Best Chris McClung Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #375: Reflections from Boston 2025 31:26

15h 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

7d 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

15d 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

18d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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…

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2.40. The Sister Episode, Kara Edition 1:13:36

4M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

The most important link you need today is this one: https://performingartshouston.org/events/nobody-asked-us-with-des-kara-2025-01-18-400-pm/. Go get your tickets for the Houston live show coming up on Saturday, January 18th at 4 pm! Beyond that, listen to this feel-good episode with Kara and her sisters to round out 2024. Happy New Year everyone!…

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Episode #362: Listener Q&A to end 2024! 55:12

4M ago55:12

55:12

In this final episode of the year, I answer questions from you! With questions from the UK, Canada, and all over the US, we cover caffeine and training, VO2Max, race planning, when to press vs. rest, osteoporsis and running, race goals, and so much more! Thanks to everyone who sent in a questions. I will be taking next week off, and episode #363 wi…

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Episode #361: Principles on Strength for Runners 38:46

4M ago38:46

38:46

How important is strength training for runners? Very important, but you have to do it the right way. It should support and supplement your running and not take away from it. In this episode, I give you 5 principles to construct your strength routine in a way that it will be additive to your running. Hint: it isn't about massive lifting sessions whe…

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2.39. The You're Welcome Episode 1:13:06

4M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Any good Nobody Asked Us episode will make you laugh AND cry, and this one is no different. For this latest installment, Des and Kara cover a hodgepodge of topics, mostly by catching up on their personal lives, and you will learn something new about each of them along the way. Or, maybe you knew about Bougie Des and Homebody Kara already?! Kara tal…

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Episode #360: Getting Older AND Faster with Listener Pete 1:07:55

4M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

We are back to our listener conversations, and this week we talk with Pete from Michigan. Pete has 4 kids and is about to turn 50. He is wondering if he can still get faster as he ages and wants to know how to optimize around that. He also has a goal to race Boston some day, so we dig into the big picture plans for that as well. I believe Pete stil…

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Episode #359: Building Your Routine (aka Planting the Trees) 52:33

5M ago52:33

52:33

In episode 357, I talked about the forest, the big picture and the long term view for your running goals. In this episode, I talk about planting the individual trees to achieve the forest of your dreams. Those individual trees are made up of a routine that is as consistent and year-round as you can possibly be. But, why and what does a successful r…

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2.38. The Sister Episode, Des Edition 1:08:18

5M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

We have a very special guest for this episode, and you won't want to miss it! In fact, this might be the episode to watch on YouTube if that isn't your normal routine. [Don't forget to hit subscribe while you are there.] Introducing... Natalie Steele, Des's older and taller and wiser(?) sister! She joins the show to spill all of the dirt on Des whi…

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Episode #358: Building the Confidence to Chase Big Goals with Listener Maeson 1:21:37

5M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

Another listener - Maeson - joins the show to get coaching on chasing her big goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She has the confidence to dream big, but that confidence can often shrink on the starting line. In this conversation, we help her refine her "why" for the big goal and then discuss the tactics to get there including discussions on …

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Episode #357: Seeing the Forest, not the Trees 53:32

5M ago53:32

53:32

This episode was inspired by many recent chats with athletes and listeners. Often, we get too focused on the minutia, on the little details, without keeping track of the big picture in training. In this episode, I give you 7 things to consider in order to keep your eyes on the forest, so you don't smash into a tree! This one will also help you keep…

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2.37. The Nemesis Episode 1:08:46

5M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Oh my... where do we start with this episode goodness?!? The highlight of this episode is the long-awaited podcast face-off between Des and her arch-nemesis Dakotah Popehn, nee Lindwurm. They trash talk with all of the intensity of two cats playing with a furry ball before licking each other clean. Combine that with Kara's Minnesota accent showing …

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Episode #356: Can I get Sub 4:00? with Listener April 1:19:00

5M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome back to podcasting! It's been validating to hear the response. We are back today with a conversation with listener April from Michigan. She is a mom of 3 who is trying to break 4 hours in the marathon. She has great questions about the path forward to do that, and along the way, we start dreaming even bigg…

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Episode #355: The Re-Introduction Episode + Tips on Boston Training 1:14:08

6M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Hey everyone... we are back after a long hiatus! I needed a break over the summer that turned into a longer break than anticipated, but I always knew I would be back. Thank you for your patience with me and thank you to everyone who asked how I was doing. In this episode, you get two parts. Part 1 is a re-introduction of me, who I am, and what I be…

