Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara (Des Linden and Kara Goucher)

Des and Kara got the message. You like it when they are a little bit tipsy... ok, maybe a lot tipsy. In this episode, you will learn that they questioned whether or not to post the last one because of the drinks involved. (Editor's note: you're welcome.) You will also learn what happened at the bar after they finished recording (hint: D, d's, and DD's).

Then in this redux on Orlando, you get their additional, sober takes on the races. And, don't worry... there are a few, semi-unhinged moments in this one too. They talk about Jessica McClain potentially catching Dakotah, play armchair QB on Zach's aggressive strategy, cover what made the men's finish so bizarre, and provide insight into the challenges of the heat, balancing preparation, and choosing a race strategy. Plus, they give their reaction on one (terrible) idea for changing the selection process.

Bonus content inside: Des's drive back to Michigan with an interesting overnight stop. Kara's next goal. New Balance Indoor Games. A huge whereabouts suspension. The best (?) top 5 ever!

In this LIVE episode filmed at WBUR Cityspace in Boston, Des and Kara take you behind the scenes of the 2009, 2011, and 2018 Boston Marathons for an episode that will make you both laugh and cry.

In 2009, Kara finished in an agonizing 3rd place in a podium battle that wasn't decided until Boylston, while Des watched from the stands. In 2011, Des finished in 2nd in a back and forth that had us all believing she could win until the closing meters of the race, while Kara ran her marathon PR for 5th place, just 6 months after having Colt. And we all know what happened in 2018 as a 33 year drought was finally broken.

You get to hear Kara's reaction as she watches the 2009 finishing footage for the very first time and get behind the scenes details from all three races that weren't revealed in their books. This episode is a must listen for your spring race inspiration!

Thank you to TCS, COROS, Olipop and WBUR for making this episode happen. We are excited to have COROS on as a new sponsor. COROS watches deliver the latest technology with personalized training solutions, unmatched battery life, and accurate dual-frequency GPS monitoring.

For more from COROS:

• You can get a free COROS accessory with your watch purchase. Just add your favorite accessory to your cart–a band, piece of apparel, and more–and use code NOBODYASKED at checkout.
• Des and Kara’s COROS watch of choice: https://glnk.io/0mjrp/at-corosglobal.
• Check out Des’ Marathon Workout Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKXWF8gV7mE&t=2s.

Editor's Note: The YouTube version of this episode will be delayed as we process the video, but stay tuned.

No horses were harmed in the making of this episode.

This one starts off innocently enough with Des providing details of her recent trip to Japan, including the recovery tool she rediscovered on the journey that has surely been abandoned again by now. Kara gives an update on her challenges with a recent dystonia flare-up that caused a bad fall while running. In true Des and Kara fashion, that topic leads to a fun and funny discussion of the new Olympic sports coming for 2024 and 2028 (hello break dancing!) and Des's secret Winter Olympic aspirations.

Then, the conversation turns a bit spicy as they express frustration over the ongoing back and forth about the start time for the Olympic Marathon Trials and Max Siegel's new contract extension as the CEO of USATF. Plus, they welcome Malcolm Gladwell to the old-curmudgeon club for his not-so-hot take on shoe tech. We are sure that he didn't ask, but we know that everybody wants to know...

Editor's note: this episode was recorded before the final decision by USATF to move the start time for the Olympic Marathon Trials to 10:00 am.

In this episode, Kara interviews Des on her new book Choosing to Run: A Memoir. 

The book tells the story of Des's 2018 Boston Marathon victory, woven together beautifully with the story of her life. In it, she reveals harrowing details about the 9 months prior to the race and how she didn't even know if she would make the start line. You think you know the rest of the story, but you don't. Buy the book, listen to this conversation, and be inspired!

Des and Kara kicked off marathon weekend in Chicago with a live episode from Fleet Feet Chicago. They talk about their marathon routines and strategies for pre-race prep, in-race execution, and of course, the post-race party.

Come for the usual, inspirational tips on marathoning, stay for the random tangents about Ted Bundy, a murder on Valentine's day (and the connection to Des's house), running in handcuffs, and tattoos on your face. You never know where these episodes will lead...

Des and Kara also wanted to send a special thank you to Fleet Feet Chicago and Altra for hosting the event in Chicago, and of course, to TCS for sponsoring the podcast.

Editor's note: Des and Kara will blame me for this episode, while I would like to take credit. You be the judge! 

