United States
Road Race
Manchester Road Race
24:23
11/23/2023
10 Miles Road
52:37
4/2/2023
Half Marathon
Aramco Houston Half Marathon
1:07:15
1/16/2022
10 Kilometres Road
31:33
6/12/2021
10,000 Metres
Track Meet
31:21.90
5/14/2021
"I think that it has gotten to a point where we've taken the racing out of racing. We've taken the sport and turned it into something else. Track is about racing. You have eight athletes on the track for a reason. You award a champion or award a winner of the race for a reason: because they outperformed everyone else. And that's not easy. That's one of my fears: that people will start to think that it's easy, because the winner is not really being highlighted for having won. They're being highlighted for having run a personal best.
Ultimately, if you're not careful, you end up with this deconstructed competition where it's not about the athletes in the race… We're very excited about what we're bringing...I can't wait. That's what you want. One of the things that's funny to me is when I see people in the track world on social media talking about fantasy matchups. It’s like: We have the real fantasy over here. It's real. It's not fantasy. It's actually happening."
The countdown is on. We are just one month away from the launch of Grand Slam Track, a bold new league that promises to shake up the sport of track and field—and today, we’re talking to the man behind it all, Michael Johnson.
We’ve done multiple episodes with MJ as a four-time Olympic champion, world record holder and one of the most respected voices in the sport. If you haven’t listened to those, I suggest you go back and do so. Our 2022 CITIUS MAG Live at Worlds interview with him is one of the best big picture conversations we’ve done on the state of the sport.
Johnson has spent years analyzing what’s missing in professional track. His solution? A structured, high-stakes, athlete-driven competition that puts rivalries, personalities, and pure racing at the forefront.
With 48 signed Racers, a multi-platform media deal, and a $30 million investment, Grand Slam Track is designed to change how the sport operates, creating a true professional league that’s built to last.
Today, we dive into:
How the league is strategically structuring itself to maximize the talent track
What success really looks like in Year 1 from a business standpoint
Inside the TV deal and how it came together
The lessons from other sports (even WWE) that can help track engage more fans
And more on what to expect when the first meet kicks off in Kingston
Michael Johnson isn’t here to wait for change—he’s making it happen. Let’s get into it.
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KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.
RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.
OLIPOP: 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.
“You can't be someone who shies away from sticking your neck out. I tell our guys: ‘We are trying to win.’ I'll say it publicly. I will say it to anybody. Maybe that puts pressure on us. But life is pressure. Athletics is practice for life. You need to figure out how to handle pressure, how to handle stress, how to handle others’ expectations, your own expectations, and manage it”.
We continue with our office hours episodes as I sit down with Coach Dave Smith, one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA cross country history and the architect behind Oklahoma State's dominance. Since taking the helm in Stillwater, Coach Smith has built a powerhouse program leading Oklahoma State to four NCAA men's cross country titles and a Big 12 record of 13 conference championships. He guided the Cowboys to a historic team performance at the 2023 NCAA Cross Country Championship, scoring just 49 points, the third lowest winning total since 2000.
Coach Smith’s accolades don't stop there. He's a four-time National Coach of the Year, a Team USA coach on the world stage, and a leader of a program that has consistently produced NCAA champions, All-Americans, and world-class athletes like German Fernandez, Taylor Roe, Alex Maier, and Sinclaire Johnson.
In today's episode, we dive into his journey from athlete to coach, how he's cultivated a championship driven environment at Oklahoma State, what's next for his program, his athletes, and his take on the future of distance running in the NCAA and beyond.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Dave Smith | @coach_dave_smith on Instagram
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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.
KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.
RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.
“It was just trusting my fitness. It was only my second half marathon coming in… It was a new experience, but it felt familiar to me given all the training that we've done. I felt like I was very prepared to handle what was thrown at me and the unique challenges you get in the half marathon. So coming into Atlanta, I had a lot of confidence.”
My guest for today’s episode is Alex Maier – a rising star in American distance running who just made a statement at the USATF Half Marathon Championships. In near-freezing conditions and a brutally fast race, Alex surged ahead late to claim his first national title, running 1:00:48 and securing a spot on Team USA for the World Road Running Championships, which we just learned today will not be held in San Diego in September. No reason was given by World Athletics but a new host city is expected to be announced soon.
