Best Chris McClung Podcasts (2025)

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3.32. Freshy Fresh from Tokyo: Women's 5000m and Men's 800m Recaps 1:11:52

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3d ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In their last episode to record in Tokyo, Des and Kara give their hot takes on the women's 5000m and men's 800m finishes. Plus, they preview the men's 5000m and women's 800m so you can see if their predictions come true. Tokyo has been a blast and we thank you all for following our coverage of it. There will be one more recap episode coming this we…

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3.31. Freshy Fresh from Tokyo: Women's Steeple and Men's 1500m, Chaos on the Track 47:12

6d ago47:12

47:12

Please show your love to our sponsors for the Tokyo coverage - Brooks Running, our presenting sponsor, and Ketone-IQ. If you aren't wearing Brooks shoes yet, then go buy some now! And, to get your ketone fix, go to https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us for 30% off on your subscription order. This episode was recorded live at the Brooks Hyperion …

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3.30. Freshy Fresh from Tokyo: Men's Steeple, Women's 1500m, and the Hocker DQ 36:31

7d ago36:31

36:31

Again, we have to give a special thanks to Brooks Running, our presenting sponsor, and to Ketone-IQ for their support of these Tokyo podcasts. If you aren't wearing Brooks shoes yet, then go get some now! And, to get your ketone fix, go to https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us for 30% off on your subscription order. In this "quick" one, Des and …

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3.29. Freshy Fresh from Tokyo: Your Women's Marathon Team 54:54

8d ago54:54

54:54

First of all, we have to give a special thanks to Brooks Running, our presenting sponsor, and to Ketone-IQ for their support of these Tokyo podcasts. If you aren't wearing Brooks shoes yet, then what are you waiting for?! And, to get your ketone fix, go to https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us for 30% off on your subscription order. Also, it sho…

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3.28. Freshy Fresh from Tokyo: 10,000m and Marathon Recaps 47:04

9d ago47:04

47:04

First of all, we have to give a special thanks to Brooks Running, our presenting sponsor, and to Ketone-IQ for their support of these Tokyo podcasts. If you aren't wearing Brooks shoes yet, then what are you waiting for?! And, to get your ketone fix, go to https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us for 30% off on your subscription order. Now, check o…

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3.27. Day One in Tokyo! 46:15

11d ago46:15

46:15

Des and Kara are in Tokyo! This episode was recorded live at the Brooks Hyperion House in Tokyo to preview the men's and women's marathons and 10K races coming up in the next few days. Special thanks to Brooks Running and Ketone-IQ for sponsoring these episodes in Tokyo. We will have at least 6 episodes coming over the next week to cover everything…

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3.26. The Tokyo Prep Episode 54:28

15d ago54:28

54:28

The most important thing to know today is that the Tokyo World Champs are incoming this weekend, and Des and Kara will be there covering it all. We will have LIVE podcasts from the Brooks House on our YouTube channel at 8 pm EST on Sept 12 (Friday), Sept 15 (Monday), and Sept 17 (Wednesday). Mark your calendars! Plus, we will be posting other episo…

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Episode #380: Five Reminders in Prep for Your Fall Race 28:18

19d ago28:18

28:18

We are getting close to fall races with many 2-8 weeks away, from Berlin to NYC. It's time to hone in on your final bits of training WITHOUT overdoing it. These tips will help you make sure your training is just right, while also getting your mind right for the big day. It's time to get your game face on!…

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3.25. The "Short" Episode 1:10:03

22d ago1:10:03

1:10:03

"What are we even going to talk about? We just did an episode last week..." - Des and Kara before they blink and produce 70 minutes of glorious podcast content. As such, this "short" episode turned long in all of the best ways. It starts with a laugh-inducing intro with life updates from Des and Kara and ultra training updates from Des. Then, they …

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Episode #379: Why So Fast? 35:39

26d ago35:39

35:39

I am back after a summer hiatus and here to share an original poem and the 20 years of inspiration behind it. The poem was inspired by listening to this podcast with David Whyte and then came together a few months later in 40-45 minutes of a single writing session. I am not necessarily a poet, but I do think these verses capture some meaningful les…

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3.24. The Long and Straight (Talk) Episode 1:25:21

29d ago1:25:21

1:25:21

Des and Kara are not capable of recording short episodes so this one is long with plenty of straight talk about running drama and the upcoming Chicago + NYC marathon fields. No one wants their episodes short (and curly) after all... This one starts with life updates that quickly devolves into hilarious, hotel horror stories. You will be laughing al…

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3.23. The Gossip Episode 1:06:27

