73 | Saucony Xodus Ultra 4, Road Relay Recap, Training weeks and listener questions
Frontrunner Colombo's "Run Spesh" Podcast
Release Date: 10/09/2025
Frontrunner Colombo's "Run Spesh" Podcast
Run Spesh: Nike Billboard Drama, Boston Dominance, New Shoe Drops & Trail Tech Oska, Tom and Maia from Frontrunner Colombo riff on Nike’s Boston Marathon billboard (“runners are welcome, walkers are tolerated”) and the backlash, noting Nike had nobody on the Boston podium while ASICS prototypes featured heavily. Oska shares he’s back near full training at ~95 miles with doubles and new hill-600 workouts; Tom reports a right-hip impingement diagnosis, an uphill-only running phase, and a strength plan with Emily and Todd. They recap big results: John Korir’s Boston course record...
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Christchurch Marathon Chaos, PBs & Vomit + Speedgoat 7 Is Back | Run Spesh Oska, Tom and Maia recap a huge Christchurch Marathon week for Frontrunner, from the shakeout run and expo to racing and supporting runners on course. Maia details her half marathon debut, going out too fast, battling humidity, managing gels, vomiting near the finish, and running 1:18:42 to earn a National Champs medal, while Tom describes racing under the weather, cramping badly in the final 5–6km, and finishing despite a rough day. Oska reflects on not racing due to a calf/ankle issue, enjoying contributing off...
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Christchurch Marathon Week Hype: Tapers, National Champs & Expo Deals | Run Spesh Oska, Tom and Maia (from Frontrunner Colombo) kick off Run Spesh with some banter, then dive into Christchurch Marathon week—the biggest week on the local running calendar and a major week for the shop. They reflect on achieving a longtime goal of being headline sponsor for the Christchurch Marathon, preview the nervous community energy around Hagley Park, and discuss Maia’s lead-in to her second half marathon (workouts, running with Ruth Croft, and back-to-back rest days) and Tom’s no-taper approach as...
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Edit to the episode - the Nike unfortunatley isn't 40mm or under! On Cloudboom Vault vs Nike Zoom Fly 6 | (Run Spesh: Sole Mates) Oska and Tom from Frontrunner Colombo’s Run Spesh “Sole Mates” compare two new the On Cloudboom Vault and the Nike Zoom Fly 6. They discuss why staying under the 40mm stack limit matters for age-group racing, then break down specs and ride feel. The Cloudboom Vault is ~210g with a 5mm drop, Helion HF foam, and a carbon-infused composite plate that’s more forgiving than full carbon, but it has a narrow base and less stability, with a roomy upper and a...
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https://frontrunnercolombo.co.nz/ Run Spesh: Wild Hamner Training Camp Tales + Nike Pegasus 42 Review + Christchurch Marathon Week Plans Oska, Tom, and Maia from Frontrunner Colombo chat through a chaotic weekend training camp trip to Hamner that started with sideways rain, TT bikes in gale-force winds, and a mid-ride turnaround before salvaging the camp with cycling, running, swimming, and pub hangs, plus stories about their wheelchair-using swim coach Rolly and his personality. They cover injury updates on a hamstring, upcoming Christchurch racing (including a 10K and the women’s half...
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Hoka Mach X 3 vs Mach 7 (Sole Mates) | Which Frontrunner Daily Trainer Wins? Oska and Tom from Frontrunner Colombo record a “Sole Mates” comparison after their camera isn’t charged, pitting Hoka’s Mach X 3 against the Mach 7 as faster daily trainers rather than true racers. They praise updates from the Mach X 2, including a more traditional heel collar and wider width options, but criticize Hoka’s confusing lineup and pricing. The Mach 7 is described as lightweight and fine but not particularly fast, with foam that feels less responsive; it may suit runners wanting one shoe for easy...
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Run Spesh (Frontrunner): Hamstring Chaos, Half Mara Woes, Shoe Recs & the Scavenger Hunt Run On Run Spesh from Frontrunner, Oska, maia and Anna fill in while Tom’s away and riff on podcast awkwardness, eye contact, and office life like new clock-in/out time tracking, late emails, and Oska’s delegation habits. They touch on maia’s voiceover video, Oska using a “brick” to shut off phone distractions, and Oska building a massive shed he now can’t move. The running chat covers Oska’s post-marathon hamstring pain eased by high-dose anti-inflammatories, maia’s rough...
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ASICS MegaBlast vs adidas Hyper Boost Edge : TPU vs PBA | Run Spesh “Solemates” Oska and Tom from Frontrunner Columbo record a “Solemates” Run Spesh episode comparing the ASICS MegaBlast and the adidas Hyper Boost Edge (Pro), framing it as a matchup of premium foams (TPU vs PBA) and debating what makes a “super trainer” versus a premium daily trainer. They praise the MegaBlast’s versatility, light upper, lack of plate, durability (800–1200 km), and minor fit quirks that may require sizing up. For the adidas shoe, they like the stylish lifestyle/performance blend, the midsole...
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Run Spesh: The Race, Devonport carnage, City2Surf record crowds + shoe hot takes Oska, Tom and Anna (from Frontrunner Colombo) ramble through a late-week Run Spesh catch-up: Tom previews “La Race,” a brutal Christchurch-to-Akaroa bike event with ~500–600 riders, rolling road closures, gnarly climbs, safety concerns (fog, road debris, acorns), and why road cycling feels harder and riskier than running. Anna recaps the Devonport Triathlon/Oceania champs trip, including a chaotic swim, Saxon’s health scare then 5th place, and Henry’s recovery to 9th overall and 4th U23 despite a...
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NZ Track Champs Chaos, Taupō Ironman Drama & a Brutal Motatapu Win | Run Spesh Run Spesh (from Frontrunner Colombo) opens with sponsor chat before Oska, Tom, and Maia recap a huge weekend: New Zealand Track & Field Champs in Auckland, celebrating Rosa Twyford’s Triple Crown despite recent injury worries, and discussing improved broadcast coverage, crowd energy, and the value of constructive feedback. They highlight the celebrity sprint won convincingly by Zoey, Sam Ruth’s dominant 1500 win and strong post-race interview, Preston’s 1:46 800, and a tactical men’s 5000 where Toby...
info_outlineRun Spesh Podcast: Training Tips, Auckland Marathon Prep, and the Epic Road Relays Recap! Join Oska, Tom, and Anna from the Front Runner Colombo team in this week's episode of Run Spec! Dive into invigorating discussions about their training weeks, including Anna's intense prep for the Auckland Half Marathon. Listen as they share comical anecdotes about running in the rain and outfit choices that might not make the 'appropriate' cut. Enjoy the recap of their incredible time at the road relays, complete with all the highlights and unexpected challenges. Plus, get the scoop on exciting upcoming events and activities at the Run Club, including a donut mile and second-hand gear drop! Whether you're a seasoned runner or love a good laugh, this episode's got something for everyone. Don't forget to stay tuned for listener questions and insightful shoe reviews! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:30 Anna's Training Update 08:12 Tommy's Training Recap 10:56 Upcoming Races and Events 16:11 Road Relays Experience 30:47 Race Results Recap 31:10 Safety Concerns and Traffic Management 31:46 Run Club Announcements 32:52 Donut Mile Event Details 37:19 Listener Questions and Shoe Recommendations 48:18 Maintaining Fitness During Injury 52:41 Trail Shoe Review: Saucony Exodus Ultra 4 58:17 Upcoming Events and Farewell