The Drop

I mean, it's Molly freakin' Seidel, Olympic bronze medalist and all-around great person who is now a certified trail runner with a whole slate of off-road adventures lined up in 2026. We talk about that, but we also dive into mysterious vortexes, magic minerals, and her favorite shoes right now.

Follow Molly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygolly.molly/

We’ve got a lot to unpack as we close out 2025, starting with a deep dive into Meg’s experience at The Marathon Project—from travel chaos to racing in the Nike Proto. We also break down our favorite shoes, gear, and brands of the year, plus share some listener and viewer stats to round things out.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Meg's raced The Marathon Project last week and you know she relied on Maurten for race day. Stock up your own stocking and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We wear them pretty much every day, whether it's the Flite XT crew or the low cut no-show. They also make for great Christmas presents, so treat yourself or someone else today: https://swiftwick.com

LMNT

It's winter, but we're still training and sweating. Which means we still need our LMNT, with 1,000 mg of sodium and key electrolytes. If you haven't had their hot flavors yet, you need to get in on it, because they make the perfect winter treat. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

Reese and Taylor take the time to reflect on a big 2025. First they chat about the new Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 and then dive into the deep end of 2025 where they talk about everything from the idea of time itself to skin care routines.

As CEO of The Atlantic, father of three boys, and age group record holder for the 50K, Nick Thompson has a lot on his plate. That includes writing a new book, The Running Ground, one of our most favorite running books in recent memory. Part memoir and part love letter to the sport, it explores the ups and downs of life and the thread of running through it all. Robbe talks to him about all of that and more in this episode of The Drop.

Pick up The Running Ground: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson/

Happy E420 from the team! While we didn't ingest anyting to celebrate, we did go stream of consciousness on this episode. From Jimmy Eat World to the Army/Navy game to Meg's pre-race sickness, Baltimore had a lot going on this weekend. Speaking of races, Meg is headed out to Arizona to run the Marathon Project in a very special prototype. We also talk about The Running Ground, overzealous soccer parents, Taylor Swift's generosity, and Kim Conley's incredible comeback at the 2012 Olympic Trials. Finally, we end up covering the Puma Magmax Nitro 2, a great max cushion trainer that can kind of do anything.

Pick up The Running Ground by Nicholas Thompson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson/

Watch Kim Conley's comeback at the 2012 Olympic Trials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqdxuWmdsYI

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Meg's heading off to The Marathon Project in a week and you know she'll be stocking up on Maurten for race day. Stock up your own stocking and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We wear them pretty much every day, whether it's the Flite XT crew or the low cut no-show. They also make for great Christmas presents, so treat yourself or someone else today: https://swiftwick.com

LMNT

It's winter, but we're still training and sweating. Which means we still need our LMNT, with 1,000 mg of sodium and key electrolytes. If you haven't had their hot flavors yet, you need to get in on it, because they make the perfect winter treat. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

Taylor, Reese, and Alex (long time BITR contributer) chat about running during winter. Love it or hate it, we all still need to move in the colder months of the year. What adjustments do you make to still get out? Topics of travel, nutrition, gear, training approaches, and more are all packed into this episode.

Guest: Sophia Laukli is a multi-sport pro for Maurten and Salomon. She has cross country skied her whole life and still does so at an elite level. Trail running is a more recent endeavor in which she quickly rose to being one of the top runners in the world! Taylor and Sophia chat about her history with sport, living in Oslo, as well as the ups and downs of being a world-class athlete for two sports year round.

Thomas and Robbe sat down with Kiprun's CMO Julien Vancauwenberghe and Product Lead Pierre-Emmanuel Gaillard to chat about their entrance into the US next year, including what shoes you'll be able to purchase in April.

We went deep into the heart of Texas with nearly 6,000 other runners as we took over San Antonio for the The Running Event 2025. Over the course of three days, we lined up over 40 meetings to gather all the intel we could about running shoes, apparel, gear, and nutrition. This is our report of that event, as well as a full recap of our experience at the Rainforest Cafe. It's a long one, but well worth it.

