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    THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

    THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

    About

    The Running Effect tells the best stories in running—and turns them into insight, inspiration, and tools to help competitive runners become greater. Every week, host Dominic Schlueter sits down with the fastest, smartest, and most inspiring people in the sport—from Olympic medalists to breakthrough athletes—to unpack the stories, lessons, and mindset behind elite performance. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or looking to understand how greatness is built, The Running Effect will make you a deeper fan of the sport—and a better runner.

    Hosted By

    Dominic Schlueter

    How Trent McFarland Went From a 4:13 Walk-On to 3:52 NCAA Contender — And Why Nobody in the NCAA Can Stop His Kick

    How Trent McFarland Went From a 4:13 Walk-On to 3:52 NCAA Contender — And Why Nobody in the NCAA Can Stop His Kick

    March 8, 2026
    49m

    In the span of a few months, Trent McFarland has gone from conference contender to one of the most dangerous milers in the NCAA, running 3:52.73 to break a school record and then defending his Big Ten title in a gritty, tactical 4:11 championship race.

     

    As one of the top milers in the Big Ten and the NCAA, Trent has had a tremendous 2025-26 season so far. He is the back-to-back Big Ten mile champion, and helped anchor the Michigan DMR team to gold at the 2026 Big Ten Indoor Championships.


    In early 2026, he set a new school record in the mile with a 3:52.73, which at the time was an NCAA number 6 all-time performance. Trent’s collegiate PRs include 1:47.50 in the outdoor 800m (1:47.22 indoor), 3:38.45 in the 1500m, 3:52.73 in the mile, and 7:50.75 in the 3000m. 


    Trent McFarland is no longer just a rising name in the Big Ten conference, he’s becoming one of the defining milers of this NCAA era. 


    From 3:52 precision to tactical championship wins when it matters most, his 2026 season has been a masterclass in evolution: speed, strength, patience, and competitive fire.


    Tap into the Trent McFarland Special. 


    If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word“PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!


    Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. 


    If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!


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