Run Spesh Podcast by Frontrunner Colombo

Frontrunner Colombo
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The Run Spesh podcast is all about the shoes and gear you like to go running in. We cover short-form episodes with in-depth discussions on what the shoe is for, who might benefit from it, and how it was made. The Frontrunner is also here to share stories and bring the community together. Enjoy the characters we have in our sports and the experts we work with. Run Spesh is a play on "Run Specialty" with the Frontrunner Colombo being New Zealand's leading Running Specialty Store

  1. 1d ago

    112 | Asics Meta Fuji Trail 2 | Commonwealth Games News | Winter Grind Party and some heavy shoe content

    Just Oska and Anna in the studio this week — Tom's mid-way through a 44-hour trip to Andorra, and Maia's home sick days before her final episode with the crew. Still plenty to get through: we open with training updates and what's currently on our feet, run through the week's big shoe releases (Novablast 6, On Cloudboom Strike 2), then get into it — the frankly rubbish online backlash aimed at Hamish Kerr for withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games, and why we think people need to do better. From there it's a big Commonwealth Games wrap led by Zoe Hobbs' stunning 100m gold (NZ's first-ever Commonwealth sprint gold), plus Geordie Beamish, Lauren Bruce, and a strong showing in the pool. We preview this Saturday's NZ Cross Country Championships at Hagley Park, work through a stack of listener questions — including a proper debate on supershoes vs. uptempo trainers for workouts, our picks for NZ's marathon "Mount Rushmore," and a Reddit question on whether some runners are doomed to stability shoes forever. We close with a full deep dive on the ASICS MetaFuji Trail 2, plus all the key dates coming up: Run Club's return, Run Unknown, and the New Balance New Brighton event. This episode covers: Training weeks and what we're running in Shoe releases: ASICS Novablast 6, On Cloudboom Strike 2 Hamish Kerr's Commonwealth Games withdrawal and the online reaction Commonwealth Games wrap: Zoe Hobbs' gold, Beamish, Lauren Bruce, swimming medals NZ Cross Country Championships preview Listener Q&A: supershoes vs. uptempo trainers, NZ's marathon greats, local "Majors" equivalents Reddit Q: stability shoes Deep dive: ASICS MetaFuji Trail 2 Key dates: Run Club, Run Unknown, New Balance New Brighton event A farewell to Maia Got a question for the show? Email marketing@frontrunnercolombo.co.nz or drop it in our Instagram DMs.

  2. Jul 23

    111 | Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, Josh Kerr, Race wrap ups and Tom's off to Europe

    "Wear a kilt. The hill just kept on going. I stopped and got some whisky." One finisher's take on the Mackenzie Half Marathon — which pulled over 1,150 entrants the same weekend Kennett Cup's senior men's race had just five starters. We get into why cross country numbers are shrinking, and what might actually fix it. Also this week: a full breakdown of Josh Kerr's mile world record, including the wild eight-years-of-data story behind his custom Brooks spike. Anna walks us through new EBU camera-angle guidelines aimed at reducing the sexualisation of women's athletics coverage. Maia Flint — in her second-to-last week with the Frontrunner crew — won the Kennett Cup women's senior race, and Tom's athlete Corbin Harding took silver at the Mackenzie Half. We round up cross country results from around the country, catch up on Kiwis racing well overseas, and give you the first real details on Run Unknown's return. We close out with a proper tech deep dive on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 — what's actually been fixed since the divisive version 2, and who it's built for. This episode covers: What we're testing / wearing this week Josh Kerr's mile world record and the tech behind it New broadcasting guidelines for filming women's athletics Kennett Cup results and a real conversation about cross country's participation problem Corbin Harding's silver medal at the Mackenzie Half Marathon NZ cross country round-up and Kiwis racing overseas Run Unknown returns — mystery riddle race with On Deep dive: Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Winter Grind party, Run Club's return, and the New Balance store takeover Got a question for the show? Drop it in our Instagram DMs or in the Run Club Facebook group.

  3. Jul 16

    110 | On Cloudboom Strike 2, Paris Recap, Christchurch Marathon, Listener Questions and Emotional Movies

    Race starts while you're still in the porta-loo. No time to wipe. Wet day, had to catch up, discard the gear... still won." One of our listeners' most eventful event day stories, and just one of the reasons this week's episode is a good one. Oska's just back from a whirlwind 10 days in Paris with On — factory tours, robot-sprayed shoes, and getting cold-shouldered out of a café for not ordering in French — while Tom's been out racing bikes and clocking solid triathlon training weeks. Anna talks us through her partner Henry's World Triathlon Series debut in Hamburg (41st on debut!), plus how Hayden and Saxon fared. Back home, we're digging into your Instagram questions — your most eventful event day stories and the worst running advice you've ever been given ("you don't need multiple $300 shoes" — gtfoh) — before answering three of the most common shoe questions we get asked in-store. The big one this week: Christchurch Marathon 2027 just leveled up. ASICS is coming on as headline partner, and Frontrunner is taking on a brand new role as Performance Partner — helping build a world-class elite athlete experience from the ground up. Entries are opening soon. And of course, we close out with a full tech deep dive on the On Cloudboom Strike 2 — what's changed from version one, the real numbers, and who it's actually built for. This episode covers: What we're running in this week Tom's Sector 6 bike race and triathlon training block Hamburg WTS recap: Anna on Henry's debut, plus Hayden and Saxon Oska's Paris trip with On Listener Q&A: eventful event days + worst running advice Shoe FAQ: replacing shoes, daily trainer vs super shoe, road vs trail Christchurch Marathon 2027: ASICS partnership + our new Performance Partner role Deep dive: On Cloudboom Strike 2 Winter Grind wrap-up, Winter Grind party (Tues 28th), Run Club returns (last Tues of August) Got a question for the show? Drop it in our Instagram DMs or in the Run Club Facebook group. Christchurch Marathon — entries open now https://raceroster.com/events/2027/129745/2027-asics-christchurch-marathon Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 review (Frontrunner blog) https://frontrunnercolombo.co.nz/blogs/the-run-down-shoe-reviews/saucony-endorphin-elite-3 Winter Grind Party & Run Club Get Together — RSVP required, $15 https://luma.com/7d458rvx

  4. Jul 10

    109 | Todd "Toddy" Andrews and The Dream Run

    Todd Andrews: From Outback Runner to S&C Coach — The Dream Run Across Australia for Cholmondeley Hosts Oska and Maia welcome Todd "Toddy" Andrews on The Front Runner Colombo's weekly running podcast to trace his path from a love-filled but financially tight childhood in Australia—frequent moves, single-parent upbringing, and finding stability through running—to a life-changing Melbourne school scholarship after coach Neville Sillitoe spotted his talent, mentored him, and even bought his first running shoes. Todd shares how he adapted academically, his competitive drive, and how marrying and becoming a parent young shifted his Olympic ambitions toward coaching and strength & conditioning. After moving to New Zealand in 2005, he qualified as a personal trainer, enrolled in a sport coaching degree at the University of Canterbury, graduated top of his class, entered S&C via post-earthquake opportunities with the Canterbury Academy, and completed a master's. He describes a midlife identity shift and outlines "The Dream Run": attempting three marathons a day for 30 days from Cottesloe Beach to Bondi Beach to inspire young people and raise funds for Cholmondeley Children's Centre, now aiming for next June after injury delays. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Todd Andrews 02:28 Family Life And Fatherhood 03:21 Outback Childhood And Moving 05:43 Growing Up With Less 09:22 Freedom And Early Memories 12:56 Finding Identity In Running 16:19 Scholarship To Melbourne 24:05 Overwhelmed But Determined 25:47 Neville The Mentor Coach 32:03 Imposter Syndrome And Resilience 34:20 Early Competitive Fire 36:29 Competitive Drive 37:01 Academic Survival Skills 38:58 Young Family Shift 41:33 Personal Training Pivot 43:28 University Breakthrough 46:46 Four Ps Framework 48:15 Earthquake Opportunity 53:21 Midlife Identity Reset 01:02:38 Three Marathons Plan 01:10:35 Cholmondeley Mission 01:19:55 Setbacks New Timeline 01:21:46 Closing Reflections

  5. Jun 28

    108 | We Made it to Paris for the ON running summit

    Run Spesh Podcast by Frontrunner Colombo

  6. Jun 19

    107 | Nnormal Cadi Shoe Review, Results from in and around, Winter Clothing Conumdrums

    The crew kicks off this week's episode from a freshly moved (and very unfinished) Frontrunner office to bring you a massive mix of raw training realities, major global athletics news, and technical gear deep dives. The biggest news of the week hits close to home: Oska shares his recent scan results, revealing a linear tear at the top of the proximal hamstring alongside severe high hamstring tendinopathy. It's a tough blow that likely sidelines him from competitive racing until around December, shaking up the training block but shifting the focus to a solid rehab phase. On the racing front, the team recaps a blistering week of athletics. They break down Sam Tanner's clinical 3:33 season opener in Nice, celebrate the seven new additions named to the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team, and track standout Kiwi performances across the NCAA circuit. Plus, they dive into the Oslo Diamond League action featuring Zoe Hobbs, Peter Bol, and Imogen Ayris, and discuss the wild crossover of triathletes Alex Yee and Cassandra Beaugrand stepping onto the track for a Monaco Diamond League 5K. To wrap it all up, the team checks in on the Wintergrind leaderboard, debates local track infrastructure wishes, and delivers a comprehensive review of NNormal's newest release, the Cadí trail shoe—Kilian Jornet and Camper's first true maximum-cushion, user-friendly daily cruiser. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Rundown 01:17 New Office Setup 02:20 Travel Plans and Staffing 03:44 Training Updates and Shoes 05:44 Tom's Routine and Movie Talk 09:28 Oska's Hamstring Diagnosis & Scan Results 14:37 Comm Games Selection & NCAA Highlights 18:34 Cross Country and Parkrun Hits 1 Million Events 21:01 London Marathon Goes Two-Day for 2027 26:06 Triathlon Dating Banter 26:51 Monaco Diamond League 5K Predictions 28:52 Steeplechase Pain and Heat Realities 29:46 The Betting Ethics Debate in Athletics 30:51 Cold Weather Running Gear Essentials 34:56 Caps In The Dark: Running Fashion Crimes? 36:31 Wintergrind Leaderboard Update 37:19 Christchurch Track Wish List 41:18 NNormal Cadí Shoe Deep Dive & Review 49:02 New Arrivals (On Drops, Saucony Endorphin Elite 3) & Wrap Up Episode Highlights The Injury Report: Oska's Hamstring A tough reminder of the razor's edge of elite training. The MRI confirmed a linear tear at the top of the proximal hamstring coupled with severe high hamstring tendinopathy. The Timeline: Competitive racing is on ice until roughly December 2026. The focus turns completely to active rehab, isometric loading, and supporting the local community from the sidelines. Gear Review: NNormal Cadí Kilian Jornet's brand departs from its ultra-minimalist, hyper-technical roots to launch its first highly approachable, max-cushion door-to-trail shoe. Specs: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot (6mm drop), 4mm lugs, weighing in around 270g. The Verdict: Built on a wider, more accommodating last than the Kjerag or Tomir, featuring a supercritical foam midsole and a rock-solid Vibram Megagrip outsole. It sacrifices a bit of snappy, playful energy return in exchange for pure, protective comfort on smooth, rolling mountain miles. Quick Hits & News Sam Tanner: Opens his European campaign in style with a sharp 3:33 over 1500m in Nice. London 2027: The iconic marathon announces plans to expand into a massive two-day weekend event to accommodate surging demand. Parkrun Milestone: The global community movement celebrates a mind-boggling milestone of one million unique events worldwide.

  7. Jun 12

    106 | Asics Novablast 6 Review, World Champs Team Announcement, NCAA and Running Investments

    Run Spesh: The Rundown — Injuries, NCAA Chaos, World Road Champs Squad & Novablast 6 First Look Oska, Tom and Anna kick off Run Spesh from Frontrunner with a rebrand to "The Rundown," then share training updates: Anna is back running pain-free after gym strength work, while Oska is nearly two weeks off with a diagnosed tendon tear and plans a cautious return. Tom recaps a fast, tactical winter bike race series and his current swim/bike focus. They run through major results and storylines including Stockholm and Rome Diamond League highlights, NCAA Nationals hype and a collegiate hurdles world record, plus discuss questionable wind-aided sprint times. They confirm New Zealand's largest-ever World Road Champs team for Copenhagen, shout out Winter Grind Strava pattern challenges and leaderboard, and close with a first take on the ASICS Novablast 6 specs, pricing, and where it fits. 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:45 Meet The Hosts 01:00 New Name Rundown 03:46 Anna Returns Running 06:33 Oscar Injury Update 11:22 Tom Bike Racing 16:12 Future Race Plans 18:57 Diamond League Highlights 25:27 NCAA Champs Hype 28:27 NCAA Kiwi Results 29:16 Kiwi Athletes at Nationals 29:42 Collegiate Hurdles World Record 31:44 Windy Times and 200m Controversy 34:16 Blind Shoe Knowledge Challenge 35:49 NZ World Road Champs Team 41:11 Reddit Running Investment Advice 46:46 Winter Grind Strava Challenges 49:23 ASICS Novablast 6 Breakdown 55:37 Wrap Up and Podcast Outro

  8. Jun 5

    105 | Launceston Recap, Melbourne Trip and Race Arousal

    Oska, Anna and Maia banter through a chaotic Run Spesh episode from Frontrunner, covering a week of shop life, travel, racing and brand meetings. Oska recaps flying to Melbourne, then heading to Launceston for a half marathon where he felt flat (low HRV, blocked nose, sore hamstring/ankle), fell off pace early, and turned the race into a 70-minute tempo, likely missing his last World Champs qualifying chance; he later sees a physio and gets a plan. They highlight standout performances including Izzy "Bet" Doyle's 68:30 (with her pacer) and Haftu Strintzos' 60:41 on Australian ground. The crew also share their Melbourne trip to meet Adidas, Puma, Nike (under NDA), Mizuno and On, plus a 70th-floor Airbnb disaster, great burgers and pizza, and a callout for a new Sydenham office/podcast space and tradie help. 00:00 Welcome to Runspash 00:46 Chaotic Team Intro 01:05 Socks and Laundry Talk 01:57 Mars and Moon Detour 03:02 Podcast Vibe Explained 03:51 Shop Floor Week Recap 05:28 Movies and Pop Culture 07:18 Travel Week Rewind 08:39 Melbourne to Launceston 13:32 Race Morning Mindset 15:56 Race Falls Apart 19:11 Records and Reflections 23:02 Injury and burnout 24:08 Rest and running mortality 26:16 Stress and training load 28:32 Friends check in 30:12 Early flight to Melbourne 33:48 Brand meetings kickoff 34:56 Airbnb chaos in rain 39:06 Nike NDA and showrooms 40:59 Mizuno factory detour 44:22 New podcast room hunt

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About

The Run Spesh podcast is all about the shoes and gear you like to go running in. We cover short-form episodes with in-depth discussions on what the shoe is for, who might benefit from it, and how it was made. The Frontrunner is also here to share stories and bring the community together. Enjoy the characters we have in our sports and the experts we work with. Run Spesh is a play on "Run Specialty" with the Frontrunner Colombo being New Zealand's leading Running Specialty Store

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