Alex is a former All-American at Oklahoma State and is no stranger to tough courses and big races. But his transition to the roads with Puma Elite has taken him to another level. In this episode, Alex takes us inside his breakthrough win and how his training at OSU, and now with Puma Elite, has set him up for success. We also talk about his future goals, his experience moving up in distance, and what’s next as he prepares for Worlds.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Alex Maier | @alexmaier._ 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.
KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.
RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.
Seventy years after Roger Bannister became the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile, researchers say a woman could soon do the same. A new study suggests that Faith Kipyegon—the fastest female miler in history—could break the four-minute barrier under ideal conditions, using strategic pacing and aerodynamic drafting.
Today, we look at the science, the strategy and the debate over one of the great frontiers in track and field. My guest is Olympian and now Dr. Shalaya Kipp.
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KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/CITIUS.
RUNNA: Runna is the #1 rated personalized running app designed to help you crush your goals no matter the distance. Runna is trusted by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world and makes expert coaching accessible with personalized training plans that fit every goal, fitness level, and schedule. Whether it's someone's first 5K or it's someone chasing a marathon PB, they are here to help runners train smarter, stronger, and love every step of the way. Sign up for Runna today and get your first two weeks free using the code CITIUS.
“People asked me if I was shocked crossing the line. To be honest, I didn't feel like the shock set in yet when I crossed the line because I thought I could run 3:48 or 3:49. I was really excited, but I don't feel like I was as shocked as other people. It was afterwards when someone told me I was number eight on the world all-time list. That's when I was like, ‘Wow.’”
My guest for today's episode isGary Martin, a fan favorite here at CITIUS MAG since his high school days. Now he's a junior at the University of Virginia. Gary just delivered one of the fastest miles in NCAA history at the prestigious Millrose Games, running an incredible 3:48.82 – a performance that shattered his own school record and puts him at No. 2 on the all-time collegiate list and No. 8 on the world all-time indoor list.
What makes this even more impressive is that he was the only collegiate runner in such a stacked field of pros and ran a very well-executed race surging through the field from being last at halfway to finishing 5th overall. Today we're diving into what this performance means for his season, his mindset going into that historic race, and how he's approaching the upcoming championship stretch.
Plus, we talk about the evolution of his career at UVA and the rapid rise of collegiate milers pushing the 1500m and the mile to new limits.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Gary Martin |@gary.martin20 on Instagram
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KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ withKETONE.com/CITIUS
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 atSpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason
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 atDrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“Once I made the Olympic team, it was kind of like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I finally accomplished that goal. This is weird to say, but I feel like there was a lot less pressure on me for the Olympics than any NCAA race. At NCAA races, I was expected to win. But at the Olympics, they're like, ‘She's here!’”
My guest for today's episode isParker Valby. This is her third time on the show. Over the past year, she rewrote the NCAA record books, becoming the first woman in history to win 5 individual NCAA titles in a single academic year. It earned her the prestigious Bowerman Award. Her undefeated season included a record-breaking performance at every championship level from cross country to indoor to outdoor.
She shattered the collegiate 10,000m record by 28 seconds, ran a historic 14:52 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and capped it all off with a runner-up finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials to qualify for her first Olympic team. Then she took 11th at the Paris Olympics.
Now she's taking her talents to the professional stage with Team New Balance Boston under the guidance of Mark Coogan. She's navigating a new training environment with tougher competition and adjusting from being dominant in the NCAA to now trying to contend on the global stage. In this conversation, we talk about her transition to the pro ranks, her unique training approach that still prioritizes cross-training, and what she hopes to achieve in her first season as a pro.
