Caitlin Phillips: 4th Olympic Trials Qualifier, Longevity in the Marathon, and Returning to Racing as a Mother

Caitlin Phillips’ journey to her fourth Olympic Trials qualifier is not defined by a single breakthrough, but by years of consistency, setbacks, and a deep-rooted love for the sport. In this conversation, Caitlin shares what it took to return to elite marathoning after childbirth, a serious pelvic floor injury, and a long stretch away from running. After running 2:36 at the California International Marathon and placing second in the masters field, Caitlin reflects on how this qualifier carries a different weight than the others. This time, it was not about chasing a time she knew she could hit, but about rediscovering whether it was even possible again. The episode explores the uncertainty of rebuilding from zero, the mental shifts required during postpartum recovery, and the patience it takes to test your limits week by week. Caitlin also opens up about longevity in the sport, what keeps her connected to running after decades, and how community, especially in New York City, has shaped her experience. From early high-mileage breakthroughs to evolving goals as a mother and masters athlete, she offers an honest look at how motivation changes over time and why stepping back can sometimes be just as important as pushing forward. The conversation also touches on the evolving running landscape, the rise of competitive club culture, and the growing visibility of women pursuing big goals at every stage of life. Caitlin’s story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear, and that success can look different in every chapter, but still be just as meaningful.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Brooke Starn is proving that high-level marathoning and a career in medicine can coexist, even if it takes creativity, flexibility, and a lot of early mornings.A former standout at Harvard and UC Davis, Brooke’s path to the Olympic Trials qualifier has been anything but linear. After debuting with a surprise win at the San Francisco Marathon, she balanced medical school, residency, and marathon training while steadily chipping away at the OTQ standard. In this episode, Brooke shares how her love for running started early, how injuries and COVID shaped her collegiate career, and how she transitioned from track and cross country into the marathon. She walks through key races like Berlin, Boston, and Chicago, and what she learned from both breakthroughs and setbacks along the way.The conversation dives deep into what it actually looks like to train at a high level while working 60–70 hour weeks as a pediatric resident. Brooke explains how she builds mileage around an unpredictable schedule, why she prioritizes effort over strict pacing, and the unconventional strategies that help her get in long runs, including post-24-hour shifts powered by caffeine and momentum.She also reflects on the strength of the New York City running community, racing with Central Park Track Club, and the collaborative energy among athletes chasing the same goal across teams.With her OTQ secured, Brooke is approaching the next two years with a mix of ambition and freedom. From potentially returning to the track to racing the New York City Marathon, she’s embracing the rare opportunity to explore different distances while continuing to build toward the Olympic Trials.This episode is a reminder that there is no single path to success in the marathon, and that consistency, adaptability, and a genuine love for the sport can carry you further than any perfectly executed training plan.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Annabel Stafford didn’t just run her first marathon, she qualified for the Olympic Trials in it.After a short and unconventional build that included time off from running due to injury, Annabel took a leap of faith at the McCurdy Micro Marathon. With just weeks of consistent training under her belt, she lined up alongside a group of women chasing the same goal and trusted that the fitness would be there.It was.In this episode, Annabel shares how she went from questioning whether she’d even make it to the start line to running well under the OTQ standard in her debut marathon. She walks through the unique format of the McCurdy Micro, from single-file pacing to looping a three-mile course nine times, and how that structure helped her stay locked in and confident throughout the race. Annabel also reflects on her unconventional path into competitive running, from growing up overseas and walking onto the team at Colorado State to now balancing veterinary school at Tufts with high-level marathon training. Her story highlights the importance of patience, adaptability, and learning to trust effort over strict pace goals, especially when conditions and circumstances are less than ideal.The conversation dives into injury setbacks, rebuilding confidence, and how shifting toward more intuitive, effort-based training played a key role in her success. It is also a reminder that sometimes less pressure and a little uncertainty can lead to breakthrough performances.Now, with her Olympic Trials qualifier secured, Annabel is looking ahead to the next chapter, continuing to build in the marathon while staying grounded in what has always driven her: a genuine love for running.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Jess Donahue’s story is one that a lot of runners will recognize, but very few get to finish the way she just did. After falling short of her Olympic Trials qualifier goal at The Marathon Project, she didn’t take months to regroup or overanalyze what went wrong. She made the decision almost immediately to try again, trusting that the fitness was already there, even if the result hadn’t shown it yet.That decision led her to the McKirdy Micro Marathon, where she delivered a breakthrough performance, running 2:34:40 to secure her Olympic Trials qualifier and take a massive step forward in her career. The turnaround wasn’t just physical. It was mental. Jess talks openly about how the disappointment from her previous race removed a layer of fear, allowing her to show up with confidence instead of pressure.In this conversation, Jess shares what it took to rebuild her relationship with running after years of injuries and an intense eating disorder, and how stepping away from the sport entirely helped her come back stronger, healthier, and more grounded. She talks about increasing her mileage safely, adding double threshold workouts, and finding a balance between performance and longevity that finally clicked.There is also a deeper layer to this episode that goes beyond training. Jess reflects on identity, mental health, and what it means to pursue big goals without tying your worth to the outcome. It is an honest look at the highs and lows of chasing something ambitious, and what it takes to keep going when things do not go as planned.Now, with her OTQ secured, Jess is setting her sights on the next level, chasing a sub-2:30 marathon and continuing to explore her potential across distances. Her story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear, and sometimes the breakthrough comes right after the setback.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

