Erin McDonald: Rediscovering Running and a 2:32 Marathon Breakthrough

After stepping away from competitive running for nearly four years, Erin McDonald wasn't sure she'd ever return to the sport at a high level. Now, she's a 2:32 marathoner, a 4:31 miler, and an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Following a breakthrough performance at the 2025 CIM, Erin joins Road to the Trials to share how falling back in love with running transformed both her mindset and her performances.In this episode, Erin reflects on her collegiate career at Michigan State, the burnout that led her away from the sport, and the unexpected path back to elite marathoning. She talks about training with Bay Area Distance Crew, winning the Bayshore Half Marathon in a course-record 73:37, balancing competition with joy, and why this second chapter of her running career feels so much more fulfilling than the first. Erin also shares what she's learned about patience, confidence, and embracing the process as she looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials.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.

Ryan Smith only planned to gain experience in his marathon debut. Instead, he ran 2:15:34 at the Vermont City Marathon, won the race, and punched his ticket to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. But as Ryan explains, the result wasn't about chasing a time. It came from years of consistent training, learning to trust his instincts, and taking a patient approach to building fitness after injury.Ryan shares why he prioritizes effort over pace in training, how cross-training became a key part of his success, what he learned from his first marathon, and why he's already thinking differently about preparing for the Olympic Trials. He also talks about balancing a full-time career in energy economics, the Boston running scene, Division III running, and the unexpected experience of going viral after his emotional finish line interview.Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

This episode is sponsored by Kava Haven, Goodr, and Precision Fuel & Hydration.Megan Connolly's path to the Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier was anything but straightforward. A former Division I runner turned broadcaster, Megan spent years casually running marathons before deciding to fully pursue the Olympic Trials standard. Along the way, she donated a kidney, became a mother, returned to racing postpartum, and ultimately qualified for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials at the McCurdy Micro Marathon.In this episode, Megan joins Peter Bromka and Lindsey Hein to reflect on the long road to 2:37. She shares how the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials reignited her competitive fire, why learning to love the training process mattered more than any finish time, and the mental lessons she learned after falling short at Indy before finally getting it done at McCurdy. Megan also opens up about balancing elite training with motherhood, her career with WWE, the life-changing experience of becoming a living kidney donor, and why controlling what you can control has become her guiding philosophy both in sport and in life.Thanks to our sponsors:Kava HavenKava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.GoodrGoodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.

Madey Dickson never planned to become a marathoner. A standout miler at Brigham Young University, she first tried the marathon almost on a whim before discovering she might be better at 26.2 than she ever expected. Less than a year after fully committing to the event, Madey has already run 2:28 twice, first at the 2025 US Marathon Championships at CIM and again at the 2026 Boston Marathon.In this episode, Madey shares her rapid rise in the marathon, working with coach Rory Linkletter, balancing elite training with a full-time nursing career, and the mindset shifts that helped unlock a new level of confidence. She talks about racing much of Boston alone, learning to fuel properly after a painful marathon debut, training in Utah’s thriving running community, and why she believes the next step in her development is taking bigger risks on race day. Madey also looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials and explains why she wants to line up ready to truly go for it.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.

Fresh off a career-best 2:22 at the 2026 Boston Marathon, Annie Frisbie joins Road to the Trials to reflect on one of the biggest performances of her career. Annie finished eighth overall and was the second American across the line, continuing her remarkable success on the Boston course. She shares what clicked on race day, why she thrives in the chaos of championship-style racing, and the memorable moment of finding teammate Dakotah Popehn in the lead pack mid-race.Annie also opens up about the lessons she carried from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, how that disappointment ultimately helped her grow as an athlete, and why confidence has become one of her greatest strengths as a competitor. The conversation explores training with Minnesota Distance Elite, balancing racing across distances from the 5K to the marathon, life as a full-time professional runner, and how she's already thinking about the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Plus, Annie shares details from her recent engagement in Switzerland and why Boston continues to bring out her very best.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.WahooThe Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

This episode is supported by Kava Haven, Wahoo, and Precision Fuel & Hydration.Erik Linden returns to the Olympic Trials stage after running a breakthrough 2:12 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, continuing a marathon journey that has been defined by patience, curiosity, and a willingness to follow his own path. A previous Trials qualifier for Orlando, Erik has steadily improved over the years while balancing running with the rest of life, constantly searching for new ways to stay engaged, motivated, and growing in the sport.In this conversation, Erik reflects on his progression from collegiate runner to 2:12 marathoner, the training changes that fueled his latest breakthrough, and why he's never been afraid to evolve as an athlete. He and Peter discuss finding the right training environment, trusting intuition, navigating the gap between competitive amateur and professional running, and what it means to keep pursuing improvement after years in the sport. It's a thoughtful look at longevity, reinvention, and the joy of continuing to chase what's possible.Thanks to our sponsors:Kava HavenKava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.WahooThe Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.