Limited spots remain for Winter GRIT! Get in today: https://www.believeintherun.com/grit

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN
Meg's heading off to The Marathon Project in a week and you know she'll be stocking up on Maurten for race day. Stock up your own stocking and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK
You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We wear them pretty much every day, whether it's the Flite XT crew or the low cut no-show. They also make for great Christmas presents, so treat yourself or someone else today: https://swiftwick.com

LMNT
It's winter, but we're still training and sweating. Which means we still need our LMNT, with 1,000 mg of sodium and key electrolytes. If you haven't had their hot flavors yet, you need to get in on it, because they make the perfect winter treat. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

The Dirt Division met up with the Baltimore Crew down in San Antonio to check out all that's to come in 2026. Listen to their observations of trends, what they are excited about, and the inevitable stories that come out of such a weekend.Guest: Anna Gibson is one of the best that the US has to offer. The US Olympic Trials qualifier on the track just just wrapped up an epic year of trail with world-class results at Golden Trail Final and World Mountain Running Championships. Taylor and Anna chat about her relationship with sport, Grand Canyon rafting, coffee, and much more.

Andy Wacker is a professional runner from Boulder, Colorado who run roads, track, trails at an elite level. He also wears many other hats in the running world including directing an elite trail running development team. Taylor and Andy talk about all of that and more.

Follow Andy on Instagram: @wackera

We’re headed off to TRE, but first we recap our Thanksgiving weekends including turkey trots and family fun. Eventually, we talk about our experience in the Brooks Glycerin Flex, a daily trainer with an ultra flexible midsole.

Glycerin Flex: https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/glycerin-flex.html

Register for Winter GRIT: https://www.believeintherun.com/grit

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

We crushed nearly a dozen Maurtens each for the JFK 50 Mile race, finishing strong without bonking. Stock up for your own fall races and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We wore them for the JFK 50 Mile race and finished with ZERO blisters, so we're not sure how else we can convince you to buy a pair. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com

LMNT

Guess what? Yes, we used LMNT before and during the JFK 50 Mile race. Robbe downed 4 packets during the actual race and got through with zero cramps or headaches. With 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes, LMNT helps restore balance to your life after any hard effort. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

If you're anything like Taylor and Reese, you're hard to buy gifts for. They are here helping us all out whether you're a trail runner or getting something for a trail runner. We have reviewed a lot of gift-worthy gear this year. Here are some of our favorites in all price categories.

Guest: Dan Green has had a major year of trail running with a race calendar and results that any trail runner would dream of! The Maurten/ Salomon pro talks about how he got into running in the first place, his rise to an elite level, and whether he even considers himself as a professional.

Robbe talks with Andy Wynne, founder of Nuyarn, leading the way in Merino technology. It's a deep dive into one of our favorite materials on earth.

Learn more about Nuyarn: https://nuyarn.com/

Check out our guide to running in Merino: https://believeintherun.com/gear-reviews/merino-wool-guide-for-winter-running/

Thomas and Robbe recap all the ups and downs of their traverse through the JFK 50 Mile race, which turned out to be much better than their initial test run of the trail portion. Also, Winter GRIT registration opens at 9 a.m. TODAY (November 28), so make sure you get in on it before it sells out! Plus, we just announced our first ever shoe collab with Mount to Coast, which comes out in Spring 2026. Register for Winter GRIT: https://www.believeintherun.com/grit

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

We crushed nearly a dozen Maurtens each for the JFK 50 Mile race, finishing strong without bonking.

Stock up for your own fall races and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We wore them for the JFK 50 Mile race and finished with ZERO blisters, so we're not sure how else we can convince you to buy a pair.

Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com

LMNT

Guess what? Yes, we used LMNT before and during the JFK 50 Mile race. Robbe downed 4 packets during the actual race and got through with zero cramps or headaches. With 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes, LMNT helps restore balance to your life after any hard effort.

Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

Reese gives the full recap on an epic day at the historic JFK 50 miler with the Believe in the Run Crew.

Guest: Tim Tollefson is on the Drop for the second time. This time, he's wearing his race director's hat. Taylor and Tim talk about the challenges and privileges of hosting an event like Mammoth Trailfest.

Robbe talks with Michael Doughty, founder of Hylo Athletics, about his vision for the brand, his life as a premier league footballer, and much more.

Check out Hylo Athletics: https://us.hyloathletics.com/Follow Hylo Athletics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyloathletics

Matcha is in, pumpkin spice is out, and we're your performative podcast to get you through your long run. We cover the whole spectrum of what goes on in our cranial cavities, from bib banditing to buying mountains in Maine. We also talk about the Brooks Glycerin Max 2, which seems to be quite different from v1.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

The top two men and top three women at the New York City Marathon used Maurten to fuel their race efforts, including all three women finishing under the previous course record. We also used Maurten for our entire race, finishing strong without bonking. Stock up for your own fall races and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We'll be wearing them for all the JFK 50 Mile race next weekend, knowing that they'll keep us comfortable and blister free the whole time. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com/products/chicago

LMNT

We used LMNT before and during the New York City Marathon to keep our salt and electrolyte levels topped off, and we'll be using them all day at JFK. With 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes, LMNT helps restore balance to your life after any hard effort. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX0:00 - Intro1:02 - Matcha Tea / PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) 5:13 - Final Reflections on JFK 5013:20 - Des Linden's "The Next Chapter" 16:13 - NYC Marathon and Influencers / Bib Banditing 33:25 - "Official Unofficial Time" / Additional Run and Shoe Talk49:54 - Camp David / Maine Mountains / Karl Is A Big Presidents' Guy57:04 - Brooks Glycerin Max 2 / More Shoe Talk / Closing Thoughts

Reese and Taylor start by talking about training and Taylor's trip to the NYC marathon. Then, they chat about all things JFK. Not only is the race unique, it's a sentimental homecoming for Reese.Guest: Epic Bill earned his name after heartbreak. His sucessful video store business collapsed which led him to approach new challenges the only way he knew how - show up and suffer. He has become known as the man who will not quit whether that means taking on the hardest endurance spectacles across the globe or daily training. Taylor and Bill talk about what led him to endurance feats and highlight his new documentary "Epic Bill."

Check out Epic Bill's documentary: https://www.epicbillfilm.com/

Trail Run Adventures provides some of the most incredible all-inclusive and guided trail running excursions in some of the most epic places around the globe. Use code BELIEVE100 to save $100 when you sign up for a Trail Run Adventures experience: https://www.trailrunadventures.com/

Robbe chats with Cole Townsend of Running Supply about his love of run culture, his favorite brands right now, and what's trending. They also discuss the state of running and the final boss question: has run culture peaked?

Subscribe to the Running Supply Substack: https://runningsupply.substack.com/

Hit scan on your car radio and tune in to this week's episode of The Drop, where Thomas and Robbe recap their adventurous 14-mile trail run as part of their JFK 50 Mile preview. Suffice it say, these city boys are ready to go for next weekend, whether that's true or not. We also talk about the R.A.D UFO, a running shoe that kind of came out of nowhere and stole our hearts.

Check out R.A.D: https://rad-global.com/collections/r-a-d-ufo

Check out Atwill: https://runatwill.com/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We'll be wearing them for all the JFK 50 Mile race next weekend, knowing that they'll keep us comfortable and blister free the whole time. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com/

MAURTEN

The top two men and top three women at the New York City Marathon used Maurten to fuel their race efforts, including all three women finishing under the previous course record. We also used Maurten for our entire race, finishing strong without bonking. Stock up for your own fall races and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

LMNT

We used LMNT before and during the New York City Marathon to keep our salt and electrolyte levels topped off, and we'll be using them all day at JFK. With 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes, LMNT helps restore balance to your life after any hard effort. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

1:25 - NYC Bartenders / Gimmicky Music / Seek+Scan Car Radios

12:25 - Thomas and Robbe's JFK Preview Run / JFK Course Overview

54:26 - Gear Talk for JFK / Day Raves

1:03:04 - R.A.D UFO / RIP Gorewear + Deckers X Lab / Closing Thoughts

1:26:38 - JFK Preview Run Featurette

Are 200's the new 100s? Reese and Taylor talk about the growing trend of going farther. Why is it a thing? We're still perplexed, and curious, about the challenge.

