Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal

Is every step you take a "withdrawal" from your joint bank account? In this high-stakes episode, Letty and Ryan tackle the 4 Most Googled Questions of 2026 and burn the old rulebook to the ground.

We dive into the mind-blowing MRI research that proves running doesn't thin your cartilage—it can actually make it thicker and stronger. Ryan breaks down the "Thicker Cartilage Paradox" and the "Sponge Effect" that keeps your joints oiled, while Letty discusses the 120g carb-loading revolution and her final preparations for the Boston Marathon.

If you’ve been running in fear of injury or hitting the wall, this episode is your biological wake-up call. Your body isn't a machine that wears out; it’s a system that levels up.

In this episode:

• The Hypertrophy Reveal: Why runners' knees often look healthier on an MRI than non-runners'.

• The 120g Carb Ceiling: the new gold standard of fueling.

• The 50mm Stack Height Trap: Is your "super-shoe" sabotaging your stability?

• Heavy Lifting for Speed: Why the strongest runners are becoming the fastest runners.

• Boston Updates

Stop guessing. Start adapting.

Get the full research links and the Boston Marathon event schedule at MarathonJournal.com.