
Show Notes
In this episode, we are joined by Des Linden and Magda Boulet, who recount their adventure competing at the Marathon des Sables—a seven-day, 168-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert! This conversation focuses on the science of training, adaptability, and how runners respond under stress.
Des Linden represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in the women’s marathon. In 2018, she became the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon. She holds the women’s 50K world record of 2:59:54, set in 2021.
Magdalena Lewy-Boulet represented the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Marathon. She’s winner of the Western States Endurance Run (2015) and winner of the 2018 Marathon des Sables. Born in Poland, she immigrated to the U.S. and became a citizen in 2001. She is a sports scientist and President of GU Energy Labs.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Speak with a MTA Running Coaching about your goals! We are here to help you get to the next level.
Drink AG1 -powerful, clinically-backed drink that fills common nutrient gaps and supports a healthy immune system—all in just one scoop.
Altra Running -Altra shoes are designed with the Altra Fit, with room for your toes for comfort, balance, and strength. Use code MTA10 for 10% off. And Stay Out There with Altra.
IQBAR brain and body-boosting bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Their Ultimate Sampler Pack includes all three! Get 20% off plus FREE shipping. Just text “MTA” to 64000.
Find Des Linden @des_linden and find Magna Boulet @runboulet and GuEnergyLabs
More from Marathon Training Academy
In this episode we play an interview we did with actor Sean Astin. Sean has completed 13 marathons and the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He’s a great storyteller and very open about his struggles as a runner.
In this episode, we speak with ultra-runner Careth Arnold about her meteoric rise in the ultra-running world, her racing highlights, and the deep connection between faith and endurance.
In this episode we speak with Brad Stulberg author of the book, ‘The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World‘.
In this episode Coach Angie answers a question sent in by a listener from Ontario, Canada, who had a disappointing marathon due to severe cramping. What went wrong and how does one process a disappointing race?
In this episode we speak with Rafael Hidalgo who shares how endurance running can rewire your brain and transform your life. Rafael, who completed the 110 mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2023, believes the race’s most meaningful story lies not at the front of the pack, but at the back—and deserves to be told. He unpacks this philosophy in his book, The Pain Cave: Start With Where, Not With Why.