“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