We also get into her Olympic experience and recap her professional debut at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix where she ran 8:34 for a personal best and third place finish against a very strong women's 3000m field.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Parker Valby |@parkervalby on Instagram
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
KETONE-IQ: Level up your training with Ketone-IQ – a clean shot of energy with no sugar or caffeine. Or try the new Ketone-IQ + Caffeine, combining 5g of ketones with 100mg of green tea caffeine for a smooth, sustained boost. It’s used by pro runners like Des Linden and Sara Hall. Proven to enhance endurance, focus, and recovery, ketones are 28% more efficient than glucose. No crashes, no bonking—just next-level performance. Take the shot. Feel the difference. Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ withKETONE.com/CITIUS
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 atSpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason
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 atDrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Podcast cover image by Dan Vernon via New Balance.
“This is a different moment in my career compared to any other one in the past because I’ve suffered a major disappointment. It’s up for debate if I should’ve taken a break after the Trials and reset but, man, I didn’t feel like I could stop. All of this training is in me and this motivation to show the world the hard work I’ve put in. I didn’t take this journey lightly. I really care about making this transformation from middle distances to the longer stuff. I just really wanted to keep going.”
20 minutes of catching up with Olympic medalist and world champion Jenny Simpson before she takes on the NYC Half on Sunday. It is her first race since unfortunately dropping out of her marathon debut at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Orlando last month.
We chat a bit about her lessons from that race, whether she would’ve done anything differently and how she’s taking that into her next few races. Moments before we did this interview, the BAA announced Jenny has been added to the Boston Marathon field for April 15 – along with Sara Hall, Caroline Rotich, Elkanah Kibet and Sam Chelanga. So we discuss her plans for that race and a wider shot of how she views this chapter of her legendary career.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Jenny Simpson | @trackjenny on Instagram
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👟 NEW BALANCE has officially launched the long-anticipated FuelCell SC Elite v4, including upgrades that focus on the details that are vital for athletes to perform to their best this year. The shoe was designed to excel in both innovative technology and all-around comfort that lasts through 26.2 miles. Check it out here: https://www.newbalance.com/pd/fuelcell-supercomp-elite-v4/
🍊 OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda with only 2-5g of sugar that is good for your gut health. – and it's delicious. Use code CITIUS25 for 25% off non-subscription orders. Learn more at https://DrinkOlipop.com (click the link or use our promotional code for the discount)
🩴 VELOUS RECOVERY FOOTWEAR is the active recovery footwear brand that is designed to help you Restore, Revive and Reenergize before and after you train. They are launching two new styles to their recovery mix for Spring ‘24. The Active Slide and Active Flip collection. Enjoy a 20% discount by entering the code: CITIUSMAG20 at checkout at VelousFootwear.com
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💵 Pledge any dollar amount to us on Patreon.com/CITIUSMAG or Hit us on Venmo @CITIUSMAG
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On this week's show, it's silly season in the track and field world with athletes switching teams and signing new contracts. The Boston Marathon unveiled its deepest fields maybe ever. The Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile and men's 800 fields were released. World Athletics has posted the schedule for all athletics action at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
3:25 – Recent athlete signings & moves: Natosha Rogers to PUMA Elite | Josette Norris to On Athletics Club | David Ribich to Union Athletics Club | Charlie Grice, Eric Avila to Very Nice Track Club | Paige Stoner, Cruz Culpepper to HOKA NAZ Elite | Stephanie Bruce unretires, re-signs with HOKA NAZ Elite
11:15 – Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile: Olli Hoare is back to defend his Wanamaker mile title after setting the indoor Australian mile record with last year's 3:50.83 victory. His biggest challengers this year include Cole Hocker, Mario Garcia Romo, Yared Nuguse, Johnny Gregorek, Sam Tanner, Sam Prakel, Neil Gourley + more.
15:57 – Millrose Games Men's 800m: Bryce Hoppel returns after last year's victory but will be up against Clayton Murphy, Noah Kibet and Cade Flatt.
18:09 – The Boston Marathon fields include Eliud Kipchoge, Evan Chebet, Benson Kipruto, Albert Korir, Daniel Do Nascimento, Conner Mantz and Scott Fauble on the men's side. There are five women with sub-2:18 marathon PRs and the big stars are Amane Beriso, Sharon Lokedi, Lonah Salpeter, Sara Hall, Gotytom Gebreslase, Emma Bates and Edna Kiplagat.
26:57 – World Athletics' 2024 Olympic schedule has all evening finals. Track and field at the Games will be held from Aug. 1 to 11.
