Episode 128 Martin Dugard and The Long Run

In this episode, Paul and Alison welcome Martin Dugard, author of 'The Long Run: The Decade That Made Marathons Cool.' The book delves into the 1970s running boom in America and its global impact, featuring key figures like Frank Shorter and Joan Benoit. Martin shares insights into how marathon running transformed from a niche activity into a mainstream sport, fostering a culture of endurance events.

During the discussion, Martin highlights how the 1972 Olympics and Shorter's historic win played a significant role in changing public perception. With a focus on accessibility, Martin notes that running became a bucket-list challenge for many, contributing to a remarkable growth in participation.

Paul and Alison also reflect on recent events, including listener feedback about VO2 max and marathon preparations. They celebrate listener race achievements and share updates on upcoming running events. The episode concludes with insightful takeaways from Martin's experiences both as an author and a coach, emphasizing the joy of running and its lasting impact on individuals.