1M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Gossip? Facts? Real news? This episode has a little bit of all 3 in a back-and-forth dynamic that will leave you laughing and loving it. Des and Kara start with an update on their girls trip to Cincinnati to visit their friend @runningcb. There was baseball and tennis and so much walking involved that Kara is still sore today. There were also shena…

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3.22. The US Champs Recap Episode 1:35:38

1M ago1:35:38

1:35:38

We know you want US Champs reactions, but this episode starts with the real post-mortem you've been waiting for... the redux on the Hot Ones challenge where Kara and Des go full TMI on you. They tell you all about the spicy aftermath of last week's episode, and Des shares that she has been going back for more. Then after quick life updates, they ge…

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3.21. Des & Kara Meet the Hot Ones Challenge 1:15:58

2M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

We are mixing it up with this episode, and let's just say that things get a little bit spicy! If you haven't subscribed to our YouTube channel yet, then now is the time b/c you will want to watch this one there for sure. In this episode, I (editor Chris) join as host to take Des and Kara through the Hot Ones challenge, using the hot sauce line-up f…

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3.20. US Champs Preview Show 2025 1:18:39

2M ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Surprise! Des and Kara are bringing you a 3rd episode in as many weeks because they have to talk about the news of this week - US Champs incoming! This is your comprehensive preview show of every event from 800m and up. They give you all of the favorites AND the athletes to watch who might just sneak onto a podium. Trips to the Tokyo World Champs a…

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3.19. The Crouton Episode 1:19:46

2M ago1:19:46

1:19:46

And we aren't talking about Caesar salad... Kara and Des are joined in-person by a very special guest on this one. She isn't very talkative, but they can't stop interacting with her throughout the show. You might jump over to YouTube for the full experience on this one. This episode is a good one that is absolutely jam-packed. You get all of the li…

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3.18. Oh Ruth... (Bonus Episode!) 48:59

2M ago48:59

48:59

You asked for it, and here it is. This is a bonus episode with Des and Kara's freshy fresh takes on the Ruth Chepngetich doping positive and provisional suspension. Ruth shocked the world with a 2:09 WR at the Chicago Marathon last year, and now, it appears that it wasn't real, even as the WR will likely still stand. If you are curious about their …

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3.17. The Ketone Episode 31:48

3M ago31:48

31:48

In this episode, we take a break from our usual content (due to summer travel) to share a fun interview with Michael Brandt, the founder and CEO of Ketone-IQ. Michael is also a very fast marathoner with goals to one day break the 2:30 barrier. In this conversation, Michael takes us behind the scenes of Ketone-IQ, including the original story of its…

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3.16. The Faith Episode 57:28

3M ago57:28

57:28

Who is ready for Faith Kipyegon's sub-4-mile attempt?!? We are! Des and Kara are big Faith fans, and they are excited to tune in to the attempt on Thursday. But, what do they really think about it and will she get it?!? Listen in to find out what they think, but be ready for SO MUCH MORE! Des and Kara start with the usual catch-up chat. You get upd…

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3.15. The Tracklandia Episode 1:07:07

4M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

"It's free. After you pay for it, it's free. Just a one-time fee, that you pay annually." - Portlandia cell phone episode + most track streaming services, probably, but NOT Portland Track Fest (which is truly free to stream!) In this episode, Portland Track president Jeff Merrill joins the show! Jeff is a former 800m runner himself who spent time a…

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3.14. The Library Episode 1:14:57

4M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Pulling up to this episode is like pulling up to your local library... it's got a little bit of everything in it, except for hopefully those pesky midwestern ticks. The episode opens with the usual intro banter, where Des characterizes Kara as being in "librarian mode." If Kara is the librarian, then that makes Des the person who is relentlessly tr…

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Episode #378: Priming towards Your Fall Race 33:19

4M ago33:19

33:19

Ok, we are 18 weeks from Berlin and 21 weeks from Chicago... it's time to start your training program! Every program should start with a priming phase (aka base building) in order to lay the foundation for what's to come. In this episode, I give you 7 things you should be thinking about to kick start your training for the fall. We talk about organi…

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3.13. Save the 10,000, the Cooldown Episode 1:11:24

4M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

They warmed you up with plenty of pre-race content, Des and Kara and the athletes delivered on exciting races, and now it's time for the cooldown! Des and Kara recap the Save the 10,000 with all of their reactions and lessons learned. They give you even more build-the-scenes details of the event and discuss whether or not there will be a year 2 for…

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Episode #377: Six Ways to Be Patient to Reach Your Potential 1:02:25

5M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Most runners that are new to working with me are impatient about their gains. They want everything tomorrow, and I love the new motivation and eagerness. We don't ever want to quell that, BUT we do need to instill a patient, long term view in order to help them reach their full potential. This episode is all about that. I give you six principles to…

