417 | Andy Wacker, Founder of The Trail Team

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan discuss a shoe that they are very excited for in 2021: the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 (13:08). Then, the crew talks about Jim Walmsley's recent attempt to break the 100K record, as well as the HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X2 (22:32). Also, Thomas sits down with Danny Orr, General Manager of Performance Running at New Balance. They talk about Danny's experience working at New Balance and how the company adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic (27:52). They also geek out over running shoes, such as the 1080 v11 and FuelCell Rebel v2.

29 Jan 20211h 24min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan share their thoughts on Nike's latest trainer, the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 (8:24) before discussing their experiences with mental health and how running helps them stay in a healthy mindset (15:00). Then, Thomas and Meaghan are joined by Olympian, author and actress Alexi Pappas to talk about her new book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas. They also discuss her philosophies and goals as a runner, how running has influenced her life and her experiences training with fellow world-class runners (22:05). You can purchase Alexi's book here.

22 Jan 20211h 11min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan check in on their week in running before talking about some of the gear they are loving this winter (1:15). Then, Thomas and Meaghan sit down with ASICS athlete Taliyah Brooks. They discuss Taliyah's track career and how it has taken her around the world, as well as her transition from college to professional running (29:35). Instagram: @love_tbrooks https://www.strava.com/challenges/Optimize-Your-Running-PWURE

15 Jan 20211h 15min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan catch up with BITR shoe reviewer Jeremy Ardanuy to talk about his recent 47-mile FKT on a local Baltimore route (4:01) before checking in on their own running, including GRIT (17:55). Then, Thomas and Robbe sit down with chef Marc Quiñones. They talk about Marc's passions for cooking as well as running and where they both started, the similarities he sees between his professional life and running life, and his experiences in competitions in both fields (27:03). You can watch Marc on the new season of Hell's Kitchen. Instagram: @chefmq

8 Jan 20211h 20min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan share their resolutions they have for 2021 and beyond (6:31) before giving their first impressions of the Topo Athletic Cyclone (13:45). Then, Thomas sits down with GORUCK shoe designer and designer of the Reebok Pump, Paul Litchfield. They talk about Paul's past experience working with Reebok, the nuances of the running shoe spectrum and the vision for the GORUCK brand (22:24).

31 Des 20201h 19min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan recap one of the biggest running events of the year in The Marathon Project (0:48) before sharing their thoughts on the new Craft CTM Ultra Carbon (12:03). Then, Thomas sits down with legendary running coach Matt Centrowitz (29:40). They talk about Matt's journey from the Bronx to Oregon, his coaching philosophies and his family's love for running. You can purchase Matt's book, Like Father Like Son, here. Email: coachcentro@gmail.com Follow his son, Matthew Centrowitz, @mgcentro on Instagram

23 Des 20201h 9min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meghan discuss two shoes that they are high on going into the new year: ASICS EvoRide 2 and the Puma Deviate Nitro (8:20). The crew also chats about why Strava is going in the right direction with their personalized Year in Sport reviews (16:46). Then, Thomas and Robbe sit down with Don Reichelt to talk about his path from Iron Man racer to ultrarunner, his preparation methods for ultras, and his time working at Newton Running (24:14). Don finished third at the 2018 Badwater Ultramarathon (135 miles), and also finished third in the Tunnel Hill 100. https://bit.ly/REGISTER-FOR-GRIT

18 Des 20201h 26min

This week on The Drop, Thomas, Robbe and Meaghan break down their picks for the 2020 BITR Best in Gear Awards (8:30). The trio covers everything from the best shoes, apparel and must-have pieces from the past year. Then, Thomas and Meg are joined by HOKA NAZ Elite Athlete Scott Fauble to talk about his involvement in the upcoming Marathon Project, training and race techniques, saunas and pie (30:20). https://www.believeintherun.com/2020/12/09/best-in-gear-awards-2020-road-running/

11 Des 20201h 13min