Run Spesh Podcast by Frontrunner Colombo

• 54 | Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | Starting again, celibate cereals and breaking records

  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.

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• 53 | Mizuno Neo Vista 2 - Strava Segments, Sick days and Sessions

  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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• 52 | Topo Mountain Racer 4, Autumn Grind wrap up, alter egos and the dreadmil

  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.

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• 51 | Adidas Adizero Boston 13 & Altra Wild Experience 2 | Selwyn Half Marathon Recap and the Nelson Take over

  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!

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• 50 | Dougal Allan - Multisport, Triathlon and Cyclor

  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.

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