🎙️ Trackstaa Podcast | Ellis Cross: Marathon Debut, Mental Strength & Coaching HOKA PB Protocol

Ellis Cross, the 2:10 marathoner and British 10k champion, opens up about the emotional and physical toll of his marathon debut in Seville, revealing that the race left him mentally shattered—so much so that he vowed never to run another marathon. Yet, just weeks later, he’s already looking forward to the next one, a testament to the mental resilience he discovered during the grueling 16-week block. He candidly shares how the marathon demanded a new level of mental strength, especially when training in brutal conditions in Flagstaff and racing just days after a major effort. His decision to drop out of the Sound event—despite the pressure to finish—wasn’t a failure but a strategic act of self-preservation, protecting future opportunities. Now, as lead coach of HOKA’s PB Protocol, Ellis leverages his firsthand experience to guide sub-elite athletes, emphasizing the power of community, mental health, and smart race management. He believes happy athletes are fast athletes, and the camaraderie built through shared training and social events is as vital as the workouts themselves.