In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael, Alex, and Katelyn dive into the surprisingly complex art of race selection. Whether you’re mapping out your fall marathon calendar or choosing your first 50K, this conversation breaks down the key considerations every runner should weigh before hitting “register.”
The team shares their personal experiences — from running too many races in one season (14:20) to choosing a race just because it’s close to home (11:00) — and offers practical advice on how to choose races that fit your fitness, life schedule, and goals.
They explore different motivations like chasing PRs (08:00), destination races and bucket list events (16:30), and races that play to your strengths (21:00). You’ll also get a comprehensive checklist of factors to consider: course profile, elevation, travel logistics, weather, start time, and more (27:00).
Plus, the hosts draft their ultimate fall race lineups in a global “Race Draft” featuring iconic races across all distances and terrains (52:10). Whether you’re building a season around a marathon, an ultra, or a fast 10K, this episode will help you make smarter, more satisfying decisions about where — and why — you race.
🎧 Listen to the Marathon Handbook Podcast wherever you get your podcasts — and now in video on Spotify and YouTube.
🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on the latest training insights, race analysis, and gear reviews.
🗞 Sign up for our daily running newsletter: https://www.marathonhandbook.com/newsletter
📱 Follow us on socials @marathon.handbook
#RunningTips #MarathonTraining #ChooseYourRace #TrailRunning #RacePlanning #RunningPodcast #MarathonHandbook #FallRacePlanning #HalfMarathon #Ultrarunning #RunningMistakes #HowToChooseARace
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.