The CITIUS MAG Podcast with Chris Chavez | A Running + Track and Field Show

CITIUS MAG

Track and field's biggest names on the track, in the coaching ranks and within the industry sit down and open up in-depth to share brilliant insights and vivid snapshots from their professional/personal accomplishments and experiences in the sport. Hosted by CITIUS MAG founder Chris Chavez. The show was named one of "The Best Running Podcasts" by Runner's World. ▶ Visit https://CITIUSMAG.com ▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ Instagram: https://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag ▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag

  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Josh Kerr Previews His 2025 Season: Millrose Games, Grand Slam Track, Defending His World Title (Plus: A Few Thoughts On Jakob Ingebrigtsen)

    “To win a world championship title in my country, then break world records and British records all the way throughout the season, then make it to the Olympics and run a personal best on the biggest stage – you can't walk away disappointed with that or else you're just going to hate the sport. I'm happy with how the year went.”

    Few athletes in the world of track and field command attention like Josh Kerr. The reigning 1500m World champion and Olympic silver medalist returns to The CITIUS MAG Podcast today to reflect on a monumental 2024 season and to share exciting news: Josh is officially set to race the Wanamaker Mile at the 2025 Millrose Games. 

    Known for his meticulous approach to racing and his ability to thrive on the sport’s biggest stages, Josh enters the new year with ambitious goals, including sweeping the Grand Slam Track series and defending his World Championship title. In this episode, we dig into Josh’s takeaways from a season that included personal bests, thrilling head-to-head battles, and some of the most competitive 1500m races in history. 

    We also discuss his return to the mile distance, his rivalry with Yared Nuguse, and what makes the Wanamaker Mile one of the most coveted titles in indoor track. Josh doesn’t just run fast—he runs with purpose. And today, he gives us a glimpse into the mindset, strategy, and fire that fuel one of the best middle-distance runners in the world.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠ 

    Guest: Josh Kerr | ⁠@joshhkerr on Instagram⁠

    Time Stamps:

    8:49 - Reflecting on his 2024 season

    11:20 - Reflecting on the Olympic 1500m final

    13:00 - Thoughts on racing the mile at Millrose

    14:58 - How he and his coach planned out 2025

    17:15 - Thoughts on racing World Indoors

    24:24 - Wedding planning

    25:22 - Getting nervous before races

    29:17 - How his racing style compares to Yared’s

    33:05 - Why he thinks Cole won the Olympic 1500m

    42:55 - Thoughts on racing the 800m at GST

    47:24 - Thoughts on his GST competitors

    59:51 - New Year’s Resolutions 

    1:01:21 - How the 1500m has changed

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠

    OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

    9 January 2025, 3:25 pm
  • 41 minutes 44 seconds
    Yared Nuguse Previews His 2025 Season: Millrose Games, Grand Slam Track, Racing Josh Kerr + The Evolution Of The 1500m/Mile

    “That race felt like everything I wanted in a 1500m wrapped up into one perfect race… It was a crazy fast race where we were basically going all out. Everyone was in it together, especially with that last dramatic kick where you still didn't know who was going to win with 200m to go.”

    Yared Nuguse has cemented himself as one of the best stars in middle-distance running. With a bronze medal in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics, Yared made history alongside Cole Hocker, marking the first time in 112 years that Team USA claimed multiple medals in the event. Add to that a silver medal in the 3000m at the World Indoor Championships earlier in 2024, and it’s safe to say Yared’s season was nothing short of remarkable.

    Today, Yared joins The CITIUS MAG Podcast to reflect on his breakout year and to share the exciting news that he’ll be racing the Wanamaker Mile at the 2025 Millrose Games. The showdown between Yared and reigning World champion Josh Kerr promises to be one of the highlights of the indoor season, and we dive into how Yared is preparing for the challenge. 

    We also discuss his evolution as a global medal contender, the lessons learned from two World Championship campaigns, and his mindset as he continues to push the limits of American middle-distance running. It’s always inspiring to hear from one of the sport’s most talented and thoughtful athletes.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram 

    Guest: Yared Nuguse | @yaredthegoose on Instagram


    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

    9 January 2025, 3:25 pm
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Our Bold Track and Field Predictions For 2025

    This week, it's our track and field predictions for 2025! Chris Chavez, Anderson Emerole and Preet Majithia reunite for their first podcast of the year together. We've got some bold thoughts around world records falling, athletes coming back from injury (some coming back from doping suspensions), the structure of the sport + much more.