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2.36: Freshy Fresh from the NYC Finish Line 1:00:37

6M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

First of all, we have to give a massive shout-out to TCS for hosting the Freshy Fresh in their space, right behind the NYC Marathon finish line. They were amazing hosts and also amazing title sponsors for the race, contributing to all of the vibes of the day. We also love how they are using technology to upgrade the runner, the spectator, and the a…

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2.35. Live from NYC 2024! 53:47

6M ago53:47

53:47

Live from the Brooks Hyperion House in NYC... it's Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara! For those running on Sunday (tomorrow), we highly recommend you listen today or on your way to the start. This one is jammed with tips to get your mind and body ready for this NYC Marathon course. Plus, you get some bonus content on Halloween costumes vs. NYC fashio…

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2.34. Chicago Marathon Recap (or Rampage?) 1:11:31

6M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

We are posting this early because we know you need some fun and feisty content for your weekend long runs. This one is all about Chicago, and Kara promises that it could be a rampage discussing the new world record set by Ruth Chepngetich. Is it or is it not? You be the judge, but we can promise the discussion will be different than you think. This…

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2.33. Live from Chicago 2024! 1:00:12

7M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

[New album cover alert!] Another year, another live podcast from Chicago, and this one was even bigger with 250+ in attendance! This episode has everything you would want from a live podcast including a completely-unplanned, surprise guest, who turned Kara into a little bit of an awkward mess ;). The show starts with some life and travel updates. D…

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2.32. The Deep Breath Episode 1:16:43

7M ago1:16:43

1:16:43

Wow, there were a lot of emotions and opinions coming out of last week's episode, and we appreciated them all, mostly. Some of the internet haters get a little too excited, but we know that comes with the territory. Well, today... we get to take a deep breath and enjoy this new episode. No controversies to be seen in this one *wink wink*. Des and K…

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2.31. The Boston Kerfuffle 1:17:48

7M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

This episode features a reluctant guest to talk about the recent changes to the Boston qualifying standards announced by the BAA last week. Yes, Kara dragged me (your editor who is also a running coach) kicking and screaming into this one! We start with some life updates from Kara and Des. Kara shares that she and Adam recently celebrated their 23r…

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2.30. Out with the Old, in with the New… MERCH! 1:16:59

8M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

This episode is a sneaky one. It seems like everything is business as usual… and then suddenly… BOOM… fireworks! Don’t worry though, everyone still has all their fingers. Listen carefully though because there are fun revelations sprinkled throughout. At the start, Kara gives us a Colt and house update, where she reveals the one item that she is lik…

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2.29. Life Updates from Des and Kara 1:08:06

8M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

You might have been looking for this episode last week, but things got a little crazy, particularly for Kara. She fills you in on all of the scary details that put Colt in the hospital for nearly a week. He is recovering well and at home now, but it was touch-and-go for a little bit as he ended up with a fluke infection in his chest. In the meantim…

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2.28. The Elephant and Humble Pie, Your Final Olympics Recap 1:36:44

8M ago1:36:44

1:36:44

The mood was spicy for this one, fueled by Olipop and post-Olympics sleep deprivation and jetlag! The result is yet another banger episode from Des and Kara. This one starts with some fun behind-the-scenes intel on the Olympic Village and why athletes might choose to stay outside of it. Then, they very thoroughly address THE elephant in the room, g…

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2.27. Freshy Fresh from Paris, the Joy of Track Day Seven 1:01:03

9M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

First, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors for this episode - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Super Coffee - for their support …

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2.26. Freshy Fresh from Paris, Coming from Nowhere on Track Day Six 1:02:11

9M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

First, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in P…

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2.25. Freshy Fresh from Paris, a S-Hocker on Track Day Five! 36:33

9M ago36:33

36:33

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episod…

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2.24. Freshy Fresh from Paris, the Drama of Track Day Four 1:09:53

9M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episod…

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2.23. Freshy Fresh from Paris, Quick Hits from Track Day Three 20:40

9M ago20:40

20:40

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes …

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2.22: Freshy Fresh from Paris, Track Day Two (aka the Doink Episode) 54:52

9M ago54:52

54:52

Thank you to a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As us…

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2.21. Freshy Fresh from Paris, the Emotion of Track Day One! 52:58

9M ago52:58

52:58

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED. Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop for their support for these episodes in…

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Chris McClung Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen