The Drop

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe, and Meaghan give you the skinny on a surprise shoe from adidas, the 4DFWD (9:43), before talking about the thousands of runners who will be left out of the Boston Marathon in 2021 and what the future holds for the legendary race (14:53). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by ASICS athlete Emma Bates. They talk about learning to love running in Colorado, her joining Team Boss in Boulder, transitioning from road races to the track, the Marathon Project, and much more (31:25). 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe, and Meaghan preview one of the best trainers of 2021, the new ASICS Novablast 2 (7:28) before talking about the upcoming Blue Jean Mile (15:39). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by ultrarunner and podcaster Dylan Bowman. They talk about his journey in running on trails across the country, placing third at Leadville, evolving the sport to the next generation, and some of his training philosophies (20:02). Dylan hosts The Pyllars podcast.

Pyllars Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pyllars-podcast-with-dylan-bowman/id1492327668

Download the app: https://www.pyllars.com/about

Wings for Life World Run: https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en?viewerCountry=US

IG: @dylanbo

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan recap Eliud Kipchoge's win at the NN Mission Marathon in the Netherlands (13:40) before Robbe gives listeners the rundown on a few trail shoes that BITR reviewers are loving, including the adidas Terex Speed Ultra and Skechers Razor Trail (19:45). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by adidas professional runner Charlotte Purdue, who really should be going to the Olympics but pretty much got f-ed over by British Athletics (it's a wild story). They talk about the unlikely start to her running career, running in Britain vs. the U.S., her first pro marathon, and her journey to eventually compete in the Olympics (26:50).

IG: @charlottepurdue

This episode is sponsored by InsideTracker, who takes your blood and gives you a full in-depth analysis and training recommendations based on the results. Save 25% by going to insidetracker.com/believe (no code necessary). 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan introduce one of the most anticipated Nike sequels of the year, the Vaporfly Next% 2 (12:53) before breaking down Des Linden's world-record-breaking 50K (18:17). Thomas and Robbe are then joined by professional runner Noah Droddy to talk about sponsorships, his running journey, favorite running shoes, his band, and more (28:20).

IG: @noah_droddy

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss a fan-favorite shoe, the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 (15:25), before talking about their favorite running shorts heading into summer (24:12). Then, Thomas and Robbe are joined by Kyle Whalum, an ultrarunner and musician who plays bass in Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry's bands. They talk about running around the world while touring, using running as a creative outlet, and Eliud Kipchoge's Kelly Clarkson fandom (34:07).

Instagram: @kylewhalum

This week on the Drop, it's an ASICS bonanza. First, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan share their thoughts on the brand's newest super shoe, the MetaSpeed Sky (13:48). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by ASICS Elite runner Clayton Young to talk about his running journey, using goals as motivation, Strava and his favorite ASICS shoes (30:27). Clayton won the 2021 Gate River Run on the men's side.

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan talk about Alexi Pappas' new book, Bravey (2:30), before recapping the Jacksonville Gate River Run (16:46). The crew also share their thoughts on the new Under Armour Flow Velocity Wind (22:10). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by Emily Sisson, professional long-distance runner for New Balance. They talk about what makes the marathon unique, returning to racing, her favorite New Balance shoes and more (35:50). Sisson won the 2021 Jacksonville Gate River Run.

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan are super excited about New Balance's latest super shoe, the RC Elite 2, and discuss how they believe Nike will be challenged in 2021 (5:50). Also, the crew talks about the notable changes to the 2021 Boston Marathon (15:10). Then, Thomas and Meghan are joined by the husband-and-wife-duo behind The Loop Running Supply Company, Pam and Ryan Hess. They talk about the inspiration behind The Loop Running, their unique twist on the old-fashioned running store, and what the future holds for them as a brand (24:31).

IG: @thelooprunning

https://www.looprunningsupply.co/ 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan recap their weekend at the Woodlands Marathon in Texas, including Meaghan's marathon PR and Thomas half-marathon PR (0:35). The crew also discusses Des Linden's attempt to break the 50K world record (20:04). Then, Thomas is joined by Chris Hough, Founder and CEO of ArtiKen. They talk about the inspiration behind the brand, how bracelets have become a form of expression in the running world, and ArtiKen's future as a company (25:15).

https://artiken.com/ 

This week on The Drop, it's race week! Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan preview their upcoming race at the Woodlands Marathon in Texas (4:37) before diving into two very different Skechers shoes in the Go Run Razor Excess and the Go Run Horizon Vanish 2 (13:51). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by Race Director of the Eugene Marathon and Olympian Ian Dobson. They talk about Ian's running journey and life, the benefits he sees from training on a track, and how we could see more spectator-tailored event races for the elite runners of the world (20:10).

