Episode 578: The Final Q&A of 2025

We close out our podcast year the best way we know how: Q&A sesh!

When we look back a year from now, these are the race results and training blocks that will make us happy men in 2026!

A few episodes ago, we mentioned how the Hoka Speedgoat and Clifton just aren’t working for us like they used to and so many of you reached out to confirm your same experience. So, today we’re giving you eighteen alternative shoe options to consider!

We, but mostly Brakken, talk about our year of training, racing, and also what next year might look like!

We pick three shoes, three training locations, and three pieces of gear/clothing for each major race type: 5k/10k, Half Marathon/Marathon, and Ultramarathons.

The training, the current Pro scene, the race itself, and what Ultramarathon fitness allows you to do makes these the best race distances!

Mary Martin is the race director of the Standhope Ultra Challenge in Idaho: a race built for women, parents, and the next generation of mountain athletes.

The training, the current Pro scene, the race itself, and what HM / Marathon fitness allows you to do makes these the best race distances!

The training, the current Pro scene, the race itself, and what 5k / 10k fitness allows you to do makes these the best race distances!

Former NCAA D1 swimmer, current NYU med student, and recent Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier off less than 50 miles per week!