What actually separates elite runners from everyone else? Is it fitness? Mileage? Genetics? Or is it something less obvious – like the ability to make the right decision, at the right moment, under pressure?

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, Kayla and Anya sit down with Olympian and 2:05 marathoner, Zouhair Talbi, fresh off running 59:41 at the United Airlines NYC Half and finishing as the top American.

This episode isn’t just about chasing results, it’s about what actually happens inside the race: the instincts, decisions, and split-second calls that ultimately shape performance.

Watch or listen to the full episode to hear Zouhair Talbi's insights.

One of the most interesting themes in this conversation is how early elite runners begin making decisions. For Zouhair, it starts almost immediately. Within the first mile or two, he’s already asking: How is my body responding today? Is this a day to push - or survive?

That early feedback changes everything. Some days, he knows he can be aggressive. Other days, the goal shifts to simply managing the race. It’s a reminder that even at the highest level, performance isn’t just about sticking to a plan – it’s about adapting to what your body is telling you in real time.

There’s a moment Zouhair describes from the half that captures elite racing perfectly.

Late in the race, a decisive move is made. At that point, there’s no hesitation, just a decision: Follow… or don’t. Zouhair chooses to go, not because it’s safe – but because he recognises it as the move that matters.

But what’s interesting is that this approach isn’t always the same.

In a marathon, he explains, the strategy shifts completely. Following the wrong move too early can cost you everything later.Which raises a question most runners don’t often think about: When should you trust the pack – and when should you trust yourself?

Another theme that comes through clearly is how different race distances demand completely different thinking.

In the half marathon, you can take risks, you can surge, you can recover from small mistakes. But in the marathon? Everything changes. There’s less room for error. More variables to manage. And far more consequences if you get it wrong: Fueling. Pacing. Course profile. Energy management.

Zouhair describes the marathon as something you have to stay in control of for the entire race – not just moments of it.

For many runners, there’s a belief that more mileage = better performance.

Zouhair challenges that. Yes, he runs high mileage – often over 100 miles per week.

But he’s quick to point out something important: That only works because his entire life is structured around recovery.

​Listen to the full conversation for the important details behind this topic.

You don’t need to be running a 2:05 marathon to take something from this conversation! This episode is for:

If you’ve ever wondered how elite runners actually think during a race - and what you can take from it – this is the episode to listen to right now.

Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the full conversation.