304 | Paul Zielenski, Senior Product Manager for Global Performance at New Balance

It's been a few weeks since we've been in studio, so there's been plenty of stuff brewing that we needed to get out. We focus on the trivial, from the lack of cigs in Stranger Things to Maduro's Nike fit to Sage Canaday's beef with unnamed hybrid athlete Truett Hanes. Also, we talk about the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, which has taken a big leap forward from the previous version. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!PILLARIf you’re training hard, traveling to races, or just stacking miles week after week, you know how easy it is for your immune system to take a hit. That’s why we’ve been reaching for PILLAR Ultra Immune C. It contains a high dosage of Vitamin C (about 16-17 oranges worth in one scoop), which helps fight off illness and protects your body from the stress of intense training. Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code BITR for 15% off first-time purchases.SWIFTWICKYou 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. Get yourself ready for the new year and save 15% off your first purchase with code BELIEVE15: https://swiftwick.com

9 Jan 1h 37min

The duet is back together after an extended year end vacation. They chat about a range of topics from their holiday’s, gas stations, to their post-mortal preferences. Of course, they talk about trail running a with the upcoming Scott Kinabalu Trail and what they look forward to in 2026.Guest: 7Mesh is a high-performance clothing brand that started the way many high-quality brands begin. TJ and Ian, cofounders of 7Mesh, saw a hole in the market for performance tuned all-conditions cycling gear. Their experience and expertise (former Arc’teryx CEO and designer) in the industry helped them create some of the most thoughtful gear that extends to all outdoor endeavors. Listen to how they started 7Mesh, science/thoughts behind their gear, and what’s to come in future seasons.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!LMNTThe Lemonade Salt has returned for good, so make sure you grab the greatest flavor on the planet for all your trail running needs. 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: DrinkLMNT.com/dirtdivision

7 Jan 2h 15min

In Part 2 of our Holiday Series, we’re recapping the year that was. We kick things off in Miami with HOKA, then roll through an action-packed spring—Kenya, Boston, London, the Move Her Mind Event Series, Western States, #Breaking4 in Paris, welcoming Taylor Boding officially to the team, Worlds in Tokyo, Thomas’ trip to China, Chicago, NYC, and so much more.Thank you all for supporting us every step of the way this year. We’re excited for what’s ahead in 2026.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!SWIFTWICKYou 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 presents, so treat yourself or someone else today: https://swiftwick.comLMNTIt'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

2 Jan 42min

I mean, it's Molly freakin' Seidel, Olympic bronze medalist and all-around great person who is now a certified trail runner with a whole slate of off-road adventures lined up in 2026. We talk about that, but we also dive into mysterious vortexes, magic minerals, and her favorite shoes right now.Follow Molly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygolly.molly/

29 Des 202555min

We’ve got a lot to unpack as we close out 2025, starting with a deep dive into Meg’s experience at The Marathon Project—from travel chaos to racing in the Nike Proto. We also break down our favorite shoes, gear, and brands of the year, plus share some listener and viewer stats to round things out.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!MAURTENMeg's raced The Marathon Project last week and you know she relied 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-MAURTENSWIFTWICKYou 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.comLMNTIt'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

26 Des 20251h 45min

Reese and Taylor take the time to reflect on a big 2025. First they chat about the new Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 and then dive into the deep end of 2025 where they talk about everything from the idea of time itself to skin care routines.

24 Des 20251h 13min

As CEO of The Atlantic, father of three boys, and age group record holder for the 50K, Nick Thompson has a lot on his plate. That includes writing a new book, The Running Ground, one of our most favorite running books in recent memory. Part memoir and part love letter to the sport, it explores the ups and downs of life and the thread of running through it all. Robbe talks to him about all of that and more in this episode of The Drop.Pick up The Running Ground: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson/

22 Des 202548min

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=dqdxuWmdsYISUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!MAURTENMeg'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-MAURTENSWIFTWICKYou 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.comLMNTIt'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

19 Des 20251h 28min