Alistair Cragg, coach of Puma Elite

In this episode, we chat with Alistair Cragg, coach of the highly successful Puma Elite Running team based in the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Cragg was a 3-time Irish Olympian with a lifetime best of 13:03 for 5000 meters. His wife and co-coach, Amy Hastings Cragg, represented the U.S. in the 2016 Olympic Marathon after winning the Olympic Marathon Trials that year. 

In February, 2024, Puma runner Fiona O'Keeffe won the Marathon Trials in Orlando in her very first marathon (she qualified with a fast half-marathon time. In early 2025, Puma runners continued to excel on the roads.

At the USA Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, both Taylor Roe and Alex Maier took the individual titles. Roe subsequently ran an eye-popping 49:53 in the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile, while Maier won the Dusseldorf Marathon in 2:08:33.

Meanwhile O'Keeffe has healed from the injury that sidelined her at the Paris Olympics, and is training hard again. In our conversation with Alistair Cragg, he said that he could see her getting down to 2:15 in the marathon.

Podcast segments include:

Introduction to Alistair Cragg

01:26

Life as a Co-Coach and Family Man

04:41

Building the Puma Elite Running Team

06:10

Spotlight on Fiona O'Keeffe

12:16

Challenges at the Paris Olympics

19:05

The Future of Puma Athletes

25:31

Fiona's Journey and Team Dynamics

27:38

Success of Male Athletes in Dusseldorf

28:45

Alex Maier's Potential and Training Philosophy

31:27

The Impact of Shoe Technology on Performance

36:07

Balancing Training and Injury Prevention

39:56

Training Philosophy and Building Strength

46:25

The State of Distance Running

49:44

Puma is now claiming to have the world's fastest running shoe. Its athletes appear to be equally fast.

For more about the Puma Elite runners, check out PumaEliteRunning.com and follow the team on Instagram.

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:26 marathon runner.

Lisa Weidenbach Rainsberger

In this episode of “Running: State of the Sport,” Lisa Weidenbach Rainsberger reflects on her Boston Marathon win 40 years ago in 1985. She also traces the amazing arc of her running career from All American swimmer to college track star to youthful marathon standout.

Lisa is widely known for her three consecutive fourth-place finishes in the Olympic Trials Marathon, but she doesn’t shed any tears over these disappointments. Instead, she celebrates the many positive aspects of her long racing and coaching career. 

She also discusses how she and her daughter, Katie, negotiated a healthy mother-daughter, coach-athlete relationship. This is a big story in running now, due to the highly publicized Ingebrigtsen family lawsuit in Norway.

Some highlights moments in the podcast

00:00

Celebrating a Marathon Legend

10:00

Lisa's Journey: From Swimming to Running

13:20

The Boston Marathon Experience

16:13

Olympic Trials and Career Highlights

19:02

Transitioning from Swimming to Running

22:20

Coaching Insights and Modern Training

25:04

The Evolution of Running Technology

28:04

Reflections on Female Sports and Future Aspirations

51:07

Lisa Rainsberger: A Journey Through Running

53:21

Coaching Dynamics: The Parent-Child Relationship in Sports

56:13

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:26 marathon runner.

John Cahill, 101 Yrs Old

 

In this episode of the podcast "Running: State of the Sport," hosts Amby Burfoot and George Hirsch interview John Cahill, a remarkable centenarian runner who shares his inspiring journey from starting to run at age 62 to completing marathons in his 70s and 80s. He ran a 3:05 marathon at 72 and continued to race into his 90s.

Cahill discusses his early life, health challenges, and the joy of running, emphasizing the importance of staying active and engaged in various activities. His philosophy of 'keep moving' resonates throughout the conversation. Cahill offers valuable insights into aging, motivation, and living a full life.

"I enjoy almost everything that I do," he says. "I have led a charmed life."

Key Points (minutes into Cahill interview)

00:00

Introduction to John Cahill: A Centenarian Runner

03:03

John's Journey into Running

06:01

Overcoming Health Challenges

09:05

Marathon Achievements and Training Regimen

12:09

Early Life and Sports Background

14:55

Military Service and Its Impact

18:00

Transition from Law to Ski Lodge Owner

20:57

Reflections on Aging and Motivation

23:50

Travel Adventures and Life Philosophy

27:00

Final Thoughts and Wishes for the Future

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:26 marathon runner.

Bobbi Gibb Interview

Card by Andrew Yelenak

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1966. She shares her experiences of training, the journey to Boston, and the emotional impact of crossing the finish line, all while challenging societal norms and advocating for women's rights in sports.

Gibb also discusses her journey beyond running--including her artistic endeavors and the challenges she faced as a woman in various fields. Bobbi always emphasizes the importance of individual passion and the need for a peaceful, cooperative world.

Podcast Chapters (indicated times from beginning of Gibb Interview)

00:00

Introduction to a Trailblazer

01:05

Bobby's Early Years and Running Journey

02:15

The 1965 Boston Marathon Experience

07:05

Facing Rejection and Finding Motivation

15:20

The Decision to Run in 1966

17:23

The Journey to Boston

21:16

The Marathon Experience Begins

25:00

Crossing the Finish Line and Its Impact

30:37

Breaking Barriers: Bobbi Gibb's Historic Run

35:22

The Press and Public Reaction: A New Era for Women

38:17

Persistence and Recognition: Bobbi's Continued Impact

42:56

Art and Legacy: Bobbi's Sculptures and Contributions

47:45

Facing Discrimination: Bobbi's Journey Beyond Running

53:36

A Vision for the Future: Bobbi's Hopes for Humanity

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."

With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.

Apple

Spotify

Audible

Pandora

I Heart Radio

YouTube

"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels.

"Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:26 marathon runner.