Jack Fultz is the only runner to have finished first in the Boston Marathon, and also last. In this new podcast, Fultz talks about both memorable experiences.

In April, Fultz celebrates the 50th anniversary of his epic victory in the 1976 "Run For The Hoses"--the hottest race in Boston's 129 year history. He didn't run particularly fast that day, 2:20:19, but who runs fast in 90-degree heat.

Two years later, in better conditions, Fultz returned to finish 4th in 2:11:17.

For the last several decades, Fultz has been coaching the big Dana Farber charity team that raises funds to fight cancer. During that period, 95% of his runners, often beginners or little experienced runners, have completed the Boston course.

Fultz's history with these runners has made him a foremost authority on how to train for Boston's challenging course, and how to pace yourself on Marathon Day itself. Many of his tips are more analytical and nuanced than you can find anywhere else.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download our podcast 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.

Jeff Galloway, who died recently may have been the world's most influential and beloved running ambassador. In this podcast, we speak primarily with his wife, Barbara, and also with his son, Westin, and his co-coach, Chris Twiggs.

Galloway was an Olympian in his competitive days, and also winner of the first Atlanta Marathon (1963) and the first Peachtree Road Race (1970).

In those early days, no one could have imagined that running would be a massive participant sport on a global scale. Galloway did as much or more than anyone else to make the present-day miracle happen.

In literally thousands of clinic and talks, he spread a simple message: Yes, you can. You can run more than you have believed, and you will become a mentally and physically healthier person as you do.Importantly,

Galloway had a training plan to accompany his words. This was the now-famous Run-Walk-Run approach, also called "Jeffing" by many.

While some runners initially scoffed at the idea of walking during a workout or marathon race, others followed his inspiration and his instruction. And they succeeded. And they told friends that the program worked.

Before long, a small trickle of run-walk-run fans became millions, and the fitness world at large was forced to acknowledge Galloway's genius, method, and impact.

His passing was met with an outpouring of love and thank-you messages, particularly on this Facebook page. Major media around the world also noted Jeff's life and accomplishments.

Many of these articles are currently linked from the home page at JeffGalloway.com.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"Use your smartphone to download our podcast 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 the past four years, few if any American runners have posted results better than Graham Blanks.

In his last two fall seasons at Harvard, Blanks won the NCAA Div. 1 Cross-Country Championships. After graduation, he qualified for the Paris Olympics, the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, and the 2026 World XC Championships in Tallahassee.

After Tallahassee, Blanks ran two strong indoor races in the New Balance Games in Boston and the Millrose Games in New York City. At Millrose, he hit 8:08.60 in the 2-mile.

Now he looks to the future. It's a future in which he believes he can continue to improve on the track, and even win global competitions. (First he has to work on his kick.)

Of course, he can't help but wonder about the marathon. One of his less-accomplished Harvard teammates, Ben Rosa, already ran a 2:09:47 in December, 2025. He and Blanks plan to hook up again for some tough training sessions later this year.

We imagine there will be much marathon talk on their grinding 20-milers. In addition, one of Blanks's advisors at Harvard was professor Paul Gompers, also known as the fourth place finisher in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

While some other top collegians have switched to corporate/professional coaches in their post-University days, Blanks is still working with Harvard coach Alex Gibby.

A hallmark of their program? Blanks and Gibby don't believe in the "easy days" that underpin many other training plans.

Even on slower days, Blanks almost never dials things back any further than 6:00/mile. He figures this means he is always adding to his aerobic development. He does take one day off per week, usually Thursday.

You can follow Graham Blanks on Instagram.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"Use your smartphone to download our podcast 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.