Today’s guest is longtime pro Natosha Rogers, back on the show for the first time in about eight years and running her third marathon in Chicago. Natosha has an impressive and long running career so far—NCAA 10K champ in 2012, four Olympic Trials appearances on the track, and a gutsy (and very tough) marathon debut at the 2024 Trials that left her wanting a do-over. She got it this March in Nagoya, running 2:23:51—proof of concept that the marathon is her event when things go right. Since then, she’s moved back home to Colorado, shifted coaching to Steve Magness, and is leaning into a smarter, individualized approach—less ego, more wisdom—for Chicago. We get into why she now believes finishing at the Trials was a mistake, how she managed a mid-race pacing surge in Nagoya, why Chicago’s organization and pacers fit this moment in her career (and contract year), and how a balanced life—family, Denver community, mountains, coffee shops, even a little dancing—actually fuels big goals. It’s reflective, candid, and Chicago-ready—get Natosha in your tracker and enjoy the episode!

Top topics discussed:

Move back to Colorado; coaching change to Steve Magness and why
2024 Trials debrief: why finishing was a mistake and what it cost her
Nagoya marathon: mid-race pacing error, learning to “juggle variables,” and 2:23:51 redemption
Marathon wisdom: negotiating with yourself, managing heat/pace, “be a wise old lady” early
Injury context (sciatic/nerve chain), lessons on knowing when to stop
Leaving the Puma elite group; need for individualized training and life/work separation
Why Chicago: organized pacing, fast course, contract timing, field fit and top-10 aim
What she values in Steve Magness as a coach: collaboration, individualized volume, mental side of performance
Career perspective: longevity, duality of highs/lows, inspired to keep going through 2028
Life outside running: Denver community, mountains, coffee shops, dancing; writing goals/book ideas

Media mentioned:

Books: The Goldfinch (Donna Tartt), A New Earth (Eckhart Tolle), The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)

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