32:58 – Buy or Sell: World Bests, World Record Pending Ratification*, Off Distances, Jake Wightman Losing, Bobby Kersee, Track Meets In Los Angeles.
42:17 – What else is happening inside CITIUS MAG
SUPPORT THE SPONSORS
OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda with only 2-5g of sugar that is actually good for your gut health. – and it's delicious. Use code CITIUS25 for 25% off non-subscription orders. Learn more at DrinkOlipop.com (click the link or use our promotional code for the discount)
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST
🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
💵 Pledge any dollar amount to us on Patreon.com/CITIUSMAG or Hit us on Venmo @CITIUSMAG
🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel
We continue our inspiration series with a shift to a story about Brian Wiens who this past summer had skied every month for the last 25 years (300 months) here in Colorado. As I understand it he's continued and should be somewhere around 308 months by now.
Show Sponsor: VENGA
This week's sponsor is Venga CBD. Venga CBD is designed specifically to help athletes perform their best.
Venga has just released its 2021 Training calendar!
This is a 24” x 36” wall calendar that is amazing and you need this to get the most out of 2021. They have a free version for download that you can print yourself and they have a limited supply of printed calendars that are super cheap and include free shipping.
This calendar is like nothing you’ve ever seen before - the whole year is in this really useful grid design with a row for each month and all the weekends highlighted. It has a goal tracker and all the weeks are numbered so you can quickly calculate training blocks, days between dates, and more. You need this on your wall - and best it’s free from Venga CBD.
Just go to https://vengaendurance.com/303podcast to download for FREE or buy yours today. It’s awesome.
Your existing first-time order offer is still 30% off (303PODCAST) but we've also added a coupon for 50% off your first month's subscription (303SUBSCRIPTION).
In Today's Show
Interview Sponsor: UCAN
How to Know When to Keep Pushing, By Sara Hall, Elite Marathon Runner
I’ve been doing some thinking about this – if you’re failing at something, how do you know when to keep pushing through and when to move on/redirect? Our culture glorifies never giving up on your dream (yet simultaneously loves to declare someone is “done”),but for how long and when do you say “when”? Mine is an experience of one, but here are the things along the way that made me decide to continue pushing vs. hang up my racing shoes.
Sara Hall is one of the top marathoners in the world and the 2nd fastest U.S. marathoner of all-time. In 2020, she set a new marathon personal best of 2:20:32 at The Marathon Project and became the first American to podium at the London Marathon since 2006, placing 2nd. Learn more about how Sara fuels her training with UCAN.
Nutrition for serious athletes. Use UCAN in your training and racing to fuel the healthy way, finish stronger and recover more quickly! Use the code 303UCAN for 20% off at
ucan.co/discount/303UCAN/ or ucan.co,
Interview with Brian Wiens
When COVID-19 shut down ski resorts in Colorado. Brian Wiens went into the backcountry in March, worrying if the pandemic would stop his streak and his goal of skiing 300 consecutive months in Colorado. In the winter months, skiing at the resorts is a peace of cake. Even at my most committed I may have strung together a couple seasons in a row of skiing November to April. Sure some places like A-Basin are open until June and opens in October/November. If you want to ski in July or August, your putting your skis on your back and hiking a few hours to find a snow field above 12-13,000 feet. Imagine the discipline and commitment (and hopefully some cool stories) to do 12 months in a row. Now multiply that by 25. Let's talk to Brian Wiens.
Our News is sponsored by Buddy Insurance.
Buddy Insurance is the kind of peace of mind you need as an active outdoor enthusiast. Buddy’s mission is simple, to help people fearlessly enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle. You can now get on-demand accident insurance to make sure you get cash for bills fast and fill any gaps between your current coverage. Go to buddyinsurance.com and create an account. There's no commitment or charge to create one. Once you have an account created, it's a snap to open your phone and in a couple clicks have coverage for the day. Check it out!
Endurance News:
Cycling-Tour champion Pogacar and UAE Emirates mates first team to get COVID-19 vaccine
(Reuters) - Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar and his UAE Emirates team mates has been vaccinated against COVID-19 at a training camp in Abu Dhabi, the team said on Friday.
