The HAX Show

Professional marathoner, CU Boulder alum, and two-time World Team member Sara Vaughn joins Austen Dalquist on The HAX Show for a deep dive into her unconventional 20-year career in distance running. Sara shares her journey from an accidental start in high school cross country to winning state titles in Nebraska and ultimately finding her home at the University of Colorado. She shares an candid look at the early days of her career, including becoming a mother at age 20 alongside her husband, Brent, navigating college athletics before official pregnancy policies existed, and relying on a village of teammates and coaches to raise their daughter Kiki while still qualifying for championships and competing at the highest level. Beyond her athletic progression and career in professional running, Sara discusses the heart behind the Vaughn Childcare Foundation, an organization she founded to provide direct financial aid to collegiate student-athletes balancing parenthood and degree completion. She also reflects on how her faith in Jesus has served as the ultimate anchor through the highs and lows of sport, marriage, and family life.01:22 Nebraska to Boulder Journey09:48 Transfer to CU and Meeting Brent12:24 College Parenthood and Team Support17:48 Growing Up Fast as Young Parents18:54 Vaughn Childcare Foundation Mission20:44 Faith as the Steady Anchor23:39 Post College Pro Pursuit and Policy Gaps26:31 Portland Years and Real Estate Pivot31:38 World Teams and Sponsorship Rejections36:59 Racing for Team USA38:53 Balancing Two Careers40:54 Raising Runner Daughters43:07 Advice for Young Runners44:33 Fueling and Health Talk46:01 Tech vs Basics Debate52:00 NCAA and NIL Changes55:47 Becoming a Marathoner01:00:38 Running Past 4001:03:58 Chicago Build and Injuries01:07:15 Longevity and Wrap UpIf you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video and subscribe for more episodes of The HAX Show!_____________________________________________We're grateful to partner with LifeQuotes to bring you this episode.LifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

Austen welcomes longtime friend and former Arkansas teammate Dom Scott, a South African-born multi-time Olympian, to reflect on a remarkable 10-year pro career and share what's next as she pursues new goals as a Garmin athlete.Dom shares growing up in Cape Town in a running family, earning an NCAA scholarship, and choosing Arkansas. She describes the difficult early transition to the U.S., learning to race in the NCAA, and a breakthrough sophomore SEC win after confronting fear of failure. Dom recounts favorite Razorback memories including the 2015 NCAA indoor team title and getting engaged to her husband, Cameron. She discusses going pro, racing at the Rio Olympics, identity and faith, joining Team Boss in Boulder, and how running culture has changed with super shoes, NIL, and social media. Dom explains stepping away from competing at 34, regaining joy in running, coaching online, new brand work representing Garmin, and advice for female runners on finding balance and moderation.02:20 Growing Up in Running Culture06:30 Why America and the NCAA08:14 Recruiting Trip and Choosing Arkansas13:44 Adjusting to Life in the US18:45 Training and Mindset Shift 27:04 Overcoming Fear of Failure and Going All In33:47 Arkansas Memories and NCAA Team Pride36:01 Historic 2015 Indoor Title41:15 From NCAA to Pro42:47 Rio Olympics Lessons 44:58 Finding a Team in Boulder53:28 Faith and Stepping Away59:18 Super Shoes and NIL Era01:08:02 What's Next?01:13:15 Advice for Female RunnersFollow Dom! https://www.instagram.com/domscottrunsa/We hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please like the video and subscribe for more!We're grateful to partner with LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more below: LifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.comUnlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

