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  • Welcome to Run Spesh, the weekly running specialty podcast from the crew at FrontRunner Colombo! Join Oska, Tom, and Anna as they delve into the human locomotive movement we call running – and all the other "stuff that goes into it."

    This episode, recorded a day late (sorry for the upset Thursday night viewers!), is packed with the usual candid chat you've come to expect. While the team aims to keep you company on your 60-70 minute runs (or for you "losers" stuck in traffic in the pouring rain, ha!), be prepared for plenty of side quests.

    Expect discussions ranging from:

    Basketball fandom (and questionable championship parade planning!).

    The agonizing sight of an Achilles exploding.

    Oska's side quest to Nelson to check on Kat and "Jam Sandwich" (still trying to make that one make sense).

    The "criminal" act of going to the gym in jeans and a deep dive into the comfort (or lack thereof) of flared leggings vs. "crack smugglers."

    Tom's elusive Strava account and his continued bike riding endeavors.

    Anna's training insights as she recovers from sickness and sets her sights on the Auckland Half Marathon.

    Oska's detailed breakdown of his hill rep cycle and strategic cross-country training.

    A listener's request to bring back the "drinks break" (spoiler: it's not happening, thanks Hamish Crew!).

    Hilarious and sometimes baffling Strava activity uploads, including "walking down the aisle at your own wedding" and "childbirth" (yes, really).

    A shout-out to a YouTube commenter who "almost fell asleep watching this" (don't worry, it's just helping with those recoveries!).

    Celebrating Oceania track records, including Zoe Hobbs's rapid 10.94 in the 100m, and a debate on "tall poppy syndrome."

    The team also tackles a listener's shoe question, offering advice on finding a race shoe with similar characteristics to the Adidas Evo SL for half and full marathons, with mentions of the Puma Deviate Elite 3 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.

    But the real highlight (or lowlight, depending on your perspective) of the episode is the deep dive into the Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra. Learn about this grueling format where runners complete a 6.7km lap every hour on the hour, and hear incredible statistics about how Sam Harvey and Phil Gore shattered the Backyard Ultra world record, running over 784 kilometers (119 laps) over nearly five consecutive days! Discover the insane mental and physical fortitude required for such an event, and the surprising resilience of winner Phil Gore.

  • Hey #RunSpesh fam! Oska, Tom, and Anna are back with the original intro, bringing the energy (unlike last week's "flatter than a French crepe" vibe!). This week, we're diving deep into the human locomotive movement we call running, with some serious laughs and honest takes along the way.

    If you're new here, buckle up! This podcast is your perfect companion for those 60-70 minute runs, your commute, or even for chilling on the couch. And if you're watching on YouTube, you'll notice our studio set is looking 🔥 with a fresh coat of paint and some professional lighting!

    What We're Covering Training Week Deep Dive: Hear about our individual training journeys, including Tom's fight back to fitness and Oska's hilarious (and humbling!) new S&C program. Spoiler alert: Oska just discovered his hamstrings exist! 😉 The Cross Country Lowdown: Oska gives us the inside scoop on the National Cross Country course, revealing just how tough it's going to be – no flat, manicured golf course here! Gastro & Grad School: Anna shares her recent battle with RSV and the anticlimactic (but liberating!) feeling of finishing her university degree. Shoe Fatigue & Uniqueness: We tackle a hot topic: Is the running shoe industry becoming too homogenous? With brands increasingly using shared "lasts" and similar designs, we discuss whether this lack of uniqueness is stalling running shoe development and training. Running Shoe Stats

    Plus, we've got some juicy stats from RunRepeat to kick off the shoe debate:

    Average Men's Running Shoe Weight (2023): 277 grams Average Women's Running Shoe Weight (2023): 238 grams Average Road Shoe Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8.4 mm Average Trail Shoe Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm Average Road Shoe Heel Stack Height: 28.7 mm

    We also chat about Bandit running gear, Tom's cold-weather cycling struggles, Oska's dad jokes (sorry, not sorry!), and the weirdest things found in quiz night answers. And yes, we will be stocking Bandit!

    So, grab your headphones (or pull up YouTube), and get ready for some real talk about running, life, and everything in between!

    What's your take on running shoe uniqueness? Are you feeling the "shoe fatigue" too? Let us know in the comments below!

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  • Join Oska, Tom, and Anna (and her alter ego, depending on her hair!) for Run Spesh, the weekly podcast from Frontrunner. This isn't just a podcast about running shoes, though they certainly cover that! Expect lively, unfiltered conversations that ramble through running, life, and whatever else comes to mind.

    In this episode, the trio dives into the results of their "Autumn Grind" challenge, sparking a fun debate about prize categories and the logistics of self-reporting kilometers. They also brainstorm innovative ideas for future "Grind" events, including a "Coffee Edition" with unique leveling up and a rather unique swag idea (think "poo rag"... yes, really).

    You'll hear personal updates on injuries, training triumphs (and treadmill woes), and even a deep dive into the financial commitments of triathlon. Plus, the hosts ponder a potential name change for the podcast and share their hilarious, and sometimes TMI, thoughts on everything from chronotypes to public bathroom etiquette.

  • Join Oska, Tom, and Anna from Front Runner Worldwide for another episode of Run Spesh, their weekly running specialty podcast! This week, the team is buzzing with excitement (and a little exhaustion) as they officially open their second store in Nelson!

    Hear all about the chaotic but ultimately rewarding week of setting up the new shop. From the surprising challenges of demolishing and building walls (and the unexpected council consent issues that came with it!) to the legendary efforts of friends and family, it's been a true test of their "can-do" attitude. Oska shares his learnings as a boss and the realities of hyper-fixation during a stressful build, while Anna recounts a hilarious (and slightly gross) first-ever half marathon experience complete with mid-race vomiting!

    Tom also gives an update on his injury recovery, revealing a rotator cuff tear that's put a temporary halt to his swimming. Plus, the team speculates about the future of AI in the running shoe industry and how it might (or might not) stack up against human connection.

    This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, running insights, and plenty of laughs, all while navigating the exhilarating journey of expanding a small business. Tune in to hear how they powered through the week, fueled by Bunnings sausages and McFlurries, and what their plans are for the ever-growing Front Runner empire!

  • Dougal Allan: The Relentless Journey of a Multisport Legend Join Oska and Tom on the Run Spesh Podcast as they sit down with the incredibly determined, compassionate, and fiercely competitive Dougal Allen. Dougal's story is one of unwavering dedication and unexpected triumphs, a two-time Coast to Coast winner with nine podium finishes, an Ironman Xterra athlete, and most recently, the Cyclo for Team NZ. From Small Town Kid to Sporting Giant: Hear Dougal open up about his childhood in Foxton, New Zealand, a typical country upbringing where life was simple, filled with climbing trees, playing rugby, and exploring the beach. He reveals how the flow of life and a deep-seated curiosity led him from dreaming of playing rugby for Otago to discovering the multisport world during his university days in Dunedin. His father, David, describes Dougal as outgoing, adventurous, and determined. Despite excelling in various sports like rugby, basketball, and cricket, Dougal's dad notes his "noteworthy" lack of swimming talent. A Decade of Determination: The Coast to Coast Quest Learn about Dougal's incredible 10-year journey to win the coveted Coast to Coast one-day race. After winning the two-day event in 2008, he witnessed the "superhumans" of the one-day race and initially felt he'd never reach their level. However, a surprising 8th-place finish in his first one-day attempt in 2009 ignited a spark. Dougal shares the mental, emotional, and physical toll of coming in second multiple times, only to take a strategic hiatus to explore Ironman and adventure racing. This break, which he reveals was not without moments of doubt, ultimately allowed him to return to the Coast to Coast in 2019 and claim his long-awaited victory. Lessons in Discipline and Passion Oska shares personal anecdotes of living and training with Dougal in Wanaka, highlighting Dougal's almost unbelievable discipline and relentless commitment. Dougal's unwavering passion for his sport was evident from the 5:55 AM coffee machine alarm to fitting five hours of training into a time-crunched day. Discover how he found creative ways to fund his multisport ambitions, including participating in intense, multi-day adventure races. This episode is packed with inspiration, offering a deep dive into an athlete's mind who exemplifies what it means to outwork others and chase a passion, even when the path is long and challenging.

  • Join Oska, Tom, Anna, and the returning (but temporarily unemployed) Kat as they dive into a week of life, training, and general brain chaos. Kat recaps her incredible London Marathon experience, from the chaotic start line and insane crowd support to the post-race medical tent drama (and projectile vomiting!). In this episode: Kat's Marathon Story: Hear all about the buildup, the four-wave start, fueling strategy, the overwhelming atmosphere (Tower Bridge goosebumps!), and the bizarre finish line experience that led to a wheelchair and a very public post-race purge. Marathon Brain: The crew discusses the temporary cognitive decline that comes with running 42.2km – is "Ridge" the new term for it? Fan Mail & Apologies: They read a hilarious email from a "long-timer" and issue a public (sort of) apology to Tom for their usual teasing. Neighbourhood Drama & 5 S Soldiers: Anna reveals her love for local Facebook group antics, sparking a discussion about community "Snap Send Solve" initiatives. Comparing Race Experiences: Kacompares the London Marathon's atmosphere and city-wide support to racing in New Zealand. Post-Race Feast: Find out what Kat devoured after crossing the finish line (wine, blue Lucozade, anyone?). Tune in for the usual Run Spesh blend of running talk, tangents, and questionable humour

  • In the episode, Oska, Tom, and Anna from The Front Runner Colombo dive into our weekly running specialty podcast, Run Spesh. We're here to keep you entertained during your runs or commute, talking all about the human locomotive movement we call running!