    We want to hear from you, drop some of your predictions in the comments section on Spotify, DM us on Instagram or shoot us an email [email protected].

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠⁠

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. ⁠⁠Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

    OLIPOP: I’ve got a question for you: how’s your Dry January going? Whether you’re crushing it or just dipping your toes in, our friends at Olipop are here to make it a lot more fun—and way more delicious.  It’s not just another soda—it’s soda reimagined. Think of all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with way less sugar and a third of your daily fiber in every can. Get 25% off all your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.

    9 January 2025, 1:25 am
  • 25 minutes 50 seconds
    Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Arop On Plans To Break The 800m World Record, Defend His World Title And Break 3:30 For 1500m With Grand Slam Track

    “At that point, it's all about your preparation and mental game. In those last few weeks, there's not really a lot you can do to get better. I knew going in: ‘This is what I've got. I've got to bring the best out of myself.’”

    Marco Arop is the reigning World champion and Olympic silver medalist in the 800 meters. Marco isn’t just one of the fastest men in the world—he’s one of the most fearless. In 2024, he clocked a blazing 1:41.20 to set the North American record and move up to No. 4 on the all-time list. Now, he’s setting his sights on breaking the seemingly untouchable 1:40.91 world record—a mission his team has dubbed ‘Project 99.’

    But Marco isn’t stopping there. He’s bringing his talent and ambition to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track for its inaugural season in 2025, joining a star-studded lineup of middle-distance legends like Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse. Known for his dominance in the 800 meters, Marco will also test his limits in the 1500, pushing himself and the competition in ways we’ve never seen before.

    Marco joins us to reflect on his incredible 2024 season, discuss the challenges of Grand Slam Track, and share his journey toward becoming the first man to run an 800m under 100 seconds.

    Time stamps:

    3:44 - Reflecting on the 2024 season

    5:50 - How he timed his peak for the Olympics

    7:36 - Why the 800m elevated so much in 2024

    14:00 - Thoughts on racing both the 800m and 1500m for GST

    17:01 - How competing in GST will benefit his race tactics

    18:38 - His potential as a 1500m runner

    20:39 - Thoughts on being the X factor in GST’s 800m/1500m category

    21:59 - How he thinks his GST competitors will race against him 

    23:27 - Who he wants to see come in as a challenger for GST

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

    Guest: Marco Arop | ⁠@marco_arop on Instagram⁠

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. ⁠Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

    7 January 2025, 1:16 pm
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    2024 Track and Field Year In Review + CITIUS MAG's End Of Season Awards

    Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia hand out end-of-year awards to cap off an incredible year of track and field. We break down the year’s biggest moments in the sport, including top athletes, world records, viral social media moments, heartbreaking losses, and standout coaches. Join us as we look back on some of the highlights of track and field in 2024.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

    Guest: Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

    Time stamps:

    2:20 - Athlete of the year overview 

    4:22 - Female athlete of the year (out of stadium)

    5:37 - Male athlete of the year (out of stadium)

    8:22 - Female field athlete of the year

    11:39 - Male field athlete of the year

    16:50 - Female track athlete of the year 

    26:46 - Male track athlete of the year

    39:36 - Female world record of the year

    43:56 - Male world record of the year

    51:01 - Most entertaining athlete of the year

    54:30 - Social media moment of the year 

    1:02:37 - Heartbreak of the year 

    1:06:55 -  Coach of the year

    1:10:40 - Junior athlete of the year 

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    27 December 2024, 12:38 am
  • 24 minutes 53 seconds
    How Caleb Dean DM’ed His Way Into Grand Slam Track | 2024 Reflections, Transitioning To Pro Running, Why He Changed Coaches, Building Confidence

    “Being able to build off that 2023 year and have momentum going into 2024 is what created all those PRs, created all those achievements. It's like, ‘I did it this year – why can't I do it again?’ That was my mindset going into 2024. I'm trying to reach bigger goals in 2025 as well.”

    My guest for today's episode is Caleb Dean, one of the most electrifying athletes in collegiate track and field. If you're listening to this when it gets released on Thursday morning, he's also a finalist for the Bowerman, which is the highest honor in college track and field. It's like the Heisman Trophy. The award ceremony is tonight. Caleb is one of three finalists, so in a couple of hours you'll find out whether or not he wins.

    He had a remarkable 2024 season, earning the title of USTFCCCA Men's National Track Athlete of the Year and also made history as the first Division One male to win both the 60m hurdles indoors and the 400m hurdles outdoors in the same year.

    At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, he delivered a jaw-dropping 47.23 in the 400m hurdles, which is the second-fastest time in NCAA history and the 11th fastest in the world all-time. He ended up finishing the year No. 4 in the world.

    Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the 400m hurdles after clipping a hurdle and falling in the race. He had to stay home and watch the race. We talked a little bit about that in this episode. He managed to pull all this off after battling injuries for much of the outdoor season, making his resilience and his ability to peak when it all counts even more impressive.

    We also have some news to share in this episode: he has signed on as the final racer for Grand Slam Track’s 400m and 400m hurdles group. He'll be committed to racing in Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles at the four slams next year. He shot his shot: he DM'ed CITIUS MAG, he DM'ed Kyle Merber, and he DM'ed Grand Slam Track looking for a spot in the new professional track league. And guess what? He got it. So shoot your shot, kids.

    With his sights set on 2025, it's going to be a hard year to top 2024, but I'm optimistic after this conversation with Caleb.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

    Guest: Caleb Dean | @caleeb_dean on Instagram

    Time stamps:

    3:53 - His recent move to Florida

    4:38 - Reflections on his 2024 season

    5:42 - Excitement for joining Grand Slam Track

    7:43 - What led to his improvement this year 

    9:36 - Thoughts on racing the 400m

    14:40 - How the 400m helps with the 400m hurdles

    16:49 - On redeeming himself after not making the Olympic team

    18:21 - How he’s built his speed 

    19:13 - Why he made a coaching change 

    20:27 - Building his confidence 

    21:42 - Transitioning from college to pro track

    22:43 - Goals for 2025

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    19 December 2024, 1:55 pm
  • 50 minutes 24 seconds
    Katie Moon On Overcoming Injury To Take Olympic Silver In 2024, The Future Of Field Events

    “I would love to improve my indoor personal best. I mean, the next bar up from [4.91m] would be an indoor American record, that five-meter barrier. So you go 4.92m for a meeting record and then why not put it up to something like that? It’s a very natural increment. I would love to get that record for sure, and then hopefully a couple more.”

    My guest for today’s episode is Katie Moon, an Olympic and 2x World Champion in the women’s pole vault. Moon added to her trophy case in 2024, claiming a World Indoor bronze medal and an Olympic silver. She accomplished all this despite fighting with an Achilles injury that delayed her outdoor opener until late May and affected her training all season.

    In our conversation, Katie gave us some insight into her offseason, reflected on a successful yet hampered 2024 campaign, and looked forward to what’s sure to be a banner year for her in 2025.

    One of the first steps for Katie next season will be a trip to The Armory to compete in her fifth Millrose Games. She shared her excitement for returning to the iconic meet and the idea that she might have something big up her sleeve come February 8th. You can get your tickets at The Armory’s website.

    Host: Paul Hof-Mahoney | ⁠@pauliethrows on Instagram

    Guest: Katie Moon | @ktnago13 on Instagram

    Timestamps:

    1:53 - Offseason breakdown
    2:51 - Achilles recovery
    3:40 - What pole vault running workouts look like
    6:31 - Reflections on 2024 season
    8:30 - Staying focused on the bigger picture in the midst of injury setbacks
    11:17 - Moving to Tulsa and the shift to remote coaching
    13:07 - Impact of Achilles injury on competition and training
    15:15 - Refinding confidence in leadup to Paris Olympics
    19:33 - Competing at her 5th Millrose Games announcement
    21:03 - Goals for Millrose and indoor season
    22:09 - What differentiates indoor and outdoor pole vault
    24:36 - Her outlook on the long 2025 season
    26:40 - What a “championship peak” looks like for a pole vaulter
    28:48 - Contesting World Indoors and considerations for 2025 season
    31:07 - Athlos, Grand Slam Track and opportunities to field events
    33:55 - Outlook on growing the sport of track and field together
    36:52 - What can she do to join the 5m club
    39:36 - What makes a successful vault
    41:47 - Inside look at camaraderie on international pole vault scene
    44:46 - Experimental meet + innovation in pole vault
    47:23 - Hypothetical “Mondo vs. Karsten” race for the women

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

    17 December 2024, 4:20 pm
  • 45 minutes 34 seconds
    Olympic 110m Hurdles Silver Medalist Daniel Roberts On His 2024 Success, Life Since Paris and 2025 Outlook

    “Even though I wasn't winning every race against the top guys, I still had the confidence that I could win every race if I put it together. I know that if I run my race and run the best that I can, I can win against anybody. I still believe that to this day.”