The overview of this episode is pretty straightforward. Des and Kara catch up on their lives as usual... they preview a few Olympic events... they answer some questions from a friendship/partner Q&A and then finish with another Olipop Top 5. Simple enough and yet oh so good. You don't want to miss this one!

Some early content teasers: Team Pasta and/or Team Past (thank you Barilla)! Des's ideal birthday and birthday gift (Sorry Ryan... Des wants her own boat!). The potential chaos of the Olympic marathon route. Kerr, Ingebrigtsen or... Hocker? A reason for Kara to streak in the Olympic stadium? Fearing Kipyegon no more? The Hassan quadruple? 

And then for the good part, where Des and Kara answer questions from a NY Times Q&A called... "The 36 Questions That Lead to Love." As introverts, they are uncomfortable with it, but they dive in reluctantly anyway and we learn so much...

The questions are part fun, part deep, and occasionally dark. They are two friends who are more likely to sing to themselves than give anyone a call, and we love them for it. Enjoy learning new things about Des and Kara!

To support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

First, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors for this episode - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Super Coffee - for their support in Paris. To get your Super Coffee fix, use code NOBODYASKED for 20% off on Amazon.

This episode covers it all from track day seven - the jumps, the sprints, the hurdles, and of course, the distance events. Plus, you get short previews for the events still to come, because sadly, this will be the last Freshy Fresh from Paris. Kara has an insane broadcasting schedule over the weekend and won't have time for another podcast until a full Olympics recap coming next week. BUT, this will not be the last you see of Des and Kara in Paris! Stay tuned until the very end for an announcement that will have you very, very excited for the final track event of these Games...

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.

In this episode, you hear the audio from Des and Kara's live episode recorded in Boston at the Brooks Hyperion House. In this conversation, Des and Kara announce the new presenting sponsor for the podcast - TCS Global - and then dig into stories from their book tours and from their long histories with the Boston Marathon.

Fun anecdotes include Des telling us about the moment she knew she had arrived as an athlete in Boston. Spoiler alert: there was a security guard, a table, and dancing involved. Plus, Kara shares a poignant story from her first time watching the Olympic Trials from the sideline in 2020 and the emotion of it all. Listen in for those two stories and so much more. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Des and Kara in Boston for this first live taping!

This is fun one. Recorded a few weeks ago, Des and Kara start with a mini-preview of the World Championships in Budapest, which is even more interesting now that we know the results. Then, they turn to an in-depth discussion of what it's like to be in the drug testing pool as an elite athlete. 

From mixing it up on the ones and twos (and we aren't talking about turntables) to the nuts and bolts of the whereabouts filing system, you get all of the gory details, including their favorite war stories. Des and Kara are huge advocates of clean sport so they view this process as a necessary part of the job, and one that's manageable if you accept it. 

This episode is dedicated to the show's sponsor @tcsglobal and to all of the doping control officers (DCOs) out there doing this not-so-glamorous work for clean sport. May you all get good samples and win the lottery some day.

Calling all track nerds to reach in and grab a topic of your choosing. From indoor racing to Olympic standards and field sizes to the new long jump rules, there is something in here for any track nerd (or aspiring track nerd) in your life. 

We think track is fun, but even if you don't, there is STILL plenty of fun to be had. Kara accidentally shares her high school crush in Freudian slip #1 of the episode (hint: think basketball not running), and Des shares her thoughts about who might really be in charge at USATF with Freudian slip #2 of the episode. Plus, they cover this study on sports bras that might have you reaching for a looser one, regardless of how huge your.... rib cage... might be.

Stay for the end for a new twist on the top 5, where this time they share their top 5 pet peeves (both literally and figuratively). Happy Des and Kara Tuesday everyone!

Live from WBUR Cityspace, this is the 2025 version of Des and Kara from Boston. In this episode, you get all of the normal, fun banter plus a section-by-section rundown of the Boston course from their experiences. If you are racing on Monday, then this is a must-listen before you toe the line for plenty of inspiration and some great course intel. For everyone else, there is plenty of humor and fun anecdotes to go around.

Thank you to WBUR for hosting and to Brooks Running for their title sponsorship of the podcast!

"I could be wrong, but I know I'm not." - Kara Goucher.

You know it's a good episode when Kara drops that quote. 

In this episode, Des and Kara cover a topic that you DID ask for. They give you their hot takes on the return of Shelby Houlihan from her 4-year ban. As you might expect, it is complicated, so find some paper towels and put them under those armpits... it gets warm-ish in here over the second half of the episode.

First, they recap an amazing weekend in Houston with their perspectives on all of the races, including those that aren't getting enough attention - Erika Kemp's 2:22 and Weini Kelati's second American record. And yes, they give Conner Mantz his flowers too while covering "the shove" and talking about what his race might mean for his confidence in future marathons. Can he be the one to break through for the American men in a World Major?

Then, they shift the discussion to Shelby Houlihan's return covering everything from their initial reactions to her ban and now to the media coverage of her "comeback." As you might expect, this is a difficult topic to cover, but Des and Kara do not shy away from discussing all sides of it. Agree or not, the hope is that we can all turn now to just seeing her race.

As usual, this episode ends with a top 5 that includes a special shout-out to the new Glycerin 22 coming soon from Brooks. You can pre-order yours here to support them and the pod: https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/womens/shoes/road-running-shoes/glycerin-22/120434.html?dwvar_120434_color=020

In this episode, Des and Kara welcome their first guest - Lauren Fleshman. Lauren is a 4x individual NCAA champion and 2x US national champion. She placed 7th at the World Championships in the 5000m and is now a NY Times best-selling author. Her book - Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World - is defining and redefining how we think about elevating women in sport.

Des, Kara, and Lauren first give you a behind-the-scenes look into the book-writing process as Des and Kara also have books coming out soon. Then, they dive into Lauren's book itself and hit several major topics such as the collegiate diet/food culture, oddly-revealing running uniforms for women, what it's like to be an Olympic alternate (something all 3 women have in common), and much more.

3 giants in the sport of running. You get to be a fly on the wall and listen in.

"This race is too hard for women. They are simply not tough enough to do it, and I get to say that for as long as it takes until someone proves me wrong." - Lazarus Lake, Race Director for the Barkley Marathons.

Enter Jasmin Paris. Sorry Lazarus.

But first, Des and Kara kick things off with their usual banter talking about solving the world's problems on a run, and perhaps relatedly or unrelatedly, Des's final prep for Boston, including her typical taper routine. Is Des a barely-taper or extreme-taper type of athlete, and has she ever gotten lost on a Boston Marathon course preview run?

They also discuss their routines for picking running routes. Which of Des or Kara is the psycho who runs the same route every day?!? A serial killer trait to be sure...

Then digging into recent events, you get their hottest takes on the results from World XC, the Barkley Marathons, and the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament, where the women are setting viewing records left and right. As a bonus, you learn the backstory of how Kara just missed her chance to be a late '90s version of Caitlin Clark. So, so close.

Finally, the episode ends with a new segment sponsored by Oiselle where Des and Kara each give their "Underbird" underdog of the week performance. And if you are still underestimating women after this episode, then you can go for a cold, cold swim in a Lake.

Don't forget to check out these opportunities mentioned in the episode:

• Use code NOBODY10 for 10% off at oiselle.com for some amazing running apparel from Kara's sponsor!
• Stream a live episode of the Nobody Asked Us podcast, coming to you from Boston on Friday, April 12th at 7 pm ET. You can buy your streaming ticket for $5.00 here: https://www.wbur.org/events/902338/nobody-asked-us-with-des-kara-live. Special thanks to COROS for their support for this episode.
• You can get a free COROS accessory with your watch purchase. Just add your favorite accessory to your cart–a band, piece of apparel, and more–and use code NOBODYASKED at checkout.
• Des and Kara’s COROS watch of choice is the COROS Pace 3: https://glnk.io/0mjrp/at-corosglobal.
• Participate in the word contest by posting your picks for this week's two secret words on YouTube or Instagram. Winners might have a chance to pick the next two secret words!

No... we aren't talking about petty criticism about pets, but rather pets as the perfect antidote for petty criticism while in the public eye. Des and Kara start by commiserating over what it's like to face public criticism and how it's evolved both pre and post social media. They recap their first memories of being affected by such criticism and talk about their various coping strategies through the years, including the potential satisfaction of watching their follower counts drop after an especially controversial post. Who could possible get mad about a bird with a backpack anyway?!?

Then, they turn their attention to the best possible coping mechanism - time with their pets. Des talks about her two dogs including new puppy Rivers, and Kara shares her love affair with her four pets - two dogs and two cats. If you aren't a pet lover, then this episode might not be for you. Don't be too mad though... not everything has to be about you anyway ;).

"The suspense is terrible. I hope it'll last." - Willy Wonka.

Sadly (or happily?) it didn't last...

In this episode, you learn a little bit more about me (the podcast editor and show-notes writer) and what it's like to be a third wheel to two of the best to ever do it. Mine is the wobbly wheel to be sure. 

You learn about how my role in this project came to be including some "behind-the-scenes" stories from the very beginning. We answer "pressing" questions like:

• How did I get to know Des and Kara in the first place?
• How was the theme song chosen, especially in a period where Des and Kara were still feeling each other out?
• What's it like to run with Des at 5:15 am when she is going on 3 hours of sleep and sweating tequila through every pore?
• Are you still Texan if you've lost your accent and don't own cowboy boots?
• What does Willy Wonka have to do with any of it?

Then, we cover truly-pressing, nobody-asked-us topics such as the newly selected Kenyan marathon team and how Kosgei became the third wheel there. Gasp! Kara says the "N**e" word and shares some top-secret intel on the selection process, as we all daydream about how big and fun a Kenyan marathon trials could be.

Plus naturally, you get our belated reaction to Beyonce's new album. It's not quite the TSwift level of discussion, but Jolene and Dolly and Miley all get appropriate mentions. 

We finish with the Oiselle "Underbird" segment of the week and a "Top 4" that you won't want to miss if you care at all about the NAU word contest. 

Now go use the code NOBODY10 at oiselle.com for 10% off on your first order. Do it for the pod while I happily slink off into the background again. 

[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!

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

In this episode, you get quick hits on the semi-final rounds of the men's 1500m with all of the key players qualifying for the final. Plus, Des and Kara break down the men's 100m final including interesting vibes in the stadium itself from pre and post that photo finish.

It was Adam Goucher's birthday last week. He turned 50. Happy birthday Adam(!) and thank you for prompting the introspection that is a theme throughout the episode. 

It starts with the introspection of hitting age milestones as Kara and Des discuss how it felt hitting 30 and 40 and how they might feel hitting 50. Then, they talk about the introspection of retirement, including how it felt for Kara to retire from running and how she might think about retiring from this latest phase of her career. Des joins in with some hilarious conjecture about disappearing altogether once she is done with the sport. Along the way, they also reflect on journey of their friendship evolving from competitors to podcast cohosts who share a similar perspective on the sport.

Next, the episode turns to introspection on the state of the sport after the latest slate of world records in the men's indoor mile and the men's half marathon. What does it all mean and what are the sources of these jumps in time across the board? Does sodium bicarbonate have anything to do with it and how should we think about the push for professionalism at younger and younger ages? Des and Kara struggle to understand it all but don't just bring the doom and gloom to this one.

Finally, the episode wraps with an UPLIFTING top 5, sponsored by Lever Movement. To get 20% off on your Lever Movement system, use the code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com. Support them and support the pod!

This episode is a vibe all to its own, and you know it's is a good one when hilarious stuff comes up in the most random of ways.

This episode isn’t about chafing, but you get plenty of hilarious (and perhaps a little disgusting) banter on it. Elite or not… every runner can relate to that. 

What else do we have in this one? Let’s see…lost toenails, disgusting feet, how-to’s on post-chafing showers, socks or no socks(?), the 90’s style comeback, OnlyFans, beef with the social media trolls, Disney PTSD, pillow preferences, and we haven’t even gotten to the main topics, yet.

On more serious notes, we do get updates on Kara’s mom and Des’s recent travels, including her race at the NYC Half and her recent course recon in Boston. Plus (as the entrée for this one), Des and Kara talk all about the half marathon distance and the various ways they approached that distance vs. the marathon, including what a strong half meant for marathon training (or not). 

By the end, this episode will have you wishing this editor takes a vacation more often. 

To support the pod, we have two very important requests:
- Go to http://savethe10000.com to join our virtual 10K race and learn more about Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara. 
- Welcome new sponsor Lagoon Sleep and upgrade your recovery routine. Go to lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS and take their awesome 2-minute sleep quiz to find your pillow match. Use the code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off your first purchase.

A very special guest joins the podcast this week as Mary Kate Shea sits in with Des and Kara. Mary Kate (aka MK) is the Director of Professional Athletes and Technical Support for the Boston Athletic Association (aka the BAA) and personal friend of Des.

