Join us as we look back on a year filled with unforgettable moments on the Hobby Jogger podcast. We also shine a light on the dynamic figures who enriched our podcast with their passion and resilience. As we wrap up the year, we're reminded of the camaraderie and friendships that make the Hobby Jogger podcast not just a platform, but a passionate community.

What happens when a passionate runner turns his love for endurance sports into a groundbreaking nutrition brand? Bill Armstrong, founder of Neversecond Nutrition, shares his entrepreneurial journey with us, highlighting the pivotal collaboration with Dutch scientist Oscar Yikendra that has shaped the brand's identity.

Bill delves into the significance of proper fueling strategies tailored for those not just leading the pack but also those in the middle and back. Uncover how Never Second Nutrition addresses the challenges of inconsistent product recommendations, providing athletes with straightforward and effective fueling options.

Ever wondered who truly reigns supreme in the challenging world of American trail running? Join us on Hobby Jogger and Friends as we team up with Jeremy Pope and Wil Walmsley to break down 2024 trail running highlights. We contemplate the ultimate showdown in female ultra-running. Courtney's impeccable undefeated streak, featuring landmark victories at Mount Fuji and Hard Rock, is pitted against Katie's awe-inspiring UTMB course record and her solid run at Western States.

As we shift focus to the men's category, we engage in a spirited debate over top contenders, shining light on Hayden Hawks' impressive year and Jim Walmsley's monumental achievements at Western States. The episode wraps by examining picks for performance of the year in iconic races such as Leadville 100 and Barkley Marathons.

Join us for an incredible journey into ultra-running with Lucas Hathaway, a passionate ultra-runner and the innovative mind behind the apparel company Runur. Lucas reveals his transformation from marathon enthusiast to ultra-marathon competitor. His recent third-place finish at the Tampa 100 and the unique challenges of running the Keys 100, including the iconic seven-mile bridge at sunset, are just a few highlights of his inspiring story. This episode promises to ignite your own spirit of adventure and determination.

As we traverse the world of endurance racing, the conversation delves into the profound mental and physical challenges that define ultra-running. With personal anecdotes from races like the Grindstone 100K and ambitious goals like the Arizona Monster 300, we explore the delicate balance between pushing limits and preserving well-being. Our dialogue underscores the importance of mental resilience and strategic planning, offering listeners valuable insights into the mindset needed to tackle long-distance races.

Ever wondered how one begins an ultra running career at 36 and ends up with nearly 100 wins? Connie Gardner, an ultra running legend and latest inductee to the Ultra Running Hall of Fame, joins us to share her fascinating journey, recorded live at the Thirsty Dog Brewery in Akron, Ohio. With co-host Nikki Niemeyer, we explore Connie's tales from the trail. Connie's passion and dedication to running are truly contagious, offering listeners a masterclass in perseverance and love for the sport.

Connie and Nikki elaborate on the joyful side of running—fun track workouts and community events that highlight the supportive nature of the running community. We discuss Connie’s coaching philosophy and the thrill of setting personal goals. Through personal anecdotes, we celebrate the humor and humility that come with navigating the unpredictable world of running.

From muddy trails to scenic city routes, our discussion explores the distinct joys and challenges between trail and road running. Relive the laughter from a muddy finish line mishap and iconic trail races like the Gorge Waterfalls, which keep capturing our imaginations. Even as we tip our hats to the allure of city marathons, it's clear our hearts beat for the adventure and scenery that trail races offer. Plus, we emphasize the importance of a shared race calendar to keep our running ambitions in check.

Hear about our inspirational encounters with coach Connie Gardner and how these connections have fueled our running goals. As we wrap up, we look forward to upcoming trail races and potential new guests, all while keeping the spirit of camaraderie and community at the center of our running journey. Tune in for this exciting episode filled with laughter, stories, and the undeniable bond formed through running.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Abby Herring, an athlete whose inspiring journey from collegiate track nationals to marathon running offers valuable insights for runners at any level. Abby shares her experiences from achieving a personal record and top ten at the Columbus Marathon to qualifying for the Boston Marathon on her first attempt in Charlevoix, Michigan.

The episode dives into the nuances of marathon preparation and nutrition, with Abby sharing her own race day logistics and strategies for overcoming the infamous "wall." From the unique aspects of the Boston Marathon to the support of the running community, Abby’s story is rich with practical advice and inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this conversation offers a blend of motivation, personal anecdotes, and expert tips to help you on your running journey.

Matt Parker demonstrates immense determination, completing his first 100-mile race at the Canal Corridor in just over 14 hours. Explore the nuances of ultra-running as we discuss hydration and nutrition, critical components that can make or break a race. Personal stories unfold, including a scary bout with rhabdomyolysis post race.

We look at the camaraderie and mentorship that fuel the ultra-running community. Young talents like Matt are shaping the future of the sport, guided by experienced mentors like coach Connie Gardner & Jeremy Pope. From strategic race planning to the sheer mental and physical grind of ultra-marathons, this episode encapsulates the resilience and passion driving athletes forward.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek into our next episode featuring Abby Herring's achievements at the Columbus Marathon.