Susanna Sullivan On Why This Year’s Boston Marathon Feels Different + Getting Her Top 10 Streak Back
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In this episode of The CITIUS MAG Podcast, host Chris Chavez sits down with elite marathoner Susanna Sullivan ahead of the 2026 Boston Marathon. Sullivan reflects on her breakthrough 2025 season, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in Tokyo—a result that marked a pivotal shift in her mindset and confidence. She discusses the physical and mental toll of racing in quick succession at New York and London, the importance of recovery, and how her partnership with coach Andrew Gerrard has evolved over six years. With a renewed focus on Boston’s challenging hills and downhills, Sullivan shares her intentional training buildup, including a recent 15K run from the start to the finish line to recalibrate her course feel. She also reveals the excitement of being deeply involved in Brooks’ innovation process, from shoe development to athlete feedback, and reflects on a surprising track 5K experiment that taught her valuable lessons about overconfidence. As she prepares for a race that feels like her first Boston despite having run it before, Sullivan’s goal is clear: to be in the mix with 5K to go and reclaim her streak of top-10 finishes at major marathons.
Train for Boston not just in miles, but in specific hill and downhill work—intentional course-specific preparation is key.
Mindset shifts from 'trying to be in the top 10' to 'believing you can be in medal contention' can transform race performance.
Recovery is part of the training process—don’t skip the rest, especially after back-to-back major races.
Being involved in product development (like Brooks’ Hyperion Elite shoes) gives athletes a deeper connection to their gear and performance.
Use real course simulations (like Wahoo Kicker Run) to rehearse Boston’s terrain at home before race day.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor: X Endurance Protein for Recovery
Chris Chavez introduces X Endurance Protein, highlighting its four-protein blend, BCAAs, electrolytes, and stomach-friendly formula. He shares his personal mix and promotes a 25% discount code for listeners.
Listener Love & Show Gratitude
“There's something wild about thinking that the timing of everything lining up, that my voice might be in someone's headphones while they're unknowingly sharing miles in the same park as me.”
Susanna’s 2025 Breakthrough: Tokyo & Mindset Shift
“I just had never really, I think, truly considered that I could end up in the medals.”
The 2025 Season: Lessons from London, New York, and Recovery
Sullivan breaks down her 2025 season, including a disappointing London race due to illness and heat, a strong but tiring New York finish, and the importance of rest and recovery. She emphasizes that a bad race doesn’t erase a season of progress.
The Coach Relationship: Andrew Gerrard & Long-Term Growth
Sullivan details her six-year partnership with coach Andrew Gerrard, highlighting his athlete-centered approach, deep communication, and ability to adapt training based on her responses. She credits him with helping her find her ideal training balance.
“I just had never really, I think, truly considered that I could end up in the medals.”
“There's something wild about thinking that the timing of everything lining up, that my voice might be in someone's headphones while they're unknowingly sharing miles in the same park as me.”
“I would really love to find myself at 5K, 8K to go, like feeling like I'm still competing for, for one of the top spots.”
Host
Guest
Susanna Sullivan
person
Chris Chavez
person
Boston Marathon
other
Andrew Gerrard
person
Brooks
brand
X Endurance
brand
Tokyo World Championships
other
Wahoo Fitness
brand
New York City Marathon
other
Olipop
brand
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