Yeman Crippa discusses New York Marathon training and post-race depression

Italian long-distance runner Yeman Crippa secured a second-place finish at the 2026 New York City Marathon, clocking a time of 2:06:14. After hitting rock bottom last year, Crippa noted on November 1, 2026, ora posso giocarmela con tutti.

The race was won by 31-year-old Swedish engineer Andreas Almgren. Almgren’s victory in New York concluded a historic 72-day stretch for the Swede, during which he achieved a “triple” of major athletic performances across track, half-marathon, and marathon distances between August 15 and November 1. Crippa acknowledged the strength of his competitor, noting that Almgren won the half-marathon world title last September in 58 minutes and that, comparing their personal bests, Almgren was 30 seconds faster than him. Almgren is considered part of a new trend in world distance running shifting toward Northern Europe.

Yeman Crippa enjoys the podium at the New York Marathon: "It was my first major race"

The Training Demands of a Marathoner

Preparing for a major marathon requires a volume of work that Crippa describes as physically and mentally taxing. In an interview with Fanpage, the Italian athlete detailed a routine that involves running 30 kilometers daily during peak preparation phases. This typically consists of a morning session of 18 to 20 kilometers, followed by a shorter 10 to 12-kilometer run in the afternoon. On days incorporating gym work, his mileage is adjusted downward to account for the intensity of strength training. From Monday to Friday, he performs two training sessions per day, while Saturdays and Sundays are limited to one. He decided to transition from the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events to the marathon at the end of 2022, sensing his physique was better suited for longer distances.

Crippa noted that while he cannot simulate the full 42.195 km distance in every training session, he incorporates a “long run” every two weeks, with five or six such runs over the course of a preparation phase, ranging from 30 up to a maximum of 40 kilometers. During these simulations, he maintains a pace approximately 10 seconds slower per kilometer than his intended race speed.

Maratona New York: Yeman Crippa 2°, vince lo svedese Almgren#SkySport #Crippa #NYMarathon #Atletica https://t.co/yqIR0e9O8X

— https://x.com/SkySport/status/2116933409448825206

Managing the Psychological Toll of Competition

Beyond the physical exertion, Crippa highlighted the significant mental health challenges that follow a major race. He spoke openly about “post-marathon blues,” a documented phenomenon where athletes experience a sharp drop in focus and motivation once the singular goal of a race is removed. After dedicating months of daily preparation to a specific event, the sudden disappearance of that structure can lead to feelings of emptiness, leaving the athlete feeling drained more mentally than physically.

The subsequent days often bring a period of sadness, particularly if the result was disappointing; according to Crippa, when a race goes badly, the sadness is carried for a long time.

Yeman Crippa discusses New York Marathon training and post-race depression — Photo: La Gazzetta dello Sport

Refining Race Day Logistics

Success at the elite level relies on a detailed support structure. Crippa works with his coach Massimo Pegoretti and his manager Gianni Demadonna, with the support of the Federazione, in a meticulous effort on every detail. He also relies on his father Roberto and his partner Sofia. When discussing the role of modern technology, Crippa acknowledged that if the shoe can help the athlete, all the better. He stated that as long as World Athletics enforces established limits on shoe technology, he views these advancements as a standard evolution in athletic performance, similar to improvements in nutritional gels or apparel that makes you sweat less and move better.

Looking ahead, Crippa plans to remain in the United States for a brief period, with travel scheduled for Philadelphia, Washington, and Florida. His immediate future includes a half-marathon followed by a fast marathon in the spring, as he builds toward the World Championships in Beijing next September and looks toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Crippa, who turned 30 in 2026, previously won the Paris Marathon earlier this year.