Guest: Taylor catches Parley Hannan, Hylo Athletics' first signed athlete, fresh off the plane. They discuss her running trajectory from not even running until college to setting NCAA records to OTQ’s and The Speed Project. They also chat her recent DNF at the Mammoth 200 and the reality that mental health plays a major role in our lives as people and runners.

Felix Cartal is a platinum- and gold-certified DJ and producer based out of Vancouver, Canada, Last month, he ran a 10K every day for 30 days leading up to the release of his newest album "i, sabotage." We talk with him about running, coming up as a DJ, working with artists like Tegan and Sara, what he listens to on his runs, and a bunch of other random stuff. Great guy, great music, great conversation.

Follow Felix on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixcartal/

Stream his new album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3IjeoYQfPmuESwlMVAIbwc?si=Ulo31s8zRlib2oSiB9BTZQ

Another year, another trip through the five boroughs. We recap our experience during the New York City Marathon weekend, including an epic shakeout run with New Balance, the united front of our 4-hour pace group, and the full rundown of race day as we covered 26.2 from Staten Island to Central Park. Wide Foot Jarrett fills in for Thomas.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN
The top two men and top three women at the New York City Marathon used Maurten to fuel their race efforts, including all three women finishing under the previous course record. We also used Maurten for our entire race, finishing strong without bonking. Stock up for your own fall races and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN
LMNT
We used LMNT before and during the New York City Marathon to keep our salt and electrolyte levels topped off. With 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes, LMNT helps restore balance to your life after any hard effort. Order today and get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

Trail running is, perhaps, the worst at using acronyms. UTMB, GTWS, FKT. What does it all mean and how can you get experience some of the best of our sport? Reese and Taylor talk about some of the main trail running series and how you can potential join in on the fun.
Guest: Taylor Stack is a rookie professional trail runner for Brooks. While this is his first year as a pro, he has had performances that put him in the most elite conversations within our sport. Taylor and Taylor chat about his running background and how he quickly rose to the top in the Golden Trail Series.

Fresh off his American record-breaking finish at the Chicago Marathon, Maurten athlete Conner Mantz joins us for a special edition of The Drop. We talk about fueling and training and get the behind the scenes story of his finish at the Olympic Trials. Also, his great grandfather flew with Amelia Earhart across the Pacific, so that's cool. Thankfully, he picked the right ocean.

Conner fuels with Maurten for all his races, so you should too. Their proprietary formula encapsulates carbs to bypass the gut and minimize indigestion. Stock up for your own fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

It's marathon week (again) and we're already in the Big Apple as we prepare for a full weekend of activities. But first, we discuss our current training, updates to Robbe's injury, a little pre-Christmas gift giving courtesy of Thomas, and a movie review of Weapons. If you're in New York this weekend, we hope to see you there, and if you're running– have an incredible time running through the greatest city on earth!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Molly Seidel will be fueling with Maurten as she takes on the the New York City Marathon on Sunday, and we will be too (though much farther behind her). Stock up for your own fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We'll be wearing them for all our marathons this fall, knowing that they'll keep us comfortable and blister free. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com/products/chicago

LMNT

Racing season is upon us which means you need all the salt you can get to keep you from bonking. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 - Intro (ft. Clayton Young)

4:27 - Marine Corps Marathon / Final NYC Schedule

10:00 - Updates on Robbe’s Running

28:43 - A Gift from Thomas to Robbe

32:36 - Mount To Coast X BITR Run / 6 7 Meme / Odds for Lottery

45:38 - Diplo Run Club / Sports Betting Craze

55:26 - Javelina Jundred / Movie Talk / Roller Coasters

1:13:24 - GPS Watches / Nipple Tape and Race Day Masochism

1:18:31 - New Balance Goodie Bag / Closing Remarks

Taylor and Reese of Believe in the Run's Dirt Division chat about injuries that plague us and some treatments that could help runners. They also chat about the gravel category of trail running shoes. Is it a legit thing? Craft and many other brands seem to think so. They dive a further into the Craft Nordlite Ultra Pro and Nordlite Ultra 2.
Guest: Emkay Sullivan is a trail runner for Craft. She has the unique experience of finding elite level success on the track, roads, and trail. Taylor and Emkay chat about all that as well as the rise of short course trail running that her podcast with Dani Moreno (The Sub Hub) highlights.

