Mailbag Madness: Boston Qualifying Plan, Tune-Up Races, Shoe Rotations & Marathon Fueling

In this Mailbag Madness episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer listener questions about marathon training, racing strategy, fueling, injuries, and running shoes. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com This episode covers everything from how to build a multi-year Boston Marathon qualifying plan to when to schedule a half marathon tune-up race, plus advice on marathon fueling, shoe rotations, and avoiding injuries when building mileage. If you're training for a marathon, 10K, or just trying to get faster, this episode is packed with practical advice from experienced coaches and runners. Topics we cover: • How to build a 3-year plan to qualify for the Boston Marathon • Should you race a half marathon before your goal marathon? • How hard should workouts feel during a training block • Returning to running after Achilles or plantar fasciitis injuries • Do runners actually need a shoe rotation? • How to start fueling with gels during long runs • Training mistakes runners make when chasing big goals Plus: A wild story involving Conner Mantz, Sour Patch Kids, and doping paranoia, strange animals seen during runs, and why Alex’s feet have become a retirement-community spectacle. Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Mailbag Madness begins 00:30 Connor Mantz, Sour Patch Kids & a doping scare story 09:00 Listener Question: 3-Year Plan to Qualify for Boston 13:30 Building speed with 5K and 10K training 22:10 How to start fueling with gels for long runs 24:30 Half Marathon Tune-Up Before a Marathon 37:30 Racing vs running at marathon pace in tune-up races 43:30 How Hard Should Workouts Feel? 46:50 Time trials to test your fitness 48:30 Returning to running after Achilles & plantar fasciitis 55:00 Building mileage safely after injury 57:00 Let’s Talk About Feet (shoe fit discussion) 01:03:00 Do You Really Need a Shoe Rotation? 01:14:00 Final thoughts & Mailbag continues next week #RunningPodcast #MarathonTraining #BostonMarathon #MarathonTips #RunningTips #HalfMarathonTraining #10KTraining #RunningShoes #RunningAdvice #DistanceRunning #MarathonHandbook #RunFaster #MarathonPrep #RunnerLife #EnduranceTraining