#227 Dakotah Popehn on Chicago, her training and her book (You think this hurts)

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIANSave on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPbOlympic marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm joins The Marathon Podcast just days before she lines up at the Chicago Marathon. She was the top American at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 12th, and is a three-time Grandma's Marathon champion.Dakotah went from a Minnesota hockey kid who finished last in her first high school mile to a Division II runner at Northern State and, eventually, one of the best marathoners in the country. She shares how she trains with Minnesota Distance Elite, why strength work has been behind some of her biggest leaps, how she has stayed healthy for so long, and what a normal marathon training week looks like for her.We also get into race week, her Chicago goal, the road to the 2028 Olympic Trials, and her upcoming book, You Think This Hurts.Kristian also shares an update on his own build for a sub-2:30 attempt in Valencia in December.In this episode:- Race week routines and her goal for Chicago- From hockey to the Olympic marathon- Qualifying for Paris and finishing 12th- Getting engaged right after the Olympic marathon- Staying consistent and injury-free for years- Training with Minnesota Distance Elite and coach Chris Lundstrom- Minnesota winters and the Norwegian training link- Strength training for runners- A full week of marathon training, including easy pace and long runs- Her book, You Think This HurtsTimestamps00:00 Cold open00:13 Welcome01:33 Kristian's training update04:18 Giveaway04:56 Saysky and sponsors05:44 Race week with Dakotah08:38 Her background09:12 From hockey to running10:32 Northern State14:19 Qualifying for the Olympics16:22 Last year's Chicago and big goals19:00 Pressure: Olympics vs majors20:26 Paris, 12th place and the proposal24:51 The book27:50 What running means to her32:09 Chicago goals37:26 Racing for top three at the Trials39:30 Why she has stayed consistent43:32 Minnesota Distance Elite50:13 Coach Chris Lundstrom52:30 Minnesota winters56:38 Strength training1:03:08 A normal training week1:09:56 Easy pace and long runs1:11:41 Pre-ordering the book1:13:05 Outrohttps://www.instagram.com/dakotahlindwurm/Her book: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/you-think-this-hurts-9781250476234/Start your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwickFull episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@WarwickrunsFollow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runsMusic from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY