Episode 664: Calli Hauger-Thackery and Sara Hall Go 1–2 at Houston and Share What Makes Their Training Partnership Work

Calli Hauger-Thackery and Sara Hall join Lindsey together after going 1–2 at the Houston Marathon, where they trained side by side leading into race day. Calli ran 2:24:17 for the win, and Sara finished second in 2:26:26 after a build up that was not originally supposed to include the full marathon. They talk through the quick turnaround from their December marathons, what it takes to recover and race again, and how their shared approach to training has made the work more fun and more sustainable. The conversation also gets into the behind-the-scenes of being coached by their husbands, how they collaborate as a four-person team, and what it looks like to balance ambition with longevity, family life, and joy in the process. Sara shares more about her upcoming memoir, For the Love of the Grind, including why she wanted to write it and the lessons she hopes athletes take from it. Topics Discussed: Houston Marathon recap and going 1–2 together Back-to-back marathons and managing the recovery window Sara’s original plan to run the half, and why she finished the full marathon How Calli stayed composed when things got hard early in the race Training partnership: why they are better together and how they compromise Their husbands coaching them and how the dynamic works day to day Strengths they bring to the group: long run strength, speed work, and racing frequency “Loving the grind,” longevity, and Sara’s mindset shift over the years Sara’s book For the Love of the Grind and what readers can expect Flagstaff training life, and why they love it and hate it Support Our Sponsors: Donna Marathon Weekend — Jacksonville, FL, February 1–2, 2025. Supports breast cancer research and families impacted by diagnosis. Register at breastcancermarathon.com and use LINDSEY10 for $10 off. Previnex — I’ve been using their Muscle Health formula and I love that it combines creatine monohydrate with BCAAs and essential amino acids to support strength, recovery, and muscle maintenance. They just released a new citrus flavor that’s really refreshing, and it’s formulated to improve amino acid absorption and protein synthesis. I also take Previnex Gut & Greens every day and swear by it. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout!

I’m so excited to welcome Laura Thweatt back to the podcast today, and we’ve got a little bonus reunion because my friend Peter Bromka joined us as well. Peter is one of my co-hosts on Relay and Road to the Trials, and when he found out Laura was coming on he asked if he could join which honestly made this conversation even more fun. Laura is someone who has been such a huge part of the running community for years. She ran professionally for over a decade, placed fifth at the 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon, and most recently stepped into a new chapter as a coach with the On Athletics Club, working alongside Dathan Ritzenhein and Kelsey Quinn. In this conversation, Laura walks us through what that transition has really been like, from the excitement of a dream opportunity to the intimidation and learning curve of stepping into a high-performance coaching role. She shares a hilarious story from her very first day on the job that involves borrowed bikes, missed splits, and trying to figure things out on the fly, and we talk honestly about identity, grief, and growth when you close one chapter and open another. Laura also shares what she’s learned working closely with athletes like Joe Klecker, Ryan Ford, and Helen Obiri, including how much happens behind the scenes to support athletes on race day and how coaching has allowed her to experience the highs and lows of the sport in a completely new way. This was one of those conversations that felt like it went by way too fast, and I’m so grateful Laura and Peter joined me for it. Topics discussed: Laura’s transition from professional runner to coach with On Athletics Club How the coaching opportunity came together with Dathan Ritzenhein Feeling intimidated and learning to trust herself in a new role Laura’s chaotic and hilarious first day on the job Building trust and relationships with elite athletes Supporting athletes moving from track to roads and the marathon Managing expectations and pressure in a very public sport Grieving the end of a racing career while embracing a new chapter Experiencing race-day highs and lows as a coach instead of an athlete Aletheia Run lets you see what your body is actually doing with every step by using a lightweight sensor that creates a unique force portrait of your movement. It gives personalized feedback, targeted drills, and science-backed insights to improve performance and help prevent injuries, bringing the running lab right to your everyday training. Noogs: If you love sour candy and want something that actually works for fueling, Noogs has quickly become one of my favorites. They’re sour energy chews that taste amazing without being overpowering, and they give you the electrolytes and energy you actually want before or during a run. I love popping a couple before a workout, and their caffeinated chews are especially impressive because they don’t have that bitter taste you sometimes get with caffeine. Use code “another15” for 15% off your first order. Rocket Money — If you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, why am I still paying for this, Rocket Money makes it so much easier to clean that up. It helps you find and cancel unwanted subscriptions, keeps an eye on your spending across accounts, and can even help you lower bills so you can grow your savings. I signed up for the premium level recently and it pulled out things I genuinely did not realize I was still paying for. Save yourself the monthly leaks and check it out at rocketmoney.com/gorun.

