Road to the Trials

Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka are joined by one of the most respected and generous voices in the sport, Stephanie Bruce, on this episode of Road to the Trials.Stephanie joined the show during a busy weekend surrounding the California International Marathon, where she played a pivotal role as both mentor and pacer. Through the Tracksmith Stamata team, Stephanie spent the weekend supporting and mentoring a group of women targeting times from sub-2:30 to sub-2:50. On race day, she served as the official pacer for the women’s Olympic Trials Qualifying group, helping guide dozens of athletes through the early and middle miles of CIM.What makes the weekend even more remarkable is the timeline. Just one day earlier, Stephanie raced at the USA Cross Country Championships in Portland, placing 14th in a gritty effort. Less than 24 hours later, she lined up at CIM and ran 20 miles at OTQ pace in service of others.In this conversation, Lindsey and Peter talk with Stephanie about:Mentorship through the Tracksmith Stamata programWhat it means to pace an OTQ group and put others’ goals firstBalancing elite competition, coaching, and motherhoodLongevity in the sport and continuing to show up at the highest levelWhy investing in women at every stage of the journey mattersA mom of three, coach, retreat host, and multiple-time national champion, Stephanie brings perspective, humility, and deep care for the running community. This episode highlights the work that often happens behind the scenes and the people who make moments like CIM possible for so many athletes.We 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, Peter Bromka sits down with Amanda Mosborg, whose rise in the marathon over the past year and a half has been nothing short of remarkable. Amanda ran her first marathon at Grandma’s with a 2:47, followed it up with a breakthrough 2:37 at the Boston Marathon, and then capped off the year by running 2:31 to win the Indy Monumental Marathon. A former Division III runner who later competed at Northwestern using her extra eligibility, Amanda shares her perspective on steady progression, embracing endurance sports beyond running, including nordic skiing, and keeping the sport fun even while pushing her limits. This is a thoughtful and motivating conversation with an athlete who clearly loves the process as much as the results.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, 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.