Before giving details on the episode itself, it'll be important for you, if you haven't already, to find the viral video that Kara mentions at the start of the podcast. It may or may not be posted on Kara's social media and will show you the proper way to exit a party. The legend of Des Linden only keeps growing...

From there, the episode takes a bunch of twists and turns starting with a proper discussion of the merits of cross country as an Olympic sport and then shifting to everything you never thought you needed to know about recruiting elites to the Boston Marathon and the rules and regs of elite bottle support. Seriously, the process behind fueling elites on-course in the major marathons is surprisingly fascinating. You will never watch a marathon in the same way again.

You will also learn that MK is awesome and that we couldn't possibly have a better person curating the Boston elite field for us. Thanks to MK for joining the podcast and for hosting Des on her trip to watch the most boring football game ever played!

In this episode, Des and Kara pay tribute to their support teams. As an athlete, you can't do it alone. It takes a village... you need agents, sponsors, coaches, family, medical providers, pacers, teammates, and, for Des and Kara, their husbands too. 

In this one, we learn the helpful and a little bit of the not so helpful from each member of the teams that helped make them champions. Plus, we learn that Des and Kara might secretly be pursuing careers to support the next generation in different ways. Which is more likely to be a coach? Agent? Or, paid cheer squad? Listen to find out!

New year, new season... Des and Kara are back for more in 2024!

This is a fun one with the perfect mix of behind-the-scenes intel and the usual off-the-rails banter for which these two are known. Since no one else is talking about it yet, Des and Kara start the year with an episode to get you hyped about the competition at the upcoming US Marathon Trials. Plus, you get answers to these pressing questions...

• Are objects in the camera really as large as they appear or is Des's face just tiny either way?
• What's Des's resolution for 2024 and how is she already trying to circumvent it with Kara as an accomplice?
• How are the marathon trials different from other races?
• Is the course preview trip worth it or not?
• Who made Kara think "f**k" to herself in the 2016 Trials in LA?
• What's it like making the podium vs. getting the dreaded 4th place spot?
• Why is this the deepest women's field ever?
• What race strategy tips does Des have for the men?

February 3rd can't get here soon enough...

To get tickets for the live recording in Boston on April 12th, go here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35123/production/1187187?performanceId=11403872

The most important thing for you to know about this episode was that it was recorded on the patio of a bar at 7:46 pm on the night of the Olympic Marathon Trials with (multiple) beers in hand. The result is uncut podcast and YouTube gold from two women with front row seats to all of the day's action.

While you will worry in a few moments whether or not they can keep it on the rails, you might be simultaneously happy and disappointed that they mostly do, giving you great insight into both races. Listen, watch, enjoy.

Congrats to Fiona, Emily, Dakotah, Conner, Clayton, Lenny, and all who had the opportunity to toe the line. You made us proud!

What a race weekend in Houston! Des and Kara were so happy to be a part of it, including our largest live show yet with 500 people in attendance on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who came out for the show and to Brooks Running and the Houston Marathon team for the hospitality all weekend. 

In this episode, Des and Kara give you predictions for the races in Houston, which are even more fun now that we know the actual results. Then, they go behind the scenes of the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, where Des and Kara made the Olympic team together. They walk you through what they were thinking at each point in the race that day and how it felt for Kara to make her second team and Des her first. Note: you will have to watch the YouTube to see the pics that they reference.

We close with a Q&A from the audience (with great audio this time!), and of course, a Top 5. Stay for their big annoucement near the end and for the hilarious banter throughout. 

Yes, it's been a long fortnight since the last Nobody Asked Us episode, but Taylor needed the space and so did we. 

This episode starts innocently enough with an off-the-rails intro and then Des and Kara reveal the clandestine use of four contest words in past episodes. Kara illicitly tried to throw you off on the last one, but one lucky winner still figured it out. Thus, this episode brings two new words if you are ready to play their little game. 

Before they dig into Boston and wish London "farewell," they give their freshy fresh thoughts on THE new double album, including the torturous decision of choosing a podium from the 31 songs.

In the running world, we must ask ourselves was (the Trials in) Florida the drug or was it Boston after all? Plus, Des and Kara answer... "How could Hellen Obiri occupy such rare air?" and "Why didn't Sisay Lemma self-implode after taking it out so early?" and "What are the implications for the Kenya marathon team and who will be the odd man out?"

The two then w̶a̶d̶e̶ cannonball into the great uniform debate with answers that might surprise you. And don't you worry folks, no one is taking out Des's teeth.

