Experience the passion, grit, and community at the heart of running with this inspiring episode featuring Mario Fraioli - renowned running coach, Boston Marathon veteran, and creator of The Morning Shakeout podcast and newsletter. Mario opens up about his deep connection to the Boston Marathon, his journey from improving as a young cross country runner to building a legacy as a coach, and the lessons learned from mentors who shaped his path.
In this conversation, Mario shares advice on running, the risein marathon participation, and how consistency, community, and storytelling fuel both marathon runners and everyday athletes. Whether you’re an aspiring marathon runner, a coach, or simply love endurance races, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation to power your running journey.
What you can expect from this episode:
- Boston Marathon stories: Why running the Boston Marathon six times shaped Mario’s coaching philosophy and forged a lifelong bond with the event and community.
- Endurance, strength & coaching success: Insights into running, strength and conditioning, the critical role ofconsistency, and building relationships with marathon runners and cross country athletes.
- Behind The Morning Shakeout: The evolution of Mario’s acclaimed newsletter and podcast, thoughts on communication in the digital age, the running boom, and the power of paying it forward in coaching.
Guest Resources:
The Morning Shakeout: Website, Podcast
Mario Fraioli - Website, Coaching, Instagram
About My Guest: Mario Fraioli is an acclaimedrunning coach, writer, and six-time Boston Marathon finisher. He is the creator of The Morning Shakeout, a celebrated newsletter and podcast dedicated to running culture, coaching, and storytelling. With a background in competitivecross country and marathon running, Mario has inspired thousands through his coaching, writing, and passion for building strong, supportive running communities.
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Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:
00:00 The Boston Marathon: A Personal Connection
03:40 The Journey into Running
06:52 From Basketball to Cross Country
09:36 The Competitive Spirit in Running
12:39 Transitioning to College Running
15:56 The Influence of Coaching
18:36 Writing and Storytelling in Sports
24:59 The Journey Begins: From Small Town to Big Dreams
27:45 Seeds of Passion: The Evolution of a Coach and Writer
32:39 Learning from the Best: Mentorship and Growth in Writing
35:54 The Birth of a Coaching Career: From Passion to Practice
38:33 Consistency is Key: The Secret to Success in Running
40:35 The Morning Shakeout: Crafting a Consistent Newsletter
50:46 Building Connections Through Communication
52:44 The Intersection of Running and Music
54:25 Remembering Joe Vigil: A Coaching Legend
01:02:30 The Essence of Coaching: More Than Just Training
01:05:43 The Solitude and Community of Coaching
01:07:27 The Future of Writing: Contemplating a New Book
01:09:55 The Running Boom: Understanding Its Popularity
01:13:27 Staying Connected: The Morning Shakeout Podcast Newsletter