“At that point, it's all about your preparation and mental game. In those last few weeks, there's not really a lot you can do to get better. I knew going in: ‘This is what I've got. I've got to bring the best out of myself.’”

Marco Arop is the reigning World champion and Olympic silver medalist in the 800 meters. Marco isn’t just one of the fastest men in the world—he’s one of the most fearless. In 2024, he clocked a blazing 1:41.20 to set the North American record and move up to No. 4 on the all-time list. Now, he’s setting his sights on breaking the seemingly untouchable 1:40.91 world record—a mission his team has dubbed ‘Project 99.’

But Marco isn’t stopping there. He’s bringing his talent and ambition to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track for its inaugural season in 2025, joining a star-studded lineup of middle-distance legends like Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse. Known for his dominance in the 800 meters, Marco will also test his limits in the 1500, pushing himself and the competition in ways we’ve never seen before.

Marco joins us to reflect on his incredible 2024 season, discuss the challenges of Grand Slam Track, and share his journey toward becoming the first man to run an 800m under 100 seconds.

Time stamps:

3:44 - Reflecting on the 2024 season

5:50 - How he timed his peak for the Olympics

7:36 - Why the 800m elevated so much in 2024

14:00 - Thoughts on racing both the 800m and 1500m for GST

17:01 - How competing in GST will benefit his race tactics

18:38 - His potential as a 1500m runner

20:39 - Thoughts on being the X factor in GST’s 800m/1500m category

21:59 - How he thinks his GST competitors will race against him

23:27 - Who he wants to see come in as a challenger for GST

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠

Guest: Marco Arop | ⁠@marco_arop on Instagram⁠

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SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION: In Spokane, Washington, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and now, Fast.. Fifth Season is hosting elite indoor track and field events all throughout January and February. All events take place at the Podium Powered by STCU, SPOCAN’s state-of-the-art indoor track facility. ⁠Learn more at SpokaneSports.com/FifthSeason⁠

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. ⁠Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia hand out end-of-year awards to cap off an incredible year of track and field. We break down the year’s biggest moments in the sport, including top athletes, world records, viral social media moments, heartbreaking losses, and standout coaches. Join us as we look back on some of the highlights of track and field in 2024.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

Time stamps:

2:20 - Athlete of the year overview

4:22 - Female athlete of the year (out of stadium)

5:37 - Male athlete of the year (out of stadium)

8:22 - Female field athlete of the year

11:39 - Male field athlete of the year

16:50 - Female track athlete of the year

26:46 - Male track athlete of the year

39:36 - Female world record of the year

43:56 - Male world record of the year

51:01 - Most entertaining athlete of the year

54:30 - Social media moment of the year

1:02:37 - Heartbreak of the year

1:06:55 - Coach of the year

1:10:40 - Junior athlete of the year

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WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“Being able to build off that 2023 year and have momentum going into 2024 is what created all those PRs, created all those achievements. It's like, ‘I did it this year – why can't I do it again?’ That was my mindset going into 2024. I'm trying to reach bigger goals in 2025 as well.”

My guest for today's episode is Caleb Dean, one of the most electrifying athletes in collegiate track and field. If you're listening to this when it gets released on Thursday morning, he's also a finalist for the Bowerman, which is the highest honor in college track and field. It's like the Heisman Trophy. The award ceremony is tonight. Caleb is one of three finalists, so in a couple of hours you'll find out whether or not he wins.

He had a remarkable 2024 season, earning the title of USTFCCCA Men's National Track Athlete of the Year and also made history as the first Division One male to win both the 60m hurdles indoors and the 400m hurdles outdoors in the same year.

At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, he delivered a jaw-dropping 47.23 in the 400m hurdles, which is the second-fastest time in NCAA history and the 11th fastest in the world all-time. He ended up finishing the year No. 4 in the world.

Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the 400m hurdles after clipping a hurdle and falling in the race. He had to stay home and watch the race. We talked a little bit about that in this episode. He managed to pull all this off after battling injuries for much of the outdoor season, making his resilience and his ability to peak when it all counts even more impressive.

We also have some news to share in this episode: he has signed on as the final racer for Grand Slam Track’s 400m and 400m hurdles group. He'll be committed to racing in Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles at the four slams next year. He shot his shot: he DM'ed CITIUS MAG, he DM'ed Kyle Merber, and he DM'ed Grand Slam Track looking for a spot in the new professional track league. And guess what? He got it. So shoot your shot, kids.

With his sights set on 2025, it's going to be a hard year to top 2024, but I'm optimistic after this conversation with Caleb.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Caleb Dean | @caleeb_dean on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:53 - His recent move to Florida

4:38 - Reflections on his 2024 season

5:42 - Excitement for joining Grand Slam Track

7:43 - What led to his improvement this year

9:36 - Thoughts on racing the 400m

14:40 - How the 400m helps with the 400m hurdles

16:49 - On redeeming himself after not making the Olympic team

18:21 - How he’s built his speed

19:13 - Why he made a coaching change

20:27 - Building his confidence

21:42 - Transitioning from college to pro track

22:43 - Goals for 2025

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WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“I would love to improve my indoor personal best. I mean, the next bar up from [4.91m] would be an indoor American record, that five-meter barrier. So you go 4.92m for a meeting record and then why not put it up to something like that? It’s a very natural increment. I would love to get that record for sure, and then hopefully a couple more.”

