Four Months Postpartum and an OTQ: Carter Norbo’s Long Road to 2:36

This episode of Road to the Trials is one for the books. On Sunday, January 11, Zouhair Talbi ran 2:05 to win the Houston Marathon in a course record, marking a major milestone in a long and steady rise that has already seen him run 2:06 and now firmly establish himself among the world’s top marathoners. Just 30 minutes later, his wife Elizabeth crossed the same finish line in 2:35, securing her own Olympic Trials qualifier for 2028. Two elite performances, one unforgettable morning, and one very busy household.Zouhair, now a newly minted American citizen, shares what that Houston victory meant to him after years of knocking on the door, and what lies ahead as he becomes eligible to represent the United States in 2027. Elizabeth walks through her own journey, from returning to racing after pregnancy to executing a breakthrough race on the same course, the same day. Together, they reflect on the surreal moment when a cyclist told Elizabeth mid-race that her husband had already won and set the course record, with miles still left for her to run.This is a joyful and inspiring conversation with one of the fastest couples in the country, a reminder that big performances do not happen in isolation, and that sometimes the most meaningful wins come with a baby in your arms at the end of the day.

Turner Wiley may have flown under the radar for years, but his performance at the Marathon Project made everyone pay attention. After previously running 2:11:59 and quietly qualifying for multiple Olympic Trials as a club runner with Club Northwest in Seattle, Turner delivered a massive breakthrough by finishing second at the Marathon Project in 2:09:27. The result marked a turning point in his career and signaled his arrival as a true contender on the national stage.In this episode, Turner shares the long arc of his development as a marathoner and why his progress has never been about one big leap, but steady steps taken year after year. He talks about running at the club level for most of his career, building belief through consistent improvement, and what it meant to finally put everything together on race day. Peter frames Turner’s journey as a staircase, with each season adding another step upward, and Turner reflects on how patience and persistence shaped his path.This is an episode about consistency done right, trusting long-term development, and believing that breakthroughs can come after years of quiet work. Turner’s story is a reminder that progress in the marathon often rewards those who stay committed, even when the spotlight isn’t on them.We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Carter Norbo joins Road to the Trials after earning her first Olympic Trials qualifying time at the Marathon Project, running 2:36:25 just over four months postpartum. It is a breakthrough years in the making, built on persistence, patience, and a deep love for the marathon.Carter ran her first marathon in 2015 at the Chicago Marathon, clocking 2:56, and has since completed more than a dozen marathons. Along the way, she has come heartbreakingly close to the OTQ standard more than once. In 2023, she missed the mark by just 73 seconds at the Dismal Swamp Marathon, running much of the race alone and doing so only four months postpartum after having twins. She followed that with a 2:37:29 at the Chicago Marathon in 2024 before finally breaking through in 2025 with her 2:36:25 performance.In this conversation, Carter shares what it has looked like to stay committed to long-term goals through multiple postpartum returns, how she has continued to get faster well beyond her college years, and what it means to chase big dreams while raising three kids. This episode is a powerful look at resilience and consistency, and a reminder that progress does not always follow a straight line. Carter’s story highlights how the Marathon Project continues to provide meaningful opportunities for athletes to pursue their goals and how perseverance can eventually turn near-misses into defining moments.We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Michael “Magic” McCann joins Road to the Trials after sliding into Peter Bromka’s DMs with a bold claim: he might be the youngest Olympic Trials qualifier so far. At just 22 years old, Michael ran 2:14 at CIM, and his energy is exactly what you’d expect from someone whose running story feels like it is accelerating in real time.Mike walks through his background in Division III running and how he ended up taking a different route than most. He has stayed with the same coach since high school, and that long-term relationship has shaped everything, from his gradual mileage build to the mindset that kept him showing up through the messy middle. They talk about the years where things were not clicking, what it looked like to keep training anyway, and why he believes the breakthrough was always there, waiting for the right stretch of consistency and health.This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Ben Rosario joins Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim on Road to the Trials to recap the return of The Marathon Project, which took place last weekend in Chandler, Arizona. Ben is the co-founder and CEO of The Marathon Project and brings decades of experience across nearly every corner of the running world. From elite athlete to coach, event director, and program founder, he offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to put on a high performance marathon.In this conversation, Ben reflects on why The Marathon Project was first created in 2020 during the pandemic, why it felt important to bring it back now, and what the team learned from hosting it again. He breaks down how the weekend was structured and shares what worked well, what they would change, and how they think about creating an environment where athletes can truly run fast.Ben’s background includes a 2:18 marathon PR, years as the head coach and executive director of NAZ Elite, and experience as a special events director, running store owner, marketing director, and elite athlete coordinator. That full-spectrum perspective shapes how he approaches building races today and what he hopes to continue evolving with The Marathon Project moving forward.We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

In this episode of Road to the Trials, host Matt Chittim sits down with Maya Weigel, who has emerged as one of the most compelling athletes in the marathon space. Maya recently finished top 10 at the USATF Marathon National Championships at CIM, running an impressive 2:28 and further establishing herself as a rising contender heading toward 2028.A former Division III national champion and multiple-time All-American, Maya has been consistently performing at an elite level while simultaneously pursuing her PhD in neuroscience. In this conversation, she shares what it looks like to train at a world-class level while balancing long research hours, how she approaches marathon execution and consistency, and what continues to motivate her on both sides of her life — the lab and the roads.Whether you're inspired by athletes who juggle big goals, fascinated by the mental side of performance, or simply love a good story of grit and long-term growth, this episode offers a thoughtful and energizing look at what’s possible.This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Hosts Matt Chittim and Peter Bromka sit down with elite marathoner Colin Mickow, one of the most consistently underrated men in American distance running. Colin is a two-time top-20 finisher at the Olympic Marathon Trials (15th and 21st), and he represented the United States on the world stage at the 2022 World Championships. This fall, he delivered another standout performance at the Chicago Marathon, continuing to build a resume that deserves greater national attention. In this episode, Colin shares what it’s like to compete at the highest level while flying under the radar, what he learned from the Trials, and how he has built sustained excellence over years. Matt and Peter dig into training load, racing mentality, life off the course, and what Colin is aiming for heading into Orlando.Thank you to our sponsors:This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

Hosts Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with Tessa Barrett, the 2013 Foot Locker National Champion and Penn State All-American whose return to elite racing has been nothing short of remarkable. Tessa won the Marine Corps Marathon this fall, running 2:34, only to learn afterward that the race wasn’t eligible for Olympic Trials qualification. Instead of letting the setback define her, she regrouped, kept her full-time career in finance rolling, and went to CIM where she ran 2:30 — an official OTQ and an enormous personal breakthrough. In this episode, she shares what it means to self-coach, train alongside a pack of guys in Washington DC, work more than full-time, and still believe she has more to give in this sport. A powerful story of resilience, identity, and grit.This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.This episode is also supported by Rocket Money. Rocket Money is the personal finance app that helps you take control of your money without lifting a finger. Track spending, see all accounts in one place, cancel unwanted subscriptions with a tap, and automate savings toward your goals. If you’ve ever wondered “Wait, what am I still paying for?” — Rocket Money will tell you. Get started and let your money work smarter for you at rocketmoney.com/gorun.

Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka are joined by one of the most respected and generous voices in the sport, Stephanie Bruce, on this episode of Road to the Trials.Stephanie joined the show during a busy weekend surrounding the California International Marathon, where she played a pivotal role as both mentor and pacer. Through the Tracksmith Stamata team, Stephanie spent the weekend supporting and mentoring a group of women targeting times from sub-2:30 to sub-2:50. On race day, she served as the official pacer for the women’s Olympic Trials Qualifying group, helping guide dozens of athletes through the early and middle miles of CIM.What makes the weekend even more remarkable is the timeline. Just one day earlier, Stephanie raced at the USA Cross Country Championships in Portland, placing 14th in a gritty effort. Less than 24 hours later, she lined up at CIM and ran 20 miles at OTQ pace in service of others.In this conversation, Lindsey and Peter talk with Stephanie about:Mentorship through the Tracksmith Stamata programWhat it means to pace an OTQ group and put others’ goals firstBalancing elite competition, coaching, and motherhoodLongevity in the sport and continuing to show up at the highest levelWhy investing in women at every stage of the journey mattersA mom of three, coach, retreat host, and multiple-time national champion, Stephanie brings perspective, humility, and deep care for the running community. This episode highlights the work that often happens behind the scenes and the people who make moments like CIM possible for so many athletes.We want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.

In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka sits down with Amanda Mosborg, whose rise in the marathon over the past year and a half has been nothing short of remarkable. Amanda ran her first marathon at Grandma’s with a 2:47, followed it up with a breakthrough 2:37 at the Boston Marathon, and then capped off the year by running 2:31 to win the Indy Monumental Marathon. A former Division III runner who later competed at Northwestern using her extra eligibility, Amanda shares her perspective on steady progression, embracing endurance sports beyond running, including nordic skiing, and keeping the sport fun even while pushing her limits. This is a thoughtful and motivating conversation with an athlete who clearly loves the process as much as the results.This episode is supported by OS1ST, the fastest growing sock brand in run specialty stores across the country. OS1ST is trusted by runners because their socks fit exceptionally well, last for years, and do exactly what great socks should do: disappear on your feet. Built for comfort, durability, and pain-free performance, OS1ST socks are designed so you never have to think about them mid-run. Find a local retailer near you at os1st.com/trials.We also want to thank NOOGS for supporting this episode. NOOGS are sports nutrition chews created by a registered dietitian who wanted a fueling option that actually tasted good and delivered the electrolytes runners need. Designed to fuel both training and race day, NOOGS combine fast carbs, salt, and great flavors that make fueling something to look forward to. Learn more and save 15 percent on your order at noogsnutrition.com with the code RTT15.