Any good Nobody Asked Us episode will make you laugh AND cry, and this one is no different.    For this latest installment, Des and Kara cover a hodgepodge of topics, mostly by catching up on their personal lives, and you will learn something new about each of them along the way. Or, maybe you knew about Bougie Des and Homebody Kara already?!   Kara talks about her experiences having her knee drained (!) and watching Colt crush it at the National Junior Olympic XC Championships, while Des gives us the play-by-play on her adventures living the Kiwi-trail life in New Zealand.   Kara shares an emotional moment buying Colt a souvenir for his race, and Des laments her inability to manage the technical downhills like her adventurous counter-parts.    Come for the advice on parenting a young athlete and stay for the tips on maintaining your Delta status OR for the intel on Des's ultra-marathon aspirations OR the BIG announcement about Houston Marathon weekend at the end of the Olipop Top 5. I promise you will not regret listening to this episode... and you're welcome.   There will be one final episode in 2024, coming on December 31st, as Des interviews Kara with her sisters!   Thank you to our sponsors for this one - Brooks Running and Olipop. Support them to support us: 

• Get your fresh pair of Brooks Glycerin Max at brooksrunning.com.
• Get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

We have a very special guest for this episode, and you won't want to miss it! In fact, this might be the episode to watch on YouTube if that isn't your normal routine. [Don't forget to hit subscribe while you are there.]

Introducing... Natalie Steele, Des's older and taller and wiser(?) sister!

She joins the show to spill all of the dirt on Des while gushing on her a little bit too. You get an inside peak into their lives as sisters as Kara asks all of the questions you might want to know, including:

• Who was the biggest troublemaker as a child?
• Who had the most boys after her?
• How much did they fight over the landline phone before caller ID?!?
• How were they as teammates on the high school soccer team together?
• What did she think of Des moving away to Arizona State and the Michigan?
• What's it like as a spectator for Des at big races from the Olympics Trials to winning Boston?
• What would surprise us to know about Des?
• Where did they get the adventure travel genes?
• What is she most proud of about Des's journey?

This one is full of so many laughs and all of the feels. Get to know Des in a whole new way through Natalie's eyes!

For this one, we send a special thanks to Brooks Running for being the best presenting sponsor a podcast could have. Go stock up on your favorite Brooks shoes to support the podcast!

And don't worry... Kara's sister episode is coming as the last episode of 2024, releasing on December 31st (Season 2, episode 40). Stay tuned...

Oh my... where do we start with this episode goodness?!?

The highlight of this episode is the long-awaited podcast face-off between Des and her arch-nemesis Dakotah Popehn, nee Lindwurm. They trash talk with all of the intensity of two cats playing with a furry ball before licking each other clean. Combine that with Kara's Minnesota accent showing out in the presence of another Minnesotan, and you can imagine that this episode gets as heated as a cozy, warm blanket on a cold winter's day. Yes, it's amazing...

Dakotah gives us the inside scoop on her race and recovery from NYC, and she takes us back down memory lane to talk about qualifying for the Olympics, what it would have meant to her late mother, and what it was like racing in Paris. Plus, she stares down Des while talking about taking at shot at her 50K record. Kara + Des + Dakotah... what more could you want?! 

How about another half-episode complete with their hot takes on Matt Choi, the venues for Grand Slam Track, an Olipop Top 6, and the very first bleeped words ever on Nobody Asked Us? (Thank you Des for that). All of this adds up to an episode that you just can't miss. 

Thank you so much to our sponsors for this episode. To support them and in turn support the podcast...

• Get your very own, fresh pair of the new Brooks Glycerin Max or the new Brooks Adrenaline 24 at brooksrunning.com.
• Send some love to TCS for all they do to support the NYC Marathon and our sport. Tag @tcsnorthamerica in posts about the pod. 
• To get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.
• Lift yourself up with a new Lever system from Lever Movement. Use code NobodyAskedUs for 20% off on their site: https://levermovement.com/collections/lever-store.

In addition, here is the RW article that Des mentioned on Dakotah: https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/a60401977/dakotah-lindwurm-emerges-with-unshakeable-self-belief/

First of all, we have to give a massive shout-out to TCS for hosting the Freshy Fresh in their space, right behind the NYC Marathon finish line. They were amazing hosts and also amazing title sponsors for the race, contributing to all of the vibes of the day. We also love how they are using technology to upgrade the runner, the spectator, and the at-home audience experience in so many ways. Plus, they are huge supporters of the podcast, and we love them for it. Thank you TCS!