Thomas chats with Mikey Kratzer, a run culture enthusiast and New Balance partner, about life, running, and his philosophy on all things.

Follow Mikey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikey_kratzer_/

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

0:26 - BITR Intro Video Contest

1:44 - Robbe's Injury / Karaoke after BRF / Meta Oakley Shields

16:57 - NYC Marathon 4-Hour Pace Group / 100 Women Los Angeles Marathon Program

26:22 - BITR x NYC Marathon Plans / MTV Shutting Down / Sirius XM

34:42 - Baltimore Running Festival / Cape Town Marathon Cancellation

1:13:27 - Shoe Talk / Fantasy Football / Closing Thoughts

Taylor and Reese of Believe in the Run's Dirt Division are here for Episode 1 of the Dirt Division podcast. They talk about their most recent adventures at Western States and UTMB, with a few side tangents thrown in.

Taylor chats with Lea Mulligan, pro runner for La Sportiva, who recently finished top-10 overall at the Leadville 100.

Follow Lea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leamulligan/

Read our reviews of La Sportiva shoes: https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/type/trail/?shoe_brand=972

Our Chicago weekend was full of fun and friends and family, from our epic shakeout run with New Balance to Thomas's finish at the Chicago Marathon. We had an incredible time meeting so many of you, cheering you on during the race, witnessing Conner Mantz break the American record, and taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Not sure how we feel about Chicago Italian beef though. We'll just stick with the dogs.

Running NYC Marathon? Join the very unnoficial 4-hour pace group: https://forms.gle/XdGYJAQaipeoB6NNA

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN
Conner Mantz just destroyed the American men's marathon record using this stuff and Thomas finished strong at Chicago fueling with Maurten the whole way. We use Maurten gels for all our races and you should too. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK
You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. We'll be wearing them for all our marathons this fall, knowing that they'll keep us comfortable and blister free. Get your pair today: https://swiftwick.com/products/chicago

LMNT
The Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your fall marathon needs. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

0:52 - Day 1 - Travel / Expo

28:00 - Day 2 - Shakeout Run / Live Panel

48:15 - Day 3 - Race Day

Thomas chats with Chris Marroquin, Director of Player Rehabilitation for the Baltimore Ravens about what it's like to work with professional athletes, staying healthy while playing sports, his background as a physical therapist, his running journey, and much more.

Well folks, were so busy climbing the mountain that we forgot we made it to episode 400. So while we didn't bust out the balloons, we almost broke out a Ouija board and said Bloody Mary three times just to see what would happen. We also mansplain Taylor Swift's artistic direction before deep dishing on Chicago Marathon weekend and Thomas's fueling plan for the race. If you are in Chicago, come out to our shakeout run on Saturday morning, hope to see you there!

All the details for the Chicago Shakeout Run: https://believeintherun.com/event/chicago-marathon/2025-10-11/1/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Get 15% off by using code Believe15!* We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

LMNT

The Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your fall marathon needs. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX0:00 - Intro7:08 - Pistachio Tides / Fall Race Talk / Getting Weezered12:40 - The Life of a Showgirl / Radiohead / BITR Intro Video Contest22:34 - Chicago Weekend Plans (Final Itinerary)27:17 - Swiftwick X BITR Limited Edition Sock / Swiftwick X Greg Itahara Chicago Sock29:11 - Thomas's Chicago Race Shoes + Plan / Race Nutrition40:53 - Xenon Gas / Run Journals53:38 - Robbe's Running / Half Tight Recommendations1:01:13 - Bloody Mary / Ouija Boards / AI + Celebrities' Heights1:13:56 - Spooky Season / Depressing World Stuff / Closing Thoughts

Taylor packed his bags and headed out to the Mammoth Trailfest in Mammoth Lake, California (sponsored by Craft) for the weekend. Get his recap of one of the most fun events in trail running today.Read his recap: https://believeintherun.com/mammoth-trailfest/

