74 | On Cloud Surfer Max, NZ Park Run Records, Coaching questions and what the fuck is Zone 2
Frontrunner Colombo's "Run Spesh" Podcast
Release Date: 10/16/2025
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_outlineMastering the Run: From Elite Records to Donut Challenges 💪🍩 | Run Spesh Episode Join Oska from the Front Runner Colombo, Tom from Front Runner Colombo, and Andy from Good Athletic on this engaging episode of 'Run Spesh'! They dive deep into the world of running—from elite marathon records, park run statistics, and hilarious comments, to the niche of coaching insights and the spicy nitty-gritty of zone training. Listen in on Coach Andy's expert advice, the epic tales of recent running events, and a donut mile you won't believe! This episode is packed with knowledge, fun banter, and a sneak peek into the latest must-try running shoes. Don't miss out! 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter 02:25 Park Run Insights and Statistics 03:44 Tom's Running Experience and Training 18:11 Coaching and Training Philosophies 38:01 Understanding Zone Two Training 40:12 Heart Rate Zones vs. RPE 45:33 Determining Training Zones 45:45 The Importance of Intent in Training 46:25 Coaching and Athlete Communication 47:12 Training Methods and Thresholds 56:39 The Donut Mile Challenge 01:00:01 Shoe Reviews and Recommendations 01:08:48 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts