Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara

4d ago

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.

Dec 13

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!

Dec 9

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.

Nov 25

"So, it doesn't hurt or bother you when someone's in your mouth?" - Kara "For his Thanksgiving, he used to go to a strip club that would have a potluck." - Des OMG... this is a good one. Where do we even start? Des and Kara start with some catching up, talking about the dentist, holiday decorations, and Thanksgiving plans. We also get a proper update on Colt and his team's amazing performance at NXN Regionals, plus a preview of what's to come at the Brooks XC Championships (live NAU podcast alert!). Des shares her travel plans to China and Korea over the holiday, while prepping a collab with the one and only Courtney Dauwalter at CIM. Then, they dig into all things NCAA XC Championships, including the amazing races and the controversies. From Jane's historic run to the team competitions, beef between coaches, and the course-cutting, there is plenty to talk about... Finally as usual, they end with an uplifting top 5 to cap this Thanksgiving-week episode. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are grateful for everyone who listens!

Nov 19

Des and Kara return this week, fresh off of Kara's annual, girls weekend and Des's trip to the Every Woman's Marathon in Scottsdale, AZ. You get proper updates and behind-the-scenes stories on both of those. Then, they turn to interesting discussions on the upcoming Brooks XC Championship presented by Fleet Feet. The regional qualifying events are at the end of November with the finale in San Diego in mid December. Spoiler alert: Des and Kara will be there for it with a live podcast incoming. Finally, before a Top 5, they have an in-depth conversation about NCAA XC including the dominating performances of break-out freshman Jane Hedengren, as well as the potential impact of having many more international athletes in those fields. You might be surprised by the factor that could be most challenging/disruptive about this trend. Stay for the end when Kara gives the funny story about a mom listener and her son that gave Kara and her friends the ultimate laugh at girls weekend. And... don't worry guys... you will like this one too. Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode Lagoon Sleep. Lagoon's biggest sale of the year is happening right now - and it's better than the usual deal we share. From now through Black Friday, get $25 off every Lagoon pillow, $60 off two, or $160 off four - no code needed. Go to LagoonSleep.com to take the 2-minute quiz and find your perfect pillow, or if you already have a Lagoon pillow - this is your chance to stock up and save!

Nov 11

Life is a series of transitions from one thing to the next, and this year marks a transition for Des with the move from elite marathoning to her next chapter. This episode is about just that and her documentary titled "The Next Chapter," where she talks about the timing and reasons behind this transition for her. If you haven't checked out the documentary already, then do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuPVzH3HN8I . It's a must-watch that will have you wiping your eyes. Kara shares the moment with Des as she relates back to her own transition from elite marathoning. This episode, however, is not all tears. There are plenty of laughs too, as with any conversation between these two. They also talk about signing and getting autographs, hugs from Taylor Swift, first pitches, Kara's new tattoo, hiding purchases from your partner/spouse, food delivery, and some very fast times on the trails at Tunnel Hill. Plus, you get an update on Kara's running and her dystonia. Though running news was light this week, this conversation has so much good stuff in it. As always, they finish with an uplifting Top 5 sponsored by Lever Movement. For 15% off on your Lever system, use code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com.

Nov 5

This is the post-NYC episode you have been waiting for! First, we catch up on Colt's race on Saturday at the CO state meet where somehow Kara dropped the ball and missed seeing him mid-race. Fortunately, he and his team still ran well, but Des coaches Kara up on how she can be a better specator next year ;). We also get an update on Des's knee and whether or not she will be racing the 50-miler this weekend after running 26.2 in NYC. Then, it's all about New York where Des and Kara mix together Des's run with Anthony Ramos (to an impressive 4:44) with the excitement in the elite races, especially on the women's side. Did Des really experience what it's like to run with the masses in the main field, or is she still a little bit elitist?! How are her legs feeling after 26.2 miles in what might have been her longest run ever by time on her feet? How about that exciting women's race where so many Americans were in the mix and then Obiri, Lokedi, and Chepkirui fended off the challenges from Hassan who just wouldn't go away?! Plus, what about the men's near-photo finish and amazing races for all of the top Americans? What a day in NYC which never disappoints! Special thanks to new sponsor Celcius for sponsoring this episode's top 5 to close the episode. Yes, Celcius is an energy drink but did you know they have electrolyte-based hydration powders with no caffeine as well? Kara and Des are both fans so check them out!

Oct 29

"If you could smell ringworm... " - Des Linden Des and Kara took ketones before this episode so you know it's going to be a good one. They start with life updates including a tick bite and a banged-up knee for Des :( and amazing performances from Colt and his team at XC Regionals to qualify for the state meet. Then, they get spicy and fired up about a host of topics including the recently-announced Treadmill World Championships, a doping storyline on The Morning Show (spoiler alert!), and details about the Ruth Chepngetich doping case. There is plenty to get frustrated about in there, but it is more fun when Des and Kara do it. Finally, they give a thorough NYC preview covering the international and American fields with hints and picks on who might win and be top American on each side. This is a must-listen before you watch (or run) it on Sunday! As always, thank you to Brooks Running who is our presenting sponsor. Thanks also to Ketone-IQ for supporting this episode. To get 30% off on your subscription order and a free 6-pack with your second month, go to this link: https://ketone.com/pages/nobody-asked-us .