“The riders and staff of the Tour de France 2020 winning team UAE Team Emirates have taken the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention approved COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinopharm CNBG,” UAE Emirates said in a statement.
“A total of 27 riders, including the Tour de France 2020 winner Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, plus 32 staff have now received the vaccine.” They are the first professional cycling team to be vaccinated.
RUSSIAN YEKATERINA NEKRASOVA BREAK ICE SWIMMING WORLD RECORD
Editor’s Note: This swim was done by a professional under the supervision of other professionals. Do not attempt this, or anything similar, on your own.
Just when you thought your morning practice jump-in was cold, Moscow swimmer Yekaterina Nekrasova went ice-swimming in her native Russia in order to claim a new world record.
Swimming on Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest lake, the finless Nekrasova swam under ice for 85 meters without surfacing. The previous record of this type stood at 70 meters set by South African Amber Fillary in Norway in 2019. The water temperature was said to be 0ºC or 32ºF and 40-year-old Nekrasova completed the feat sans wetsuit. (Moscow Times)
In the video below showing her new world record-setting ice swim, you can see where her support team cut through the estimated 25 cm-thick ice at regular intervals in order to assist Nekrasova should she need to abandon the effort.
But Nekrasova is apparently just getting started. State-run media reported her coach, Russian Winter Swimming Federation Head Andrei Bugai as saying, “Ekaterina plans to overcome 100 meters this year.”
What's New in the 303:
Colorado Classic Plans a Return to Racing in 2022, Cancels 2021 Event
The Colorado Classic® presented by VF Corporation, America’s premier women’s only racing event, today announced its plans to return to racing in 2022 and not hold an event in 2021.
Following an overwhelming success in its debut as a women’s standalone event in 2019, racing worldwide came to a halt at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite their fierce commitment to creating an innovative and safe live racing model, organizers behind the event had to cancel the 2020 edition due to ongoing health concerns.
Now, with the 2021 race season looming, the pandemic situation remains uncertain at best. As such, organizers decided to not push forward with a 2021 event.
“In 2020, we spent months working tirelessly in conjunction with State, County and City organizations, health authorities, and the sports governing bodies to come up with a COVID mitigation plan that would ensure the health and safety for everyone. In the end, the most prudent decision was still to cancel the event. With the current situation being just as uncertain as it was last year, we don’t think it makes sense — financial or otherwise — to organize a 2021 event and risk another cancellation,” said Ken Gart, Chairman of RPM Events Group, the organizers of the Colorado Classic.
“This is not an easy decision to make. We know that this race holds an important place on both the domestic and international race calendars, and we remain committed to our goal of being the best women’s race in the world. But we hope that by delaying the event to 2022, the pandemic will have stabilized and we’ll be able to secure the necessary financial partners to do our event justice and host another game-changing, world-class event as we did in 2019.”
Video of the Week:
Eric Kenney, Boulder based Triathlon Coach
Upcoming Interviews:
Chaz Davis @blackkidrunning has since traveled across the country to compete, holding three American records and, most recently, was named the 2018 United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) Men’s Marathon Champion. Chaz looks forward to this new chapter in his life with his dog Tricia as he pursues his Master’s degree in social work to help people with disabilities. He was recently featured on the Disney+ series IT'S A DOGS LIFE.
Closing:
Thanks again for listening in this week. Please be sure to follow us @303endurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it!
Happy New Year! Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!
Carrie interviews 2017 US Marathon Champion Sara Hall! Sara recaps her recent races including the US 10 Mile Championships, Frankfurt Marathon and the US Marathon Championships, held in conjunction with the the Cal International Marathon. Sara also discusses juggling a busy schedule as a mom to four girls and the possibility of her family moving to Ethiopia.
Show notes for this episode can be found at ctollerun.com.
Sara Hall
Sara's most recent racing accomplishments include winning the 2017 US 10 Mile and Marathon Championships. Sara is married to Olympian Ryan Hall, and the two founded the Hall Steps Foundation. They have four daughters, Hana, Mia, Jasmine and Lily. Sara lives and trains in Redding, California and is sponsored by Asics.