Protect the Rail: US Champs Breakdown

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka. Episode Rundown:Erika Kemp in Tokyo — Lindsey and Peter hyping up Erika’s marathon and her confidence, calling her a “crusher” and “pleasant surprise” on the show.Brooks’ identity shift — the back-and-forth about Brooks trying to go from “run happy” to “we’re serious now,” with the high school movie training montage analogy.Emily Infeld kick talk — Lindsey saying “she’s gonna outkick you” and Peter joking about Beatrice Chebet not letting her hang around.’90s 10K nostalgia — Peter’s rant about missing the days when athletes would “crash out from 3K out” and his VHS/YouTube Haile Gebrselassie & Paul Tergat clip reference.Parenting + 5K race story — Lindsey’s kids racing each other, her tough-love cheerleading (“I don’t have water, keep going!”), and Glenn’s mind games between brothers.

This week on group chat, we have Kofuzi, Peter Bromka, Tommie Runz, and a little bit of Lindsey Hein!Episode Rundown:UTMB week through a newcomer’s eyesSydney Marathon as the new MajorPre-race ritualsKipchoge now and nextContent + culture

Today on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, and Matt Chittim.Topics we covered:Cooper Lutkenhaus goes pro at 16 and signs with NikeNIL deals, college eligibility, and the value of NCAA programs vs. professional contractsRisks and benefits of skipping the collegiate system (facilities, coaching, social/educational experience)Fall marathon fields announced (Chicago and New York), with key athletes and matchupsUTMB week preview: OCC, CCC, UTMB, and international trail running storylines

In this lively conversation, Lindsey Hein, Erika Kemp, Tommie Runz, and Peter Bromka discuss various topics ranging from recent running events to internet culture and memes. They share hot takes on food preferences, analyze Faith Kipyegon's performance from the Diamond League, the importance of points in track and field, and the dynamics of community track events. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the challenges of 5K and 10K races and personal anecdotes about their experiences in running, the pressures of performance in the age of social media, and the impact of social media on athletes' performance and mental health.

In this conversation, Lindsey, Tommie, Matt, and Peter are joined by Sandy Roberts and Pat Price, founders of the Sir Walter Miler. They dive deep into the history and evolution of the Sir Walter Miler event. Topics discussed:Introduction to the Sir Walter Miler eventThe community engagement aspectEvolution of the event over the yearsThe role of top athletes and sponsorshipInfield access for fans and athlete engagementThe “dreamer” component of the raceChallenges in event organization and logisticsThe importance of teamwork and volunteersThe process of selecting athletes and building the fieldFuture plans and succession for the event

This week on group chat, we have Kofuzi, Lindsey Hein, Stef Flippin, and Peter Bromka talking all things USAs!

This week on group chat, we have Erika Kemp, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim talking all things USAs!

Today on group chat, we have Tommie Runz, Erika Kemp, Lindsey Hein, Peter Bromka, and Matt Chittim.Top Topics Covered:1. Doping Scandals Rock Running: Deep dive into Ruth Chepngetich’s doping news, reactions from within the running world, and how it impacts both elite athletes and fans.2. What Mainstream Audiences Actually Hear About Running: Which stories make it beyond the running bubble—records vs. scandals.3. Who’s to Blame?: Discussion on accountability—athletes, agents, sponsors, and federations.4. The Systemic Issues in Global Athletics: Why countries like Russia got banned but Kenya hasn’t, and the complexities of systemic doping.5. How Fans Cope with Scandals: Balancing skepticism with joy for the sport and why cynicism can’t win.6. USA Championships Hype: Previewing the most exciting events at USAs, especially the 1500m and 800m.7. Hot Take Showdown – Who’s the Best Athlete on the Track?: Fierce debate—1500m runners, 400m hurdlers, pole vaulters, or decathletes?8. Culture of Doping and Pressure to Perform: Comparing doping cultures in Kenya, cycling, and other sports.9. Wild Side Tangents – Coldplay Cheating Scandal & Internet Virality: How a random CEO, an HR rep, and Coldplay hijacked social media.10. Emotional Intelligence & Crying in Movies: A hilarious and heartfelt wrap-up with favorite sad movies and what makes people cry (or not).Media mentioned in the episode: PodcastsSounds Like a CultTV Shows & MoviesThe Bear Seven Pounds The Pursuit of Happyness Train to Busan Yes Day The Florida Project BooksDinner for Vampires

Today on group chat, we have Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka.Episode Rundown:Track and Field Summer Highlights: From Bailey Hertenstein's world standard in the 5K to Diamond League drama and Noah Lyles vs. Letsile Tebogo.Hardrock 100 and Trail Running Talk: Why 50-year-old Ludo dominated, Katie Schide's calm dominance, and the challenge of long ultras.Swimming Confessions: Lindsey and Peter share their struggles with swimming form, awkward pool encounters, and comparing swim meets to track.Inside Podcasting: Reflections on becoming better interviewers, letting guests sit in silence, and podcasting pet peeves.Summer Parenting Chaos: Camps, swim meets, trying to avoid too much structure, and nostalgic summer boredom with four kids at home.

Today on group chat, we have Peter Bromka and Erika Kemp.Episode Rundown:50th anniversary atmosphere and in-person experience at Pre ClassicStandout performances across events, including Gudaf Tsegay’s and Faith Kipyegon’s world recordsSage Hurta-Klecker’s standout pacing job and pacing strategy overallLong jump drama and showmanship from Tara Davis-WoodhallTactical racing missteps, including Yard Nuguse drifting in the final stretchPhysicality and unpredictability of the 800mPrize money delays and Grand Slam Track League controversySha’Carri Richardson’s return and injury timelinesErika’s marathon build and “get fit to get fit” approachAthlete personalities, celebrations, and the importance of storytelling in track and field