Fantasies + Guests Hobbs Kessler & Rai Benjamin, a Titan is Coming to NCAAs, & Paul Chelimo's Marathon Debut

Olympian Hobbs Kessler j oins us at 75:25 to discuss his breakout 2024 season and 2025 plans. He's followed by Mr USA Gold Rai Benjamin at 97:20 as both athletes joined us from the Global Athletics Media Summit. Prior to that we break down the latest in the running world including the marathon completion debut of Paul Chelimo before we turn to our "fantasy" segments and ponder who is most likely to miss the 2025 World Championships in the 1500, debate where high school star Jane Hedengren would have finished at NCAA XCs and have our fantasy USA World XC draft. The perfect gift for runners TheRunnerBox.com is the perfect gift for runners or yourself. Save yourself the anxiety of finding the best products for runners. For as little as $34, the subscription service sends a box filled with items handpicked by their team of runners and nutritionists directly to your doorstep every other month. Each box is worth over $50 and makes for a perfect gift (even if just for yourself) LRCers get $10 OFF any new subscription with this special link . The RunnerBox has now created a full sports nutrition marketplace called Fuel Goods. Join the best club in running for 50% off you first year with code GOAT50 Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join our Supporters Club today and get all the LetsRun.com content, a second podcast every week, savings on running shoes, and a lot more. Cancel at anytime. Join today for yourself or give a gift subscription Show notes: 00:00 The Runner Box 01:09 Start 05:49 Hobbs Kessler talk 07:27 Who misses the team: Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse or Hobbs Kessler in 2025? 11:52 Neil Gourley wins Kiwi mile 14:32 Alberto 16:12 Paul Chelimo runs 2:18 in his marathon debut (outside of Trials) 23:00 Rojo's idiotic Footlocker GST comparison 26:13 High schooler Jane Hedengren would have placed where at NCAAs? 30:10 World XC Amerian fantasy XC draft 51:42 Kenneth Rooks shows up at Club XC Nationals 58:04 The titan coming to NCAA XC is Ishmael Kipkirui 01:06:28 Olympic triathlon champ Alex Yee to make marathon debut in London 01:15:25 Hobbs Kessler (guest) 01:16:43 Joining the sub 3:30 club and the state of American miling 01:17:50 What was difference in 2024? 01:23:05 Training with Bryce 01:24:26 Unique Training Approaches 01:28:46 His "team" now includes Pat Henner & the crazy story how they met in Yosemite 01:34:53 Looking Ahead to 2025 01:35:55 What could he have done differently at Olympics? 01:37:20 Rai Benjamin (guest) 01:38:21 Reflecting on the Olympic Experience 01:38:54 Handling Pressure as the Anchor 01:44:23 Splitting time with coach Hayes at UCLA and coach Watts at USC 01:46:15 Will he give the 200 a go? 01:47:57 Thoughts on Grand Slam Track 01:49:21 Cycling as Cross-Training 01:50:54 Thoughts on missing out on Athlete of the Year 01:52:46 That 4x4 leg 01:53:34 Supporters Club: Join today for yourself or give a gift subscription 01:54:15 The Runner Box Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join our Supporters Club today and get all the LetsRun.com content, a second podcast every week, savings on running shoes, and a lot more. Cancel at anytime. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/4e6e87f0-7e5d-4d35-8418-aa23adca9b3a