45 | Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 | America Re-Cap, Training weeks and NZ Records
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.
--------
1:09:28
44 | John Coates - Shoes then, now and the future
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!
--------
1:16:48
43 | Laura Nagal, NZ Middle Distance Runner
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.
--------
59:49
42 | Christchurch Marathon Week Recap
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!
The Run Spesh podcast is all about the shoes and gear you like to go running in. We cover short-form episodes with in-depth discussions on what the shoe is for, who might benefit from it, and how it was made. The Frontrunner is also here to share stories and bring the community together. Enjoy the characters we have in our sports and the experts we work with. Run Spesh is a play on "Run Specialty" with the Frontrunner Colombo being New Zealand's leading Running Specialty Store
Listen to Run Spesh Podcast by Frontrunner Colombo, Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand