Keywords

Hobbs Kessler, running, coaching, professional athlete, training philosophy, workouts, Olympic aspirations, recovery, competition, role models

Summary

In this episode of the Endurance Lab podcast, Dr. Bill Evans and Stephanie Brokaw interview Hobbs Kessler, a remarkable young athlete and world record holder. They discuss Hobbs' journey from high school to professional running, his coaching experiences, and the pivotal decision to turn pro instead of attending college. The conversation delves into his training philosophy, favorite and least favorite workouts, and the importance of recovery. Hobbs shares insights on the balance between competition and camaraderie in the running community, his inspirations, and his aspirations for the future, including his desire to continue improving and enjoying the sport.

Takeaways

Hobbs Kessler is a world record holder and professional runner.
He is coached by Pat Henner, a mentor to many top NCAA coaches.
Hobbs transitioned to professional running after high school, guided by his coach.
He reflects on the decision to go pro instead of attending college.
Hobbs emphasizes the importance of recovery in training.
He prefers shorter, quality workouts over long runs.
Hobbs believes in the significance of training intensity and proper fueling.
He looks up to athletes who balance competitiveness with a fun attitude.
Hobbs values camaraderie among competitors in the running community.
His ultimate goal is to continue improving and enjoying running throughout his career.

Titles

The Fastest Man with a Mullet: Hobbs Kessler
From High School to Pro: Hobbs Kessler's Journey

 sound bites

"Running is kind of pointless."
"I love talking about myself."
"Don't train fasted."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hobbs Kessler
02:19 Coaching Journey and Transition to Professional Running
06:48 Reflections on College vs. Professional Running
09:50 Training Philosophy and Favorite Workouts
17:23 Least Favorite Workouts and Training Specificity
25:49 Training Philosophy: The Shift from VO2 Max to Threshold Work
29:11 Inspiration and Mentorship in Running
30:57 The Balance of Seriousness and Fun in Athletics
35:39 Rivalries and Friendly Competition
37:05 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Running
38:41 Personal Background and Early Influences
41:07 Future Aspirations and Defining Success
45:53 Final Thoughts: Training Advice and Reflections