This episode was recorded just a few hours after Des crossed the finish line and Kara exited the broadcast booth where she called the race on the world feed. The takes and reactions are as fresh as they can be. You get a full breakdown of Des's amazing race and the overall results, plus a quick recap of editor Chris's race in the main field.

Des gives insight into the race within the race - Dakotah v. Des - which she won, and shares the inevitable, NYC-souvenir-sweatshirt purchase that Ryan just couldn't resist for her. Like any freshy fresh, you will feel like you were in NYC yourself, and what a beautiful and amazing day for racing it was.

Editor's note: this was filmed outside near the finish line so there is some background noise which I cleaned up the best I could. It is a hallmark of the freshy fresh episodes, and if that's not your thing, feel free to skip this one and wait for the full NYC recap coming up in a few weeks. 

Live from the Brooks Hyperion House in NYC... it's Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara!

For those running on Sunday (tomorrow), we highly recommend you listen today or on your way to the start. This one is jammed with tips to get your mind and body ready for this NYC Marathon course. Plus, you get some bonus content on Halloween costumes vs. NYC fashion, the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and what Des and Kara used to think when racing each other. Thank you to our live audience for all of the great questions!

Also, thank you to our sponsors for this episode. To support them and in turn support the podcast...

• Get your very own, fresh pair of Brooks Glycerin Max or the new Brooks Adrenaline 24 at brooksrunning.com.
• Download the TCS NYC Marathon app to to track all of your favorite runners including Des and Chris.
• To get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.
• Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

We are posting this early because we know you need some fun and feisty content for your weekend long runs.   This one is all about Chicago, and Kara promises that it could be a rampage discussing the new world record set by Ruth Chepngetich. Is it or is it not? You be the judge, but we can promise the discussion will be different than you think. This episode represents precisely why Des and Kara started this podcast in the first place. Nobody asked them, and nobody talks about these topics the way they do.   Also, HUGE shout-outs to Brooks athletes CJ Albertson and Susanna Sullivan for finishing as 1st Americans. They both made the live podcast in Chicago, and then crushed it 36 hours later. Coincidence? We think not!   Come for the hot takes on Chicago and stay through the Olipop Top 5 at the end!   Also, thank you to our sponsors for this episode. To support them and in turn support the podcast...

• Get your fresh pair of Brooks Glycerin Max at brooksrunning.com.
• Download the TCS NYC Marathon app to prep for tracking all of your favorite runners including Des and Chris on November 3rd. Plus, don't forget to tune into the broadcast to see all of the ways technology is changing the broadcast game thanks to TCS.
• Get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

[New album cover alert!]

Another year, another live podcast from Chicago, and this one was even bigger with 250+ in attendance!

This episode has everything you would want from a live podcast including a completely-unplanned, surprise guest, who turned Kara into a little bit of an awkward mess ;). 

The show starts with some life and travel updates. Des shares how her latest 2 x 6 mile marathon workout went in prep for NYC, and Kara talks about her disdain for airports and Halloween. Don't worry... the whole bit is saved by images of Des as the Swinging Friar, iykyk. 

They then turn their attention to a Chicago Marathon preview with a focus on the key American storylines up front. Who wins in the battle of Zach Panning and CJ Albertson? Will the American record go down on the women's side? Oh wait... who is that in the audience who is racing with the elites on Sunday? Enter surprise guest, complete with a birthday serenade from the audience!

Unable to top that further, Des and Kara turn to audience questions (captured in full audio by our trusty wireless mic) and then an Olipop Top 5 that you don't want to miss. 

Of course, thank you to everyone who came out for the show and to our sponsors for this episode - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

And, we also have to thank our gracious hosts - Fleet Feet Chicago - who always do it right. If you are in Chicago, get your running gear from Fleet Feet Chicago!

Wow, there were a lot of emotions and opinions coming out of last week's episode, and we appreciated them all, mostly. Some of the internet haters get a little too excited, but we know that comes with the territory. Well, today... we get to take a deep breath and enjoy this new episode. No controversies to be seen in this one *wink wink*.

Des and Kara start with extended life update. Des updates us on her prep for NYC, and Kara shares her painful experience get PRP in her hip. They talk baseball (go Tigers and Padres!), upcoming travels, Netflix's The Perfect Couple, and Kara's upcoming induction into the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame. 

Then, they turn to the Camille Herron and Wikipedia controversy that somewhat-surprisingly involved Des's 50K record. You hear Des's side of the story and takes from both Des and Kara on the sadness of it all. They also answer the question "should Lululemon have dropped her sponsorship?" Plus, Kara shares some crazy stories that might inspire someone to be a little nicer on the internet. 

Finally, the episode ends with some notes on the Chicago Marathon fields and reactions to Athlos, the new track meet just for women, before a brain-fog-ending top 5 brought to you by Ketone-IQ. 

Of course, we couldn't do the show without our amazing sponsors. Supporting them is a way to support the podcast:

• Thank you to today's top 5 sponsor - Ketone-IQ. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.
• Get your fresh pair of Brooks Glycerin Max at brooksrunning.com.
• Download the TCS NYC Marathon app to prep for tracking all of your favorite runners including Des and Chris on November 3rd. Plus, don't forget to tune into the broadcast to see all of the ways technology is changing the broadcast game thanks to TCS. 

This episode features a reluctant guest to talk about the recent changes to the Boston qualifying standards announced by the BAA last week. Yes, Kara dragged me (your editor who is also a running coach) kicking and screaming into this one!

We start with some life updates from Kara and Des. Kara shares that she and Adam recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary in Estes Park with a nothing but "Netflix and chill." TMI perhaps? We aren't sure she knows the full meaning of that vernacular, but you do get some Netflix recommendations from her! Des shares her experience running a a workout at the DC Half, hosted by Pacers Running, where she may or may not have annoyed her fellow racers. They also talk about the opening of the magical box from Brooks Running and what was revealed inside. You must listen to get the full intel there.

Then, the podcast takes a sad turn discussing the tragic murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei. Violence against women has no place in this world, and we encourage you to research and support organizations that are on the ground doing something about it. Check out the Nala Track Club and Tirop's Angels to do just that. 

Finally, Chris and Kara nearly come to blows talking at the BQ standards and process, while Des mostly stays out of the fray adding helpful suggestions here and there. You may want to cancel us both after this discussion. We are certain there will be strong opinions on both sides so let us know what you think. We are at least united in our desire for  Boston to continue to be a special place to aspire to race. 

We finish with a Super 5 turned Super 6 with our top 6 things from the week including the massive support of the Nobody Asked Us merch. You can still get yours here: https://nobody-asked-us.printify.me/products.

Of course, we couldn't do the show without our amazing sponsors. Supporting them is a way to support the podcast:

• Pre-order your Brooks Glycerin Max at brooksrunning.com (countdown timer and fancy box not included).
• To get your Super Coffee fix, use code NOBODYASKED for 20% off on Amazon.
• Download the TCS NYC Marathon app to prep for tracking all of your favorite runners including Des and Chris on November 3rd.
• Get your healthy dog treats at https://www.simplyamericandogtreattruck.com!

This episode is a sneaky one. It seems like everything is business as usual… and then suddenly… BOOM… fireworks! Don’t worry though, everyone still has all their fingers. Listen carefully though because there are fun revelations sprinkled throughout.

At the start, Kara gives us a Colt and house update, where she reveals the one item that she is likely to hoard. Des answers with her tendency to hoard books and… NEW MERCH! Nobody asked me, but I think you may want to hoard it as well.

They then dig into a host of current event updates including the Mondo v Karsten match race, the Zurich Diamond League + Olympic 1500m rematch, the controversy over Brussels, and the Paralympics. Plus, Kara shares some gossip about the new Grand Slam of Track and gives a “hot take” about how elite marathoners might have to start choosing their fall races differently. 

We also welcome TCS back to the podcast as a sponsor as we build up to the TCS NYC Marathon. Thank you to TCS for everything they do for the podcast, for the sport, and especially with their high-tech marathon apps!

Finally, we finish with an Olipop Top 5 which is quite the Rush. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com

Now, RUSH on over to this link to hoard your new MERCH. 

You might have been looking for this episode last week, but things got a little crazy, particularly for Kara. She fills you in on all of the scary details that put Colt in the hospital for nearly a week. He is recovering well and at home now, but it was touch-and-go for a little bit as he ended up with a fluke infection in his chest. 

In the meantime, Des was announced in the field for the NYC Marathon, and she shares how it has been challenging to find her motivation recently, especially with a banged up big toe nail. 

Presented by Brooks Running, this episode is full of life updates and two special segments from Lever Movement and Super Coffee. 

To get your Super Coffee fix, use code NOBODYASKED for 20% off on Amazon. And to get your Lever Movement system, use code NobodyAskedUs for 20% off as well.