In this episode, Des and Kara welcome a special guest - their editor and show-notes writer - Chris McClung. That's me! For those that don't know, I am also a running coach, and my business, Rogue Running, coaches athletes to help them achieve their running goals (both in-person and virtually).

We just published a book called Running the Rogue Way where we teach you the how and why behind our coaching methods. Des and Kara were nice enough to have me on to talk about it. Links below if you want to check it out, but you get some teaser-tips in the conversation. The main message is that the book is for anyone who puts one foot in front of the other and wants to get faster - no certain speed or pace needed to start.

But first(!)... we cover recent news and events including Kara and Des's experiences at Brooks XC Nationals, where runner-parents get some parent-coaching tips. We talk about Athing Mu's departure from Coach Kersee and how that certain news outlet reported it. And, we discuss the bankruptcy filing from Grand Slam Track with some insider intel on what it means for athletes and their recent partial payments.

Finally, we finish with a Lagoon Sleep Top 5 to finish it off. Thanks so much to Des and Kara for inviting me on the show!

To get your copy of Running the Rogue Way:

a. Hardcover: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=duRtYl7Frjuhhph8KZ7fjriq7BusNLYAk4XXhBTGYGg

b. Paperback: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=6egsNzSKdLR1IJkO1yPcuO3BaV31zmBbKBsxmwkqejS

Plus, special thanks to our bonus sponsor for the episode - Lagoon Sleep. Their holiday sale is officially LIVE, and it is the perfect time to give the gift of better sleep this season.

Listeners can use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on their first pillow, OR take advantage of sitewide deals like $60 off two pillows and up to $160 off bundles.

Head to LagoonSleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS now, and take the 2-minute quiz to find the perfect match, or grab your favorite pillow before these deals are gone.

Des and Kara were live yesterday from the Brooks XC Nationals course. They preview all of the action which starts at 12:15 ET/9:15 PT today!

You can stream on Flotrack here: https://www.flotrack.org/events/14624321-2025-brooks-xc-championships-presented-by-fleet-feet.

Thanks to Brooks and Fleet Feet for keeping this race and its history alive! Good luck to everyone race!

This isn't the final episode of 2025 for Des and Kara, but this is the last episode of the year with a long list of running results to discuss. Listen in because there was A LOT of running action this past weekend from XC to the indoor track to the marathon.

Des and Kara start with updates on their recent travels - Des to Shanghai and Seoul, Kara to snowy Wisconsin. As highlights, we learn Des's nickname in China and get an update on Colt's race at Brooks XC regionals in proper blizzard conditions.

Then, they turn to this past weekend's results, starting with Nike NXN and the US XC Champs in Portland. Who showed up and showed out to earn spots on the World XC team for the US?

Plus, holy Hedengren(!) as Jane H ran 14:44 to break the collegiate indoor and outdoor 5K record at BU. That's also the 2nd fastest time ever by an American indoors. She is only 19, but it seems like she is making it look too easy! The sky is the limit for her.

Finally, they drill in on the US Marathon Champs at CIM (including Courtney D's near OTQ) and some fast times at the Valencia Marathon in Spain as the fall marathon season finally wraps up.

Thanks to Lever Movement for sponsoring the very uplifting Top 5 this week. For 20% off on your Lever system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com.