☕ Running and coffee go hand in hand, and it’s almost impossible to imagine one without the other. This week’s guest has spent years living in over 15 major cities exploring roads, trails, and cafes through the lens of a runner and creating guides for others to follow suit. Please enjoy our interview with The City Runner: 40-time marathoner Yü Wu!

🤔 How does our love of running grow and change through the miles?
👟 How do I choose a run club?
🍓 What the heck is the… Raspberry double??
☕ Last but not least, what is the best coffee shop in Boston?

If you're interested in Yü's city guides, check him out on instagram @yutherunner and at his website: https://www.thecityrunner.com/

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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!

Be sure to check out these other fan favorite episodes:

24: Sun's Out, Tum's Out with Alex Hermanson

19: From the Slopes to the Start Line: Liv Barbier talks Grit, Goals, and Going All-in

11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen

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Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly newsletters right to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Yü Wu

👤 This week were lucky enough to invite our friend: Nike performance running EKIN, Heartbreak Coach, and retired collegiate 800m runner Russell Wells back on the podcast for the second time. This week, we chatted about everything from backyard ultramarathons to new shoe releases.

📏 Wait, what the heck is a backyard ultra?
🏎️ What is it like ripping a 4-minute 1500m?
👟 Should I be running in the Structure 26 or the Vomero Plus… or both?

If you still wanted to learn more about shoe foams, check out this spreadsheet breaking down all the premium foams from top running brands!

In case you missed it, be sure to hear our first interview with Russell to learn more about his background, experience, and his role as a Nike EKIN: the "coolest job in the sneaker industry". Listen to 5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells.

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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Remember to leave us 5 stars!

We are huge fans of Heartbreak Hill Running Company, and have had the chance to sit down with some amazing members of the Heartbreak family. You can check out some of these interviews here!

11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen

⁠22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald⁠

23: Ruminating about Running: Rafe Gangi's Story

------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠weekly newsletters right to your inbox⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Russell Wells

👬 Welcome to episode 26.2, celebrating a marathon of memorable moments on The Zone 2 Podcast. Join us as we look back at some of our favorite moments from the last 6 months!

🏆 In this bonus episode, Francis and Brian look back at our 5 favorite moments, with a few honorable mentions. We also pick some superlatives including our favorite running moments, favorite fun facts, and most proud accomplishments! We also do a rose-thorn-bud and look ahead to what comes next for the pod!

👣 We hope you have enjoyed the journey so far! Stick around for new episodes streaming every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.

------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Sign up for ⁠⁠⁠weekly newsletters right to your inbox⁠⁠⁠

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🧱 This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with retired collegiate runner and founder of the Brick Layers Union: Ben Weingart!

We kick things off with some light banter before diving into Ben’s running origins, life transitions, and thoughts on self-discipline.

🏃 Who are the Brick Layers Union, and why run with them?
🧩 How does BLU’s online presence tell a unique story?
🗺️ Why should you go run an “out of the box” relay?

If you want to learn more about the Brick Layers Union, check them out on Instagram, and catch them for a group run at the BU Bridge every Wednesday at 6:45 am.

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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews about other Boston-based run clubs:

8: Running the Show with Nora Johnson

16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston's Friendliest Run Club

22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald

------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

✔️ Sign up for ⁠⁠weekly newsletters right to your inbox⁠⁠

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Ben Weingart

🐐 This week, we are delighted to welcome Heartbreak Coach and community organizer Devin Miller back on the Podcast! This time around, we dove headfirst into a discussion about determination, grit, and going the extra mile.

🫥 How can you learn to grow from hard days and setbacks?

💡 How can you turn your ideas within your community into reality?

🩲 What kit should you be wearing to your next run club?

This was an interview so good we didn’t want it to end! If you haven’t already, stay caught up and check out our first interview with Devin to learn more about his background:

6: In the Details with Devin Miller

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As mentioned in last week's episode, click ⁠here⁠ to learn more about my friend Brent’s project: Racing AL. The documentary follows a cyclist travelling from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, and the project seeks to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Dementia and the need for early intervention and treatment. You can support the project by donating, sharing, and following along for the journey. 

------------------------------

⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with these current and former track runners:

5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells

7: Fast Times with Tommy Hinojosa

15: Break to BQ with Aidan Kindopp

------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on ⁠Spotify⁠

✔️ Sign up for ⁠weekly newsletters right to your inbox⁠

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Devin Miller

☀️On the off-chance you haven’t seen him running around Boston, you’ve definitely seen him on social media. This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Alex “Herm” Hermanson, known on socials as @herm.runs, for a philosophical yet fun discussion about perspectives, motivation, goal-setting, and community.

🌆How do you tap into the communities around the activities you love?

🙂‍↕️How do you learn to disregard social norms and do what you want?

👟Seriously, what’s the hype with the Adidas EVO SL?

Be sure to check Herm out online and enjoy an interview that will leave you wanting to lace up, take off your shirt, and go rip a marathon.

------------------------------

As mentioned in the episode, click here to learn more about my friend Brent’s project: Racing AL. The documentary follows a cyclist travelling from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, and the project seeks to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Dementia and the need for early intervention and treatment. You can support the project by donating, sharing, and following along for the journey. 