This episode is supported by Kava Haven, Goodr, Precision Fuel and Hydration, and Wahoo.After qualifying for her third Olympic Trials with a 2:32 at CIM, Sarah Reiter joins the podcast to reflect on her marathon journey, from a difficult debut in Brooks Adrenalines to becoming a three-time Trials qualifier and leader within Tracksmith’s Stamata team. She shares what she's learned through years of racing, why she believes joy and balance are essential to longevity in the sport, and how she approaches the pressure that comes with chasing ambitious goals.Sarah also talks about pacing teammates at the Eugene Marathon, the evolution of the Olympic Trials standard, her hopes of breaking 2:30, and why she still believes the best racing of her career may be ahead of her. Whether you're chasing your first OTQ or your third, Sarah's perspective on consistency, community, and enjoying the process offers plenty to take away. Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel & HydrationPrecision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans based on carbs, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools and resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code Trials26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.WahooThe Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill brings a more realistic indoor running experience with automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Train smarter with technology trusted by elite runners and triathletes. Use code Trials28 for a free Bluetooth fan ($319 value) at wahoofitness.com.GoodrGoodr sunglasses combine a no-slip, no-bounce fit with polarized lenses and fun designs that are built for running, travel, and everyday adventures. Lightweight, affordable, and made to move with you. Get $10 off your first order at goodr.com/relay.Kava HavenKava Haven is a kava-infused, non-alcoholic spirit that delivers a calm, social buzz without the alcohol. Enjoy a refreshing alternative that helps you stay present and clear-headed. Get 15% off your first order with code ROADTOTRIALS15 at kavahaven.com/roadofthetrials.

Jax Siddall joins Peter Bromka after a breakthrough performance at the Eugene Marathon, where he won his marathon debut and secured an Olympic Trials qualifier. A sixth-grade teacher in Colorado, Jax shares the path that took him from Eastern Kentucky University to the front of one of the country's premier marathons.Jax reflects on the training philosophy that has fueled his development, lessons learned from time spent in Flagstaff, balancing teaching with high-level running, and what it's like to race alone for much of a marathon. He also discusses the importance of consistency, learning from athletes around him, and why he believes his best running is still ahead of him.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.

Joey Whelan returns to the podcast after one of the busiest stretches of racing imaginable. Since his breakout performance at CIM, he's added wins and course records in Austin and Buffalo, raced internationally in Hamburg, and continued building toward even bigger goals. Through it all, he's remained one of the sport's most unique competitors, balancing aggressive racing, high mileage, and a willingness to line up far more often than most elite marathoners.In this conversation, Joey reflects on leading CIM for nearly the entire race, what he learned from racing solo for so many miles, and why he's increasingly embracing tactics, double-threshold training, and new approaches to recovery. He also shares his thoughts on the evolving American marathon scene, chasing World Championships qualification, the realities of racing without an agent, and why he's excited for another showdown with some familiar rivals at Grandma's Marathon. Thank you to our sponsors: Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners simplify fueling with personalized plans built around carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed tools make it easier to dial in race-day nutrition and training fuel. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.Wahoo is changing the indoor running experience with the KICKR RUN treadmill, featuring automatic pace control, terrain simulation, and seamless integration with platforms like Zwift and Strava. Use code TRIALS28 for a free Bluetooth fan (a $319 value) at wahoofitness.com.ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic is designed to support a better next day by helping break down a byproduct of alcohol associated with rough mornings. Just take it about 45 minutes before drinking. Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 with code TRIALS26. Every order is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elena Hayday joins the podcast after a massive breakthrough at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where she ran 2:24 and officially entered a new level of American marathoning. But as she shares in this conversation, the performance was years in the making. After multiple marathons that almost came together, tough lessons with fueling and GI issues, and balancing elite training alongside a neuroscience PhD program, Boston was the race where everything finally clicked.Elena talks about the process of fully committing to running, joining Minnesota Distance Elite, training alongside athletes like Dakota Popehn and Annie Frisbie, and learning to believe she belongs in those front packs. She also shares how working with a dietitian transformed her recovery, why she’s starting to think differently about racing instead of just pacing, and what it feels like to suddenly realize the Olympic Trials — and maybe even Team USA — could truly be within reach.Thank you to our sponsors:Precision Fuel & Hydration helps runners take the guesswork out of fueling with a science-backed approach to carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their personalized fuel plans and educational resources make it easier to train and race with confidence. Use code TRIALS26 for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.ZBiotics is the maker of a pre-alcohol probiotic designed to support a better next day after drinking. Developed by PhD microbiologists, it works by breaking down a byproduct of alcohol associated with rough mornings. Learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/trials26 with code TRIALS26. All purchases are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.