Big things are coming as we head to Chicago next weekend, so we got you covered on that end. We also discuss Meg's infatuation with baby quails, running etiquette on multiple flybys, our training for the New York Marathon and JFK 50 Mile, and our somewhat delayed reactions to the Berlin Marathon. Finally, we cover the Hoka Mach X 3, which sees an improved upper over last year's version.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Get 15% off by using code Believe15!* We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://bit.ly/BITR-MAURTEN

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. Speaking of race day, they just delivered a limited-edition "Dig Deeper" pizza sock designed by artist Greg Itahara in celebration of the Chicago Marathon. They're going fast so make sure you pick them up before they're pepperoni: https://swiftwick.com/products/chicago

LMNT

The Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your fall marathon needs. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 Intro

8:01 BITR x New Balance Chicago Weekend Itinerary

15:03 Tilly Norwood: AI Actress and the Downfall of Humanity

20:57 Meta Oakley Glasses / Harry Styles and the Berlin Marathon / Molly Seidel's End with Puma

30:53 JFK 50 Miler / Baltimore Running Festival Half-Marathon

49:36 Baby Quails, OnlyFans, and Holiday Dinners

59:44 Fun Dip, Pixie Sticks, Football

1:05:18 Hoka Mach X 3

1:17:36 Runners' Etiquette on the Flyby Wave / Old School Pizza Hut

Taylor chats with Mary Denholm, a pro ultrarunner and Craft athlete.

Follow Mary on Instagram: @eatrunandbemary

The gang came back to Baltimore while Thomas went to China. From Guangzhou to Hong Kong, we dive deep into all his culinary and running adventures, including a behind the scenes visit to a manufacturing facility for Mount to Coast and many other brands. We also do shots of Kweichoi Moutai out of respect.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Get 15% off by using code Believe15!*

We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day.

Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://www.maurten.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=bitr_podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_content=believeintherun

*Valid for all products except Bicarb

Cannot be combined with other promotions

One-time use per customer

Valid through 31 Dec 2025

LMNT

The Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your fall marathon needs. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX:

0:00 - Intro

4:33 - Thomas's China Recap / Arrival

29:12 - Mount-To-Coast HQ

34:42 - Chinese Cuisine

36:55 - "The Midsole Factory" / MTC Lab

53:52 - Shenzen Adventures

1:10:46 - Bullet Train to Hong Kong / Dim Sum and Eric Andre

1:20:21 - Taoist Temple / Mountain Hiking

1:31:40 - Mount-To-Coast Group Run

1:34:32 - Shanghai / Chinese EV's

1:58:43 - Wrap-Up / Berlin Marathon / BITR Chicago Marathon Plans

Taylor chats with Adidas Terrex Athlete Eli Hemming.

Follow Eli on Instagram: @eli_hemming

We traveled a day ahead and a week in time to experience the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. From the 100 meter finals to the world record in the pole vault to the men's and women's marathons on a hot and humid morning, we witnessed greatness across the board. We did our best to assimilate and only made a few blunders along the way (that we're aware of, anyway). We may not have come back with any Labubus, but we brought home plenty of amazing memories. Thanks to Asics and thanks to Tokyo for being so awesome, we won't forget it anytime soon.

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MAURTEN

Get 15% off by using code Believe15!* We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://www.maurten.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=bitr_podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_content=believeintherun

SWIFTWICK

The best running socks in the game, Swiftwick is made right here in the USA, which means no price increases on account of tariffs. We're always running in their socks and you should be too. The Drop listeners can get 15% off their first purchase with code BELIEVE15.

