The Drop

Frank Sanchez is Chief Physician Associate-Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Miami Transplant for Heart and Lung adult and pediatrics. With 25 years of experience, he has had the pleasure of taking care of the Miami football team at one point and currently is the Medical Director for LifeTime Fitness running and endurance events including Miami Marathon and Half. He is also a 7x Ironman finisher and 16x marathon finisher as well as a USA Triathlon coach and XC coach. We answer listener questions that hopefully help with your training and race day performance.

Karissa Schweizer is an American middle- and long-distance runner, Olympian and World Record holder in the women's 4x1500 meters relay. She competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters events finishing 11th and 12th, respectively. In 2020, she set the indoor 3000 meters American Record with a time of 8:25.70.

The team gears up for some Turkey Trots and The Running Event, discusses the new Andre 3000 album, and gives you their thoughts about running in the cold. We also discuss some of the mishaps at the Philadelphia Half Marathon. No new shoe this week, but we'll be back with tons of shoe craziness from the Running Event next week.

Lagoon Pillows is how we get our good sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

Some of us went on a bougie vacation to the islands last week, others ran 90 miles (you can probably guess which ones). Thomas makes us jealous with his tales of the Caribbean life, Robbe gets out his pent-up frustrations on the ubiquity of Taylor Swift in all aspects of life, and Meg just wants to listen to country music in peace. We also talk about the On Cloudeclipse, a shoe in which Meg has already logged 100 miles.

Lagoon Pillows is how we get our good sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

Learn more about Winter GRIT: Space Odyssey ➡ https://www.believeintherun.com/grit

Pick up the Nathan Speeddraw, the only good handheld water bottle ➡ https://bit.ly/SHOP-NATHAN-SPEEDDRAW

Is the New York City Marathon weekend a national holiday? At this point, it should be. Our last stop on the train to NYC took us right into the heart of marathon weekend, where we met and hung out with so many of you. From the expo to the shake out run with New Balance to the marathon itself, we're not sure anything can top what just went down. Hear all about our full in-depth recap of the weekend and the race itself, and forgive us if we get a little lost along the way.

Special thanks to New Balance and New York Road Runners, and of course, to all of you. We really have a special community of runners and couldn't do it it without your support.

Lagoon Pillows is how we get our good sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

From South Africa to Arkansas to Colorado, Dom Scott has literally chased her running dream the whole way around the world. From going to boarding school as a teen to training with Emma Bates on Team Boss to finishing with a 2:27 at last month's Chicago Marathon, she's had quite the journey. We talk about all of that and more in this conversation.

Follow Dom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domscottrunsa/

Carmen Sandiego taught us nothing about geography and it shows (sorry, Europe). But it's the calm before the storm as we embrace the empire state of mind in our lead-up to this weekend's New York City Marathon. We also go deeper personally than we ever have, thanks to Robbe's mid-podcast confessional. Of course, we also talk about the Asics Novablast 4, one of the most-anticipated running shoes of 2023.

In Baltimore, snitches get stitches and/or dead robots on their doorsteps. Robbe comes home to find a frightful surprise, Meg & Thomas review BS High, and we also go where the sidewalk ends. Plus, we talk about our favorite super trainers of 2023. SAVE THE DATE: Our New Balance x BITR NYC Marathon shake out run is on Saturday, November 4, starting and ending at LAVAN Midtown (641 W 42nd St). Starts at 10 a.m., givewaways include custom hats and sling bags to the first few hundred people. Don't forget to check out this week's sponsors! Kodiak Peak Oatmeal is legit awesome, we've been using it to refuel after our morning runs. Made with 100% whole grain oats and 20g of protein per packet. Save 20% of your Peak Oatmeal bundle by shopping here: https://kodiakcakes.com/BIR Lagoon Pillows is how we get our good sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

As runners, we obviously love data. But what about as parents? Emily Oster is a parent, professor, New York Times bestselling author, runner, and data-driven economist focused on helping other parents navigate life. And she's a fan of The Drop! We had a lot of fun talking to her about her approach to data-driven parenting, running, and life. Follow Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profemilyoster/ Listen to ParentData with Emily Oster: https://pod.link/1633515294 Check out Emily's books: https://emilyoster.net/writing/

Emma Bates ran the Chicago Marathon, and Meg ran the Chicago Marathon, so that seemed like a pretty good reason to have martinis in our hotel room together while recapping the race. Obviously, it was a pretty good time. There's a lot of talk about goats, like, the actual animal. And alpacas. It's basically an advertisement for FarmersOnly.

This is it, the recap you've all been waiting for (or not). We went to Chicago, we ate some pizza, ate some ramen, drank some dranks, got up early, stayed up late, hung with friends (like you and Emma Bates), and somewhere in between, Meg ran a marathon. And she got a PR. We also held the world record-breaking Nike Alphafly 3 and give you our thoughts about that. Buckle up, it's a wild ride! Don't forget to eat your oatmeal! Kodiak Peak Oatmeal is legit awesome, we've been using it to refuel after our morning runs. Made with 100% whole grain oats and 20g of protein per packet. Save 20% of your Peak Oatmeal bundle by shopping here: https://kodiakcakes.com/BIR You can drop the CBD gummies, because Lagoon Pillows is how to get your best sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

Is Erika Kemp the future face of distance running in America? After posting the fastest American debut ever in the marathon at Boston earlier this year (and becoming the fastest American-born Black marathoner ever in the process), she may be on her way. We talk to the Brooks athlete on her success and the future of her running career.

It's spooky season around here, which means we're getting creepy with weird ghost talk. But we also manage to talk about Meg's lead-up to the Chicago Marathon and her inexperience with the value menu at Burger King. Then there's the whole discussion about inflation affecting tips for strippers, because that's the perfect lead-in to the $160 Nike Vomero 17, which is about the going price for a premium daily trainer these days.
Kodiak Peak Oatmeal is legit awesome, we've been using it to refuel after our morning runs. Made with 100% whole grain oats and 20g of protein per packet. Save 20% of your Peak Oatmeal bundle by shopping here: https://kodiakcakes.com/BIR
Lagoon Pillows is how we get our good sleep. Right now you can save $50 on a Performance Pack or $75 on the Peak Sleep Set. Shop here: https://lagoonsleep.com/believe

At a time when every shoe was over 10 mm in drop, Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper came along and took an idea from zero to, well... zero drop. Since then, Altra has become a staple brand in the running, walking, and hiking scenes, known for its footshape shoes and focus on a natural running lifestyle. However, everything has changed with the all-new 4 mm drop AltraFWD Experience. Does it matter? We ask Brian about that, the history and future of the brand, and what it's like to fly fish in South America. Check out Altra: https://www.altrarunning.com/ Read the review of the AltraFWD Experience ➡ https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/altrafwd-experience-review/

First things first, let's talk about Kipchoge's dual snot rivers that rivaled the outflow of the Tigris and Euphrates. Then we'll talk about his win in Berlin and Assefa's dismantling of the women's world record. From there, we get into how horrible our faces look after a run, whether or not we're just perpetually injured but used to it, and wonder if Baltimore rats are getting into Meg's collagen stash. Lastly, we touch on the AltraFWD Experience, a 4 mm drop shoe that's... a shoe. If this episode doesn't help you nail your peak long run for this fall marathon cycle, then you may as well just quit running.

The gang took the actual train to NYC to run the New Balance and New York Road Runners 5th Avenue Mile. We talk about the worst seat on a train, Thomas's race day regrets, and Robbe making questionable decisions about stuff found on the ground (again). We also cover the legendary life of Mike the Headless Chicken, which is marginally more entertaining than our conversation about the New Balance 1080v13, which features some major upgrades.

What's going on behind the scenes of the Adidas Adizero podium push over the last few years? That's what we ask Robbie Paterson, Senior Manager of Footwear Development in the Adizero Elite Racing line. We get all the details on how they almost had a 50 mm race shoe until World Athletics laid down the law, how much testing and development goes into an Adizero shoe, and everything that went into the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung.

If you follow track, the man needs no introduction. Chris Chavez is the founder of Citius Mag, a media brand dedicated to all things track and field. We talk about his role at Citius, the world of track and field, and what's it's like behind the scenes of running.
Follow Citius Mag on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citiusmag/
Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_j_chavez/

Blink and it's 182. I guess this is growing up, but we're still kids at heart when it comes to discussing airplane etiquette, STD billboards in Baltimore, waterbeds for the rich and poor, and the all-new Brooks Ghost Max. This episode is sponsored by Electrolit, a scientifically formulated hydration beverage that replenishes the body during physical activity, intense heat, and other outdoor warm-weather activities. It's legit, we drink it, you should check them out. Learn more: Website: https://electrolit.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrolit/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/electrolitusa

Things go sideways real quick this week as we try to test the limits of our listeners' attention spans. Thomas and Robbe discuss toothpaste squeezing methods, Thomas gets Robbe to try a drunken cookie recipe, Meg is handed a get out of jail free coin, and we also respond to the torrent of comments on our Dr. Phil Maffetone episode. One more stop on our Summer Hydration Tour! 8/19 - Boston - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #7 RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-7-boston/

Look, we had to know what they were all about, so we went straight to the source. Brett Fraser is the Chief Athletes Officer for the Enhanced Games, a sporting event without drug testing, billed as "an alternative to the corrupt Olympic Games."
This is an open conversation about the persistence of drugs in sport, the idea of "scientifically-enhanced" athletes, and whether or not that's a good thing or a bad thing for sport overall. There are definitely two sides to this issue and both have certain merits, whether you agree or not. Either way, we're interested to see how it plays out over the next year and a half.
Learn more about the Enhanced Games: https://enhanced.org/

This week, Thomas and Meg survive an animal attack (barely), Robbe narrowly avoids an animal attack, oh and also we had an amazing time at the Summer GRIT Party and Asics/Skratch Summer Hydration Tour stop #4. All that and a whole lot more in this episode, including an overview of the Salomon DRX Bliss.

Learn more and register for the Under Armour Sunset Tour: https://bit.ly/UA-SUNSET-TOUR

RSVP for our upcoming events!
7/29 - Nashville - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #5
RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-5-nashville/

8/10 - Atlanta - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #6
RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-6-atlanta/

8/19 - Boston - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #7
RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-7-boston/

Alison took the unconventional route to running, having started at the age of 30. She has completed 7 full marathons, and a handful of half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks. Her love for the sport has quickly transcended into wanting to give others the same sense of accomplishment she felt after completing her first race. She is the leader of R.I.OT. Squad run club, and an SCI Physical Therapist Assistant, as well as a run coach.

Follow Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alioop_0_o_runs/

It's hard enough to run a 5:25 mile, but what about doing it nine months pregnant? Makenna Myler is a professional runner for Asics who qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 10k in 2021 and finished 14th less than a year after giving birth to her daughter. She's been running PRs ever since and in this episode we talk about what that looks like.

Follow Makenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benzmakenz/

Meg's in Boston at the New Balance Research Lab with the Train to NYC team, but no worries, the podcast must go on. Thomas and Robbe manage to not burn headquarters down, though next week may be a different story when we go full Joe Dirt on our stash of 4th of July fireworks. Also, we talk about the On Cloudboom Echo 3, a $290 race day shoe that may or may not live up to the price tag. Also– Summer GRIT starts on Saturday! Kind of crept up on us, so not sure we even mentioned it, but we're ready to roll. RSVP for our upcoming events! 7/8 - Oakland - Norda 002 Launch w/ Renegade Running (& Live Podcast) RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/norda-launch/ 7/14 - Austin - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #1 RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-1/ 7/17 - Miami - Summer Hydration Tour Stop #2 RSVP here: https://believeintherun.com/event/summer-hydration-tour-stop-2-miami/

Delano Johnson is unique in the world of runners in that he's a 6'5", 250-pound Canadian football defensive end (currently a free agent). A current Baltimore-area resident, Lo played college football at Bowie State University and has played professionally for the Houston Texans, Toronto Argonauts, Portland Thunder/Steel and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He's also a member of our Train to NYC 2 team with New Balance and we couldn't be more excited to have him along on this journey. Follow Lo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/so_thankful10

After a tame time in Boulder, we're back in the wild, folks. That means we talk about everything from Meg's new gambling addiction (jk... maybe) to rat trapping in Baltimore to why it's absolutely criminal that Matthew Lillard wasn't nominated for an Oscar for his flawless portrayal of Shaggy in Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. Think about it though: he really was robbed. Oh, we also talk about the Adidas Boston 12 and why it's finally come around to the greatness it once was.