We say this a lot at BITR, but this is hands down one of the best interviews we've had on the pod. GaTa is an actor on FX's Dave, he's a rapper, and now a runner. He partnered with New Balance to run his first 5K and the brand documented his progress. We talk about GaTa's milestone as well as making running a staple in his life, his journey as a mental health advocate, appreciating the human body, stories from life on the road, and so much more (25:46). The gang also breaks down the new ASICS Gel-Nimbus Lite and Gel-Nimbus 24, and they discuss Emily Infeld leaving Bowerman Track Club.

Find GaTa's Instagram, latest music video, and his New Balance Beyond the Run series at the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/gedgata/

https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/L_4ICgJ9mRTpolWFNNqJe?domain=createmusic.fm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIWPgB83Dgg&list=PLVKm92IAS1FavRThbGEwwQEy_mh3EhtaT

For 25% off Inside Tracker products, visit insidetracker.com/dropin 

For our final podcast of 2021, we talk to someone who knows a thing or two appreciating moments. Justin Britton is a commercial photographer and runner who primarily shoots the sport that he loves. We talk about how he got into photography and his passion for it, shooting for running brands, how pictures can show the beauty of running, track meets, injuries, and much more (39:09). The gang also recounts their running highlights and lowlights of the past year, as well as their favorite and least favorite shoes of 2021.

Get your Goodr sunglasses and use code BELIEVE15 for 15% off your order at goodr.com

Save 15% on the Louisiana Marathon by using code BITR15: https://www.thelouisianamarathon.com/

It's the most wonderful time of the year: snow, presents, hot chocolate, and sub-4 minute miles. That last one might be exclusive to our guest this week, Nick Willis. He's looking to extend his streak of sub-4 miles to 20 years on New Years at Tracksmith's Midnight Mile. We talk about the run that's decades in the making, the importance of cross-training, racing style, skateboarding, and how parenthood has made him a stronger runner (36:58). The gang also gives their picks for the best winter running gear of the year. 

Get your Goodr sunglasses and use code BELIEVE15 for 15% off your order at goodr.com

Learn more about the Tracksmith Foundation: https://www.tracksmith.com/journal/article/introducing-the-tracksmith-foundation

Save 15% on the Louisiana Marathon by using code BITR15: https://www.thelouisianamarathon.com/

Register for Winter GRIT: https://www.believeintherun.com/grit

ASICS has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to raise awareness and end the stigma on mental illness. This week, we're joined by ASICS athletes Emma Bates, Johnny Gregorek, and Deena Kastor as they tell us what "Sound Mind, Sound Body" and mental health mean to them as athletes and as people (44:13). The gang also recaps Thomas and Meaghan's Ironman 70.3 race from the past weekend.

Use code BELIEVE15 for 15% off your order on goodr.com

Annie Frisbie is a Minnesota Distance Elite athlete who just took 7th place in the New York City Marathon, and she dropped two half-marathon PRs in that race. All of this has us begging the question: how is she not sponsored? What she IS, though, is down-to-earth and a cool hang. We talk with Annie about her big day in NYC, the strategy of marathon courses, training with MDE, high school cross country in Wisconsin, being a graphic designer, and much more (44:30). The gang also recaps their trip to Austin for The Running Event and previews a few shoes that have them excited for 2022. 

This week, we're live from The Running Event in Austin, TX with a stacked lineup of Puma guests. Amy Cragg, John Dressel, Taylor Werner, and Todd Falker join us at Banger's to talk all things Puma, including shoes old (Deviate Elite) and new (Fast-R) alike (24:35). The gang also talks about a few new HOKA shoes coming down the line after giving just a taste of TRE.

Everyone loves a good puke story, and we got one here in this episode. Our guest Laura Thweatt (@lthweat) is a Saucony elite marathoner who finished 8th in the New York City Marathon last month. As good as that is, she's an even more awesome person who's super down to earth. It all makes for a great conversation (30:57). The BITR gang also gives sneak peeks at their holiday gift guide and shoes of the year list. 

Sign up for GRIT here: believeintherun.com/grit

For all you 5K-heads out there, this one's for you. Sydney Gidabuday of Roots Running finished in third place at the 5K National Championships in New York City a few weeks ago. Not only is he a pure stud, but he's also a great guy with a great story, and you're really gonna root for him after this interview. We talk about tearing up the competition at Adams State University, his path to Roots, sit-n-kick versus all-out race strategies, running with glasses, hip hop, and so much more (24:50). The gang also breaks down new shoes from Diadora and Altra, as well as Stef Flippin's title defense at the Tunnel Hill 100.   

Your favorite mullet miler has finally graced The Drop podcast. Craig Engels is just as cool a guy as he seems on TV and social media (@craigathor), so we're super excited to have him on the pod. We talk about his running career from Ole Miss to Nike, training for the Olympic Trials, RVs, why long-distance sucks, and, of course, fashionable men's hairstyles (32:48). All that and more with Craig, plus the BITR gang recaps Meg's secret marathon mission in Indianapolis.  

We were at the Wineglass Marathon a few weeks ago, so it's only right that we brought the winner onto the pod to talk shop. Melissa Hardesty is fast fast, winning marathons out here as a part-time professor. We talk about her winning weekend, running journey, her first marathon, how running contributes to mental health and wellness, qualifying for the Olympic Trials, and much more (21:39). The gang also previews some of their favorite gear for Fall 2021, including products from Tracksmith and Deckers X Lab.