My guest for today’s episode is Katie Moon, an Olympic and 2x World Champion in the women’s pole vault. Moon added to her trophy case in 2024, claiming a World Indoor bronze medal and an Olympic silver. She accomplished all this despite fighting with an Achilles injury that delayed her outdoor opener until late May and affected her training all season.

In our conversation, Katie gave us some insight into her offseason, reflected on a successful yet hampered 2024 campaign, and looked forward to what’s sure to be a banner year for her in 2025.

One of the first steps for Katie next season will be a trip to The Armory to compete in her fifth Millrose Games. She shared her excitement for returning to the iconic meet and the idea that she might have something big up her sleeve come February 8th. You can get your tickets at The Armory’s website.

Host: Paul Hof-Mahoney | ⁠@pauliethrows on Instagram

Guest: Katie Moon | @ktnago13 on Instagram

Timestamps:

1:53 - Offseason breakdown
2:51 - Achilles recovery
3:40 - What pole vault running workouts look like
6:31 - Reflections on 2024 season
8:30 - Staying focused on the bigger picture in the midst of injury setbacks
11:17 - Moving to Tulsa and the shift to remote coaching
13:07 - Impact of Achilles injury on competition and training
15:15 - Refinding confidence in leadup to Paris Olympics
19:33 - Competing at her 5th Millrose Games announcement
21:03 - Goals for Millrose and indoor season
22:09 - What differentiates indoor and outdoor pole vault
24:36 - Her outlook on the long 2025 season
26:40 - What a “championship peak” looks like for a pole vaulter
28:48 - Contesting World Indoors and considerations for 2025 season
31:07 - Athlos, Grand Slam Track and opportunities to field events
33:55 - Outlook on growing the sport of track and field together
36:52 - What can she do to join the 5m club
39:36 - What makes a successful vault
41:47 - Inside look at camaraderie on international pole vault scene
44:46 - Experimental meet + innovation in pole vault
47:23 - Hypothetical “Mondo vs. Karsten” race for the women

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“Even though I wasn't winning every race against the top guys, I still had the confidence that I could win every race if I put it together. I know that if I run my race and run the best that I can, I can win against anybody. I still believe that to this day.”

Our guest for today's episode is Daniel Roberts, the Olympic silver medalist in the 110m hurdles. Over the last two years, Daniel has proven that he belongs on the global podium, grabbing bronze at the 2023 World Championships and backing it up with a hard-fought runner-up finish in Paris this past summer. He's also a three-time U.S. champion and one of just a handful of Americans to dip under the 13 second mark with a personal best of 12.96 from this year's Olympic Trials. Now he's setting his sights on the 2025 indoor season and returning to the historic Millrose Games in New York City where he'll contest the 60m hurdles.

Daniel knows a thing or two about this meet. He's a former champion from 2020 and has twice been the runner-up including earlier this year – but as he recently switched back to a seven-step approach, which he explains, he's feeling sharp and ready to make another statement on one of track and field's most iconic stages.

My guest host for this one is Anderson Emerole, who chats with Daniel Roberts about his journey to becoming a global medalist, the adjustments he's made to stay at the top, and what makes Millrose and New York City so special for him.

Host: Anderson Emerole | ⁠@atkoeme on Instagram

Guest: Daniel Roberts | @riseofdrob on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:29 - Reflections from the Paris Olympics

6:07 - The race that sticks out to him most from this season

10:12 - How he took on the mindset of an Olympic medalist

11:10 - How the Tokyo Olympics compared to Paris

17:32 - Breaking down what happens during his races

20:00 - How he chooses how often to race

22:32 - Why indoor season is important to him

23:39 - Why he’s excited to race at Millrose Games

27:05 - How he’s navigated challenges throughout his career

30:52 - Thoughts on Grand Slam Track

34:40 - How his training prepares him for races

37:20 - His mindset heading into 2025

39:22 - On starting to share his story more

43:25 - What he’s looking forward to most next season

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“What we're doing is working. Let's continue, let's be consistent, and let's not go overboard. How we got to running 7:30 is how we're going to try to win a national championship in three months. There's no reason to change anything. It's just keep on staying steady.”

My guest for today's episode is Ethan Strand, a senior at UNC. Just last weekend, Ethan ran a stunning 7:30.15 in the 3000m at the Sharon Colyear-Danville season opener at Boston University – not only smashing the NCAA record but also vaulting him to No. 4 on the all-time U.S. list. Ethan now sits alongside legends like Grant Fisher, Yared Nuguse, and Bernard Lagat.

His journey from being a 201st place finisher at his first NCAA Cross Country Championship to an Olympic Trials finalist in the 1500m and NCAA top-eight finisher just a few weeks ago in Madison, and now the fastest collegiate 3000m runner in history, is fascinating to unpack in today's episode.

We dive into his race in Boston, his dynamic training partnership with Parker Wolfe, and what's next for him as he gears up for an exciting 2025 season.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Ethan Strand | @ethan_strand

Time stamps:

3:39 - Reflections from setting the collegiate 3000m record

4:53 - Thoughts on competing over chasing times

5:40 - Training with teammate Parker Wolfe

7:08 - His relationship with Coach Chris Miltenberg

10:59 - Rebounding from outdoor season

12:40 - Learning from Coach Milt’s former athletes, like Grant Fisher

15:57 - Growing up in a running family

17:10 - How he got his start in running

20:43 - His training structure dating back to high school

21:37 - His mileage progression

26:00 - Breaking down his 3000m collegiate record

32:00 - Being among the big names of American distance running

35:56 - What’s next for indoor season

37:31 - Looking ahead to goals for next summer

39:01 - UNC’s team culture

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“Ultimately, for that Orlando race, that was more about getting my feet wet a little bit and seeing how the distance felt. Now that I know how it feels, I know that I can push harder.”

My guest for today's episode is Amanda Vestri. She's a professional runner for Brooks who trains with Zap Endurance. She's a rising star on the U.S. distance running scene who just made a stunning half marathon debut at the Orlando Half this past weekend with a blazing 1:18:12 performance that puts her at No. 13 on the U.S. all-time women's half marathon list and sets the stage for what could be an incredible road racing career ahead for her.

Amanda's path to this milestone hasn't been smooth after an injury disrupted her training just weeks before her debut. She pivoted her plans and showed remarkable adaptability and determination to test herself in Orlando. The positives for 2024 outweigh the negatives. She ran a 31:10 personal best for 10K on the track. She was the top American at the NYRR Mini 10K. Over the summer, she signed a pro contract and then took fifth at the US Olympic trials 10,000m final on the track.

In this episode, we discuss her breakthrough 2024 season and unpack some of her aspirations for Houston and beyond. We also look back at what spurred her passion to someday become a professional runner and then follow her long term vision of making the U.S. Olympic Marathon team for Los Angeles in 2028.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Amanda Vestri | @a_vestri

Time stamps:

4:20 - Reflections on her 2024 season

7:21 - How her training has evolved throughout the year

9:58 - Details on her training group (Zap Endurance)

14:33 - Plans on chasing standards + U.S. teams

17:44 - Thoughts on racing the 10K

19:52 - Her transition to the roads

24:46 - Her path to elite running

27:32 - Reflections on her college career at Iowa State + Syracuse

34:33 - How she handled getting COVID leading into the Olympic Trials

36:51 - Signing with Brooks during the Trials

40:24 - Breaking down the Olympic Trials 10,000m

45:29 - Half marathon being an underrated distance

51:13 - Details on some of her workouts + long runs

54:36 - Breaking down the race

56:33 - Goals for the Houston Half

59:34 - Fueling during the race

1:02:21 - Thoughts on moving up to the marathon

1:06:51 - Goals looking ahead to 2025

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"I had done great things in the sport before, but I had never won a medal. That was something that had tormented me and eluded me for so long. And I finally got two of them. So it feels great. It feels even better when you feel so much ownership over them. I know that it was my decision-making and risk-taking that led to those outcomes."

My guest for today's episode is U.S. Olympian and two-time bronze medalist Grant Fisher. Grant had a career-defining year in 2024, standing on the podium twice at the Paris Olympics in the 5000m and 10,000m. But true to his form, he's not content to rest on those accomplishments. He's gearing up for a new challenge in 2025 by signing on for the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track.

In this interview, he shares his thoughts on how the Grand Slam model can elevate track visibility, attract new fans, and give athletes like him more opportunities to test themselves against the best in the world. He's in a racer group that will contest a 3K and 5K against the likes of Luis Grijalva, Ronald Kwemoi and one more racer that is expected to be announced soon.

We dive into Grant's reflections on his breakout 2024 season, the lessons he's carrying into 2025, and how he's preparing for a shot at both glory and Grand Slam Track and some more hardware at the world Championships in Tokyo.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram

Time stamps:

4:08 - Where he’s at with training and racing coming off the Olympics.

5:15 - Reflections on his 2024 season.

6:42 - How he built his confidence heading into the Olympics.

7:47 - Goals for the 2025 season.

8:48 - Why he decided to sign with GST.

15:24 - Why he might have an edge over other GST racers.

17:12 - Thoughts on racing the 3K/5K double in Jamaica.

21:05 - Why fans should care about watching GST.

23:19 - Thoughts on his GST competitors, who else he wants to join.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results.⁠ Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