Run Spesh Podcast by Frontrunner Colombo

Hillary Allen (Hilly Goat) on Survival, Joy & the Brooks Cascadia Elite | run spesh This week on run spesh, Oska and Maia sit down in Christchurch with elite trail runner Hillary Allen (aka "Hilly Goat") ahead of Tarawera 50K. Hillary talks NZ trail life (Hillary Track, oxygen-rich workouts, rugged underbrush, and the joy of trails with no bears), how she went from neuroscience grad school + tennis scholarship to winning the US Skyrunning Series and racing Europe, and what it's really like being a sponsored pro. They go deep on Hillary's 2017 near-fatal fall in Norway (150ft, 14 broken bones), the non-linear recovery (surgeries, learning to ask for help, walking again, depression, journaling, and rebuilding identity beyond "runner"), and why she wouldn't undo it—even after years of ongoing issues. Plus: women's fueling and training, performance pressure vs joy, why "big dogs gotta eat," and a geeky shoe chat from Frontrunner HQ—including Hillary's move to Brooks and her take on the new Brooks Cascadia Elite. If you've ever been injured, lost motivation, or just needed a reminder that you're stronger than you think—this one's a goody. 00:00 Meet Hillary Allen (Hilly Goat) + Her Wild Comeback Story 00:02 Welcome to the Pod: First 2026 Interview & Setting the Vibe 02:26 New Zealand Adventures: Van Life, Hillary Track & Racing WAI 50 03:40 How NZ Trails Compare: Rugged Terrain, Oxygen, and No Deadly Wildlife 07:40 Origins: Outdoorsy Childhood, Science Family, and Tennis Scholarship 10:48 From Grad School to Ultrarunning: Discovering Talent & Early Races 14:29 Getting Sponsored: SkyRunning Series Wins & The North Face Call 17:40 Joy vs Pressure: Staying Motivated When Running Becomes a Job 20:19 Resetting the Spark: Removing Expectations, Journaling, and Running for You 27:12 The 2017 Norway Fall: SkyRunning, Exposure, and the Moment Everything Changed 33:48 Aftermath & Rescue: 14 Broken Bones, Helicopter Evac, and Survival 35:34 Recovery Reality Check: Surgeries, "Never Run Again," and Finding Purpose 41:44 Rebuilding Identity: Momentum, Teaching Science, and Being More Than a Runner 43:20 People First: How the Accident Changed Everything 44:10 Would You Undo the Fall? Living With Surgeries & Choosing Growth 45:54 Accepting the 'New You': Resilience as a Practice 50:13 Learning to Walk Again: Zooming In on the Next Step 54:53 Body Image, Fueling & Gratitude: Rebuilding Trust in Your Body 01:00:38 Why Keep Running? Joy, Mountains & Not Making Racing the Point 01:02:03 Driven, Not 'Chill': Balancing Ambition, School & Recovery 01:04:28 Why New Zealand & Tarawera: Culture, Community and the Full Experience 01:07:39 The Reality of Pro Trail Running: Sponsorships, Training Shifts & Identity 01:10:46 Women in Sport: Fueling, Stigma and Changing the Narrative 01:13:34 Switching to Brooks: When Shoes Make or Break Your Career 01:18:22 Deep Dive: Cascadia Elite—Plates, Foam, Lockdown & Trail Performance 01:26:53 Final Reflections: Advice to Younger Self & Closing Thanks

Oska and Tom from Frontrunner Colombo compare two neutral, highly cushioned road daily trainers: the New Balance 1080v15 and the Saucony Triumph 23. They explain what "neutral" means (no added motion-control elements) and discuss how the 1080v15 is a major improvement over the v14, with a new EVA/TPE-style foam that feels soft and responsive, decent outsole coverage, and a lighter build (261g, 6mm drop), but a noticeably narrower, straighter last and limited lateral stability on uneven surfaces. The Triumph 23 is described as wider and more inherently stable underfoot due to a flared platform, with strong heel lockdown, slightly better outsole coverage, and a lively but more compliant PWRRUN PB feel that can sink in the forefoot for some; it weighs 263g with a 10mm drop that feels lower. They recommend choosing based on foot shape and fit: 1080v15 for narrower feet and a more "recovery/easy mileage" feel, Triumph 23 for more forefoot/midfoot room, secure heel fit, and better support late in longer runs. Prices discussed are NZD $310 for the 1080v15 and NZD $290 for the Triumph 23, and they note they'll address viewer questions in the longer Run Spesh podcast released Friday afternoons. 00:00 Intro: Soulmates shoe showdown (1080v15 vs Triumph 23) 01:30 What these shoes are: neutral, max-cushion daily trainers 02:02 New Balance 1080v15 deep dive: new foam feel, ride & outsole 03:16 1080v15 fit & stability: the new narrower last + upper notes 06:49 1080v15 stats & who it's for (weight, drop, easy miles) 08:01 Saucony Triumph 23 overview: big platform, stability & comfort 09:36 Triumph 23 outsole + PWRRUN PB feel: softness, response, durability 11:31 Triumph 23 upper/fit tweaks & who it suits on longer runs 13:06 Head-to-head verdict: fit, price, durability + closing notes

Oska and Tom from Frontrunner Columbo compare two neutral, highly cushioned road daily trainers: the New Balance 1080v15 and the Saucony Triumph 23. They explain what "neutral" means (no added motion-control elements) and discuss how the 1080v15 is a major improvement over the v14, with a new EVA/TPE-style foam that feels soft and responsive, decent outsole coverage, and a lighter build (261g, 6mm drop), but a noticeably narrower, straighter last and limited lateral stability on uneven surfaces. The Triumph 23 is described as wider and more inherently stable underfoot due to a flared platform, with strong heel lockdown, slightly better outsole coverage, and a lively but more compliant PWRRUN PB feel that can sink in the forefoot for some; it weighs 263g with a 10mm drop that feels lower. They recommend choosing based on foot shape and fit: 1080v15 for narrower feet and a more "recovery/easy mileage" feel, Triumph 23 for more forefoot/midfoot room, secure heel fit, and better support late in longer runs. Prices discussed are NZD $310 for the 1080v15 and NZD $290 for the Triumph 23, and they note they'll address viewer questions in the longer Run Spesh podcast released Friday afternoons. 00:00 Intro: Soulmates shoe showdown (1080v15 vs Triumph 23) 01:30 What these shoes are: neutral, max-cushion daily trainers 02:02 New Balance 1080v15 deep dive: new foam feel, ride & outsole 03:16 1080v15 fit & stability: the new narrower last + upper notes 06:49 1080v15 stats & who it's for (weight, drop, easy miles) 08:01 Saucony Triumph 23 overview: big platform, stability & comfort 09:36 Triumph 23 outsole + PWRRUN PB feel: softness, response, durability 11:31 Triumph 23 upper/fit tweaks & who it suits on longer runs 13:06 Head-to-head verdict: fit, price, durability + closing notes

Join Oska, Tom and Anna for a jam-packed episode of Run Spesh! This week's highlights include a recap of the latest Run Club events, an exciting announcement about switching locations for interval training, and heaps of gratitude for community support. Oska gets real about his upcoming Osaka Marathon and shares some laughs with Tom and Anna over everything from lawn maintenance to cat shenanigans. Dive into shoe talk, where we explore the latest gear from Saucony, Brooks, and more! Also, stay tuned for a sneak peek at some thrilling upcoming events including the coast-to-coast race, and Tawawera Ultramarathon with some incredibly fierce competition. Buckle up for a blend of running insights, gear reviews, and pure fun! 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates 00:05 Run Club Announcements and Community Events 00:38 Personal Messages and Marathon Preparation 01:16 Casual Conversations and Humor 02:40 Running and Training Discussions 03:37 Upcoming Events and Travel Plans 14:54 Triathlon and Track Events 24:58 Coast to Coast and Other Races 29:57 Track and Field Highlights 35:04 Chasing Records and Fact-Checking 35:30 Top Female Contenders in the 102K Event 35:55 Dan Jones: The Gladiator of Trail Running 36:37 Listener Questions: Wide Toe Box Shoes 39:52 Guidelines for Race Shoes 45:06 Choosing the Right Tempo Shoe 54:26 Shoe Reviews: Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 01:05:12 Upcoming Events and Final Words

Solemates Sneaker Showdown: Mizuno's Hyper Warp Pure vs Elite 🚀👟
Welcome to another exciting episode of 'Sole Mates' with Oska and Tom! Today, we dive deep into the details of Mizuno's latest game-changers: the Hyper Warp Pure and Hyper Warp Elite. We explore stack heights, midsole tech, and on-foot experiences to help you figure out which shoe fits your running needs best. With expert insights and some fun banter, we cover all the bases to guide you in picking the perfect pair. Don't miss the chance to try these models yourself at our Run Club event next Tuesday at Hagley Park. Tune in and be part of the sneaker showdown! 🏃‍♂️💨