Leigh Anne Sharek: Keeps The Dream Alive!

In this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with Leigh Anne Sharek, a Brooklyn, New York based marathoner and founding member of Brooklyn Track Club, fresh off a huge breakthrough at CIM.Leigh Anne shares what most people do not admit out loud. She spent much of the race wanting to drop out, managing the mental grind mile by mile, before something shifted around mile 20.5 and she fully woke up, raced, and closed the final 10K faster than she ever has in a marathon. The result was a 2:35 finish and a second Olympic Trials qualifier, with real margin under the standard.They talk about her nontraditional path into competitive running, why New York’s culture pushed her toward the marathon, how Brooklyn Track Club grew from a small crew into a major community, and what it means to keep showing up when the goal keeps getting harder. Leigh Anne also breaks down why packs matter, how CIM’s women’s group dynamic differs from major marathons like Chicago, and how she has learned to stack training blocks and experience instead of starting over after every attempt.They also get into her career as a forensic scientist in New York City, the role of joy and community in longevity in the sport, and what she wants to explore next now that she has checked the OTQ box.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.

Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with Jaquavious Harris for one of their first post-race interviews from the California International Marathon. Jaquavious ran more than two minutes under the Olympic Trials standard, setting a massive marathon personal best and delivering one of the most energetic finish-line interviews of the weekend. In this conversation, he shares his journey to the marathon, his training under coach Ed Eyestone, and how faith, family, and community have shaped his path as a professional runner. This episode offers a deeper look at the story behind a breakthrough performance and the mindset that carried Jaquavious to a 2:13 marathon at CIM.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.

In this episode of Road to the Trials, we speak with Futsum Zienasellassie, the winner of the US Marathon Championship at CIM. Futsum tracked down Joe Whelan with one mile to go to grab the win! We explore his journey from his first marathon victory in 2022 to his recent triumph, discussing the changes in his training environment and primary sponsor. Futsum shares insights into his mental and physical preparation, the challenges he faced, and the support he received from his new team and family. We also delve into his approach to racing, his experiences in different training locations, and his aspirations for the future.SponsorsOS1st - Buy the best and most durable running socks around at www.os1st.com/trials. Noogs - Discover Noogs, the tasty electrolyte gummies made for athletes who want easy energy and hydration on the go. www.noogsnutrition.com/discount/rtt15.

This episode is a CIM weekend recap with Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim. They share what it was like on the ground in Sacramento, from the expo and live shows to race day on a nearly perfect marathon weather day. You will hear behind the scenes stories from the OTQ packs, finish line interviews and why CIM has become such a go to race for chasing big goals. This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.This episode is also sponsored by OS1st Socks, an official partner of the California International Marathon. OS1st creates performance socks with purpose, built for runners who pay attention to the details that matter on race day. Their designs blend blister protection, moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial technology, targeted cushioning, and light compression, all while allowing natural toe splay to support the fit and function of modern racing shoes. OS1st is trusted by specialty running stores nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing sock brands in run specialty. From performance socks to compression sleeves, every product is engineered to reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help runners train hard and recover well. Find your local retailer at os1st.com/trials. And in true Matt Chittim fashion, he’s still wearing his first pair from five years ago — so if you spot him out on the run, feel free to compliment his socks.

On this episode of Road to the Trials, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim sit down with the fourth and fifth place finishers from the Indy Monumental Marathon, teammates and training partners Gabby Hentemann and Alyssa McElheny of Gazelle Elite. They broke the tape just seconds apart in Indianapolis, but arrived there through very different paths.Gabby, a Division I alum, debuted at the marathon with an Olympic Trials qualifier, while Alyssa, a former Division III athlete, has chipped away at her time over years of steady progress. One calls herself a “pace pusher.” The other is a metronome. Together they share how their contrasting personalities and racing styles work in training, how Gazelle Elite has shaped their belief, and what it takes to line up in Indy with OTQ dreams on the line.They also talk about the behind the scenes of their semi viral post race videos, the emotional payoff of seeing years of work show up on race day, and what is next as both athletes turn their attention toward the Trials build.This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.

Matt Chittim and co-host Peter Bromka sit down with marathoner and coach Andrew Bowman, a new dad who has already punched his ticket to the 2028 Trials. Andrew talks about qualifying again this fall after a tough weather day at Detroit Free Press, turning around quickly to race Indy Monumental, and how he and his wife, marathon standout Sydney Devore, support each other through parenting, coaching, and big racing goals. He shares what he learned from his DNF at the 2024 Trials in Orlando, how he thinks about training as both an athlete and coach, and why he is still dreaming about sub 14 for 5K while chasing the next marathon breakthrough.This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.

Lindsey Hein, Matt Chittim, and Peter Bromka sit down for a California International Marathon preview as CIM hosts the USATF Marathon Championships. They break down the top storylines on the men’s and women’s sides, talk about who might contend for the win, who is chasing OTQs, and what to expect from the Road to the Trials live shows at the expo.They also share some CIM history, favorite athlete storylines, and why this year’s field is so deep from front to back.This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.This episode is also sponsored by OS1st Socks, an official partner of the California International Marathon. OS1st creates performance socks with purpose, built for runners who pay attention to the details that matter on race day. Their designs blend blister protection, moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial technology, targeted cushioning, and light compression, all while allowing natural toe splay to support the fit and function of modern racing shoes. OS1st is trusted by specialty running stores nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing sock brands in run specialty. From performance socks to compression sleeves, every product is engineered to reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help runners train hard and recover well. Find your local retailer at os1st.com/trials. And in true Matt Chittim fashion, he’s still wearing his first pair from five years ago — so if you spot him out on the run, feel free to compliment his socks.

In this episode, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka catch up with newly qualified athlete Lucy Dobbs, who ran a standout 2:32 at the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, taking second place and earning a four-minute personal best. Lucy shares how she approached race day in Indianapolis, what clicked for her in training, and why Monumental has been home to several breakthrough moments in her career. This will be her second Olympic Trials, after first qualifying in 2023 with a 2:36 performance at the same race.Lucy talks about balancing training with her full-time job as an actuary at OneAmerica Financial, her experience running with Working Man’s Track Club, and the structure and support that help her chase big goals while working full time. She also gives a glimpse into her life outside of running, including her love of horses and her involvement in competitive equestrian events. This conversation highlights the multidimensional life she leads and the discipline that makes her success possible both on and off the roads.This episode is presented by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.

Road to the Trials brings on marathon workhorse Joe Whelan, also known on this episode as “The Marathon Wolverine.” Joe digs into what it looks like to be incredibly durable in the marathon, as Joe has already raced Berlin, Boston, Grandma’s, Austin, and Indianapolis Monumental in 2025, with California International Marathon circled as his true A-race.Joe shares how he thinks about stacking marathons in a single year, how he bounces back so quickly, and what he is targeting at CIM and beyond as he looks toward the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. He also reflects on his roots in upstate New York, his time running for Syracuse University, and the mindset that keeps him excited and hungry after so many 26.2 mile efforts.This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.

In this special Road to the Trials episode, Peter Bromka and Matt Chittim team up with Brendan Gregg, the Course Director of the California International Marathon and a former CIM champion, for the ultimate 2025 race preview.Brendan brings insider knowledge from both sides of the barriers: years of experience designing and refining the course, and firsthand insight as an elite athlete who has mastered it himself. Together, the trio walks listeners through every key detail of race weekend — from boarding the buses on race morning to navigating the final miles into Sacramento.Over the episode, Peter, Matt, and Brendan break down:What runners should expect at the start, including timing, logistics, and what actually matters in those early minutes before the gunHow to approach pacing over CIM’s rolling terrain, where to stay patient, and where to open upStrategy differences for first-timers, OTQ chasers, negative-splitters, and anyone trying to survive that long descent into the cityCourse features that matter more than people think — and the ones that don’tHow to stay composed in the final 10K and set up a strong, efficient finish on the streets of SacramentoPeter also shares lessons from racing CIM five times, giving runners an honest sense of the effort, rhythm, and mental checkpoints that define the race.Whether you’re racing for a PR, an OTQ, or the joy of a fast December marathon, this is the comprehensive course breakdown you’ll want in your pocket.This episode is sponsored by V.O2, the coaching platform built on Dr. Jack Daniels’ proven training science. V.O2 gives coaches and athletes calibrated training paces, individualized planning tools, and team management features that help users train more accurately, improve performance, and reduce injuries. Listeners can find V.O2 in the app stores and at https://www.vdoto2.com. Save 20 percent with the code “roadtothetrials”.This episode is also sponsored by OS1st Socks, an official partner of the California International Marathon. OS1st creates performance socks with purpose, built for runners who pay attention to the details that matter on race day. Their designs blend blister protection, moisture-wicking fabric, antimicrobial technology, targeted cushioning, and light compression, all while allowing natural toe splay to support the fit and function of modern racing shoes. OS1st is trusted by specialty running stores nationwide and is one of the fastest-growing sock brands in run specialty. From performance socks to compression sleeves, every product is engineered to reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help runners train hard and recover well. Find your local retailer at os1st.com/trials. And in true Matt Chittim fashion, he’s still wearing his first pair from five years ago — so if you spot him out on the run, feel free to compliment his socks.