Episode 684: Andrew Colley on New Fatherhood, the 25K National Title, and Chasing the Marathon Breakthrough

Andrew Colley joins me on the podcast after winning the USATF 25K Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just six weeks after he and his wife Tristan welcomed their daughter Lily June into the world. We talk about balancing newborn life with training, racing at a high level while sleep deprived, and the excitement of finally seeing years of consistent work continue to pay off. Andrew is a 2:09 marathoner, a three-time Team USA World Cross Country representative, and a longtime member of the ZAP Endurance team under coach Pete Rea. We talk about his recent marathon PR in Seville, why he feels there’s still a much bigger breakthrough coming, and what’s changed in his approach to the marathon over the years. We also get into life after sponsorship changes, staying patient through the ups and downs of professional running, and what motivates him as both an athlete and now a new dad. Plus, because Tristan and Lily June came over too, this episode includes some laughs, baby snuggles, and a very real in-person conversation that felt more like hanging out than recording a podcast. Topics Discussed: Adjusting to life as new parents with baby Lily June Winning the 2026 USATF 25K Championships Racing Seville Marathon and feeling capable of a breakthrough Training consistency after years of injuries and setbacks Underfueling, body image struggles, and disordered eating in men’s running Mental health, vulnerability, and pressures within professional running Training with NC State athletes and life in Raleigh Sponsorship uncertainty after ZAP Endurance and navigating the business side of pro running Olympic Trials goals and believing in yourself at the highest level Sobriety, addictive personality traits, and lessons from past mistakes The infamous cheesecake story at Club Cross Country Nationals Favorite recovery routines, TV shows, and fantasy books Advice for young runners about confidence and self-belief Books