United States
“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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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.
Introducing our newest podcast sponsor – 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
“Seeing them not just at their highs but also at their lows and how they fought to climb back up has taught me a lot about resilience and being relentless. I've become a better coach because I have the opportunity to work with these pro women and I'm excited to continue to get better, learn from them, and make sure that they're at the center of everything that I do.
My guest for today's episode is Diljeet Taylor. We had her on the show last fall after she won the NCAA Cross Country Championships with her BYU women. For those of you who aren't familiar, she's one of the most transformative coaches in the sport. She's built BYU's women's cross country program and distance program into a national powerhouse, coaching NCAA champions, Olympians, and creating one of the strongest cultures in collegiate running.
Now she's stepping into an even bigger role, leading a professional training group with Nike while continuing to coach at BYU. Nike has announced Swoosh TC for Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. It's being described by the brand as a network of elite athletes, coaches, and innovators working together to push the boundaries of performance and progress.
Coach Taylor will oversee the Utah division, Jerry Schumacher will head Oregon along with Shalane Flanagan, and Mike Smith will lead the club in Arizona beginning in July 2025 in partnership from Rachel Smith. In this conversation, we make sense of what all of that means.
We get into the behind-the-scenes details of her new role, how she's balancing coaching, both collegiate and professional athletes, and what it takes to develop elite runners at the highest level. We also touch on the mindset of success, the importance of culture, and the transition from NCAA to professional racing.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Diljeet Taylor | @diljeetdosanjhtaylor 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
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.
"We’ll see what happens. We’ll all find out on Sunday.”
A brief chat with Keira D'Amato, Emma Bates and Sara Hall before the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Unfortunately did not have the time to catch Betsy Saina.
From our race preview on CITIUSMAG.com: The American showdown may become a chase for Emily Sisson’s American record, as three of the five fastest women in U.S. history will be on the start line alongside 2021 Chicago runner-up Emma Bates, Chavez’s pick to take down the record. Keira D’Amato, who held this record for just under nine months in 2022, will be racing 26.2 miles for the first time since moving to Utah to train with coach Ed Eyestone. We won’t know until Sunday exactly what her and Eyestone’s race plan looks like, but don’t be surprised if she’s in the mix for the top American crown.
2024 U.S. leader Betsy Saina, whose fifth-place finish in Tokyo in 2:19:17 was a huge leap forward, figures to be a prominent player as well. 2016 Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz is set to be pacing this pack as they go after 2:18:29, so that will be something to keep an eye on even if the leaders are well ahead.
“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
"I had no idea how much this meant to people. I knew how much this meant to me, Sara and Keira. For the outpouring of support, you would think that we swept the podium. It's so cool that people appreciate the performance for what it was. I think we did everything right in the race and still came up short in our eyes...We put ourselves in a position to be in contention in that race. We worked together the entire time. That's something that doesn't happen very often to find each other in a race."
Chris Chavez and Kyle Merber speak with Emma Bates and Joe Klecker at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Bates finished 7th in the women's marathon in a personal best of 2:23:18. She speaks about the teamwork alongside Sara Hall and Keira D'Amato to put all three American women in the top 10 of the World Championships. She also discusses how she found her confidence and calling in the marathon now.
A year after competing at the Tokyo Olympics, U.S. champion Joe Klecker returned to the global championship stage in the 10,000m. He placed 9th in a season's best of 27:38.73. He discusses the lessons he took from sticking with some of the best 10,000m runners in the world for much of the final.
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GARMIN: Music. Training. Data. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is my favorite running partner. You do the running. This GPS running smartwatch does the thinking. It even gets to know you and your body better, mile after mile and song after song. Get one for yourself here >> https://bit.ly/3Pcu0qo
Article One Eyewear: Article One is an independent eyewear company based in Flint, Mich. with designers with deep roots in running. All their frames are handcrafted in a small village in Northern Italy. Designed with your entire day in mind, Article One takes you from a long run in the morning to drinks on the patio to wind down. Their timeless silhouettes, paired with technical components — like adjustable silicone nose pads, polarized lenses, and spring hinges — create running sunglasses that are standalone. CITIUS MAG listeners get 20% off using CITIUS at checkout at https://articleoneeyewear.com/
HYDROW: Hydrow is a state-of-the-art rowing experience. Hydrow works 86% of major muscle groups, compared with only 44% from cycling. That’s twice the benefit in half the time! It’s a perfect low-impact workout to add to your training cycle for both endurance and resistance training. Use code CITIUS100 for $100 off of the rower (stackable with any current offerings) >> https://hydrow.com/
@HaywardMagic is the Instagram home for the true track & field diehards, dreamers and fans. They are sharing the magic of the sport and elevating the athletes that push it forward. Follow them on Instagram @HaywardMagic.
“The caption I kept seeing was ‘Women supporting women.’ … I could feel Sara Hall & Emma Bates. You know that dance move where someone throws out a fishing line? I could see them and I felt like they were reeling me in…That’s really special to have because we’re also competitors.”
Chris Chavez, David Melly and Dana Giordano speak with American record holder Keira D'Amato after she finished 8th at the World Athletics Championships Marathon with just 17 days of training. The American women placed 5th, 7th and 8th with Sara Hall and Emma Bates finishing ahead of D'Amato. Keira discusses how she changed her training to get ready for the race, her plan to go up against the best in the world and then the toll the race took on her body.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/un5SuliQu7A?t=180
SUPPORT THE SPONSORS
GARMIN: Music. Training. Data. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is my favorite running partner. You do the running. This GPS running smartwatch does the thinking. It even gets to know you and your body better, mile after mile and song after song. Get one for yourself here >> https://bit.ly/3Pcu0qo
Article One Eyewear: Article One is an independent eyewear company based in Flint, Mich. with designers with deep roots in running. All their frames are handcrafted in a small village in Northern Italy. Designed with your entire day in mind, Article One takes you from a long run in the morning to drinks on the patio to wind down. Their timeless silhouettes, paired with technical components — like adjustable silicone nose pads, polarized lenses, and spring hinges — create running sunglasses that are standalone. CITIUS MAG listeners get 20% off using CITIUS at checkout at https://articleoneeyewear.com/
HYDROW: Hydrow is a state-of-the-art rowing experience. Hydrow works 86% of major muscle groups, compared with only 44% from cycling. That’s twice the benefit in half the time! It’s a perfect low-impact workout to add to your training cycle for both endurance and resistance training. Use code CITIUS100 for $100 off of the rower (stackable with any current offerings) >> https://hydrow.com/
@HaywardMagic is the Instagram home for the true track & field diehards, dreamers and fans. They are sharing the magic of the sport and elevating the athletes that push it forward. Follow them on Instagram @HaywardMagic.
