple and be the face of the US in this event for the decade to come. Tap into the Angelina Napoleon Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Shelby Houlihan isn’t running from her past. She’s running straight into whatever comes next.With a late-race surge and her trademark finishing kick, Shelby captured the 5,000m U.S. title at Hayward Field. She proved it: she’s not done. Not even close.Just a few years ago, her career looked over. For an athlete at the height of her prime, it was a devastating blow. Before that, Houlihan had been the face of U.S. middle-distance running. She shattered American records in the 1500 meters (3:54.99) and 5000 meters (14:23.92), won 12 national titles, and finished just off the podium at the 2019 World Championships.Her rise had seemed unstoppable. Until it wasn’t.But Houlihan didn’t disappear. She trained in the shadows. And when the ban was lifted in January 2025, she wasted no time. First came a win in the 3000m at the Razorback Invitational. Then a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. Now, a stunning U.S. 5000m title in Eugene–her 13th national crown and her first major outdoor championship since her return.The race itself was tactical and tense. The early pace was slow, the field bunched. But with one lap to go, Houlihan made her move. Elise Cranny and Josette Andrews went with her, but it was Shelby who had the final gear. She closed her last 200 meters in 30.56 seconds and crossed the line in 15:13.61, a full step ahead of the competition.This was a statement. Proof that the years in exile haven't dulled her edge. That the fire hadn’t gone out.She’s still unsponsored, still training alone in Flagstaff, Arizona. But she’s qualified for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where she plans to race the 5000m. And she’s doing it on her own terms — no excuses, no apologies.For Shelby Houlihan, this isn’t just a comeback, it’s a redemption story written on the track.In today's conversation, Shelby walks me through this remarkable performance, what silencing the naysayers means, why this US title means so much, inside the nerves, emotions, belief, and experiences of this race; her goals for Tokyo, and how much longer she plans on running for. This conversation is raw, honest, and an inside look at the peak of one of the greatest stories track and field has ever seen.Tap into the Shelby Houlihan Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): ⁠https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs⁠-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: ⁠https://shop.therunningeffect.run⁠-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ⁠-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Ethan Strand isn’t a prospect anymore: he’s the problem everyone else is trying to solve. Just months after rewriting the NCAA record books with blistering indoor times in the mile (3:48.32) and 3,000m (7:30.15), Ethan took another quantum leap—this time on the pro stage.In only his second race as a professional, he lined up at Hayward Field for the U.S. Championships and ran 3:30.25 in the 1500 meters, finishing second in a stacked field and earning his first senior Team USA berth for the World Championships in Tokyo.He’s back on the show with The Tokyo World Championships right around the corner. What makes this moment even more remarkable is the velocity of his ascent. From his days as a state-record holder at Vestavia Hills High School to his reign at UNC (where he became the first collegiate athlete ever to break both the indoor mile and 3,000m records in the same season), Ethan’s trajectory has been jaw-dropping.In Eugene, he didn’t just hang with the nation's best. He outkicked nearly all of them, including Olympic and World Championship finalists. His 3:30.25 ranks as the second-fastest in NCAA history and confirmed what close followers of the sport have sensed for a while: Ethan Strand is trying to become one of the best to ever do it.In today's conversation, Ethan walks me through this remarkable, career-defining result, as well as his newfound ambition as a pro. Why he thinks he can compete with anyone in the world and what it's going to take to get to the top. We dive deep into his recent races and future beliefs. Don't miss this one. Tap into the Ethan Strand Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Straight out of Melbourne, Adam Spencer is bringing a new level of hunger and hustle to global middle-distance running.Adam is one of the brightest new stars in global middle-distance running. Raised in Melbourne, Australia, he started outas a promising soccer player before discovering his natural talent on the track as a teenager. Since then, Adam’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.At just 23 years old, Adam holds personal bests of 3:31.81 for 1500 meters, 1:46.84 for 800 meters, a blistering 3:52.70 in the indoor mile, and 7:40.38 for 3000 meters indoors.He’s an NCAA All-American, Australian 1500m champion, and made global headlines in the 1500 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics by making it to the repechage round.Beyond the records and medals lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Adam has gone from overcoming injuries and setbacks as a junior to standing on the world’s biggest stages, all while following a unique and thoughtful training philosophy that’s fueled his breakthrough.Today, Adam is based between Melbourne and international training camps, with his sights set on the World Championships and the LA 2028 Olympics. He’s also inspiring the next generation of runners as a mentor and advocate for mental health.If you don’t already know him, here is the Melbourne Miler himself, Adam Spencer.In today's conversation, Adam takes me through his successful years in the NCAA, his goals and ambitions for the future, coming from another country into the NCAA system, his goals for Tokyo if he qualifies, and much more. Tap into the Coach Adam Spencer Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

What happens when you blend world-class wisdom with small-town humility?When a coach chooses joy over burnout, purpose over pressure, yet still builds champions from high school tracks to the Olympic stage?You get Coach Mike Scannell.Yes, he’s the architect behind Grant Fisher’s rise: from Arizona high school prodigy to Olympic double bronze medalist and six-time American record holder. But Scannell’s impact goes far beyond one legendary partnership.Before coaching, he was THE athlete. A 2:16 marathoner. A 29:02 10K guy. A two-time Olympic Trials qualifier who raced alongside some of the best of his era. He won the inaugural Phoenix City Marathon in 1987 and helped the U.S. win the 10K team title in 1988. Even into his 40s, he was still on the podium at the USATF Cross Country Championships. What makes Scannell different isn’t just his resume, it’s his philosophy: trust over control, long-term growth over short-term gains. Whether it’s building state championship programs at Powers, Brophy Prep, or Hamilton High School, or developing over 38 individual state champions, he leads with a mindset that centers athlete happiness, not just performance.His coaching record speaks for itself: Footlocker and Dream Mile national titles, multiple state records in the 1600, Olympic Trials qualifiers, and Olympians. Mike Scannell is more than a coach. He’s a builder of people, a strategist with soul, and a living masterclass in what it means to chase the long game.In today's conversation, we dive deep into the journey, philosophy, and mindsets of Coach Scannell. We his athletes, his training, his ideas, and so much more. This one was a treat. Don't miss the free wisdom handed out. Tap into the Coach Mike Scannell Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

