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    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    Marathon Handbook Podcast

    About

    Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: podcast@marathonhandbook.com

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    Marathon Handbook

    Is Cross-Training a Substitute for Running?

    Is Cross-Training a Substitute for Running?

    August 6, 2026
    1h 58m

    This week, Michael, Alex, and Katelyn dig into that enduring debate before working through a full mailbag of listener questions: from whether it's worth traveling internationally for a bucket-list marathon, to pacing strategy on brutally hilly courses like Boston, to setting a realistic goal for your first-ever marathon.

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro & Icebreakers
    4:59 Sponsor: Kila Custom Insoles
    7:01 Fall Marathon Training Kicks Off
    7:42 Training Updates: Katelyn, Alex & Michael
    24:51 Sponsor: Lagoon Sleep Pillows
    26:40 Q1: Should You Travel for a Marathon? (London Marathon Lottery)
    49:37 Sponsor: Marathon Handbook RunClub
    53:01 Q2: Is Cross-Training a Substitute or Compliment to Running?
    1:15:04 Q3: Setting a Realistic First Marathon Goal Pace
    1:21:07 Q4: Pacing Strategy for Hilly Marathons (Boston)
    1:42:15 Q5: Balancing Music and Marathon Training
    1:54:11 Wrap-Up & Announcements

    SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

    Kila creates custom insoles made with supershoe foam. Visit kilarun.com and use code “marathon” to get $80 off your first order.

    Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better.  Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match.  

    Join Marathon Handbook’s RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub

    Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com

    Elevation Calculator:
    https://30grados.com/en/perfil-de-elevacion-y-pendiente

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