Register for the virtual Eugene Marathon here: https://www.eugenemarathon.com/

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down one of their favorite daily trainers of 2021 so far, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v3 (3:45) before they discuss the Texas Trials of Miles qualifier for the U.S. Olympic and Field Trials (13:32). Then, Thomas is joined by Erin Longin, Global Director of Running and Training at Puma. They talk about Puma's resurgence in the long-distance running scene, the development of their new NITRO foam and different shoes, and the future of Puma Running (18:30).

IG: @pumarunning

This week on The Drop, Thomas sits down with special guest and COROS athlete Eliud Kipchoge! They talk about Eliud's legendary feat of breaking the 2-hour marathon mark with a time of 1:59:40, what his accomplishment means for the next generation of distance runners, and the impact that he sees running have on the world. Also, Eliud provides insights into how he trains and some of his running philosophies. 

IG: @kipchogeeliud

Sign up for Beyond Belief with Eliud Kipchoge here: believeintherun.com/beyondbelief 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down one of the most polarizing shoes in the running world, the adidas Ultraboost 21 (9:16). Then, the crew discusses the latest sales reports from the biggest running shoe companies, how those numbers were impacted by the pandemic and what they mean going forward. They also talk about Keira D'Amato's new sponsorship deal with Nike (15:48). Finally, Thomas sits down with Chris Lee, Athletic Performance Director for Tinman Elite, a running team based in Boulder, CO. They talk about the team's mindset and motivation for the sport, Chris' own training philosophies and his athletic background (22:07). Chris also gives his 5 most important post-run workouts to add to your daily training routine.

IG: @clee_performance 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down the new Puma Velocity (10:00). Then, Thomas and Meaghan sit down with Puma athlete and USA Olympic Marathon Team member Molly Seidel. They talk about Molly's qualifying for the Olympics at the Trials, her strategy for the London Marathon and her new deal with Puma (24:00).

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bygolly.molly/

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss a shoe that they are very excited for in 2021: the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 (13:08). Then, the crew talks about Jim Walmsley's recent attempt to break the 100K record, as well as the HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X2 (22:32). Also, Thomas sits down with Danny Orr, General Manager of Performance Running at New Balance. They talk about Danny's experience working at New Balance and how the company adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic (27:52). They also geek out over running shoes, such as the 1080 v11 and FuelCell Rebel v2. 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan share their thoughts on Nike's latest trainer, the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 (8:24) before discussing their experiences with mental health and how running helps them stay in a healthy mindset (15:00). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by Olympian, author and actress Alexi Pappas to talk about her new book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas. They also discuss her philosophies and goals as a runner, how running has influenced her life and her experiences training with fellow world-class runners (22:05). You can purchase Alexi's book here.   

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan check in on their week in running before talking about some of the gear they are loving this winter (1:15). Then, Thomas and Meaghan sit down with ASICS athlete Taliyah Brooks. They discuss Taliyah's track career and how it has taken her around the world, as well as her transition from college to professional running (29:35). 

Instagram: @love_tbrooks

https://www.strava.com/challenges/Optimize-Your-Running-PWURE

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan catch up with BITR shoe reviewer Jeremy Ardanuy to talk about his recent 47-mile FKT on a local Baltimore route (4:01) before checking in on their own running, including GRIT (17:55). Then, Thomas and Robbe sit down with chef Marc Quiñones. They talk about Marc's passions for cooking as well as running and where they both started, the similarities he sees between his professional life and running life, and his experiences in competitions in both fields (27:03). You can watch Marc on the new season of Hell's Kitchen.

Instagram: @chefmq 

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan share their resolutions they have for 2021 and beyond (6:31) before giving their first impressions of the Topo Athletic Cyclone (13:45). Then, Thomas sits down with GORUCK shoe designer and designer of the Reebok Pump, Paul Litchfield. They talk about Paul's past experience working with Reebok, the nuances of the running shoe spectrum and the vision for the GORUCK brand (22:24).