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Episode #376: Listener Q&A on Building Back, Finding Your Edge, and More 37:48

5M ago37:48

37:48

I start this episode with a few tips on preparing for your fall training cycle. Then, we get into the latest listener questions. I talk about building, building back, finding your edge in training, and much more. If you need some training inspiration... this is your episode!By Chris McClung

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3.12. Kara's History with the 10,000 39:20

5M ago39:20

39:20

To get you excited about Saturday night's Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara, this episode is all about Kara's history with the event. She talks about 10,000m legends Lynn Jennings and Billy Mills and how they inspired her to want to be an Olympian. She gives the story of how she WALKED in her very first 10,000 on the track, seemingly swearing off t…

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3.11. Save the 10,000 Preview Show 40:38

5M ago40:38

40:38

It's race week. Are you ready for this?!? Cue the 2 Unlimited music in your head! In this episode, Trevor Rhodes joins the show. He is the race director for the meet, and the event wouldn't have happened with him. Des, Kara, and Trevor take you behind the scenes on putting together the Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara. They talk about the budget, …

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3.10. On Des Going Out on Top 1:15:44

5M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

"People say you should go out on top, and that's what I am doing - because getting to race my final professional marathon in Boston is indeed going out on top." - Des Linden Those are the words she shared via an ad in the Boston Globe placed and paid for by her and released on race morning. Then, she did indeed go out on top... running 2:26 (as she…

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Episode #375: Reflections from Boston 2025 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

It was an epic weekend for the Boston Marathon once again, and from it, I am still buzzing. Thus for this episode, I bring you 7 takeaways and inspirations from the weekend to carryforward to other races. From Des's final Boston to the Boston weather to the worthiness of that BQ goal, there is something in here for everyone! Enjoy!…

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3.9. Live from Boston 2025! 55:44

5M ago55:44

55:44

Live from WBUR Cityspace, this is the 2025 version of Des and Kara from Boston. In this episode, you get all of the normal, fun banter plus a section-by-section rundown of the Boston course from their experiences. If you are racing on Monday, then this is a must-listen before you toe the line for plenty of inspiration and some great course intel. F…

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Episode #374: Defining (and Re-Defining) Success on Race Day 49:30

6M ago49:30

49:30

I think we are in an era of our sport from elite to everyday runners where success is defined too narrowly. We are very time-focused at the expense of broader definitions of success, and I think that is limiting us as fans and participants and performers. In this episode, I talk about it and present 10 other ways to define success on race day. My h…

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3.8. The New Leaf Episode 1:07:36

6M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Spring time is here. The leaves are returning to the trees, and we are turning over new ones. Some new leaves in this episode: new Brooks foams and new track meets, plus massages (!), excursions (!), and a lot of breaking news for Save the 10,000. This episode starts with an update on Des's build to Boston and her plans for the upcoming taper. She …

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Episode #373: To Marathon or Not to Marathon with Listener Marisa 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

To be or not to be... that is the question! In this case, we ask... to marathon or not to marathon in another listener conversation with Marisa from NYC. She is relatively new in her running journey, had a stress fracture training for her first marathon, and wants to know if she should wait a little while until her next one. We discuss all of that …

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3.7. The Vibes Episode (aka the Chafing Episode) 1:05:46

6M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

This episode is a vibe all to its own, and you know it's is a good one when hilarious stuff comes up in the most random of ways. This episode isn’t about chafing, but you get plenty of hilarious (and perhaps a little disgusting) banter on it. Elite or not… every runner can relate to that. What else do we have in this one? Let’s see…lost toenails, d…

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Episode #372: Hope for Faster? 1:14:52

6M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

In this episode, I chat with listener Jennifer from Georgia who is wondering if she has the ability to get faster as someone who is usually near the back of the pack. She finished the NYC Marathon in 7 hours and recently did a half in 3:30, and now she wants more. I reassure her that she is worthy of her goals and worthy of coaching, and we give he…

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3.6. Save the 10,000 Launch Episode 1:03:41

7M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Nobody asked Des and Kara to put on a 10,000 meter track race, but as is the theme for this podcast, here we are! It's officially official. The Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara is happening on Saturday, May 3rd at Mt. San Antonio College (aka Mt. SAC) in Walnut, CA. Listen to this episode for all of the details, and then head to http://savethe1000…

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Episode #371: Breaking 2:55 with Listener Ben 1:12:53

7M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

In this episode, Ben from Michigan joins the show to discuss his aspirations to auto-qualify for Chicago. That implies a time of 2:55 for his age group, while his current PR is 3:03 from last fall. We hear about Ben's journey to this point, and then I coach him up on taking the next step to qualify for Chicago. In addition and of course, we talk ab…

