Thomas Panek is blind, a frequent marathoner, and President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, a national nonprofit providing services to the visually impaired. Panek is the first person with vision loss to lead Lighthouse Guild.

In addition to running marathons tethered to human guide runners, he has finished the New York City Half Marathon with a team of guide dogs. He is also working with Google engineers to develop a phone app that can help the blind "see" the road and various obstacles around them.

In this podcast, Panek got George's attention by talking about "blind baseball"--a sport George is eager to witness. Amby was drawn to Panek's comments about how running can be especially powerful at improving the independence and mental health of physically challenged individuals.

Learn more about Thomas Panek and Lighthouse Guild here.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com.

Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

David Roche is producer of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, “Some Work, All Play,” with his cohost and wife, Megan. He’s also a contender to win the Western States 100 Miler at the end of June. That’s a rare combination.

His back story is even more amazing. A little more than a year ago, Roche was seriously injured when struck by a car while bicycling a favorite road near Boulder, CO. At that time, the Duke Law School grad and ultramarathon coach had never even attempted a 100-mile. But last summer he broke a longstanding course record in the Leadville Trail 100, and several months later scored a convincing win (in torrid temps) in the Javelina 100.

A fan of “Hamilton” the musical (“I’m not givin’ away my shot”) and Simone Biles (“F___ around and find out”), Roche professes to believe that almost everyone’s “amazing” and should reach high for their personal goals. Megan is both his coach, a champion ultra runner on her own, and an M.D. and PhD graduate from Stanford University. Every week, their pod covers the latest research findings about running, as they attempt to “science the sh__” out of endurance performance.

You can learn more about David & Megan Roche at their SWAPrunning.com website, or at David's Instagram page.

David's quest to win Western States has been chronicled here in a YouTube series by video producer Cody Bare.

Key Sections Of The Podcast

0:00

Introduction to David Roche: The Rise of an Ultra Runner

10:33

David's Background: Life, Family, and Coaching

13:43

The Dynamic Duo: David and Megan Roche

16:47

The Birth of a Podcast: Authenticity and Popularity

19:44

Language and Honesty: The Explicit Nature of the Podcast

22:37

Uplifting Messages: The Importance of Kindness

25:55

Science vs. Intuition: Balancing Training Approaches

28:42

Training Insights: The Art of Adaptation

31:44

Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of a Serious Accident

34:39

Life Lessons: Embracing Mortality and Racing

37:43

The Athletic Journey: From Football to Ultra Running

38:46

The Journey to Natural Running

40:13

Genetics and Athletic Performance

43:01

Rapid Rise in Ultra Running

47:35

Mental Resilience and Self-Confidence

51:32

The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running

54:28

Key Factors for Success at Western States

56:58

Reflections on the Evolution of Running

01:01:09

The State of the Sport of Running

01:03:53

Wishes for the Future

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In this episode, we chat with Alistair Cragg, coach of the highly successful Puma Elite Running team based in the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Cragg was a 3-time Irish Olympian with a lifetime best of 13:03 for 5000 meters. His wife and co-coach, Amy Hastings Cragg, represented the U.S. in the 2016 Olympic Marathon after winning the Olympic Marathon Trials that year.

In February, 2024, Puma runner Fiona O'Keeffe won the Marathon Trials in Orlando in her very first marathon (she qualified with a fast half-marathon time. In early 2025, Puma runners continued to excel on the roads.

At the USA Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, both Taylor Roe and Alex Maier took the individual titles. Roe subsequently ran an eye-popping 49:53 in the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile, while Maier won the Dusseldorf Marathon in 2:08:33.

Meanwhile O'Keeffe has healed from the injury that sidelined her at the Paris Olympics, and is training hard again. In our conversation with Alistair Cragg, he said that he could see her getting down to 2:15 in the marathon.

Podcast segments include:

Introduction to Alistair Cragg

01:26

Life as a Co-Coach and Family Man

04:41

Building the Puma Elite Running Team

06:10

Spotlight on Fiona O'Keeffe

12:16

Challenges at the Paris Olympics

19:05

The Future of Puma Athletes

25:31

Fiona's Journey and Team Dynamics

27:38

Success of Male Athletes in Dusseldorf

28:45

Alex Maier's Potential and Training Philosophy

31:27

The Impact of Shoe Technology on Performance

36:07

Balancing Training and Injury Prevention

39:56

Training Philosophy and Building Strength

46:25

The State of Distance Running

49:44

Puma is now claiming to have ⁠the world's fastest running shoe.⁠ Its athletes appear to be equally fast.

For more about the Puma Elite runners, check out ⁠PumaEliteRunning.com⁠ and follow the team on ⁠Instagram.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

AudiblePandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In this episode of "Running: State of the Sport," Lisa Weidenbach Rainsberger reflects on her Boston Marathon win 40 years ago in 1985. She also traces the amazing arc of her running career from All American swimmer to college track star to youthful marathon standout.

Lisa is widely known for her three consecutive fourth-place finishes in the Olympic Trials Marathon, but she doesn’t shed any tears over these disappointments. Instead, she celebrates the many positive aspects of her long racing and coaching career.

She also discusses how she and her daughter, Katie, negotiated a healthy mother-daughter, coach-athlete relationship. This is a big story in running now, due to the highly publicized Ingebrigtsen family lawsuit in Norway.

Some highlights moments in the podcast

00:00

Celebrating a Marathon Legend

10:00

Lisa's Journey: From Swimming to Running

13:20

The Boston Marathon Experience

16:13

Olympic Trials and Career Highlights

19:02

Transitioning from Swimming to Running

22:20

Coaching Insights and Modern Training

25:04

The Evolution of Running Technology

28:04

Reflections on Female Sports and Future Aspirations

51:07

Lisa Rainsberger: A Journey Through Running

53:21

Coaching Dynamics: The Parent-Child Relationship in Sports

56:13

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:36 marathon runner.

In this episode of the podcast "Running: State of the Sport," hosts Amby Burfoot and George Hirsch interview John Cahill, a remarkable centenarian runner who shares his inspiring journey from starting to run at age 62 to completing marathons in his 70s and 80s. He ran a 3:05 marathon at 72 and continued to race into his 90s.

Cahill discusses his early life, health challenges, and the joy of running, emphasizing the importance of staying active and engaged in various activities. His philosophy of 'keep moving' resonates throughout the conversation. Cahill offers valuable insights into aging, motivation, and living a full life.

"I enjoy almost everything that I do," he says. "I have led a charmed life."

Key Points (minutes into Cahill interview)

00:00

Introduction to John Cahill: A Centenarian Runner

03:03

John's Journey into Running

06:01

Overcoming Health Challenges

09:05

Marathon Achievements and Training Regimen

12:09

Early Life and Sports Background

14:55

Military Service and Its Impact

18:00

Transition from Law to Ski Lodge Owner

20:57

Reflections on Aging and Motivation

23:50

Travel Adventures and Life Philosophy

27:00

Final Thoughts and Wishes for the Future

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com.

Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:36 marathon runner.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1966. She shares her experiences of training, the journey to Boston, and the emotional impact of crossing the finish line, all while challenging societal norms and advocating for women's rights in sports.

Gibb also discusses her journey beyond running--including her artistic endeavors and the challenges she faced as a woman in various fields. Bobbi always emphasizes the importance of individual passion and the need for a peaceful, cooperative world.

Podcast Chapters (indicated times from beginning of Gibb Interview)

00:00

Introduction to a Trailblazer

01:05

Bobby's Early Years and Running Journey

02:15

The 1965 Boston Marathon Experience

07:05

Facing Rejection and Finding Motivation

15:20

The Decision to Run in 1966

17:23

The Journey to Boston

21:16

The Marathon Experience Begins

25:00

Crossing the Finish Line and Its Impact

30:37

Breaking Barriers: Bobbi Gibb's Historic Run

35:22

The Press and Public Reaction: A New Era for Women

38:17

Persistence and Recognition: Bobbi's Continued Impact

42:56

Art and Legacy: Bobbi's Sculptures and Contributions

47:45

Facing Discrimination: Bobbi's Journey Beyond Running

53:36

A Vision for the Future: Bobbi's Hopes for Humanity

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com.

Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:36 marathon runner.

In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bill Rodgers's first Boston Marathon win in 1975. Bill reflects on his early struggles, the pivotal moments that reignited his passion for running, and the significance of community in the sport.

In particular, he discusses his memorable 1975 Boston Marathon victory, the evolution of marathon running, and the challenges he faced during his Olympic journey. He also shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with runners like Frank Shorter and Alberto Salazar, his current running, and the critical role of friendship among all runners, young and old.

Key Sections Include

Introduction to Bill Rodgers

Bill's Early Life and Running Journey

The Comeback: From Quitting to Winning

The 1975 Boston Marathon Victory

Olympic Disappointment and Resilience

The King of the Roads: Bill's Legacy

Training Regimens and Strategies

Reflections on the 1980 Olympic Boycott

Memories of Alberto Salazar

The Duel in the Sun: A Race to Remember

The Journey of a Running Entrepreneur

The Drive to Keep Running

How to Run the Boston Marathon Course

The State of Running Today

Bill's Fairy Godmother Wishes for the Future

To learn more about Bill Rodgers, visit his website at ⁠https://www.billrodgersrunningcenter.com/⁠

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com.

Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:36 marathon runner.

In this engaging podcast episode, Jackie Gaughan, a rising star in the marathon running scene, shares her journey, insights, and experiences in the sport. From her impressive performance at the 2024 California International Marathon to her reflections on the Olympic Trials, Gaughan (just 25) discusses her training strategies, the balance between her running career and a full-time job, and the influences that have shaped her as an athlete.

She also addresses the state of women's marathon running and her aspirations for the future, including her preparation for this spring’s Boston Marathon.

Learn more about Gaughan on her World Athletics profile page.

KEY POINTS IN THE INTERVIEW

00:00

Introduction to Jackie Gaughan

03:01

Jackie's Impressive Performance at CIM

06:01

Training Insights and Fueling Strategies

08:56

Reflections on the Olympic Trials

12:06

Balancing Running and a Full-Time Career

14:45

Coaching and Training Philosophy

18:00

Sponsorship and Investment in Running

21:02

Influences and Inspirations in Running

24:04

Transitioning to the Marathon

26:51

Preparing for the Boston Marathon

29:54

The State of the Sport and Personal Aspirations

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com.

Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:26 marathon runner.