    Our guest for today's episode is Daniel Roberts, the Olympic silver medalist in the 110m hurdles. Over the last two years, Daniel has proven that he belongs on the global podium, grabbing bronze at the 2023 World Championships and backing it up with a hard-fought runner-up finish in Paris this past summer. He's also a three-time U.S. champion and one of just a handful of Americans to dip under the 13 second mark with a personal best of 12.96 from this year's Olympic Trials. Now he's setting his sights on the 2025 indoor season and returning to the historic Millrose Games in New York City where he'll contest the 60m hurdles. 

    Daniel knows a thing or two about this meet. He's a former champion from 2020 and has twice been the runner-up including earlier this year – but as he recently switched back to a seven-step approach, which he explains, he's feeling sharp and ready to make another statement on one of track and field's most iconic stages.

    My guest host for this one is Anderson Emerole, who chats with Daniel Roberts about his journey to becoming a global medalist, the adjustments he's made to stay at the top, and what makes Millrose and New York City so special for him.

    Host: Anderson Emerole | ⁠@atkoeme on Instagram 

    Guest: Daniel Roberts | @riseofdrob on Instagram

    Time stamps:

    3:29 - Reflections from the Paris Olympics

    6:07 - The race that sticks out to him most from this season

    10:12 - How he took on the mindset of an Olympic medalist 

    11:10 - How the Tokyo Olympics compared to Paris

    17:32 - Breaking down what happens during his races 

    20:00 - How he chooses how often to race 

    22:32 - Why indoor season is important to him 

    23:39 - Why he’s excited to race at Millrose Games 

    27:05 - How he’s navigated challenges throughout his career 

    30:52 - Thoughts on Grand Slam Track

    34:40 - How his training prepares him for races

    37:20 - His mindset heading into 2025

    39:22 - On starting to share his story more

    43:25 - What he’s looking forward to most next season 

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

    17 December 2024, 4:11 pm
  • 43 minutes 35 seconds
    UNC’s Ethan Strand After Running 7:30.15 To Break NCAA 3000m Record | On His Breakout Season, Training With Parker Wolfe + Growing Up In The Sport

    “What we're doing is working. Let's continue, let's be consistent, and let's not go overboard. How we got to running 7:30 is how we're going to try to win a national championship in three months. There's no reason to change anything. It's just keep on staying steady.”

    My guest for today's episode is Ethan Strand, a senior at UNC. Just last weekend, Ethan ran a stunning 7:30.15 in the 3000m at the Sharon Colyear-Danville season opener at Boston University – not only smashing the NCAA record but also vaulting him to No. 4 on the all-time U.S. list. Ethan now sits alongside legends like Grant Fisher, Yared Nuguse, and Bernard Lagat.

    His journey from being a 201st place finisher at his first NCAA Cross Country Championship to an Olympic Trials finalist in the 1500m and NCAA top-eight finisher just a few weeks ago in Madison, and now the fastest collegiate 3000m runner in history, is fascinating to unpack in today's episode.

    We dive into his race in Boston, his dynamic training partnership with Parker Wolfe, and what's next for him as he gears up for an exciting 2025 season.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

    Guest: Ethan Strand | @ethan_strand

    Time stamps:

    3:39 - Reflections from setting the collegiate 3000m record

    4:53 - Thoughts on competing over chasing times

    5:40 - Training with teammate Parker Wolfe

    7:08 - His relationship with Coach Chris Miltenberg

    10:59 - Rebounding from outdoor season

    12:40 - Learning from Coach Milt’s former athletes, like Grant Fisher

    15:57 - Growing up in a running family

    17:10 - How he got his start in running 

    20:43 - His training structure dating back to high school

    21:37 - His mileage progression 

    26:00 - Breaking down his 3000m collegiate record

    32:00 - Being among the big names of American distance running

    35:56 - What’s next for indoor season

    37:31 - Looking ahead to goals for next summer

    39:01 - UNC’s team culture

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

    13 December 2024, 1:26 am
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    Amanda Vestri After Running 1:08:12 In Her Half Marathon Debut + Reflecting On Her Breakout 2024, Early Plans For Houston/Atlanta/The Ten In 2025

    “Ultimately, for that Orlando race, that was more about getting my feet wet a little bit and seeing how the distance felt. Now that I know how it feels, I know that I can push harder.”

    My guest for today's episode is Amanda Vestri. She's a professional runner for Brooks who trains with Zap Endurance. She's a rising star on the U.S. distance running scene who just made a stunning half marathon debut at the Orlando Half this past weekend with a blazing 1:18:12 performance that puts her at No. 13 on the U.S. all-time women's half marathon list and sets the stage for what could be an incredible road racing career ahead for her.

    Amanda's path to this milestone hasn't been smooth after an injury disrupted her training just weeks before her debut. She pivoted her plans and showed remarkable adaptability and determination to test herself in Orlando. The positives for 2024 outweigh the negatives. She ran a 31:10 personal best for 10K on the track. She was the top American at the NYRR Mini 10K. Over the summer, she signed a pro contract and then took fifth at the US Olympic trials 10,000m final on the track.

    In this episode, we discuss her breakthrough 2024 season and unpack some of her aspirations for Houston and beyond. We also look back at what spurred her passion to someday become a professional runner and then follow her long term vision of making the U.S. Olympic Marathon team for Los Angeles in 2028. 

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

    Guest: Amanda Vestri | @a_vestri

    Time stamps:

    4:20 - Reflections on her 2024 season

    7:21 - How her training has evolved throughout the year

    9:58 - Details on her training group (Zap Endurance)

    14:33 - Plans on chasing standards + U.S. teams

    17:44 - Thoughts on racing the 10K

    19:52 - Her transition to the roads

    24:46 - Her path to elite running 

    27:32 - Reflections on her college career at Iowa State + Syracuse

    34:33 - How she handled getting COVID leading into the Olympic Trials

    36:51 - Signing with Brooks during the Trials

    40:24 - Breaking down the Olympic Trials 10,000m

    45:29 - Half marathon being an underrated distance

    51:13 - Details on some of her workouts + long runs 

    54:36 - Breaking down the race

    56:33 - Goals for the Houston Half

    59:34 - Fueling during the race 

    1:02:21 - Thoughts on moving up to the marathon 

    1:06:51 - Goals looking ahead to 2025

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    11 December 2024, 9:42 pm
  • 26 minutes 9 seconds
    Grant Fisher Reflects On His Two Olympic Bronze Medals In Paris, Plotting For The 2025 Season With Grand Slam Track

    "I had done great things in the sport before, but I had never won a medal. That was something that had tormented me and eluded me for so long. And I finally got two of them. So it feels great. It feels even better when you feel so much ownership over them. I know that it was my decision-making and risk-taking that led to those outcomes."

    My guest for today's episode is U.S. Olympian and two-time bronze medalist Grant Fisher. Grant had a career-defining year in 2024, standing on the podium twice at the Paris Olympics in the 5000m and 10,000m. But true to his form, he's not content to rest on those accomplishments. He's gearing up for a new challenge in 2025 by signing on for the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track.

    In this interview, he shares his thoughts on how the Grand Slam model can elevate track visibility, attract new fans, and give athletes like him more opportunities to test themselves against the best in the world. He's in a racer group that will contest a 3K and 5K against the likes of Luis Grijalva, Ronald Kwemoi and one more racer that is expected to be announced soon. 

    We dive into Grant's reflections on his breakout 2024 season, the lessons he's carrying into 2025, and how he's preparing for a shot at both glory and Grand Slam Track and some more hardware at the world Championships in Tokyo.

    Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

    Guest: Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram

    Time stamps:

    4:08 - Where he’s at with training and racing coming off the Olympics.

    5:15 - Reflections on his 2024 season.

    6:42 - How he built his confidence heading into the Olympics.

    7:47 - Goals for the 2025 season.

    8:48 - Why he decided to sign with GST. 

    15:24 - Why he might have an edge over other GST racers.

    17:12 - Thoughts on racing the 3K/5K double in Jamaica.

    21:05 - Why fans should care about watching GST.

    23:19 - Thoughts on his GST competitors, who else he wants to join.

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

    WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results.⁠ Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

    OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    11 December 2024, 2:09 pm
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