Running into 2025: Exploring Fast Paces, Favorite Footwear, and Future Races** As we lace up our sneakers and sprint into 2025, it’s clear that the running community is thriving with exciting races, new athletic gear, and unending passion for the sport. Episode 27 of our weekly podcast, "Run Spesh," provides an insightful journey through the world of running, where listeners can explore everything from motivational personal anecdotes to expert advice on footwear. Here’s a recap to catch you up! **Introduction and Podcast Banter** Kicking off the episode, our hosts Oska, Tom, and Kat welcome listeners with their signature humor and charm. Oska and Tom introduce themselves from Front Runner Colombo, while Kat represents Back on Track Sports. Together, they unravel what makes running such a cherished and globally ubiquitous activity, along with the occasional misstep — both literal and metaphorical. Their light-hearted banter isn’t just an icebreaker; it’s a reminder of the camaraderie and spirit of resilience in running. **Racing and Reader Recap** Listeners are whisked away to race day stories that inspire and entertain. Our hosts share their own recent race experiences, like the Lovelock Track Classic in New Zealand, which offers a perfect stage for athletes to measure their endurance and strategy. Whether it’s challenging weather conditions or competing against the clock, each story ends with a treasure trove of insights on what helped or hindered their performances. **On the Fast Track with Footwear** For any runner, choosing the right pair of running shoes is a decision layered with considerations. During the episode, the team delves into an engaging discussion around trends in athletic footwear, spotlighting brands like New Balance and Mizuno, and weighing in on Hoka’s latest release, the Bondi 9. Our hosts dissect the features of each shoe, from responsiveness to comfort, giving listeners guidance on what could work best for their running style. **Upcoming Marathons and Goals for 2023** Looking ahead, exciting plans are unveiled, including entering significant marathons. Kat teases her participation in the upcoming London Marathon, while Oska shares his anticipation for running the Boston Marathon. Both marathons are not only coveted goals for many runners but hold different challenges — from scaling the hills of Boston to navigating London’s urban landscape. The episode taps into how athletes prepare mentally and physically to meet these challenges head-on. **Challenges in New Zealand Athletics** The hosts address the fewer domestic race opportunities in New Zealand, drawing attention to the need for more structured and accessible race events. This discussion serves as a call to action for creating a competitive yet inclusive environment that can foster growth and visibility for athletes at all stages. **Fun with Emojis and a Nod to New Brands** Packed with laughs, the episode takes a humorous detour into the realm of emojis, exploring which ones represent their personalities best. They also discuss emerging clothing brands like Say Sky from Copenhagen, embracing the fashionable side of running with unique, eye-catching designs. **Wrap-Up and Looking Forward** As the episode draws to a close, listeners are invited to join running clubs and engage with the community on upcoming events. After celebrating the podcast’s milestones in audience reach, the hosts reaffirm their commitment to delivering quality content that’s both informative and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned runner looking for advice, a newbie seeking motivation, or simply enjoy the banter, our podcast caters to all enthusiasts intent on improving their pace or simply enjoying the ride. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the multifaceted world of running!