Search
Close this search box.

Mario Fraioli on Training for the Mile (at 40+) and Placing 3rd at the National Masters Championship

Whether you love the mile or you want to continue running into your 40’s or beyond, you’ll be inspired by this Masters runner.

Mario Fraioli is a Bay Area-based running coach who works with a number of Olympic Trials-level marathoners, top ultrarunners, and competitive age-group athletes.

Mario also writes and publishes The Morning Shakeout, a weekly email newsletter and occasional podcast that covers running and other topics that interest him.

Mario Fraioli looks at the camera in a yellow hoodie and a Boston Red Sox navy cap with a closed smile
Mario was the 3rd place finisher at the 2024 National Masters Road Mile.

Mario Fraioli is one of the most competitive Master’s runners in the USA, having run the 2023 Boston Marathon in 2:34. Just a few months prior to that, he ran an indoor mile in 4:30.

He’s also a recent 3rd place finisher at the 2024 National Masters Road Mile.

Mario is also one of my former collegiate competitors!

Mario Fraioli on Structuring a Season to Place at the National Masters Road Mile Championships

Mario and I used to compete in college running, so it’s a blast to have him on the podcast as a friend.

I chatted with Mario about the mile distance, aiming to be the fastest miler over 40 in the country, and his “in it to win it” mindset for his recent performance.

We talked about how Mario structured his pre-season, the workouts he ran, the mileage that he held for this season, tune-up races, and, of course, how the championship race went down.

In this episode, Mario Fraioli and I talk about:

  • Mario’s goal to break the 5-minute mile at age 42
  • Love for the mile: a perfect blend of speed and strength, fitness and focus
  • Returning to running after a 20-year hiatus, and the “fresh start” of turning 40
  • Preparing for the Masters Road Mile Championship with smart training
  • Earning a personal best of 4:09.2 at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic
  • Training strategies for track and field athletes, especially Masters
  • Incorporating movement prep and speed work before intense track workouts
  • Proper running form and technique during high-intensity interval workouts
  • Running volume and long runs for track athletes
  • Structuring mile workouts for Masters runners, including threshold intervals and tempo runs
  • Pacing and mental preparation for a mile race

Listen to this episode for a case study in amazing planning so you can be thoughtful in your next running goal.

Subscribe to the podcast in Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcher, or iHeartRadio.

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank you to 2Before!

We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrants designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. 

So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com.

Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

Thank you DrinkLMNT!

A big thanks to DrinkLMNT for their support of this episode! They make electrolyte drinks for athletes and low-carb folks with no sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. They are offering a free gift with your purchase at DrinkLMNT. And this does NOT have to be your first purchase. You’ll get a sample pack with every flavor so you can try them all before deciding what you like best. 

DrinkLMNT’s products have some of the highest sodium concentrations that you can find. Anybody who runs a lot knows that sodium, as well as other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, are essential to our performance and how we feel throughout the day.

If you’re not familiar, LMNT is my favorite way to hydrate. They make electrolytes for athletes and low-carb folks with no Sugar, artificial ingredients, or colors. I’m now in the habit of giving away boxes of LMNT at group runs around Denver and Boulder and everyone loves this stuff.

Boost your performance and your recovery with LMNT. They’re the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and quite a few professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams are on regular subscriptions. So check out DrinkLMNT to get a free sampler pack and get your hydration optimized for the upcoming season.

Get Stronger & Run Healthy

Join our free course to help you better prevent injuries, develop runner-specific strength, and avoid the big mistakes that get runners hurt.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email