Episode 63: Boston 2026, Berlin in the Heat, and Racing Smart When Conditions Change
Episode 63 is LIVE!
Boston 2026, Berlin in the Heat, and Racing Smart When Conditions Change
In this episode, Coach Lauren and Dr. Jordan Madigan dive into some of the biggest recent headlines and lessons in the endurance world; from the 2026 Boston Marathon qualifier update to the heat-affected Berlin Marathon 2025, and a personal look at how weather can make or break performance in even the shortest races.
The theme? Racing isn’t just about fitness… it’s about conditions, strategy, and adaptability.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Boston 2026 Qualifier Update — The Invisible Line
The Boston Marathon draws ~30,000 participants each year but demand far exceeds availability.
Nearly 9,000 runners were denied entry in 2026 despite meeting their qualifying standard (some by as little as four seconds).
Discussion on the “invisible buffer” (the time you need beyond qualifying to actually make the field).
Qualifying vs. charity spots: roughly 20% of the field is charity, sponsor, or special invite entries.
Will the upcoming downhill marathon penalties (2027) close the gap or will this invisible barrier persist?
Comparative standards from other majors. Is Boston really that hard of a standard?
Hot Take on how Coach Lauren believes the Boston Marathon should change to allow for more transparency in qualifying for the race.
Berlin Marathon 2025 — Racing in the Heat
One of the warmest Berlin Marathons on record which means slower times, more DNFs, and even reported water shortages mid-course.
Takeaways:
Even world-class races can’t control the weather.
Strategies for warm races:
Start slower
Hydrate early and often
Be strategic with electrolytes
Adjust expectations
Incorporate heat training in your plan
Racing in the Heat — Personal 5K Experience
Coach Lauren discusses her most recent 5k race experiences and how they are shaping her as an athlete and coach
Why heat hits harder in shorter races due to higher intensity and faster rise in core temperature
How much paces can actually slow due to the heat and humidity
Calls to Action
Rate & Review the podcast to help more runners find these insights!
Share this episode with your training partners, especially those racing spring marathons.
DM @thepersonalizedrunningdoc on Instagram if enjoying this long form conversational content
Check out Episode on Heat Adaptation -> https://thepersonalizedrunningdoc.com/theupandrunningpodcast/episode-36-considerations-for-continuing-to-exercise-when-sick-amp-monthly-recap-nx943-7tnj9-ey9j8-ls8ng-pzhbr-wm3bb-8cyr2-ycam4-nj8fg-5klxz-d9nxk-p8bfk-5xgr5-yrl8d-s5gd6-2fyxh-frl62