Clayton Young

Just two days before the 129th Boston Marathon, we recorded a special live episode of Set the Pace at the Citizens House of Blues in Boston. With co-host Sam Ryan—four-time Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and Boston Marathon runner—we dive into the racing mindset, the power of community, and what it means to cover the sport from both sides of the finish line. Then, legendary BYU coach and two-time Olympian Ed Eyestone joins us to talk about coaching elite American marathoners (including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D’Amato) and how consistency shaped his coaching philosophy. Plus, performance dietitian Lauren Thomas shares practical fueling strategies from the team at Maurten. Whether you’re lining up in Hopkinton or cheering for your favorite runners, this episode brings you right into the heart of Boston Marathon weekend.

Sam Ryan's Member Moment: (01:04)
Coach Ed Eyestone's Marathon Insights: (10:11)
Maurten's Lauren Thomas: (46:00)

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The 2025 Boston Marathon promises an exciting blend of redemption stories, debut intrigue, and head-to-head rivalries across both elite fields. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma returns after last year’s audacious front-running victory, facing off against 2024 Chicago champ John Korir, two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet, rising Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, and U.S. hopeful Conner Mantz. Other contenders include Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and Americans Clayton Young and CJ Albertson, each hoping to outlast the pack or capitalize on race-day chaos.

In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri is chasing a rare three-peat in Boston, entering as the clear favorite despite a strong field. She’ll be challenged by past podium finishers Amane Beriso and Sharon Lokedi, 2:16 marathoner Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and rising marathon star Irene Cheptai. The American field is led by Keira D’Amato in her Boston debut, Emma Bates returning to form, and Dakota Popehn riding Olympic momentum. Young talents like Gabi Rooker, Jessica McClain, and Jackie Gaughan round out a promising domestic squad, with veterans Des Linden and Sara Vaughn adding experience to the mix.

Cooler temperatures, slight winds, and the Newton Hills promise another unpredictable Patriot’s Day. Tactics, toughness, and timing will determine who claims the tape on Boylston.

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SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. ⁠For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.⁠

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!⁠

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. ⁠Sign up now. It’s that easy!

“That’s one of the beauties of Boston: that anyone can win on the day... There’s just too many variables. So do I have a shot? Yes. While that shot might be slim, it might be small, it’s definitely there and I definitely think about it. That’s what motivates me and makes me want to toe the line on race day and see what happens.”

My guest for today's episode is Clayton Young. It should come as no surprise that this episode pairs well with last week's interview with Conner Mantz because since fall 2023, he's lined up alongside Conner in nearly every major race from Chicago to the Olympic Trials, Paris to New York, and most recently, in Houston back in January.

While the spotlight often lands on Conner Mantz, it's impossible to overlook what Clayton has done: second at the Trials, ninth at the Olympics, seventh in New York City, and a personal best of 60:52 in Houston earlier this year for the half marathon. He's always been in the mix – always one move, one moment away from turning the tables.

In today's conversation, Clayton reflects on the highs and lows of this particular training block, how he's managed to regain his confidence late in the build, and how he's approaching his Boston Marathon debut this upcoming Monday.

Since he started representing himself, he also shares a bit of how he's making a bet on himself and how he went about structuring his contract for the race. It also wouldn't be fair if I didn't ask him what he thought his chances were of winning on race day. This episode talks about competition, belief, and the challenge of chasing your best when you're already running with the best every day in training.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Clayton Young | @_clayton_young_ on Instagram 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

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Special Guest:

Joey Berriatua: https://www.instagram.com/joeyberriatua/

Joey's Newsletter: https://joeyberriatua.substack.com

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Intro Artwork by The Orange Runner: https://www.instagram.com/theorangerunner/

Intro Music by Nick Harris: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Zab8WxvAPsDlhlBTcbuPi

0:00 Welcome Joey Bags & Ham Beans Throwback

3:18 Joey's 357 Newsletter & Tinman Elite Update

7:01 Navigating Sponsorships: Personal Brand vs. Team Umbrella

9:59 Reflecting on Tinman: A Business Decision

14:56 Diving into Sports Marketing & The Influencer Dynamic

22:19 Authenticity, Storytelling & Brand Partnerships (Red Bull, Clayton Young)

31:33 Applying Marketing Insights to Joey's Sponsor Search

38:08 Grand Slam Recap: First Impressions (Drip Check, Bibs, "Teammates")

48:56 Grand Slam Format Critique: Length, Pacing & Event Pairings

59:07 Grand Slam Deep Dive: 3k/5k Issues & Grant Fisher's Strategy

1:07:15 Grand Slam: The Money Talk & Empty Stands

1:12:38 Kit Releases: Hits & Misses

1:16:45 Grand Slam Standouts: Wanyonyi & 800/1500 Dynamics

1:25:56 Joey's Upcoming Steeplechase Season & Diamond League Chat

1:28:21 Final Thoughts & Wrapping Up

“I think I'm a guy who can win these races on the right day. I just need to prove that. I think the way to prove that, at least to myself, is to finish in the top three… I'd rather focus on getting on the podium in some of these races."

Welcome back Conner Mantz to the CITIUS MAG Podcast for his 9th career appearance on the show. He's back ahead of his return to the 2025 Boston Marathon and he's bringing some serious momentum with him. In the past year alone, Mantz has shattered the American half marathon record in Houston, backed it up with another 57:15 performance at the NYC Half, which is a non-record eligible course, yet quite the performance. He's continued his streak of finishing as the top American in every major marathon since the fall of 2023.

We talk about what's different this time around in Boston after his 11th place finish there in 2023, what he's learned from racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's best, and what he takes from another upcoming race with Clayton Young. We also go through some of the top contenders in the field and Conner expresses his thoughts on who's got a shot of winning and what he's taken away from each of those competitors.

We explore where his mindset is heading into Patriots Day 2025 – a day that could crown the next American to break through on Boston's legendary course. It's been more than a decade since we've had an American man win – and Conner Mantz has a shot.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: The go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. Check out the Flite XT Mid-Crew — my personal favorite. Great grip, comfy fit, stylish look. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

LITTLE SESAME: Run a 5K, get free hummus! Move for the planet with the Little Sesame Earth Day 5K. Run, walk, or bike 3.1 miles anytime in April to celebrate Earth Month—and score a free container of our creamy, dreamy hummus. Pledge to move, get outside, and snack sustainably. Sign up now. It’s that easy!

Today on group chat, we have Peter Bromka, Kofuzi, and Tommie Runz.

Episode Rundown:

US Half Marathon Championships

Yared’s mile world record attempt

Josh Kerr pulling out of Milrose Games

Clayton Young’s vulnerability on YouTube

Notable documentaries in sport

Thank you to our sponsor:

Cure Hydration

⁠Curehydration.com/relay⁠ and use the code “relay” for a discount

Before we get to Boston, the elite American [half-]marathoning circuit kicks off this Sunday in Houston, Texas, where fast times historically abound thanks to pancake flat topography, mild Texas “winters,” and top-tier talent converging from all across the country and world. And while the rest of us were deep in winter hibernation, plenty of the sport’s best and brightest spent their holiday season with one weekend in January circled on the calendar. 

CITIUS MAG’s been cooking up an exciting behind-the-scenes docuseries following Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Joe Klecker as they prepare for the Houston Half. [Check out the trailer here, and stay tuned for the first episode, which premieres later today… like, subscribe, etcetera!] Klecker has already gone on record stating that the American record—59:43, set by Ryan Hall back at this same race in 2007—is something he’s been training toward in his debut at the distance.

But perhaps the most likely American record performance may come from the very athlete who already holds the women’s mark: Weini Kelati. At Houston last year—are you sensing a trend here?—Kelati ran 1:06:25 in her debut at the distance, kicking off a banner year highlighted by an eighth-place finish in the Olympic 10,000m. With her confidence buoyed and another full year of training under her belt, Kelati seems poised for a big day. 

Chris Chavez chatted with Kelati’s coach, Stephen Haas, to check in on what fans might expect come Sunday, and learn a bit more about Kelati’s preparation with her Under Armour Mission Run Dark Sky Distance teammates in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Read the full interview here.) 

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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.

THE COACH ED EYESTONE SPECIAL

Today on the podcast is Ed Eyestone, not only one of the best distance coaches in the history of collegiate and professional running, but also a well-rounded person who loves theater and reading and has evolved a ton through his years of miles.

Ed is a BYU athlete and coaching legend. Even though he was cut from his high school baseball team, he won a state XC championship at Bonneville High. 

Ed holds PRs of 13:32 in the 5k, 27:41 in the 10k (then a 10k record!), and a speedy 2:10:59 in the marathon. Ed has a plethora of accolades as an individual, which include being an 8-time member of the U.S Cross Country National Team; a 5-time US Road Runner of the Year as a Professional Runner. Ed is one of four men to claim the collegiate triple crown: winning the Cross Country, 5k and 10k titles.

Ed Attended BYU as a student and received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Minor in Spanish. He then went on to acquire a Master's Degree in exercise Science. Ed went on to have a decorated running career after he graduated; he competed in the Olympic Marathon in 1988 in Seoul, Korea (29th place, 2:19:09), and then in the Olympic Marathon 1992 in Barcelona, Spain (13th place, 2:15:23).

Ed is a very multifaceted individual. He served as a writer for Runner's World and a TV Commentator on ESPN after he stopped running competitively at 39. (He was a Reebok-sponsored runner for a few years. Ed also has a passion for theater and reading.

As a coach, Ed returned to BYU in 2000 as an Assistant Coach and then took over as Head Track Coach in 2013. Prior tocoming back, he coached at Weber State University. There is a laundry list of accolades to list as far as his BYU coaching career goes. 

To name a few: he was named "Coach of the Year" for NCAA D1 for Cross Country twice (2019, 2024); he is a BYU Hall of Fame inductee; he was named head coach of Team USA at the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships; and won cross country NCAA Division 1 titles in 2019 and most recently in December of 2024. There are many more achievements, but suffice it to say he has had success wherever he has gone as a coach.

In terms of Olympic athletes, Coach Eyestone has overseen James Corrigan and Kenneth Rooks in the steeplechase, as well as Conner Mantz and Clayton Young during the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon.  He has also coached Jared Ward and Casey Clinger.

In today's conversation we go in depth into Coach Eyestone's career, 

Tap into the Coach Eyestone Special.  

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S H O W N O T E S

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