"I was going in with the mentality that I could medal even before we left. I just knew my fitness was at a different level. Yes, eighth is great and I'm happy about that, but I don't think my fitness really showed in this marathon. I think I have another level that I'm trying to bridge the gap to. But seeing them do so well, I was definitely thinking of it in the race. Kenneth was second, Grant was third, like I can go out here and medal… I know these guys, I run with these guys, I get my doors blown off by these guys, but I can go medal."

My guest for today's episode is Conner Mantz, who recently finished an impressive eighth place at the Paris Olympics Marathon with a time of 2:08:12.On a course that was as unforgiving as it was historic, Conner mixed it up with the best marathoners in the world, tackling the relentless hills and intense heat of Paris.

At mile 9, when Tamirat Tola, the eventual Olympic champion, made his first big move up one of the course’s steepest hill, Conner was right there and decided to go with him. It was a bold decision and the kind we've come to expect from Conner, who’s never been afraid to take risks in a race. Even though Tola’s second move eventually separated the field, Conner’s courage to hang with the lead pack for so long is a testament to his racing mindset.

Conner proved that he’s not just one of the top U.S. marathoners, but a true competitor on the world stage. The energy of the Parisian crowds, reflections on the work put in this training block, and the high-five he shared with Clayton right before the toughest part of the course are some of the highlights that he recounts in this episode. Plus, if you listened to our last episode, Clayton Young was bold enough to talk about going after the American record. Conner has similar thoughts!

Time Stamps:

4:49 - How Conner evaluated his success in the Olympic marathon.

5:37 - How he trained to prepare for the hilly marathon course.

9:57 - What cross training looked like while injured during his build. 

15:42 - On having one of his most consistent builds yet post-injury. 

19:28 - How he sized up his competition heading into the race.

29:49 - Watching Kenneth Rooks take silver in the steeplechase.

22:57 - Pre-race traditions. 

27:58 - Breaking down his Olympic marathon experience.

31:45 - Mid-race high-five with Clayton Young. 

35:23 - Details on the epic marathon course hill. 

38:12 - The downhill portion following the epic hill. 

44:45 - Reuniting with Clayton after the race + welcoming other finishers in. 

47:46 - The support from his friends, family, and team. 

52:17 - Setting his sights on the American record.

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Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Conner Mantz | ⁠⁠⁠@connermantz on Instagram

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