Four-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist Amanda McGrory joins the podcast for a long-awaited conversation. Amanda competed at the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021 Paralympic Games, once held the world record in the 5,000 meters, has raced over 100 marathons, and has won major races including the New York City Marathon, London Marathon, and Grandma’s Marathon, with additional podium finishes in Boston. Now retired from elite competition, Amanda has built an impressive second career as an on-air analyst for major marathons and championships, including coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lindsey and Amanda talk through her journey into wheelchair racing, the Paralympic moments that meant the most to her, and what it’s been like stepping into the media side of the sport and covering races live on camera. Amanda also shares her role as Team USA Archivist and Collection Curator, offering insight into how she’s stayed deeply connected to the sport she helped shape. From early memories of discovering adaptive sports, to racing tactics and strategy, to reinvention after setbacks, this conversation highlights Amanda’s impact as both an athlete and a visible leader in Paralympic sport today. Topics Covered: Discovering wheelchair racing and adaptive sport at a young age Competing in four Paralympic Games (2008–2021) Holding the world record in the 5,000 meters Winning major marathons and racing over 100 total marathons Transitioning from elite athlete to broadcast analyst Covering major marathons, the Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games on live TV Becoming Team USA Archivist and Collection Curator Representation and visibility in Paralympic sport Wheelchair racing tactics, speed, and strategy Track racing vs marathon racing in a wheelchair The emotional highs and lows of Paralympic competition Reinventing training, mindset, and approach after setbacks Knowing when it was time to retire from elite competition Staying active after retirement without training like a professional Growth of Paralympic media coverage and fan engagement The role of technology and equipment in wheelchair racing Equity challenges in access to top-tier racing chairs Balancing social media, storytelling, and personal boundaries Saying yes to opportunities and trusting the process Media Recommendations: Books A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith Harry Potter series TV Shows Taskmaster Loot Severance Shrinking Ted Lasso Support Our Sponsors: Aletheia Run lets you see what your body is actually doing with every step by using a lightweight sensor that creates a unique force portrait of your movement. It gives personalized feedback, targeted drills, and science-backed insights to improve performance and help prevent injuries, bringing the running lab right to your everyday training. CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another. Rocket Money — If you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, why am I still paying for this, Rocket Money makes it so much easier to clean that up. It helps you find and cancel unwanted subscriptions, keeps an eye on your spending across accounts, and can even help you lower bills so you can grow your savings. I signed up for the premium level recently and it pulled out things I genuinely did not realize I was still paying for. Save yourself the monthly leaks and check it out at rocketmoney.com/gorun. Donna Marathon Weekend — Jacksonville, FL, February 1–2, 2025. Supports breast cancer research and families impacted by diagnosis. Register at breastcancermarathon.com and use LINDSEY10 for $10 off.

Today’s episode is a special one as we officially welcome The Mother Runners to the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. Whitney Heins, host of the show and founder of themotherrunners.com, joins Lindsey for a relaxed, back-and-forth conversation about running, motherhood, identity, injury, coaching, and building a platform that lifts up moms who run. Whitney shares how motherhood changed her relationship with running, the experience of feeling isolated as a new mom, and how that led her to create an online resource and community specifically for mother runners. She opens up about navigating a long injury cycle and the process of returning to the marathon to run a 2:54 in her 40s. Whitney also talks about what it’s like stepping into her own podcast after co-hosting Miles With Moms, and why storytelling matters so much in this space. This episode is airing on both I’ll Have Another and The Mother Runners, making it the perfect way to kick off this new chapter. About The Mother Runners Podcast: There is truly no shortage of incredible and inspiring mother runners in the world. Every mom has such a good story—no matter how much they run, how fast, how far, or for how long—embedded in all of our journeys are chapters of strength, hope and overcoming that we all need to hear. Because when we hear each other’s stories, not only are we lifting each other up, but we are learning and growing, being inspired, and motivated. That’s why this podcasts features in-depth and fun interviews with fellow moms who run to share their stories—some names you may recognize, and some you will get to know. But all will inspire and entertain you. Thanks for being here! Where to Find Whitney Instagram: @themotherrunnersWebsite: themotherrunners.comPodcast: The Mother Runners (Apple, Spotify, all major platforms) Support Our Sponsors: Foot Levelers — Visit FootLevelers.com to find a provider near you, or email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @lindseyhein626 and I will point you to the right contact. Previnex — Gut & Green Superfoods with clinically studied ingredients for digestion, immunity, longevity, and energy; also protein, joint supplements, multivitamins, Muscle Health. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com. Lindsey Hein Coaching & Training Plans I’ve been coaching runners since 2013 and currently have space for a few one-on-one athletes. If you’re training for your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or aiming to qualify for Boston, I take a holistic, week-by-week approach to coaching. I also offer half marathon and marathon training plans for beginner through advanced runners, designed with conservative mileage progression and simple strength and mobility work. Visit https://lindseyhein.com and use the code DECEMBER2025 to get $10 off training plans through the end of the year. If you’re interested in one-on-one coaching, email me at [email protected].

Today on the show, Sinclaire Johnson is back, and she just had herself a day at the Merrie Mile in Honolulu. She won the race, ran a 4:21 road mile, and set a new American record. This is not new territory for her either. She has set American records before, made the World Champs team this past year, and after a few tough years battling major bone injuries, she’s finally feeling strong, healthy, and ready to keep building. We talk about racing a road mile without clocks or splits, being coached by her fiance Craig, what she learned from finishing fourth at the Olympic Trials in 3:56, how cross training has helped keep her healthy, and what she is targeting in 2026 with a full indoor season and an outdoor year that looks a little different. What we talked about: Sinclaire’s Merrie Mile win in Honolulu and the 4:21 American record Racing with no clocks, no splits, and a pacer plan that changed in real time Why this fall felt different and why she feels stronger than ever right now Being coached by her fiance Craig and what changed in her training and communication The mental side of returning from repeated bone injuries and reframing fear Feeling unheard in past training groups and why athlete coach communication matters Advice for young pros choosing a coach, team, and a life outside running Olympic Trials 2024, running 3:56 for fourth, and what she learned from it World Champs season takeaways and learning to adjust without blame Cross training as a core strategy and how she structures volume off her legs Indoor season plans and what she is excited to chase next How world rankings work and what the new “Ultimate Championships” format looks like Favorite event order: track 1500, road mile, track mile Life outside running: bread baking, what she is reading, and what she is watching Last message: being your biggest advocate and trusting your intuition Media mentioned Book: The Remarkable Life of Irawati Karve Show: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Music artist group: RÜFÜS DU SOL Support our Sponsors: CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another. Lagoon Sleep — If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Rocket Money — If you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and thought, why am I still paying for this, Rocket Money makes it so much easier to clean that up. It helps you find and cancel unwanted subscriptions, keeps an eye on your spending across accounts, and can even help you lower bills so you can grow your savings. I signed up for the premium level recently and it pulled out things I genuinely did not realize I was still paying for. Save yourself the monthly leaks and check it out at rocketmoney.com/gorun.

