What a week! Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after testing positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

What you need to know: The positive test came from a 14 March sample, with results showing 3,800 ng/mL of HCTZ — far above the WADA threshold of 20 ng/mL. HCTZ is not a performance enhancer, but is banned at all times for its use as a masking agent. Chepngetich initially chose a voluntary provisional suspension on 19 April, after being notified of the result on 16 April. On July 21, the AIU issued a formal charge and imposed its own provisional suspension as the investigation continues. Chepngetich made headlines last October when she shattered the marathon world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon with a stunning 2:09:56, besting Tigst Assefa’s 2023 mark by nearly two minutes.

In this episode, Eric and Aisha discuss:

– Andy Byron, CEO of billion-dollar AI company Astronomer, has resigned following a viral kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert

– What Ruth Chepngetich's 2:09:56 ruined for other athletes, future standards, etc.

– Kenya has a doping problem with more than 100+ athletes currently serving doping bans

– What can World Athletics or other entities do about Federico Rosa and his track record with past athletes testing positive for banned substances

– Eric and Aisha's personal experience with how doping has impacted their belief in extraordinary performances

– Why Ruth Chepngetich will hold onto the marathon world record

– Aisha on pacing Ruth Jebet's 8:52.78 world record in the steeplechase in 2016

– London Diamond League: Gudaf Tsegay Runs 4:11 For The Mile; Emmanuel Wanyonyi looks good; Who the hell is Phanuel Koech?! Oblique Seville beats Noah Lyles in the 100m

– Catching up on a few other results: Happy for Drew Hunter

– Voicemail: Build the best 1500m runner based on speed, aura, mentality and strength | A fantastic question about toothbrushes

📞 Call in to (856) 279-0080‬ to leave us a voicemail with any question you may have, whether it's running-related or not.

Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow the show on Spotify to stay up-to-date with all the latest episodes.

Follow your hosts on Instagram:

🗣️ Follow Eric Jenkins: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_ericjenkins⁠⁠⁠⁠

🗣️ Follow Aisha Praught-Leer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aishapraughtleer

🐝 ☕️ Presented by Beekeeper Coffee – Beekeeper Coffee is bringing a new voice to coffee with its delicious cold brews made from premium Honduran beans and a drop of pure organic honey sourced from TrackTown USA (Eugene, Ore.) - they are available in four latte flavors - Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Horchata - as well as a Black cold brew. Follow them @beekeepercoffee. Get 25% off your online orders at BeekeeperCoffee.com or on Amazon using code CITIUS25.

Content warning: This podcast includes some discussion around disordered eating. If you are struggling with an eating disorder and are in need of support, please call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. For a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741.

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This week's episode has RANGE and these show notes read like Page 1 of a message board.

– How Eric and Aisha dealt with pre-race anxiety

– Aisha explains the Tour De France in track and running terms and how she became a huge cycling fan

– Eric reviews Justin Bieber’s new album

– How Beekeeper Coffee is saving Aisha

– Liverking is having a public meltdown and threatening to kill Joe Rogan

– Mac’s comments about Jakob made headlines in Norway

– Current events: The Epstein files, Texas floods and more.

– Monaco Diamond League recap

– Remembering why the 2012 London Olympic 800m final is incredible + Nick Symmonds’ mental cheat code

– Noah Lyles’ huge win and why the sport is better with him in it

– Not enough people are talking about Nelly Chepchirchir

– Addy Wiley breaks the American record and why the story and connection with the Johnsons remains an issue

– Ozempic and performance-enhancing drugs

– Eric opens up about his eating disorder during his professional running career

– An Alberto story you don’t want to miss

– Sound Running’s Sunset Tour

– Voicemail: Is it harder to run with 10 pounds on your chest or 5 pounds on your feet?

Call in to (856) 279-0080‬ to leave us a voicemail with any question you may have, whether it's running-related or not.

Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow the show on Spotify to stay up-to-date with all the latest episodes.

Follow your hosts on Instagram:

🗣️ Follow Eric Jenkins: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_ericjenkins⁠⁠⁠⁠

🗣️ Follow Aisha Praught-Leer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aishapraughtleer

🐝 ☕️ Presented by Beekeeper Coffee – Beekeeper Coffee is bringing a new voice to coffee with its delicious cold brews made from premium Honduran beans and a drop of pure organic honey sourced from TrackTown USA (Eugene, Ore.) - they are available in four latte flavors - Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Horchata - as well as a Black cold brew. Follow them @beekeepercoffee. Get 25% off your online orders at BeekeeperCoffee.com or on Amazon using code CITIUS25.