#43 - Kris Jones: A Life at Speed

In this chaotic episode, we break down the ABOM aftermath — and Ralph’s stomach. We dive into the controversy of orienteer's feet pics, while Tim covers from surgery. Is logging 5-minute strength sessions as training valid? We debate.Plus, who’s most likely to pick up a new injury? Is Magnus’ orienteering career crumbling after back-to-back losses to people older than Ralph? And, finally, the Orienteer Pod dilemma returns, along with some wild entries from the mailbox.

Bruno Nazário joins us to talk all things Portuguese orienteering! As the national team coach and a key event organizer, Bruno gives us the inside scoop on ABOM 2025— who will we see on the start line, what to expect from the races and how to follow from afar? We also look ahead to the European Champs 2028 in the same area, plus some wild stories from past events (including wildfires). And why is mushroom picking causing chaos?Meanwhile, Ralph is back from Portugal with a very sore stomach—food poisoning or just weak? Magnus clocks a faster track time than Tim.And in the O Pod Mailbox: 📩 What is Follow John? 🎙️ Orienteering podcast beef—how do we settle the drama? If you come for the king, you better not miss…

Kris Jones joins us to break down the world of mountain running, sky running, ultras, trails, track, road—you name it. But what’s actually the difference? We dive into his orienteering career, from World Unis gold tothree 4th places at WOC 2016, and why he hasn’t fully returned (aside from night orienteering).Plus, we get the inside scoop on life as a Hoka athlete and some insights intoInside the Training Diary Of. We also talk Attackpoint fame, biomechanics, and how he somehow works at St. Andrews but has never played golf.Meanwhile, Magnus has been in Sweden, Tim is trying to run fast, and Ralph is setting PBs while his 5x10 obsession reaches new heights.

This episode we dig into explosive drama from the orienteering world with a scandal shaking up Oceania and an investigation making waves at JWOC. From the O Pod mailbox, we answer your questions about cross training. What’s the best way to stay fit when you’re injured? And how does it compare to regular training? Training wise Magnus seems to be mending himself but is Tim surviving Swedish skiing and is Ralph rehabbing right? Tune in for the drama, laughs, and some practical advice for navigating injuries and scandals alike.

This week, we dive into the fascinating world of running shoes with special guest Nicolas Simonin. As a professional Saucony expert and arguably Ireland’s greatest ever orienteer, Nic helps us unravel the mysteries of the running shoe market. From finding the perfect shoe to sustainability in the industry, he’s got all the answers. We also chat about orienteering in Ireland, Nic’s journey to a Swedish school without knowing the language, and the best shoes for sprint orienteering. Plus, a quick stop at the O Pod mailbox for your questions! Lace up your shoes (the right ones!) and join us for this insightful and fun episode. #Orienteering #Podcast #RunningShoes #NicolasSimonin

As we close the year, we reflect on the best advice we’ve received, podcast highlights, and some of the most ridiculous moments of 2024. Ralph asks questions Magnus can’t understand and we debate predictions for 2025, and tackle some questions from the O Pod mailbox. Tim rounds up the Christmas Challenge results; Ralph and Magnus argue over who will hit sub-14 for 5000m first in the bench press challenge. Plus, everyone is a year older now, Ralph into a new age category with Tim and Magnus touching 30, fetch the Zimmer frames! Will Magnus’s mustache stay another year? Will Ralph’s cover photo size keep increasing? And what’s the wildest prediction we can make for 2025? Tune in to find out!

Magnus and Tim are deep into their preparations for the Christmas challenge, listen to get all the details on how to get involved yourself. Ralph is injured and currently facing a DNS but has been given a challenge of his own which Magnus describes as "weak numbers". We preview the 2025 season: From Portugal and Aguiar da Beira to WOC in Finland, 10mila in Tim's hometown, the World Games in China, sprinting the city streets of Belgium, there’s plenty to look forward to. The Danish hills face off against the New Zealand mountains in this weeks climbing based dilemma. Don’t miss the action, and make sure to tell your friends to follow us on Instagram! If we hit 2,000 followers before New Year’s, Magnus will dye his mustache.

It’s awards season! But first, Ralph is back from the UK with a health update, and shockingly, Tim is now the least injured of the crew—because Magnus has managed to get injured again. We dive into the highly anticipated awards, including Worst Mistake, Unacceptable Fashion Choices, and more. Plus, we tackle one of orienteering’s greatest mysteries: How exactly do you define a long leg? And Ralph challenges the team with the ultimate “mistake” dilemma. Stick around to hear all the chaos, laughs, and a big announcement—our first partnership is here! #Orienteering #Podcast #AwardsSeason #FlatDenmark #MistakesWereMade

This week, we’re joined by Evely Kaasiku, fresh off her incredible performances in 2024 and a true trailblazer for Estonian orienteering. 🥈 Did you know she’s the first Estonian woman to medal at the EOC? From the flat, green terrains of Türi to Helsingin Suunnistajat, we dive into her journey as a late-career peak athlete balancing elite sport with her marketing career. 🇪🇪 📉 What’s it like quitting work to go full-time as an athlete, only to return later? How does working with emotions at Feedbackly parallel the mental side of elite sport? And how should orienteers sell themselves to employers—or even to the public? 🎙️ Plus: Ralph’s dramatic hospital scare 🩸 Tim’s treadmill (yes, it needs a name—any ideas?) Catch Episode 37 now for stories, insights, and a fresh perspective from one of Estonia’s brightest orienteers! 🌟 #Orienteering #Podcast #EvelyKaasiku #EliteSport #StayinAlive

Join Hanne Hilo and Brodie Nankervis, straight from Australia! While the snow falls in Finland, Hanne has swapped skis for some bush-O on a coaching scholarship down under. She’s facing off with the Aussie terrain, local language quirks, and even dodging a snake or two! Brodie, our favourite medical advisor, brings the runner-coach perspective to give insight into Hanne's experience and how others can follow her footsteps. As if that weren't enough, you'll be hearing Tomas Krivda's latest travel stories and how you may be able to help him choose his next destination. #Orienteering #OrienteerPod