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Episode #370: Managing the 99 Percent + Final Boston Prep Tips 39:01

7M ago39:01

39:01

In this episode, I cover a smorgasbord of topics and listener questions that all essentially point to how you should manage your training from the 99% to the 1%'s. Along the way, I answer two listener questions about training for a road 50K and managing weekly mileage, while also giving 3 tips on prep for the Boston Marathon with 7 weeks to go. Don…

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3.5. The Introspection Episode 1:09:35

7M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

It was Adam Goucher's birthday last week. He turned 50. Happy birthday Adam(!) and thank you for prompting the introspection that is a theme throughout the episode. It starts with the introspection of hitting age milestones as Kara and Des discuss how it felt hitting 30 and 40 and how they might feel hitting 50. Then, they talk about the introspect…

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Episode #369: Listener Questions on Burn Out, BMI, Creatine and More 35:02

7M ago35:02

35:02

Hey everyone... we are back with another listener question episode. This one covers great questions on burnout/lingering fatigue, weight/BMI, running tangents, creatine, ketones, recovery and more! Thanks for all of the great questions! You can always email questions to me at [email protected] Chris McClung

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Episode #368: What Social Media Gets Wrong about Run Coaching 42:31

7M ago42:31

42:31

I know. I know. Some of you will think I am a social media curmudgeon for this episode, but I don't think so. I actually love what social media has done to grow and expand and educate the running community. It's actually quite amazing and powerful, and the impact in a positive way is far reaching. That said, there is some bad info out there as well…

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3.4. The Indoor World Record Episode 1:17:03

7M ago1:17:03

1:17:03

If you can't get excited about track from listening to these two talk, then you should have your head examined and your pulse checked! Their enthusiasm for the sport is contagious. In this episode, they start with life updates including recent travels for them both. Des updates us on her trip to Kona and on her Boston prep, and Kara shares about he…

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Episode #367: Never Too Late with Listener Deborah 1:03:34

8M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

In this episode, I have the privilege to talk to a listener who is 75 years old and just starting her running journey. She is 9 weeks into it and only beginning to think about the possibilities. She has a 5K on the docket in the spring but is also dreaming about a half marathon or more. How will I advise her to build and how might that look differe…

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Episode #366: Balancing Running and Life with Listener Nicole 1:17:42

8M ago1:17:42

1:17:42

In this week's coaching conversation, I chat with listener Nicole. I have worked with Nicole before, and this is our first conversation in many months. You get to listen in as we discuss how she is trying to balance a new life stage with what that means for her running process and goals. We talk about dreaming big and how seasons of life can cause …

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3.3. The Sweaty Armpit Episode 1:10:58

8M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

"I could be wrong, but I know I'm not." - Kara Goucher. You know it's a good episode when Kara drops that quote. In this episode, Des and Kara cover a topic that you DID ask for. They give you their hot takes on the return of Shelby Houlihan from her 4-year ban. As you might expect, it is complicated, so find some paper towels and put them under th…

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Episode #365: Staying Present in Training and Racing 46:43

8M ago46:43

46:43

This episode was inspired by a listener question about dealing with injury before race day. Naturally, I extrapolated it to a message about staying present in all of your training and racing. Listen in to learn how to stay present in training - day by day and within a run/workout - and stay present in racing - in planning and in race execution. Sta…

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3.2. Behind the Scenes of the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston 1:07:32

8M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

What a race weekend in Houston! Des and Kara were so happy to be a part of it, including our largest live show yet with 500 people in attendance on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who came out for the show and to Brooks Running and the Houston Marathon team for the hospitality all weekend. In this episode, Des and Kara give you predictions for the …

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Episode #364: Find Your Inner Superhero 29:05

8M ago29:05

29:05

"A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown." - Tom Hanks I would submit that we do that everytime we step on a start line. That quote also highlights that heroism is defined independently from the outcome, which means that we can all be heroes by stepping into the unknown of race day. We can all, also, have an heroic ripple effect o…

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3.1. The Contract Episode 1:06:54

8M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Welcome to Season 3 of Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara presented by Brooks Running! This is a FUN and INFORMATIVE episode to kick off 2025. Des and Kara start with their usual catch-up banter, updating us on their holiday and New Year activities. Des shares her excitement about another Boston start line coming in April. Kara gives updates on her …

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Episode #363: Nailing Race Day (+ Bonus Houston Tips) 50:32

9M ago50:32

50:32

“We cannot know the mystery of the future.” – Jimmy Carter Preparing for race day creates fear and anxiety in part because we cannot know what the future will bring. In those moments, I encourage athletes to focus instead on what you DO know and what you CAN control. In this episode, I give you a rundown on those controllables. With the Houston Mar…