Shop here: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believe

LMNT

The Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your fall marathon needs. You'll be getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

*Valid for all products except Bicarb Cannot be combined with other promotions One-time use per customer Valid through 31 Dec 2025

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

4:12 - Travel to Japan

12:57 - Citius Mag Group Run

21:22 - Quest for Labubu

25:45 - Robot Sushi

30:17 - Boat Dinner, Karaoke, and Snails

38:24 - Day 1 (For Us) of Athletics

43:43 - Robbe Reunites With Old ""Friend""

49:36 - Final 'Move Her Mind' Stop, Fancy Dinner, Day 2 (For Us) of Athletics

56:42 - Women's Marathon / Karl and Robbe's Side Quest in Shinjuku

1:23:57 - Day 3 (For Us) of Athletics / Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's Final Race

1:25:03 - Men's Marathon / Clayton Young Falling

1:31:01 - Sumo Wrestling

1:39:53 - Final Evening / Mondo's World Record / Japanese McDonald's

Taylor interviews Kyle Siegel, founder of Raide - a performance based apparel and equipment company focused in the trail space.

Check out their products and learn more about the company here: https://raideresearch.com/

Stuck with cacti and debating the merits of art school and She's All That, that's where we're at. We make sure you're covered with all the unnecessary info before diving into the Nike Vomero Premium, the third release in the Vomero line for 2025, featuring a 55 mm (!) stack height for the dual-Air Zoom midsole.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MAURTEN

Get 15% off by using code Believe15!* We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 15% off your order by using this link and code Believe15: https://www.maurten.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=bitr_podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_content=believeintherun

LA SPORTIVA

Looking for a new training partner? Meet the La Sportiva Prodigio Max—built for ultra-distance comfort, with nitrogen-infused XFlow Endurance foam and a wide, stable platform to keep you moving mile after mile. Shop the La Sportiva Prodigio Max here: https://rei.pxf.io/K0LmKa

* Valid for all products except Bicarb

Cannot be combined with other promotions

One-time use per customer

Valid through 31 Dec 2025

Robbe sits down for a chat with Mario Fraioli, running coach and author of The Morning Shakeout newsletter on Substack, to talk about daily journaling, how running changes as we get older, showing up when you don't feel like it, music, culture, and much more.

Subscribe to The Morning Shakeout: https://substack.com/@mariofraioli

Check out his website: https://mariofraioli.com/

Thomas and Karl are back in the U S of A where the salt mounds of South Baltimore are a close second to the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc. We hear all about their remaining adventures, including a seasick paragliding adventure and watching the finish of the greatest trail race on the planet. We also cover some of the Adidas Chasing 100 event and the wonderful world of piglet racing.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

MAURTEN

Get 20% off for one week only by using code Believe20! We use Maurten gels for all our races and some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on their bicarb system for optimizing their fuel strategies on race day. Stock up for your fall marathon training and save 20% off your order by using this link: https://www.maurten.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=bitr_podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_content=believeintherun

LA SPORTIVA

Looking for a new training partner? Meet the La Sportiva Prodigio Max—built for ultra-distance comfort, with nitrogen-infused XFlow Endurance foam and a wide, stable platform to keep you moving mile after mile. Shop the La Sportiva Prodigio Max here: https://rei.pxf.io/K0LmKa

LMNT

BIG NEWS: Lemonade Salt is here to stay! Our favorite flavor of the summer is back and ready to give you 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

SWIFTWICK

The best running socks in the game, Swiftwick is made right here in the USA, which means no price increases on account of tariffs. They're rolling out a lifestyle collection in the coming months, but for now, grab a pair of Flite XT or any other amazing styles. We're always running in their socks and you should be too. The Drop listeners can get 15% off their first purchase with code BELIEVE15.

Shop here: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believe

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

1:57 - UTMB / Chamonix Recap

29:39 - Maryland State Fair / Piglet Races / Motion Sickness

35:10 - UTMB / Chamonix Recap (cont.)

1;01:43 - ACG / Satisfy Popups

1:03:41 - Adidas Chasing 100 / Evo Prime X

1:12:31 - Hoka Mafate 5

1:16:56 - Move Her Mind Event Series (Oklahoma) / Charles St. 12 Miler

Thomas chat with Tatum Brandt, founder and creative director of Brandt Creative Co., a design studio specializing in branding and web development for fitness, wellness, and sports businesses.

