In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with Luca Ciccone, Director of Product Engineering at Saucony, to demystify the complex world of running shoe technology.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of shoe foams? We ask Luca to break down the science behind PEBA, EVA, TPU, and TPEE. He helps us understand which materials offer the most energy return, which are the most durable, and why certain shoes carry a higher price tag. Whether you are a casual jogger or a competitive marathoner, this deep dive into the "foam pyramid" provides the expert insights you need to make an informed decision on your next pair of trainers. Stay tuned for updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.

If you've ever wondered if "super foams" are worth the investment or why your shoes feel different after 200 miles, this episode provides the technical clarity you've been looking for from an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience.

🔗 Our guest this episode: Luca Ciccone, Director of Product Engineering at Saucony

• Our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-ciccone/

  Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com

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In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we sit down with professional runner and coach Erica Weitz to break down the mechanics of starting—and staying—in the sport. We dive into the why your heart and lungs often outpace your bones and tendons, leading to the common injury cycles that sideline many beginners.

We ask Erica about the physiological benefits of the Galloway Run-Walk Method, the danger of "makeup miles" after a week of illness, and we whether you are chasing your first 5K or rebuilding your base, this episode provides the blueprint for a durable, long-term running career.

Our guest this episode: Erica Weitz, Founder of Exclusive Endurance. Website: https://www.exclusiveendurance.com Instagram: @ericaweitzruns

Why You Should Listen:

Understand the "Chassis" Principle: Learn why musculoskeletal adaptationtakes months, not weeks.

Master Consistency: Get a realistic approach to lifestyle integration for runners over 40.

Injury Prevention: Learn to manage your workload ratio effectively.

🔗 Connect with Us

Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com

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Tags: #MarathonRunning #RunnersOfInstagram #BeginnerRunner #RunningTips#GallowayMethod #InjuryPrevention #RunningPhysiology #ExclusiveEndurance#MarathonJournal #RunWalk #SuperShoes

In this comprehensive year-end wrap-up, we take a deep dive into the most historic and headline-grabbing moments of the 2025 running season. We celebrate staggering athletic achievements, from Jacob Kiplimo’s sub-57-minute half-marathon world record to Marcel Hug’s unprecedented sweep of all seven World Marathon Majors. This episode also highlights the incredible rise of American distance running, led by Connor Mantz’s record-breaking performances, and the inspiring longevity of "ageless" runners like Gene Dykes and Jeanie Rice. Whether you're tracking elite split times or looking for the next fast "non-major" course like Valencia or Dubai, we cover the data and the drama that defined the year.

Beyond the podiums, we tackle the "not-so-fun" facts and controversies that shook the running community in 2025. Wediscuss the fallout from Ruth Chepngetich’s three-year doping ban, the abrupt weather-related cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon, and the logistical nightmare of the Niagara Falls course error. We also explore the intersection of sports and politics following the arrests at the Kish Island Marathon and the financial collapse of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track series. Closing on a high note, we celebrate Sydney’s induction as the seventh World Major and share our top tips for making 2026 your best running year yet.

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