Racing AL

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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with some amazing personalities in the Boston running community:

13: Sticking the Landing with Savannah Gigandet

3: Taking it Easy with Ted Trozinski

2: Women’s Running and Brand Ambassadorship with Cate Shultz

------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on Instagram

✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify

✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Alex Hermanson

🔋 This week, we are joined by Rafe Gangi — Social Strategist at WHOOP, Heartbreak pacer, retired collegiate 400m runner, and all-around chill guy. We covered everything from Rafe’s transition from the 400 to the marathon, to building social media strategy at Saucony and WHOOP, to Joey Chestnut’s outrageous performance at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

📈 What makes a running brand campaign really stick?

📊 How should you be using your wearable data to train smarter?

🏠 What really holds people back from lacing up and getting out the door?

🌭 And seriously… how does Joey Chestnut do it?

Answers to all that and more in a fast-paced, fun, and thoughtful episode. If you’re interested in more content, you can find today’s guest on Instagram @runningrafe. As referenced in this episode, here is a link to the German game show where they cut food in half. 

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⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Be sure to check out these interviews with some amazing personalities in the Boston running community:

16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston’s Friendliest Run Club

19: From the Slopes to the Start Line: Liv Barbier talks Grit, Goals, and Going All-in

22: Heartbreaker, Dream maker: Dan Fitzgerald
------------------------------

Thanks for listening to The Zone 2 Podcast! We talk about running at a conversational pace. Be sure to never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on Instagram

✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify

✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates

Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Rafe Gangi

💔 This week, we sat down with one of the faces behind Boston’s iconic Heartbreak Hill Running Company: Dan Fitzgerald. Dan’s role is finely structured around his passions for community, coaching, and of course, running. Join us in unpacking Dan’s journey at Heartbreak from humble beginnings in the South End all the way to new frontiers in LA and beyond. 

In this episode, learn all about: 

💥 What it takes to launch a running retail brand from the ground up

🏙 How Heartbreak carved its identity in Boston’s running scene

📈 The evolution of the running community and Heartbreak’s role in shaping it

All this and more; plus, we learn about the recent launch of Heartbreak LA and look ahead at what’s coming up at Heartbreak this summer. Whether you’re a regular at the Tuesday morning track workouts or are just looking to order some Heartbreak gear, this episode has something for everyone. Want to learn more? Check out heartbreak.run and follow @heartbreak.run on your socials to stay connected. 

--------------------

⭐️ Did you like this episode? Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️!

Also, be sure to check out these interviews with other members of the Heartbreak community:

5: Getting Technical with Russell Wells

6: In the Details with Devin Miller

11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen

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🎉 Race shoutout time!

Did you or a friend crush a race recently?

Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod: 👉 Race shoutout form!

--------------------

Never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on Instagram

✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify

✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates

--------------------

Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Dan Fitzgerald

🚀 In this week’s special episode, Francis and Brian take a deep dive into one of the most revolutionary developments in modern running: supershoes💨. From record-shattering performances by Kelvin Kiptum and Tigst Assefa to the carbon-plated kicks showing up at your local 5K, we break down the science, the history, and the hype behind the shoes that are changing the sport. 

In this episode, we get into:

• The evolution of shoe tech from kangaroo skin to PEBA foam

• What the research says about performance gains

• What the heck a carbon plate actually is

• The risks, the rewards, and who benefits most

Elite supershoes cost a premium, but are they worth it? Lace up and find out.

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⭐️ Did you like this episode?

Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! Shoes are cool, but there's so much more to running than that! If you liked this episode, check out these other episodes:

10: Something About Strava

9: Fueling the Finish with Lily Toussaint

3: Taking it Easy with Ted Trozinski

------------------------------

🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod:

👉⁠Race shoutout form⁠

------------------------------

Never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠

✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify

✔️ Sign up for ⁠weekly newsletters⁠ right to your inbox

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates

Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

💻 References for today's episode

🏅 This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Mike Beeman, who you may know from his energetic and motivational TikTok videos featuring his mantra: “Slay the day, rep the steps!”—always followed by his signature dab. Known online as @Runboston48, Mike has an incredible 48 Boston Marathon finishes under his belt and is looking ahead to number 49. We spent some time talking with Mike to hear about his unique perspective on distance running, community, longevity, and how the sport has evolved over his 56 years of running.

In this episode:

– How has the sport of running changed over the decades?

– How has social media influenced Mike’s experience as a runner?

– What advice does he have for beginners starting their running journey?

💎 All that and more in this absolute gem of an episode.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to check him out on TikTok and read more about his journey in People or on boston.com. 

------------------------------

⭐️ Did you like this episode?

Don’t forget to leave 5⭐️! For anyone interested in distance running, it doesn’t get bigger than the Boston Marathon. We recommend checking out these episodes featuring other Boston Marathon finishers:

16: This Episode is a Banger: Seth Wolfman on Building Boston’s Friendliest Run Club

13: Sticking the Landing with Savannah Gigandet

11: Rising Up with U.P. Nguyen

------------------------------

🎉 Race shoutout time! Did you or a friend crush a race recently? Submit it here for a shoutout on the pod: 👉Race shoutout form

------------------------------

Never miss a run, or an episode:

✔️ Follow us on Instagram

✔️ Like and Subscribe on Spotify

✔️ Sign up for weekly newsletters right to your inbox

✔️ Tell your friends, teammates, running buddies, even your Hinge dates

Have any guest ideas or feedback? Send us a DM! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening — and happy running! 🏃‍♂️💨

------------------------------

🎧 Created, Written, Edited, and Produced by hosts: Francis Criscione & Brian Coven

🎙️ Guest: Mike Beeman