    What's in this episode:

    Quiz Night Recap: Get ready to laugh as we recount our glorious failure at quiz night. Spoiler: We successfully came first at the wrong end! 🤣 Fidgeting Update: Remember that comment about us fidgeting too much? Anna's got a solution... and it's pretty weird (and unbelievably satisfying). Training Updates & Niggles: Tom shares his recovery journey after a bike crash, and Oscka gives an honest (and TMI) account of his battle with food poisoning. Expect some serious talk about mental toughness and patience when injuries hit. Anna's Half Marathon Prep: Anna gives us the lowdown on her half marathon training, including a tough tempo run and her strategy for race day. Plus, a hook for next week's episode – you won't want to miss it! Sausage Sizzle Debate Results: We share the hilarious results of our poll on how you like your sausages. Just tomato sauce? Onions? Or "raw dog" with white bread and marge?!

    It's another week of real talk, laughs, and a whole lot of running chat. Thanks for tuning in!

  • Hey everyone, Oska here! Finally back in the swing of things after being back from the US. This week on Run Spesh, it's the usual crew - Oska, Colombo, Tom, and Anna - talking all things running (and not-so-running)!

    What's Inside:

    Oska's Back: Hear how Oska's feeling after his travels and his first few training sessions back home - let's just say they were a bit of a wake-up call! Crash Landing! Tom tells the hilarious (and slightly scary) story of his recent bike accident. New shoes? Ripped. Bike? Broken. Tom? Mostly okay! Plus, we compare our various states of injury - it's a cripple convention over here! Training Updates: Anna shares how her training's going as she gets ready for the Sail Half. Oska's feeling some good vibes after a tough hill workout - watch out, young runners! Shoe Talk: Got sore feet? We tackle a listener question about the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. We're not doctors, but we share what we've seen work for people, focusing on comfy cushioning and rocker soles. We even name a few shoes that might help! Random Banter: Expect the usual weird chats, from shell-less eggs to the ultimate chippy debate (bacon barbecue fans, we're side-eyeing you!). Plus, find out which podcast segment people enjoy the most (it might surprise you!).
  • Welcome to Run Spesh, the weekly running podcast from the Frontrunner Colombo crew (Oska, Tom, and Maia)! Join us for a candid chat about all things running: recent races (including Maya's hard-fought national title in the New Zealand Uphill Mountain Running Champs - 11.5k with over 1000m of climbing!), training highs and lows, running shoes, and even a bit about Tom's non-existent dating life... and some tech fails that led to a re-recording!

    In this episode, we dive into:

    Maia's incredible achievement: Hear all about her grueling experience winning the national uphill title and the unexpected challenges along the way, including a strategically (or not so strategically) timed water stop. Plus, how this win qualifies her for the World Mountain Running Champs! Race strategies and execution (or lack thereof): The team discusses the classic "start slow" plan that immediately goes out the window, managing effort on tough climbs, and the mental games of racing. Tom's injury update: Find out how his swimming and biking are progressing as he recovers from a knee issue, the impact of a dodgy bike seat post, and his plans for future races (Sunshine Coast in September!). Oska's running reflections: He shares his recent feelings of being mentally drained, the pressure of performance, and the exciting new direction of his training plan with a focus on three key workouts a week and slightly lower mileage. Shop talk and tangents: Expect the usual off-the-rails banter, including discussions about shoplifting attempts, premium Spotify struggles, and the surprisingly criminal nature of early morning swimming squads.

    Tune in for an honest and entertaining look at the realities of being dedicated runners juggling life and chasing personal bests. Whether you're hitting the pavement or just chilling, we hope to keep you company for the next hour (or so!).

  • Welcome to another episode of Run Spesh, the weekly running specialty podcast brought to you by Oska, Tom, and Anna from Frontrunner Colombo! This week, the team catches up on their individual running journeys and delves into the fascinating world of running innovation.