In this episode of The HAX Show, fill-in host Austen Dalquist sits down with Ashley Jones for a powerful conversation on faith, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity.After losing her father suddenly at age 14 and surviving an ATV accident just three months later—which resulted in the loss of her right arm—Ashley shares how her faith anchored her through grief and transformed how she views life and sport. She found running later on in high school, and went on to have a six-year NCAA career across High Point, Tennessee, and CU Boulder. Ashley is an inspiration to many, as she openly shares her story and testimony on what it truly takes to adapt to life's challenges, overcome severe injury and loss, and lean on faith for a greater understanding of the journey.In This Episode:01:23 Ashley's Intro and Background04:03 Loss And Accident10:52 Faith Becomes Personal22:11 Handling Grief25:42 Purpose In Suffering30:10 Finding Running37:26 Choosing High Point39:18 Transfer To Tennessee42:02 NCAA Portal Process45:44 Why Transfer To Colorado46:44 Favorite NCAA Memories49:34 Faith And Racing With Joy01:00:48 Advice For Female Runners01:06:30 Social Media And NIL01:12:53 Post-NCAA Life01:14:46 Starting the Glory To Glory PodcastFollow Ashley to learn more about her journey and to tune in when she launches her podcast! https://www.instagram.com/ashley_carolinej/We hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please like the video and subscribe for more! Help us reach 1000 subs by the end of summer!We're grateful to partner with Stryd and LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more about each of our partners below. Stryd @Stryd Achieve your best run everyday by getting the most accurate power and pacing metrics in real-time. Learn more: https://stryd.live/haxLifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.comUnlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

50 mile WORLD RECORD holder and 100K American Record Holder, Charlie Lawrence, joins the show to share his journey through the sport and uncovering his true potential in the ultra distance races. In this conversation with our temporary sub-in host, Austen Dalquist, Charlie discusses how he went from a solid D1 collegiate runner at the University of Minnesota, to a world class athlete accomplishing what no one has done before. He also breaks down his current training regimen of 140+ mile weeks and how important it is to fuel that work. Charlie also shares some interesting insights on how he approaches brand partnerships and social presence in the modern digital age. Lots of great stuff in this one.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe for more (can we hit 1000 subs?), like the video, and comment your biggest takeaway!We're grateful to partner with Stryd and LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more about each of our partners below. Stryd @Stryd Achieve your best run everyday by getting the most accurate power and pacing metrics in real-time. Learn more: https://stryd.live/haxLifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.comUnlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

Morgan McDonald – 4x NCAA Champion, 2x Olympian, and host of the infamous Coffee Club podcast – joins us on the guest side of the mic to share insights on his training over the past year after leaving OAC and the pursuit of finding trust, ownership, consistency, purpose and success in his running.Hear more on why Morgan decided to leave OAC, the differences he's felt after training more precisely with threshold training and why he says he's underdeveloped aerobically, and the full origin story and purpose behind the Coffee Club podcast - which has recorded over 200 episodes!We're grateful to partner with Stryd and LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more about each of our partners below. Stryd  @Stryd  Achieve your best run everyday by getting the most accurate power and pacing metrics in real-time. Learn more: https://stryd.live/haxLifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618In This Episode:00:12 Life and Racing Updates04:54 Training Shift With Mick09:54 Being Aerobically 'Underdeveloped'14:27 Lessons From Almgren18:59 Remote Coaching System22:24 Solo Training Support24:43 Weekly Training Structure Breakdown28:18 Double Threshold30:41 Leaving OAC Decision37:19 Lessons From Ritz44:39 The Rise of On And OAC49:08 Coffee Club Origins01:01:16 Favorite Episodes01:05:17 Race Schedule, Wrap UpCoffee Club Pod:  @COFFEECLUBPOD  ____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.comUnlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

OAC professional and world-class middle-distance runner Sage Hurta-Klecker joins us to reflect on her recent breakthrough year in the 800m, highlighted by a 1:55.89 performance in Tokyo last fall that made her the third-fastest American woman in history. She shares how she navigated races that didn't go her way, learned to manage the emotional highs and lows of championship racing, and continued to trust her potential in the 800m despite outside pressure to move up in distance as most runners do throughout their careers. Sage also discusses where she's at now and how she's approaching a unique summer season without a traditional World Championship, shifting her focus to the Diamond League circuit and the newly introduced World Ultimate Championships.She also opens up about the heartbreak of the 2024 Olympic Trials, her toughest competitors globally in the 800m, and what it's like being the speed-focused outlier under coach Dathan Ritzenhein on a team primarily built around longer-distance events.In This Episode:01:32 Summer Goals Without Worlds04:02 World Ultimate Champs Explained04:58 Ranking Points And Funding07:24 Peaking And Racing More08:35 Penn Relays 400m Race Recap10:47 Tokyo Breakthrough Story14:31 Navigating Championship Rounds20:51 Chasing The American Record26:49 Hardest 800 Competitors29:06 Standing Out In OAC34:37 From Steeple To 80042:06 Biking And Speed Work47:36 Training With Joe56:04 Defining Career Success____________________________________________HAX Show Partners: We're grateful to partner with Stryd and LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more about each of our partners below. StrydAchieve your best run everyday by getting the most accurate power and pacing metrics in real-time. Learn more: https://stryd.live/haxLifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618____________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.Unlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c682011:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

How do you structure the summer months for a high school cross country team comprised both of runners with zero running background, and those gunning for a national championship? In this episode, host Drew sits down with legendary coach (and Mom!) Joan Hunter for a full deep-dive on structuring the ultimate summer base-building phase.This is a guided discussion peeling back the layers of Joan's highly successful 9-week high school summer training blueprint. She breaks down her training philosophy for high schoolers of all levels, giving insight into her developmental, caring, structured, and strategic approach– one that led Loudoun Valley High School to win back-to-back national championships.High school XC coaches and athletes: this one's for you! Listen for a full unveiling of summer training knowledge from one of the best coaches out there.Want access to Joan's summer XC guide? Head to the Resources page on our website and download it for free! https://haxtraining.com/guidesIf you found this conversation valuable, be sure to like the video and subscribe for more! We have lots of exciting stuff coming up this summer 👀In This Episode:02:45 Run Walk For Beginners05:07 Injury Proofing Routine06:44 Long Runs09:58 Easy Days Easy11:53 Hills For Strength13:38 Team Culture And Warmups17:11 Training In Summer Heat20:21 Soreness Logs And Adjustments24:45 Team Culture26:03 Race Day Warmup Routine36:13 Modern Changes And Shoes38:44 Do Kids Need More Miles39:30 NIL And College Pressure45:33 Pro vs HS Coaching_____________________________________________________HAX Show Partners: We're grateful to partner with Stryd and LifeQuotes to bring you this episode. Learn more about each of our partners below. StrydAchieve your best run everyday by getting the most accurate power and pacing metrics in real-time. Learn more: https://stryd.live/haxLifeQuotesProtect the long run.Get your free quote today: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618______________________________________________________⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.Unlock the Ultimate HS Training Library:Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c682011:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

Tinman Elite professional marathoner and HAX coach Reed Fischer returns to the show (this time as a new dad!), to talk all things parenthood, perspective shifts, and the reality of what it takes to be competitive in the marathon these days. Reed also shares his takes on 'dad strength', the record-breaking results at the Boston Marathon this year, and why he's willing to take a little more risk with his running now leading up to the 2028 Olympic Trials.

Speaking to 'dad strength', Reed explains why a shift in perspective can actually become an athlete’s greatest competitive asset. Pulling from his experiences navigating his wife Christine’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 to entering parenthood via surrogacy, Reed talks about how finding deep fulfillment outside of the sport builds a higher ceiling for performance than a hyper-obsessive focus. For both aspiring elites and recreational runners, Reed’s insights offer a ton of value on leveling up as an athlete while keeping the sport in its proper place.

In This Episode:

00:16 New Dad Life Update

08:20 Back to Running Schedule

12:25 Finding a New Rhythm

18:03 Is Dad Strength Real?

26:42 Seville Marathon Recap

37:20 Training Block Setup

37:39 Lower Mileage / High Intensity Approach

40:51 Shift Toward Speed

41:16 Double Threshold As A Marathoner

46:53 Sub 2:10 Reflections

49:12 Thoughts on Boston Marathon

57:35 Why Americans Are Getting So Much Faster

01:09:35 Next Build: Bigger Risks

01:15:29 What Our Kids Can Take From Running

Unlock the Ultimate HS Training Library: Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership.

Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

HAX Show Partners: The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever Movement and LifeQuotes to bring you this conversation. Learn more about each of our partners below.

Lever Movement:Recover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance with a Lever device.

Use code HAX20 for 20% off at this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20LifeQuotes

Get your quote: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618

⚒️ About Hammer & Axe Training

Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

Drew Hunter is joined by movement coach Lawrence van Lingen for a deep-dive Q&A on training philosophy, mindset, and what it takes to unlock your performance potential. Together, they break down elite-level concepts into practical advice that runners at any stage can apply to their own training.

From questions like “How should I lift during a marathon taper?” to “What’s the best approach for training for an 8K cross country race?”, Drew and Lawrence share thoughtful, experience-driven answers shaped by years in the sport as both athletes and coaches.If you enjoyed this new Q&A-style format, let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear if you want to see more episodes like this.

In This Episode:

01:18 Lawrence's London Marathon Experience

06:08 Drew's USA 5K Champs Recap

12:11 Advice on Lifting During the Taper Phase

16:10 Race Visualization Tactics

25:05 Reframing Strength Training For Runners

34:12 How To Improve Your 5K Time

36:35 Most Common Mistakes Runners Make

43:48 Getting into Running Later in Life

46:31 Speed, Strides, And Hills

49:10 Fix Form Without Overthinking

52:54 Philosophy Into Practice

58:41 Cross Country 8K Training Tips

01:00:47 Gratitude And Wrap Up

If you learned something valuable from this conversation, please like the video and subscribe for more episodes. Have more questions for Drew or Lawrence? Drop them in the comments!

NEW OFFER: Want unlimited access to a complete library of our training plans? Now's your chance! Introducing the HAX Athlete Bundle: 150+ training plans including base building, XC training, and 800-5K specific plans for every athlete. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201

HAX Show Partner: Lever Movement:The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever Movement to help you recover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance.

Support the pod and LEVER by using code HAX20 for 20% off at this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20

⚒️ About Hammer & Axe Training: Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.

1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quiz

Training Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/

Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/

Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

Joe Klecker, OAC professional and Olympian, returns to the show to recap his 2:05 performance at the 2026 Boston Marathon. In a year where world records are falling and the depth of American marathon running is reaching new heights, Joe breaks down how he navigated a historic day in what was only his first race in Boston, and second-ever marathon overall.Joe's race was a great reflection of the grit and adaptability it takes to run the marathon. He dives into what the splits don't show, including how he threw out his original fueling plan at mile 9 due to a nagging side stitch, and even debated dropping out and pivoting to enter the London marathon the following week. We also discuss the details of his training build, where he explains the philosophy on maintaining track-focused, VO2 sessions as a marathoner and the impact of training alongside teammates as OAC grows its elite presence on the roads.Lastly, we talk about the "why" behind the current marathon revelation, both in American distance running and internationally, as performances that once seemed unfathomable are now happening more frequently. Joe explains the compounding effects of super-shoe technology and the fueling evolution that is allowing athletes not only to race faster, but to train harder and recover better than ever before.In This Episode:00:45 Boston Marathon Mindset & Strategy13:10 Inside The Race - When Things Don't Go To Plan21:11 Final Result Reflection24:41 The Training Build32:01 Shoes & Training Essentials37:28 What To Improve43:38 Why Times Are Dropping52:47 Building The OAC Marathon Team58:00 Track Vs Marathon LessonsIf you enjoyed this conversation, like the video and subscribe for more! Feel free to leave a comment with what stood out to you most.About Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe Training is a coaching and education platform built by athletes, for athletes. Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/ Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com________________________________________________________The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever MovementRecover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance.Follow: @levermovementTo support the pod and LEVER, use code HAX20 for 20% off, or follow this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20