There are legends in running, and then there are people who make legends possible.Returning to the show is Deena Kastor: Olympic medalist, former American record-holder in the marathon, and one of the most decorated distance runners in U.S. history.But beyond the stats and finish lines, Deena’s journey has always been rooted in resilience, reinvention, and deep mentorship.Today, she’s here to reflect on the recent passing of her coach and lifelong mentor, Dr. Joe Vigil—a towering figure in American distance running who helped shape not just her stride, but her spirit. Deena has already shared powerful words about that emotional goodbye, the lessons he passed on, and how his voice still echoes through every run she takes. Now, we get to go even deeper into that story: one built on trust, transformation, and legacy.We’ll also celebrate the iconic moments that defined her career: from that unforgettable bronze medal in Athens, to her blazing 2:19:36 American marathon record, and countless victories across the track, roads, and cross-country course.This conversation is a tribute to greatness: in performance, in mentorship, and in what it means to carry someone’s legacy forward.In today's conversation, Deena pays tribute to her coach in his passing, the lessons she's learned from him, untold stories from Coach Vigil's life, the legecy he left, and so much more. This one was touching and inspiring all at once. Be blessed by hearing about the life of a man whose life transformed the sport you love so dearly. Tap into the Deena Kastor Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

While other pros are napping in NormaTecs, Matthew Marquardt is doing rounds in med school while still torching Ironman courses. Matthew is a two-time Ironman champion who just shattered the Lake Placid course record with a blistering 7:50:08. A month earlier, he dominated Ironman Cairns, closing the marathon with a fearless 2:39:47.And here’s the kicker, he’s also a full-time medical student at Ohio State.That’s right, while most pros are recovering with fancy gadgets, Matthew least Marquardt is on hospital rotations. He’s up at 4 a.m., trains between cases, and still finds a way to run down world-class fields.What makes his story even more compelling? He comes from an elite swimming background. Think state records and Ivy League titles at Princeton. and has made one of the most seamless transitions into professional triathlon we’ve seen. He races with initials of loved ones impacted by cancer etched on his bike. And he’s deeply committed to using sport not just as performance, but as a platform for purpose.From cancer advocacy to med-school resilience, Matthew’s story is one of purpose-driven performance.In today's conversation, Matthew takes me through his meteoric rise in traitholin, training 25-30 hours a week while being a full-time med student, his ambitions for the future, his desire to get into cancer research, and wisdom for the next generation.Tap into the Matthew Marquardt Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Alex Ostberg is back again, ready to unpack the powerful, and often overlooked, mental side of training. In this July roundup, Alex breaks down the four most impactful lessons from his newsletter The Rundown: covering everything from tapering tweaks to placebo power.If you’ve ever second-guessed your workouts, tried to copy what the pros are doing, or sabotaged yourself before race day—this  episode is your antidote. First up, Alex covers why copying elite runners can backfire, and how to train for yourself, not someone else’s blueprint. Next, he discusses the placebo effect redefined, how it’s not a trick, but a training tool rooted in belief and biology. Then it’s onto the taper trap: how overthinking and last-minute adjustments ruin weeks of hard work (and how to stop). Lastly, he examines the hidden role of mindset across every training phase, and how to build routines that boost performance from the inside out. Alex is ready to show how success isn’t about replication, it’s about personalization; that belief isn’t fake; it’s a real driver of results; and how trusting the plan matters just as much as writing a good one.Alex is a former D1 All-American, coach, and creator of The Rundown, one of the most practical and honest newsletters in running. His approach blends elite-level insight with grounded, actionable strategies every runner can use.Tap into the Alex Ostberg Rundown Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-The Science of a Taper-How To Stop Sabotaging Your Taper-The Placebo Effect Isn’t A Trick – It’s A Tool-Don’t Copy The Winner-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

If you follow high school distance running, you already know the buzz is real.Caden Leonard has emerged as one of the most dominant prep runners in the country, and his résumé is growing almost as fast as his closing kick.Let’s start with the highlights: he’s a two-time Texas 6A Cross Country State Champion; he was the 2025 Texas 6A State Track “Double Gold” winner in the 1600m and 3200m; he came in 2nd place at the Brooks PR Invitational, clocking an impressive 8:50.22 for two miles; he came in 3rd place at Nike Cross Nationals, earning All-American honors; and was back-to-back Gatorade Texas Cross Country Player of the Year.And when it comes to personal records? Caden’s stats speak for themselves: he’s run 4:04 in the mile; 8:50 in the two-mile; 14:33 in the 5,000m (Cross Country); and 14:19 in the 5,000m on the track.What makes Caden’s story even more compelling is how he runs. Not just fast, but smart. He’s been described as “a surgeon on the course,” known for his surgical precision in pacing, tactics, and race-day execution. Within that racing tactician, there’s a young man driven by purpose, humility, and a clear mission: to win—and grow—in every sense.Caden is getting ready to transition to the University of North Carolina, so this is a prime time to check in with him and see where his head is at.In today's conversation, Tap into the Caden Leonard Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E SNORDVPN DEAL: https://nordvpn.com/podcast/?coupon=runningeffect&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=&utm_content&utm_campaign=off910&utm_source=aff71451-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz