The Drop

Thomas chats with Emily Abbate, host of Hurdle podcast at the Spotify Studios in NYC.

Carbon-plated super shoes or air fryers or robot leg massagers, it's hard to know which is a better invention. We talk about all of those this week, as well as the cult of puppetry and Meg's fairly fresh pair of New Balance SC Trainer v1. And then there's Puma's newest shoe, the Deviate Pure Nitro.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LMNT

Summer hydration has never been better, because Lemonade Ice Tea is finally here! Crisp and refreshing, it delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium, plus– 50 mg of caffeine, just enough for that extra boost. And if you're an insider, you can get the limited-edition Pink Lemonade. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. Now, you can get the special collab pair we wore in the Grand Canyon. Get yourself ready for the new year and save 15% off your first purchase with code BELIEVE15: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believe

PILLAR

If 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.

How do you feel after finishing a big race or objective? Listen in our The Dirt Division's glorified therapy session on how to deal with life after racing. They also discuss some of their favorites, suprises, and gear they are excited about so far in 2026.

Guest: Rachel Entrekin won the Cocodona 250 outright which is just another major mliestone for her first full year as a professional runner. She is sponsored by some of our favorite brands in the indurstry. She chats about her background as PT, favorite gear, mindset around racing, and much more.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

Näak Nutrition: The Drop Listeners can get 15% off any Näak products by using code BITR15. Näak is a nutrition brand the leverages natural ingredients and research backed formulas to help athletes perform. They have a host of products like gels, drink, mixes, broths, bars, and recovery fuel. Their highest performance Boost line doubles down on the carbs for high-performance fuel that's also gut-friendly. Go to http://naak.com to explore and purchase.

Lagoon: Sleep is one of the most underrated training components. We've been fans of Lagoon for years and use their custom pillows nightly to support a great night of sleep and, of course, our running. Go to http://lagoonsleep.com/believe to take a quick quiz to find the best pillow for you. Get 15% off your purchase by using code BELIEVE

We have a large library of shoes. Charlie has a large library of whiskey. He was kind enough to bring his collection to Baltimore, so on this episode of the podcast we hear Charlie's story while doing a live tasting. Things get..."melty".

Okay, Robbe is back and we're done talking about circle pits. But it's controversy season so we cover the Enhanced Games and everything that did or didn't go down with that. Plus, the Baltimore race that almost was (should we bring it back?) and a water conservation question that we need to be answered. Oh, also the Asics Novablast 6 is a pretty great shoe.

JOIN US FOR SUMMER GRIT

Registration for Summer GRIT is right around the corner. If you want to join the challenge, improve your base fitness, and see what you're made of, you can join here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/Grit

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LMNT

Summer hydration has never been better, because Lemonade Ice Tea is finally here! Crisp and refreshing, it delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium, plus– 50 mg of caffeine, just enough for that extra boost. And if you're an insider, you can get the limited-edition Pink Lemonade. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

PILLAR

Recently, we’ve been taking PILLAR Triple Magnesium, and it’s been a game-changer for our sleep and recovery. WE take it about 30 minutes before bed each night which gives us great sleep and helps us recover better so we're ready to train again tomorrow.If you want to try PILLAR, you can head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code BITR for 15% off first-time purchases.

The Dirt Division trio chats about drop bags this week. Do you use them? What are necessary items? What can you do without? Prior to that, listeners requested Reese's take on Satisfy Circle Pit which, inevitably, dove into grander topics of life.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

SOAR Running: Only for Drop listeners, SOAR is giving away $300 in gear and apparel to TWO lucky winners. Their apparel is the best in the industry and their 1-Month Guarantee allows you to shop with total peace of mind – run for 1 month in your new apparel – test it in full – and if you’re still not satisfied you can return it, used, for a full refund. No questions asked. Ship worldwide, with all orders delivered direct-to-the-customer without any additional duties or taxes – no post-checkout surprises. Orders over $180 ship FREE. Enter the giveaway here: https://www.soarrunning.com/blogs/news/the-dirt-division-x-soar

Näak Nutrition: The Drop Listeners can get 15% off any Näak products by using code BITR15. Näak is a nutrition brand the leverages natural ingredients and research backed formulas to help athletes perform. They have a host of products like gels, drink, mixes, broths, bars, and recovery fuel. Their highest performance Boost line doubles down on the carbs for high-performance fuel that's also gut-friendly. Go to naak.com to explore and purchase.

Thomas and Taylor went to the now infamous Adidas x SATISFY Circle Pit. If you haven't heard of it, you were probably enjoying a long run and some time outside. While you were taking care of your physical and mental health, the Circle Pit took the internet by storm, brewing up some intense opinions. On this episode, Thomas talks through his experience, and the rest of the gang talk through what went wrong and what could have made it land better.

JOIN US FOR SUMMER GRIT

Registration for Summer GRIT is right around the corner. If you want to join the challenge, improve your base fitness, and see what you're made of, you can join here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/Grit (registration opens May 25)

SWIFTWICK

You already know that Swiftwick makes our favorite socks for running, from training to race day. Now, you can get the special collab pair we wore in the Grand Canyon. Get yourself ready for the new year and save 15% off your first purchase with code BELIEVE15: https://swiftwick.com/collections/believe

LMNT

Summer hydration has never been better, because Lemonade Ice Tea is finally here! Crisp and refreshing, it delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium, plus– 50 mg of caffeine, just enough for that extra boost. And if you're an insider, you can get the limited-edition Pink Lemonade. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

PILLAR

Collagen Repair is designed to support tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue - the stuff that takes a beating when you’re running day after day. PILLAR Collagen Repair is a smart addition to your routine, ensuring you stay healthy when you're working your hardest. If you want to try PILLAR, you can head to pillarperformance.shop or ⁠TheFeed.com/pillar⁠ and enter code BITR for 15% off first-time purchases.

Taylor just returned from what was easily the most unique running experience of his life. He and Alex talk about what the Satisfy x Adidas Circle Pit (think running meets backyard bowl jam meets metal concert) was all about, what it was like to be there, and even the ongoing conversations about the event.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:

SOAR Running: Only for Drop listeners, SOAR is giving away $300 in gear and apparel to TWO lucky winners. Their apparel is the best in the industry and their 1-Month Guarantee allows you to shop with total peace of mind – run for 1 month in your new apparel – test it in full – and if you’re still not satisfied you can return it, used, for a full refund. No questions asked. Ship worldwide, with all orders delivered direct-to-the-customer without any additional duties or taxes – no post-checkout surprises. Orders over $180 ship FREE. Enter the giveaway here: https://www.soarrunning.com/blogs/news/the-dirt-division-x-soar

Näak Nutrition: The Drop Listeners can get 15% off any Näak products by using code BITR15. Näak is a nutrition brand the leverages natural ingredients and research backed formulas to help athletes perform. They have a host of products like gels, drink, mixes, broths, bars, and recovery fuel. Their highest performance Boost line doubles down on the carbs for high-performance fuel that's also gut-friendly. Go to naak.com to explore and purchase.

Meg and Thomas sit down with Sharon Lokedi at Under Armour's HQ to talk about her recent Boston win, borrowing someone's watch, enjoying downtime and extra sleep, and a whole lot more.

Some amazing things went down at Cocodona, so we cover those from the road runners perspective, before diving into a wide ranging conversation regarding Sara Hall's new book (as well as other books), roasts of comedians and runners, and getting pepper sprayed in the face in Deep Ellum. Plus, more details on Summer GRIT and our contest to join us at Western States with Hoka.

JOIN US AT WESTERN STATES!

Believe in the Run and Hoka are bringing one lucky fan to join us at Western States! Stay with us in Olympic Valley as we host shakeout runs, tackle the High Camp challenge, run the legendary beer mile, and soak in every moment at the Escarpment and finish line of the most iconic 100-mile race in the world. Apply HERE to join us in June: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRssHXBjPhvjNqV7achcoJkPwWTBIcKB7C5HJqKlz4NqpiGg/viewform

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

LMNT

Summer hydration has never been better, because Lemonade Ice Tea is finally here! Crisp and refreshing, it delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium, plus– 50 mg of caffeine, just enough for that extra boost. And if you're an insider, you can get the limited-edition Pink Lemonade. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop

PILLAR

If 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.