    Oska shares tales from his recent whirlwind adventure in the United States, starting with an ambitious run circumnavigating Manhattan Island, taking in iconic sights despite being jet-lagged. The highlight of his trip was a visit to Puma's headquarters in Boston, where he gained exclusive insights into their cutting-edge approach to footwear development. He discusses Puma's commitment to understanding runners' needs and their exciting exploration of AI in shoe design, hinting at some revolutionary concepts and the development of the Fast R Nitro 3.

    Meanwhile, Tom provides an honest update on his frustrating battle with a persistent knee injury. Unable to run, he's been focusing on swimming and cycling, diligently working towards recovery with the hope of returning to running in time for his upcoming races. He shares the challenges of cross-training and the uncertainty surrounding his return to form.

    Anna details her positive progress as she gets back into her running routine. She recounts some enjoyable and challenging recent workouts, including tempo runs and progressive kilometre repeats. She shares her experience of balancing training with the demands of university, now in its final weeks, and the mental fortitude required to maintain momentum.

    Join Oska, Tom, and Anna as they navigate the highs and lows of training, discuss the exciting future of running shoe technology, and offer their unique perspectives from the heart of the running retail community.

  • Join Oska, Tom, and JC from The Frontrunner Colombo for a seriously nerdy dive into the history of running shoes on this week's Run Spesh! 🎙️ We're not kidding, this episode is for the true shoe aficionados out there. 🤓 If you live and breathe running footwear, buckle up! If not... well, maybe skip this one. 😉

    This week, we've got a legend in the house (you know who you are!) sharing incredible stories from the early days of running specialty. JC takes us back to his beginnings in shoe repair in 1982 Christchurch – a time when running shoes were a major investment and fixing them was an art form! 🤯

    We then launch into a multi-generational exploration of running shoe evolution, covering:

    The Rad 80s: Think flat, flexible, and maybe not so forgiving! We take a look at some iconic (and well-worn!) examples, including Mary O'Connor's actual racing flats! 😲 The Nifty 90s: The rise of "biomechanics" (for better or worse!) and the introduction of medial posts and dual-density midsoles. The Turn of the Millennium (00s): Molding technology takes center stage, allowing for more anatomically shaped designs. We dissect some classic Asics GEL models! The Twenty-Tens: The game-changing arrival of Adidas Boost and the quest for lightweight cushioning, sometimes with interesting structural solutions! The Twenty-Twenties (So Far!): Hint: We might just have some cutting-edge tech arriving during the recording! 👀

    We discuss the why behind design choices, material innovations (from die-cut EVA to laser-cut PBA!), and how we went from repairing worn-out soles to the mind-blowing technology of today. It's a journey through time that highlights just how far running shoe technology has come! 🚀

    Trigger Warning: May induce extreme shoe envy and a sudden urge to raid vintage running shoe archives! 😉

    What are your favorite running shoe memories? Share them in the comments below! 👇

    👍 Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more Run Spesh goodness every week!

  • Elite New Zealand distance runner Laura Nagel joins the Run Spesh podcast to share her journey, from her beginnings to competing on the world stage. Hear about her experiences in the US and the challenges of returning home. Beyond her own achievements, Laura is a driving force in the NZ running community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

  • Join Oska Tom, and Anna from The Frontrunner Colombo for Run Spesh, your weekly dive into the world of running! This week, we're on location (sort of!) with Oska dialing in from a West Manhattan hotel just 56 hours after conquering the Christchurch Marathon.

    Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos and camaraderie leading up to a major race. Plus, find out which Frontrunner team members are prepping for a quiz night showdown against the self-proclaimed smartest guy, Bailey (and the high-stakes bet that's on!).

    Then, we dive into the Christchurch Marathon itself. Hear Oska's firsthand account of the race, from the electric atmosphere of the record-breaking 7,000-strong start line to the unexpected challenges of wind, traffic, and a mid-race knee tweak. Experience the highs and lows, the incredible crowd support, and the raw emotion of crossing that finish line. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just enjoy the human locomotive movement we call running, Run Spesh brings you inside the action!

  • Join Oska, Tom, Anna, and Kat as they dive into the world of running on this week's episode of Run Special! Sponsored by Features, the performance sock you won't even notice (and grab a free pair if you're quick!), we're kicking things off with a special announcement: the official Christchurch Marathon Shakeout Run! Meet us at the Christchurch Marathon Expo in Hagley Park on Saturday, April 12th, at 9:30 AM for a pre-race run, sock giveaway, and maybe even some free gels!

    This week, the team recounts their training highs and lows, including Kat's intense 20K and 30K sessions, Anna's return to speed work after a bout of sickness (and her last-minute essay submission!), Tom's double threshold workouts and swim squad adventures, and Oscar's mental and physical marathon prep. We delve into the results of our Instagram poll: When do you prefer to train? (Hint: mornings reign supreme!) Plus, we debate the merits of vegan meat alternatives, discuss the fascinating (and slightly gross) biology of chicken eggs, and share some hilarious running stories.

    Tune in for laughs, training insights, and all things running! Don't forget to join us at the Christchurch Marathon Shakeout Run!

    Highlights:

    Christchurch Marathon Shakeout Run details. Training week recaps from Oska, Tom, Anna, and Kat. Instagram poll results: morning vs. midday vs. evening training. Debate on vegan meat alternatives. The biology of chicken eggs. Training strategies and workout breakdowns. Shoe talk and more.
  • Alright, team, let's dive into this week's chaos! Oska, Tom, Anna, and Katherine are back, and things are, well, a bit all over the place. We're just a couple of weeks out from the Christchurch Marathon, and Oska's aiming for a record-breaking run, which is pretty wild. Kat's been off hiking the Milford Track, dealing with sandflies and epic views, and we're catching up on all the latest from the world indoors athletics.

    Basically, we're talking running, hiking, and whatever else pops into our heads. Expect some laughs, some random stories, and a whole lot of us just trying to keep up. If you're looking for some chill company on your run, or just wanna hear us ramble about life and sports, you've come to the right place. Get ready for some unfiltered chat and maybe even a dodgy AI song. Let's get into it!

  • Join Oska, Tom, and Anna from The Frontrunner Colomboas they dive into the exciting world of running and triathlon! This week, we recap the Christchurch City to Surf, with its hot conditions and massive turnout, and the challenging Sea to Sky Triathlon, where Tom snagged a win!

    We also get into:

    👟 Shoe tech talk: "This or That" with running shoes and a sneak peek at the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail. 🥔 The great potato debate: Roasted, fried, or mashed? We reveal the winner of our poll of the week! 🏅 Callum Elson's incredible comeback story after a devastating injury. 🎙️ Our usual tangents, humor, and running insights to keep you company on your runs or commutes. 🔥 Adidas shoe demo run on April 1st. Try out the Supernova Primer, Rise, Evo SL, Adios Pro 4, and more!
  • Yeah, Nah, We Ran a Bit This Week... And Other Stuff.

    mate, pull up a pew. It's Oska here, and you know Tom and Kat, yeah? We're back with another yarn about, well, you know, running. And whatever else pops into our heads. This week? Hoo boy, where do we start?

    Kat, bless her, she's been putting in the hard yards. Sessions that'd make your legs wobble, and she's still finding time to argue about washing her running gear. Turns out, not everyone's as keen on the laundry as you'd think. We had a proper chinwag about that, and some of the listener takes were gold.

    Then there's Tom. Seven hours, mate. Seven bloody hours of training in one day! He's like a machine, that bloke. We tried to figure out how he fits it all in, and whether he just lives on deep-fried Mars bars. He's got a race coming up too, and he's worried about the roads. Apparently, they're like ice rinks at the moment. You'd think they'd have thought of that, eh?

    Me? Well, I rolled my ankle, classic Oska, but bounced back. Had a bit of a wander round the hills, ended up doing a 40-odd k, just 'cause. And I'm still trying to get into that Boston Marathon. Don't ask. It's a saga.

    We also got into some proper deep thinking, you know, the kind you have when you're knackered after a long run. Like, where do all those weird sayings come from? And is a deep-fried banana actually any good? We're still not sure about that one.

    And don't even get me started on the ice cream. Let's just say, dairy-free ain't always the dream.

    So, grab a cuppa, put your feet up, and have a listen. It's just us, having a bit of a laugh and talking about running, life, and everything in between. You know how it is.

  • Oska, Tom and Kat discuss a variety of running-related topics, including a local race, training, and shoe technology. They express strong disapproval of Athletics New Zealand's decision to deny a young runner entry to a national event due to a late registration, despite available space. They humorously recount a story of someone requesting to paint a runner naked on a treadmill and discuss the results of a poll about how much money that would be worth. They debate the recent Ironman ban on certain running shoes, questioning the logic behind the rules and advocating for more inclusivity. Kat shares details of her high-mileage training week, expressing confidence in her preparation for an upcoming race. Oscar shares his very high volume training week, and then his ankle injury, and his disapointment about not getting into the boston marathon. He then goes on to say he will attempt to break the Christchurch marathon record. Tom talks about his experience with a new shoe.