The Drop

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 INDEX 0:00 - 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