We’re closing out our 10-part Wellness Series with a conversation that couldn’t feel more fitting. Today’s guest is my friend Brad Stulberg, who returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World. I read this book over the past couple of months and finished it on the plane heading to a busy week of interviews at the running event, and I genuinely felt more grounded and prepared because of it. Brad has been on the show many times, and I always leave our conversations with tangible takeaways for how to live and lead better. He’s the author of The Practice of Groundedness, Master of Change, Peak Performance, and The Passion Paradox, and he brings such a thoughtful, practical lens to ambition, growth, and fulfillment. In this episode, we talk about caring deeply, the inevitability of failure, and why caring, even when it opens us up to heartbreak, is still worth it. We also touch on goal setting as we head into a new year and how to think about excellence in a way that’s sustainable and meaningful. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did and that it leaves you feeling encouraged as we wrap up this series. Check out Brad’s work and pre order his newest book at BradStulberg.com What we talked about: December as a natural season for reflection, and the tension of “ramping down” while launching something big The Way of Excellence and how excellence can be a mindset you practice, not just an outcome you achieve “Brave New World” as a fear-to-curiosity reframe for big moments (races, interviews, parenting, hard lifts) Curiosity vs fear, and why curiosity helps you perform better (and feel better) under pressure Caring deeply as the cost of stepping into the arena, and why “too cool to care” is actually insecurity Excellence as heartfelt (not robotic) and a critique of “pseudo excellence” culture and optimization obsession Cold plunges and “hacks”: what’s legit, what’s hype, and when hard things are useful vs unnecessary Identity and the “house with rooms” metaphor (runner, parent, creative, partner) so one setback doesn’t collapse your whole sense of self Reading vs short-form video for attention, cognition, and emotional health, plus habits that support focus New Year goals: why resolutions fail, and how values-based goal setting helps you climb the right mountain Sponsors: Eternal This entire Wellness Series has been made possible by Eternal, a science-backed preventative health company for people who take their health and training seriously. Eternal offers comprehensive, integrated primary care, advanced testing, and personalized health planning. They go beyond biomarkers to provide real answers, proactive care, and support for athletes and active humans alike. Learn more and become a member at https://eternal.co. Lagoon Sleep If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Lindsey Hein Coaching & Training Plans I’ve been coaching runners since 2013 and currently have space for a few one-on-one athletes. If you’re training for your first half or marathon, chasing a PR, or aiming to qualify for Boston, I take a holistic, week-by-week approach to coaching. I also offer half marathon and marathon training plans for beginner through advanced runners, designed with conservative mileage progression and simple strength and mobility work. Visit https://lindseyhein.com and use the code DECEMBER2025 to get $10 off training plans through the end of the year. If you’re interested in one-on-one coaching, email me at [email protected]. Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence, is linked here. Thanks so much for being here and for supporting the Wellness Series.

I cannot tell you how special this episode feels to me. Laura Galeazzo — who longtime listeners will remember as the very first guest I ever interviewed back in 2016 — is back on the show, and catching up with her brought everything full circle. When I launched this podcast, I was a young mom with two little kids, newly pregnant with my third, dreaming about building something of my own. Laura said yes to being my very first interview when all I had was a microphone, a simple idea, and a whole lot of belief. Since then, she’s lived so much life: she’s had two babies, become a real estate agent, coached athletes, and continued to chase big goals with the same quiet determination that made her story so compelling in the first place. She’s now a 2:49 marathoner and recently ran a huge half marathon PR, breaking through years of self-doubt to rediscover her confidence. I’ve watched her navigate seasons of grit, seasons without PRs, and seasons where she just kept showing up for herself — and seeing her run her strongest races yet is incredibly inspiring. It feels so right to have her back on the show all these years later, still getting after it and still reminding us what’s possible when you keep going. Support our Sponsors: Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout! Donna Marathon Weekend — Jacksonville, FL, February 1–2, 2025. Supports breast cancer research and families impacted by diagnosis. Register at breastcancermarathon.com and use LINDSEY10 for $10 off. Lagoon — Personalized pillows designed for optimal rest and recovery. Try their new cooling pillow, “The Otter.” Visit lagoonSleep.com/lindsey and enjoy their Black Friday sale (early access now!) to enjoy: $25 off every pillow, $60 off two pillows, $160 off four pillows (so $40 off each), 50% off pillowcases with the purchase of a pillow

For this episode in our wellness series, I’m joined by sports dietitian and marathoner Meghann Featherstun of Featherstone Nutrition. I had just gotten home from a whirlwind week at The Running Event and CIM, where I hosted conversations with Gabby Thomas (sponsored by Amazfit) and a Road to the Trials panel, and I was excited to sit down for a fresh, in-depth chat with Meghann. We debrief her time at TRE, where there were over 50 nutrition brands on display, and dig into what’s actually new and useful in sports fueling right now. We talk about higher-carb products, evolving electrolyte and caffeine trends, and how to think about choosing between all the options on the market. From there, we dive into some big wellness topics like nicotine pouches, GLP-1 medications, midlife weight changes, and the pressure runners feel around body image. Meghann shares both her clinical and personal perspective on when these tools can be life-changing for health and when they become a vanity shortcut. We also cover how to talk about food and bodies with our kids, and then wrap up with practical advice for recovering from a fall marathon, including fueling in the days after your race, adjusting nutrition when mileage drops, and what to make of “fiber maxing.” Enjoy my conversation with Meghann! Support Our Sponsors: Eternal: Go to eternal.co and book your performance physical today. Noogs: Use code “another15” for 15% off your first order. Previnex — Gut & Green Superfoods with clinically studied ingredients for digestion, immunity, longevity, and energy; also protein, joint supplements, multivitamins, Muscle Health. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com.

In this episode, I sat down with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas while I was in San Antonio for The Running Event, and it was such a fun, inspiring conversation. Gabby had an incredible 2024 season where she won gold in the 200 meters in Paris and was part of the gold medal 4×100 and 4×400 teams. She runs for New Balance, studied neurobiology at Harvard, and went on to earn her master’s in public health, so we talk about how her academic background shapes the way she thinks about performance, health, and life beyond the track. We get into what it actually felt like to win that individual gold, how she handled the pressure of the Olympic Games, what she’s learning in this phase of her career, and what she’s dreaming about as she looks toward LA 2028. We also chat about her partnership with Amazfit, how she uses their watch in training and racing, and why this season has been so meaningful to her both on and off the track. Support Our Sponsors: Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout! Aletheia Run lets you see what your body is actually doing with every step by using a lightweight sensor that creates a unique force portrait of your movement. It gives personalized feedback, targeted drills, and science-backed insights to improve performance and help prevent injuries, bringing the running lab right to your everyday training. CURE Hydration — No added sugar or dyes; electrolyte mix for adults and kids; non-GMO; FSA/HSA eligible. Use ANOTHER for 15% off at curehydration.com/another. Previnex — Gut & Green Superfoods with clinically studied ingredients for digestion, immunity, longevity, and energy; also protein, joint supplements, multivitamins, Muscle Health. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com.

Today I am talking with two-time Olympian and Saucony athlete Molly Huddle, who just ran the Every Woman’s Marathon six months postpartum with her second baby. Molly used the race as a long training run and shares what it felt like to approach the marathon in a more relaxed, flexible way than she has in the past while still respecting how hard 26.2 miles feels at any pace. We get into how life looks right now with two young daughters, how she and her husband are tag-teaming work and parenting, and what it has been like to train and race while breastfeeding. Molly explains why she chose this marathon as a fundraising opportunity for For All Mothers+, how she approached the effort on the day, and what she learned about her current fitness and recovery. Molly also talks about where she is with professional running at age 41, her hope to qualify for another Olympic Marathon Trials, and what it means to her to compete in a “part-time” or “semi-retired” way while she leans into coaching, writing, and parenting. We talk about identity shifts in motherhood, the invisible work that goes into raising kids, and how to stay engaged with the sport even when the goals and timelines look different than they did in your twenties. Finally, Molly shares more about the new pregnancy and postpartum running book she is co-writing, the research she is excited about, and her thoughts on aging, body image, and what it really means to let running “light you up,” whatever season of life you are in. Topics Discussed: Molly’s decision to run the Every Woman’s Marathon six months postpartum Using a marathon as a long training run instead of an all-out effort Balancing breastfeeding, travel, and race-day logistics with a baby and a toddler Fundraising and partnering with For All Mothers+ at the race How the Every Woman’s Marathon creates an unintimidating, women-centered race experience Postpartum training, injury history, and choosing a more cautious path back Shifting identity from full-time pro runner to part-time competitor, coach, and writer Motherhood, invisible labor, and how priorities around work and running change Body image, aging, and pressure around appearance and performance The new pregnancy and postpartum running book and current women’s health research Support Our Sponsors: Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout! Tailwind Nutrition — Complete energy, electrolytes, hydration; light taste, easy on the gut. Their recovery mix has 20g protein and the single-serve sticks make refueling simple. Code: another20 at tailwindnutrition.com for 20% off. Donna Marathon Weekend — Jacksonville, FL, February 1–2, 2025. Supports breast cancer research and families impacted by diagnosis. Register at breastcancermarathon.com and use LINDSEY10 for $10 off.