This one wraps with another "Underbird" segment presented by Oiselle, and of course, an Olipop Top 5 talking about books, bourbon, and boys. There are no touchdowns necessary; the alchemy between Des and Kara is real!

Don't forget to check out these opportunities mentioned in the episode:

• Use code NOBODY10 for 10% off at oiselle.com for some amazing running apparel from Kara's sponsor!
• Get a free COROS accessory with your watch purchase (code: NOBODYASKED). Just add your favorite accessory to your cart–a band, piece of apparel, and more–and use code NOBODYASKED at checkout. Des and Kara’s COROS watch of choice is the COROS Pace 3: https://glnk.io/0mjrp/at-corosglobal.
• Use Des and Kara's Olipop link to help support the podcast. Click here. 
• Participate in the word contest by posting your picks for this week's two secret words on YouTube or Instagram. Winners might have a chance to pick the next two secret words!

Once competitors and fellow Olympic teammates, now friends and podcast partners, Kara and Des get to know each other in this first episode. We promise you will learn something new about them both!

"The space between; The tears we cry; Is the laughter that keeps us coming back for more." - Dave Mathews Band

The episode is a tribute to the spaces between and most certainly the laughter that comes with them... the space between the indoor season and outdoor championships, between the Olympic Marathon Trials and the Boston Marathon, between your connections at the airport, and between the finish line and that much-needed, post-race bathroom break (+ at least a few more spaces between). 

Kara gives us a life update and let's us know why things have been a little more stressful recently. Des takes us through her top 10 result at the NYC Half, including some "rock-tumbling" bathroom issues that show us that Des is just like us. 

They then talk about results from the NCAA Indoor Champs (hello Nico Young and Parker Valby!) and The Ten with a little coaching advice for what to do next for at least a few athletes. 

In the end, Des poses questions about the 10,000 and about air travel that will make you think, just before the episode leaves you dangling with a Top 3 instead of a Top 5.

Listen until the end for a hidden game in this week's episode!

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. 

What is Beethoven's favorite fruit?

Ba-na-na-naaa. (Insert the music from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5). 

We need the dramatic music for this one as Des and Kara dive deep into some serious topics, as only they can. 

Ba-na-na-naaa. 

Des and Kara talk about the misplaced anger against the BAA over Buzunesh Deba's unpaid prize money. 

Ba-na-na-naaa.

Des and Kara discuss why the "Top American" moniker and prize pools might be counter-productive.

Ba-na-na-naaa.

Des and Kara dissect the Olympic qualifying standards and process from World Athletics.

Ba-na-na-naaa. 

Des asks a curious question about the marathon.

Ba-na-na-naaa.

Des and Kara give you an Olipop top six(!), while discussing the merits of the various stages of banana ripeness in relation to the new Olipop banana cream flavor.

This one is ripe and tasty for sure. Now, go get 15% off on your Olipop order by using the code NOBODYASKEDUS at this link. 

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. 

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. 

Des and Kara have two very special guests join this episode to talk about what it's like to play the sidekick role for an Olympic Trials race. Mr. Des Linden (aka Ryan) and Mr. Kara Goucher (aka Adam) break it all down and talk about what it's like to support in training, what it's like on the sidelines, and then how to manage the aftermath in victory and defeat.

There's lots of interesting intel in this one including which Mister is the stress-eater of the two, who is chill vs. a *little* more high-strung, why Des may never retire (hint: dirty dishes might be involved), and who might be crying vs. napping as their version of support!

Listen until the end for a crazy @drinkolipop top 5 and for the scoop about an upcoming and very-very-soon, special-edition episode.

If you can't get excited about track from listening to these two talk, then you should have your head examined and your pulse checked! Their enthusiasm for the sport is contagious.

In this episode, they start with life updates including recent travels for them both. Des updates us on her trip to Kona and on her Boston prep, and Kara shares about her recent trips for broadcasting. Colt had an amazing opportunity to chase a mile PR at the Armory Track in NYC with the NBC cameras rolling, and Kara gives us the full rundown. Operation #DestroyColt has been officially retired out of necessity!

They then turn to all of the recent indoor track action from NB Indoors and Millrose, where the times have been so very FAST, including two world records set by Americans. The discussion includes all of the big names... Hiltz, Morgan, McClain, Houlihan, Kessler, Nuguse, Hocker, