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    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    About

    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

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    Marathon Handbook

    Mailbag Madness: Boston Qualifying Plans, Tune-Up Races & Shoe Rotation Debate

    Mailbag Madness: Boston Qualifying Plans, Tune-Up Races & Shoe Rotation Debate

    March 12, 2026
    1h 17m

    In this Mailbag Madness episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci answer listener questions about training, racing, injuries, and running gear.

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comThis episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: https://⁠livemomentous.com

    Topics include building a long-term plan to qualify for the Boston Marathon, whether runners should race a half marathon before their goal marathon, and how hard workouts should feel during a training block.

    We also discuss returning to running after Achilles and plantar fasciitis injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and whether runners actually need a shoe rotation to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

    Questions answered in this episode:

    • How should I structure a multi-year Boston qualifying plan?

    • Is racing a half marathon 8 weeks before a marathon a good idea?

    • How fatigued should you feel during training?

    • How do you safely rebuild mileage after injury?

    • Do runners really need multiple pairs of running shoes?

    Plus: running stories, weird animal encounters on the run, and Alex’s now-infamous runner feet.

    Have a question for the show?
    Email podcast@marathonhandbook.com

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