In this episode, Peter sits down with Rosa Moriello to break down everything that makes the Eugene Marathon such a special race. From the course itself to the atmosphere, Rosa shares her experience racing the half marathon, where she qualified for the Olympic Trials and soaked in one of the most unique finishes in running.Rosa talks about why she chose Eugene, how the race environment compares to bigger marathons, and what stood out most about the course, especially the long, gradual hills that demand patience and smart pacing. She shares practical insights on how to approach those sections, why effort matters more than pace on this course, and how to stay engaged when the race gets quieter in the later miles.The conversation also dives into what makes Eugene different. From the energy of the Pacific Northwest running culture to finishing inside Hayward Field, Rosa reflects on how the history of the sport adds to the experience and elevates race day. She also shares what it felt like to close hard on the track, narrowly hitting the OTQ standard, and why that moment stood out in her running journey.Peter and Rosa discuss the mental side of racing, how to stay focused through changing race dynamics, and why this course offers a unique challenge that rewards both physical and mental strength. They also touch on the post-race atmosphere, the celebration inside the stadium, and why Eugene continues to build momentum as a destination race for runners chasing big goals.This episode is both a course preview and a deeper look at what makes a race meaningful, whether you are chasing a time, competing for a win, or simply trying to get the most out of yourself on race day.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Michael Morris has been chasing the Olympic Trials qualifier for over six years. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looks like to stay committed through near-misses, setbacks, and years of steady progress, ultimately breaking through with a 2:15:07 at the McCurdy Micro Marathon to secure his spot at the 2028 Trials. Michael reflects on the evolution of his training, from balancing teaching and coaching with inconsistent mileage to building toward 100+ mile weeks and a more structured approach. He talks through the emotional weight of missing the standard multiple times, what finally clicked in this build, and how experience in the marathon helped him navigate race day with confidence.The conversation goes deeper than splits and training. Michael shares the role his family, coaches, and community have played in his journey, including the lasting impact of his father and the people who believed in him along the way. It is a story about patience, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.This episode is a reminder that progress in the marathon is rarely linear, and that sometimes the breakthrough comes after years of doing the work without guarantees.Thank you to our sponsors:ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Michael Morris has been chasing the Olympic Trials qualifier for over six years. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looks like to stay committed through near-misses, setbacks, and years of steady progress, ultimately breaking through with a 2:15:07 at the McCurdy Micro Marathon to secure his spot at the 2028 Trials. Michael reflects on the evolution of his training, from balancing teaching and coaching with inconsistent mileage to building toward 100+ mile weeks and a more structured approach. He talks through the emotional weight of missing the standard multiple times, what finally clicked in this build, and how experience in the marathon helped him navigate race day with confidence.The conversation goes deeper than splits and training. Michael shares the role his family, coaches, and community have played in his journey, including the lasting impact of his father and the people who believed in him along the way. It is a story about patience, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.This episode is a reminder that progress in the marathon is rarely linear, and that sometimes the breakthrough comes after years of doing the work without guarantees.Thank you to our sponsors:ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Andrew Storer, the filmmaker behind one of the most impactful running series in recent memory, joins Road to the Trials to share how he built a documentary-style look into elite marathoning from the ground up. After being laid off and pushed into freelancing, Andrew took a risk on telling the story of athletes like Clayton Young, recognizing a gap in how the sport was being documented. What followed was a fast-moving, self-produced series that gave fans unprecedented access to the training, mindset, and personalities behind Olympic-level marathoning. In this conversation, Andrew breaks down his approach to storytelling, why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and how documenting real moments—workouts, conversations, and race build-ups—creates deeper connection with audiences. He also shares the behind-the-scenes realities of filming elite runners mid-workout, balancing creative work with logistics, and how brands can better support athlete storytelling. This episode offers a look at the evolving intersection of sport, media, and storytelling—and why the future of running content may look very different from the past.Thank you to our sponsor:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Abby Shoemaker joins Road to the Trials after a standout performance at the Napa Valley Marathon, where she ran 2:35 to secure her Olympic Trials Qualifying time and set a course record.Abby shares her unconventional path to the marathon, from running Division III at the University of Chicago to building her career and training life in New York City. She reflects on the breakthrough moment that shifted her mindset, the role of consistency over perfection, and how she balances high-level training with a full-time job and an active social life.The conversation explores her near-miss at the New York City Marathon, why Napa was the right next step, and how she approached racing solo for much of the course. Abby also talks about the influence of her mom, an accomplished runner in her own right, and how growing up in a running family shaped her perspective on the sport.With a refreshing outlook on competition, Abby emphasizes enjoying the process, staying flexible, and building a life where running fits alongside everything else.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free heart rate strap at wahoofitness.com.

Rebecca Schmitt joins Road to the Trials after a breakout performance at the California International Marathon, where she placed sixth overall and ran 2:28 to secure her Olympic Trials qualifier. Balancing a full-time career as an engineer with high-level training, Rebecca’s path to this moment has been anything but linear.In this episode, Rebecca shares her progression from a 2:55 marathoner running 40 miles per week to competing at the front of a national championship field. She reflects on stepping away from the sport due to disordered eating, finding her way back in her late 20s, and learning how to pursue big goals without letting running define her identity.The conversation dives into her CIM race, where a collaborative pack of women worked together through halfway before turning it into a true competition over the final miles. Rebecca talks about the mental shift from running by pace to racing with others, and how that helped unlock her 2:28 performance.She also shares insight into her training, including moderate mileage, key workouts, and the role of data in her approach. With new goals on the horizon, including a potential 10K Olympic Trials qualifier and continued growth in the marathon, Rebecca is just getting started.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free heart rate strap at wahoofitness.com.