The Dirt Division is in Chamonix for UTMB, so the crew is coming to you live from their little chalet. The gang recaps their time so far, including the ETC race which Thomas and Karl participated in. Taylor also recaps his experience racing Leadville 100.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LMNT

We're in the full swing of marathon training, so get your 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

LA SPORTIVA

The Prodigio Pro is for speed. The Prodigio Max- It's for the long haul. With XFlow Endurance dual-foam cushioning, a wide forefoot, and a stability wrapping system, the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is built for hours—not just segments. Go farther. Feel better. Finish stronger. Find it at your local run shop or nearest REI.

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

1:35 - Chamonix So Far / ETC Race

49:38 - Taylor’s Recap of Leadville 100

Taylor sits down with Abby Hall, Adidas Terrex Athlete, straight off her win at Western States.

Grab a cod fillet bar, it's time to get some gainz. This week on The Drop, we recap Robbe's breathing struggles at the Leadville 100 as he helped crew Taylor, leader of the Dirt Division. We also recap Meg's latest Move Her Mind stop, before discussing The New York Times article every long distance runner is talking about. Eventually, we discuss a trio of shoes: the featherweight Asics Metaspeed Ray, the Under Armour Velociti Elite 3, and the Norda 001A.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LMNT

We're in the full swing of marathon training, so get your 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

SWIFTWICK

The best running socks in the game, Swiftwick is made right here in the USA, which means no price increases on account of tariffs. We're always running in their socks and you should be too. The Drop listeners can get 15% off their first purchase with code BELIEVE15.

Shop here: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believe

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

4:35 - Leadville 100 Recap

48:34 - Move Her Mind Event Series (Decatur, GA)

58:48 - David Protein Bars and...Cod Fillets?

1:04:55 - Marathoning and Colon Cancer / Ozempic Blindness / Marathon Project

1:26:07 - Asics Metaspeed Ray / Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 / Norda 001A

We sat down with Ben Rosario to talk all things The Marathon Project—but first, we trace his journey through the sport. From his early running days to launching Big River Running Co. in college, moving to Flagstaff to found NAZ Elite, Ben’s path has been a fun journey to follow. Now, he’s reviving The Marathon Project in a bold, reimagined way, and Meg will be one of the 1000 amateurs toeing the line of the Gold Wave. If you’re interested in running The Marathon Project, you can get more information and apply here: https://www.themarathonproject.com/

Robbe is currently losing his lungs in Colorado as he gets ready to help Taylor run the Leadville 100, but we got this podcast recorded before he self-destructed. I mean, we kind of self-destructed by diving into things we know nothing about, like carnival games at the doctor's office, WNBA, and declaring the day after the Super Bowl an official federal holiday. Enjoy your day off, you're welcome. Oh yeah, we also talk about two shoes that dropped out of nowhere, the all-new Asics Sonicblast and Megablast.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LA SPORTIVA

Possibly the best trail shoe of 2025, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is crafted for ultrarunners, trail addicts, or anyone chasing their next big effort. With XFlow Speed, a dual-super critical nitrogen-infused EVA and TPU midsole technology, AND an ultralight Power Wire mesh upper - it’s responsive, durable, and ready for any terrain. Go farther, go faster! Shop the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: https://rei.pxf.io/gOXQy0

LMNT

Thomas is mixing and matching flavors, Robbe is tapped into the Mango Chili, but whatever you go with, just know you're getting 1,000 mg of sodium plus other key electrolytes that will restore balance to your life after any hard effort. You'll also get an 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase, so don't miss out: http://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

INDEX

0:00 - Intro

4:48 - Getting Weighed at the Doctor's Office

8:18 - Asics Metaspeed Ray + Balloons

17:38 - WNBA

21:39 - Move Her Mind Event Series (Louisville, KY)

35:02 - Fall Marathons, Weekend Trail Races, La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

48:03 - Robbe and Taylor at Leadville 100 / Reese at TransRockies

53:30 - $10 on a Starbucks Gift Card and a Dream

55:33 - Super Bowl Sunday Scheduling Suggestions

57:28 - Muppets and Other Assorted Haunting '80s Characters

1:03:12 - Tracksmith Trail Collection

1:15:04 - Our Beloved Running Staples

1:22:35 - Asics Sonicblast + Megablast, Miscellaneous End-of-Episode Talk