Sports
Marathon Stories: Júnior Double and Ed Silva on Stemma
The runners discuss amateur performance, running double marathons, mental strategies, and in-race fueling.
Júnior Double and Ed Silva share their 26.2-mile experiences in an open conversation about training routines, resilience, and behind-the-scenes stories of running. The episode covers everything from extreme double-marathon challenges to chasing elite amateur PRs.
The 26.2-mile distance presents challenges ranging from chasing qualifying times to enduring extreme tests of physical and mental stamina. In an episode of the Stemma Podcast hosted by Fábio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, ultramarathoner Júnior Double and competitive amateur runner Ed Silva break down the key aspects of preparation, the running industry, and the marathon experience.
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Project Boston 130 Book and the Boston Marathon Experience
Júnior Double details the creation of his collaborative book featuring 45 contributors, bringing together stories of runners striving for a qualifier alongside multi-time race finishers. Meanwhile, Ed Silva reflects on his Boston debut during the brutal 2018 edition, defined by freezing rain, gale-force winds, and massive dropouts across both amateur and elite fields.
Ed Silva's Running Journey and Evolution to a 2:29 Marathon
Ed Silva shares how he took up running through a corporate wellness program in 2008 and how structured coaching under MPR helped him pursue elite times. The amateur runner traces his progression from breaking the sub-3-hour barrier to clocking a personal best of 2:29 at the Valencia Marathon.
The Origins of Júnior Double's Back-to-Back Marathon Project
With over a hundred marathons and dozens of ultras under his belt, Júnior Double explains how he first conceived running the full distance before the official start of a race—sparked by a logistical issue at the Rio Marathon. The endeavor grew into a structured project to double major marathons worldwide, drawing media coverage and inspiring a trilogy of books.
The Growth and Professionalization of the Road Running Market
The guests examine the expansion of corporate running and the surge in race events across Brazil, which expanded from seven major marathons in 2008 to over one hundred today. The conversation explores event financial viability, athlete experience, and the operational hurdles faced by race organizers.
Weekly Mileage, Work Routines, and the Value of Strength Training
The technical discussion centers on balancing weekly mileage with performance for amateur athletes who balance full-time careers with training. Ed Silva and Júnior Double share insights from training stints in Kenya, the critical role of recovery, and how Pilates and strength training build injury resilience and consistency.
The Dangers of Instant Gratification and Comparison in Running
Social media pressures and rushing into longer distances are highlighted as common culprits behind injuries and burnout in new runners. The guests advocate for honoring the gradual, individual process of athletic development, emphasizing that the sport must remain sustainable and centered on long-term health.
Mental Strategies to Tackle the Crucial Moments of the Race
The grueling final miles of a marathon and the cumulative fatigue require strong psychological tools. Ed Silva describes his tactic of breaking the course into 5K segments using manual lap splits, while Júnior Double stresses the power of an unwavering focus on the finish line to push through physical breakdowns.
Z2 Moment: Personal Growth and Emotional Ties to the Sport
Ed Silva and Júnior Double reflect on defining moments in their lives tied to the loss of their parents and the lasting emotional impact of those events. Their stories reveal how grief and hardship were transformed into mental resilience, grit, and deeper purpose through running.
Fueling Strategies and Carbohydrate Intake During a Marathon
The guests share their nutrition strategies for meeting the immense energy demands of racing 26.2 miles fast. The discussion covers taking energy gels every 20 to 25 minutes, the importance of gut training, and using sodium and electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration and late-race fatigue.
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