Olympian and professional runner Sam Parsons joins Alex Cyr on the Marathon Handbook Podcast for a deep, honest conversation about elite running, creativity, and life beyond racing. Sam reflects on his early days with Tin Man Elite and becoming one of the first elite runners to document his career on YouTube (00:00), balancing wedding planning with professional sport (04:30), and his recent Achilles injury and recovery (06:00). He discusses the realities of moving from track to road racing (14:40), why elite runners need interests beyond performance (18:30), and breaks down FAVES, the athlete-focused tech platform he’s building (20:40). The conversation also covers Sam’s work with Tracksmith (42:10), the truth about super shoes and sponsorship leverage (47:40), his decision to move from Boulder to Los Angeles (56:00), and finishes with a fast-money round and reflections on fulfillment (01:03:10).

Follow Sam Parsons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/par_sam_sons/https://www.instagram.com/par_sam_sons/

Host: Alex Cyr

Guest: Sam Parsons

Editor/Producer: A. Smithee

Special thanks to Massimo Alpian at Tracksmith

The half marathon might be the most popular race distance in the world — but is it actually the perfect running event?

In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle is joined by coaches and athletes Katelyn Tocci and Alex Cyr for a complete deep dive into the half marathon.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com

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We discuss:

• The surprising origins of the half marathon

• Why it feels more like a 10K than a marathon

• The key workouts that build half marathon fitness

• Long run guidelines for beginners vs advanced runners

• Race-week pacing strategy and the “15K wall”

• Fueling rules (when gels actually matter)

• Strength training mistakes runners make

• Best bucket list half marathons: Valencia, Copenhagen, NYC, Super Halves

• Should the half marathon be an Olympic event?

• And… what should we rename the half marathon?

Whether you're racing your first 13.1 or chasing a PR, this is your complete half marathon handbook.

Half Marathon Training Plans: https://marathonhandbook.com•

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Topics/Chapters:

0:00 Intro

0:23 Half Marathon Overview

2:06 Origins of the Half Marathon

9:35 Popularity of the Half Marathon

19:11 What Kind of Race is It? (Comparing to 10K and Marathon)

28:21 Physiology of the Half

36:33 Why the Half is Hard

41:51 Why the Half is Misunderstood

44:51 Weekly Training Structure

48:00 Key Half Marathon Workouts

53:59 Common Training Mistakes

58:06 Long Runs

1:02:01 Fueling During the Race

1:04:44 Carb Loading for a Half

1:08:59 Post-Race Recovery

1:12:27 Are Hot Tubs Overrated?

1:15:39 Travel-Worthy Half Marathons

1:23:04 Half Marathon and Olympics

1:26:29 Rebranding the Half

1:33:07 Final Thoughts on the Half

Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down the five most compelling stories in running this week — starting with one of the most bizarre marathon disqualifications ever, after a runner was spotted racing the Hong Kong Marathon with a baby strapped to his chest.

From there, they dive into Des Linden’s jaw-dropping spring race schedule, which somehow includes the Marathon des Sables, Boston, and London — all within weeks. The episode also features a standout moment from Boston’s indoor Grand Prix, where a 60-year-old grandmother ran a mile world record, plus two more historic performances on the track.

The conversation wraps with elite running politics, world record context, and a lighthearted but surprisingly thorough investigation into which marathon Harry Styles might target in 2026 — with Chicago, London, and New York all in play.

Insightful, opinionated, and deeply nerdy in the best way — this is The Running Story.

Planning Upcoming Tour Around Marathons?📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter