How Olympic distance runner Graham Blanks maps victory

For professional distance runner Graham Blanks, training isn’t just about putting in the miles, it’s about making every run intentional.

A standout at Harvard University and sponsored by New Balance, Blanks is a two-time NCAA Champion who won back-to-back NCAA Division I Cross Country titles, only the 4th athlete in NCAA history to do so, and the youngest since Steve Prefontaine. He took that success to the world stage, competing in the men’s 5000m at the 2024 Olympics, where he placed 9th in the final with a time of 13:18.67.

From the winding trails of Flagstaff to the streets of Paris, Blanks has learned that where he runs matters just as much as how he runs. His secret weapon? Footpath, a mapping tool that helps him plan routes with precision, turning every training session into a well-calibrated effort.

From NCAA Championships to the Olympics

Blanks first discovered Footpath during a gap year between high school and his first year at Harvard while training in Flagstaff, Arizona. With limited time at altitude, he and his teammates needed to maximize their training by choosing the right routes. That experience convinced him of the value of planning ahead, and he’s carried that lesson into racing at the highest levels.

Before his two NCAA Cross Country Championship victories, Blanks mapped out the course weeks in advance, studying elevation changes, turns, and straightaways.

“Since every cross country course is unique, it’s extremely helpful to know the course in advance before race day. Usually our team would arrive a day in advance before the race so that we could run the course, but sometimes this wasn’t the case. In that scenario, I would use Footpath to plot the course and get a good idea of where certain hills and turns are, or even how long the straightaway to the finish is.”

Click to see the route Graham mapped of the 2024 NCAA XC Championship course in Madison, Wisconson.

The same approach carried over to his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he used Footpath to create training routes that allowed him to stay on track in the unfamiliar French city.

A runner’s love for exploration

There’s a fine line between adventure and inefficiency. There’s nothing worse than heading out on what you think will be a perfect loop, only to realize halfway through that you’re stuck on a dead-end road or climbing a brutal hill you weren’t expecting.

Blanks explains, “Planning my running routes ahead using Footpath allows me to train at the highest level in new places while also giving me the information beforehand that’s imperative for my training, such as the distance of a loop or the elevation gain. Without these tools, I would have to limit my training routes to areas I already know and would never get to experience the amazing places the world offers for running.”

He’s had his fair share of unplanned detours. But with Footpath, he’s able to balance exploration with preparation, ensuring that every run serves a purpose.

Mapping the perfect training run

Blanks’ approach to training is strategic. Every day has a specific goal, and route selection plays a crucial role in making sure he hits his targets.

A 20-mile long run? He looks for a stretch of uninterrupted dirt road to stay in rhythm. A tempo session? A shorter measured loop where he can get splits and feedback throughout the workout. Speed work? A flat, fast course where he can push his limits without elevation getting in the way.

“Taking the time to plan ahead using Footpath truly makes these runs much more pleasant, removing the stress of navigation and knowing what’s ahead.”

Finding inspiration in the map

Even the most dedicated runners sometimes struggle with motivation. For Blanks, mapping out a new route is often the spark that gets him out the door.

Believe it or not, sometimes I don’t have an abundance of motivation to go for a run. Using Footpath, I can plan out new routes in a city I’ve run in thousands of times, bringing a sense of excitement to a run that can get me out the door. I don’t take for granted the ability of a new route to spark inspiration in my training.

Some routes, however, don’t turn out as expected. One memorable Footpath discovery came when he was searching for the most efficient warm-up to Chestnut Hill, where his team did tempo runs. “I found what looked like a perfect shortcut—only to realize it was just a 15-yard dirt road behind a KFC. Somehow, it’s now part of our team’s regular warm-up.”

The advice he’d give to every runner

Blanks believes route planning isn’t just for elites. Whether you’re training for a 5K or an ultra, he encourages runners to use mapping tools to enhance their experience. “I would highly recommend using Footpath to bring some spice into your training by creating new routes to get your runs in. Additionally, plotting your race courses beforehand can help prepare you even better for race day.” Footpath makes workouts more effective and every race more strategic.

If he could take Footpath anywhere? “St. Moritz, Switzerland. It’s the best place I’ve ever run in, hands down, and Footpath allowed me to best enjoy the many routes and trails this beautiful city had to offer.”

Click to see one of Graham’s favorite runs out of St. Moritz.

From elite competitions to everyday training runs, Footpath has become an essential part of Blanks’ journey. Because in running, just like in life, the right path makes all the difference.

---

Footpath is thrilled to partner with Graham Blanks as our first-ever sponsored athlete! Catch our full interview with Graham now on YouTube.

Download Footpath from the App Store or Play Store and start leveling up your own training today.