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan recap one of the biggest running events of the year in The Marathon Project (0:48) before sharing their thoughts on the new Craft CTM Ultra Carbon (12:03). Then, Thomas sits down with legendary running coach Matt Centrowitz (29:40). They talk about Matt's journey from the Bronx to Oregon, his coaching philosophies and his family's love for running. 

You can purchase Matt's book, Like Father Like Son, here. 

Email: coachcentro@gmail.com

Follow his son, Matthew Centrowitz, @mgcentro on Instagram

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meghan discuss two shoes that they are high on going into the new year: ASICS EvoRide 2 and the Puma Deviate Nitro (8:20). The crew also chats about why Strava is going in the right direction with their personalized Year in Sport reviews (16:46). Then, Thomas and Robbe sit down with Don Reichelt to talk about his path from Iron Man racer to ultrarunner, his preparation methods for ultras, and his time working at Newton Running (24:14). Don finished third at the 2018 Badwater Ultramarathon (135 miles), and also finished third in the Tunnel Hill 100.

https://bit.ly/REGISTER-FOR-GRIT

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down their picks for the 2020 BITR Best in Gear Awards (8:30). The trio covers everything from the best shoes, apparel and must-have pieces from the past year. Then, Thomas and Meg are joined by HOKA NAZ Elite Athlete Scott Fauble to talk about his involvement in the upcoming Marathon Project, training and race techniques, saunas and pie (30:20).   

https://www.believeintherun.com/2020/12/09/best-in-gear-awards-2020-road-running/

This week on The Drop, BITR's Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down two new shoes that they have opposite views of in the Saucony Kinvara 12 and ASICS Trabuco Max (7:49) before discussing the postponement of yet another 2021 race, the LA Marathon. Then, Thomas sits down with Chris Bennett, AKA Coach Bennett, Senior Director of Nike Global Running. They talk about Bennett's love for running and where it started, his coaching philosophies and his path to becoming an integral part of Nike Running (21:34). Be sure to register for Winter GRIT, and get ready to pound some pavement in January 2021.

Register here: https://bit.ly/REGISTER-WINTER-GRIT

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss a dynamic duo of New Balance shoes set to release in early 2021: the 1080v11 and Fresh Foam More Trail (6:48). They also recap two record-setting races from the past week (13:15). Then, Thomas and Robbe talk with the brothers behind Bell Lap Track and Field, a resource that provides athletes with additional financial support to pursue their careers (20:02). Bell Lap acts as a platform for athletes to sell extra gear (singlets, tights, shoes, etc.) that they receive from sponsors. The brothers talk about the inspiration behind Bell Lap, as well as how they want to continue helping athletes in the future.

Thanks to InsideTracker for sponsoring this episode of the podcast. You can take advantage of InsideTracker’s BEST DEAL of the year with $200 off the Ultimate Plan, their most comprehensive package. Use Code: GIFTFROMBITR 

https://www.insidetracker.com/customer/onboarding/choose-plan/

Bell Lap: https://belllaptrackandfield.com/

Winter GRIT: https://bit.ly/REGISTER-FOR-GRIT

This week on The Drop, BITR's Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss Atreyu's Base Model V2 (Prototype) and the Brooks Ricochet 2 (9:48) before breaking down Brooks' record sales numbers (15:58). Then, Thomas and Meg sit down with Keira D'Amato, a full-time realtor who is running with and beating Olympians (18:34). They talk about Keira's path to becoming an elite-level runner after a decade off, the pros and cons of being unsponsored and her approach to the sport as a whole. Keira will chase the 10 mile American Record for Women at the Up Dawg Ten Miler, and she will be participating in The Marathon Project at the end of December 2020.

Check out the best deal on InsideTracker: https://info.insidetracker.com/earlyaccess   

This week on The Drop, BITR's Thomas, Robbe and Meghan break down two new bangers of shoes that they are loving: the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23 and the HOKA One One Mach 4 (10:38). Then, Thomas and Meg chat with Allie Kieffer, an elite runner, coach and dog mom (20:25). They talk about the bonuses and setbacks of being a sponsored runner, as well as how she has rediscovered her love for the sport. Finally, the BITR crew gives you a taste of what's to come in January 2021: Winter GRIT (1:12:00).

Instagram: @kiefferallie

Check out the best deal on InsideTracker: https://info.insidetracker.com/earlyaccess

This week on The Drop, BITR's Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan give their reviews of a pair of shoe sequels, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus Lite 2 and HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2 (8:20) before giving the inside scoop on Galen Rupp's secret race in Oregon where he set a new U.S. men's world record (19:24). Then, Thomas and Meaghan sit down with sports dietician Meghann Featherstun to talk everything from nutrition for runners, to common dietary mistakes we make to great midday snack ideas (22:50). Finally, Thomas is joined by BITR's in-house sports psychology consultant Adrienne to help runners tackle workout anxiety by leaving the watch at home (1:18:45).  

Websites:

https://featherstonenutrition.com/

https://www.langelierspc.com/    

Believe in the Run's Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan talk the new ASICS GEL-Nimbus Lite 2 (8:27) before getting into some of the latest Rabbit winter running gear (11:44). The crew also breaks down the biggest news of the week, including the postponement of the 2021 Boston Marathon (16:44). Thomas is then joined by running shoe designer Richard Kuchinsky to discuss his process as a designer and consultant in the industry, how he got his start and why he loves running shoes so damn much (23:45). Finally, Meg brings on BITR's in-house sports psychology consultant Adrienne to help runners find purpose in their workouts without access to competition (1:05:24).

Instagram: @rkuchinsky  

Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan give you the inside scoop on the Diadora Mythos Volo as well as the Brooks Fall 2020 running collection (3:55) before recapping a crazy Big's Backyard Ultra (13:44). Then, Thomas sits down with Brian Metzler, journalist and author of "Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes" to talk about the past, present and future of the running shoe industry (18:42). Finally, Meg brings on BITR's in-house sports psychology consultant Adrienne to discuss methods for coping with pre-race nerves (1:01:50).

Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan dive into a couple of shoes they are running in, as well as some Fall gear from Vuori (1:20), before they recap the new world records set for the 5K and 10K (17:12). Then, Thomas sits down with Matt Hart, a freelance journalist whose writing covers sports science and performance-enhancing drugs, among other things. His new book, Win At All Costs, depicts the deception and PED use at the Nike Oregon Project (22:35). Finally, Meg talks with BITR's in-house sports psychology consultant Adrienne to weigh the pros and cons of running with a pacer (1:04:10).

Win At All Costs is out now.  

Thomas and Meghan interview ASICS pro athlete Lindsay Flanagan about her experience at this year's London Marathon, what it's like to wear a bump vest (super weird), and what's next for her (28:18). But first, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss their first impressions of the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% (9:40) and the ASICS Gel-Kayano Lite (15:02) before they recap the 40th London Marathon (19:10). Finally, Meg brings on BITR's in-house sports psychologist Adrienne to break down the mentality of a pro marathoner (1:17:36). 

BITR's Thomas and Meaghan discuss the Skechers Razor Elite (3:02) and the HOKA One One Rocket X (5:07) before previewing the upcoming London Marathon (8:00). Then, they interview Stephanie Bruce, NAZ Elite athlete, and Michael McManus, Global Sports Marketing Director at HOKA, about the Rocket X and HOKA's partnership with the Northern Arizona Elite running team (10:40). Finally, BITR's own Adrienne Langelier explains how to move past failure (50:09).

Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan recap Meg's BIG weekend where she completed her sub-three hour marathon (1:00) before jumping into two new lifestyle shoes they are really enjoying: the Brandblack Tarantula and Deckers X Lab (17:00). Then, Thomas interviews Cal Neff, an athlete for Altra Running and Polar who owns world records for running with a baby stroller (29:44). Finally, BITR's Adrienne Langelier provides some motivational mental tips to help boost your confidence out on the roads (55:35).

Instagram:

@calneff

@langelierspc

Website:

https://www.langelierspc.com/

Believe in the Run's Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss a trio of shoes: the On Cloudboom (4:11), Skechers GOrun Razor + Hyper (8:52) and Speed 6 (12:14). They dive into On Running's latest play for a subscription service (17:30) before talking to Michael Krajicek, founder of Atreyu, the first running shoe company to break ground on subscription (29:46). Finally, Meaghan gives some virtual race day tips (1:13:36). 

In the premiere episode of The Drop podcast from Believe in the Run, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan check-in on each other's running for the week before discussing the Skechers GOrun Hyper Burst (3:43), New Balance FuelCell RC Elite (8:54), and the postponement of registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon (14:37). Then, Thomas interviews Rebekah Broe, the Senior Product Manager of Performance Running and Training for New Balance, about the brand's new carbon-plated racer, the RC Elite (21:20).  Finally, Meaghan provides some sage advice about the power of positive thinking to help you conquer your miles (46:03).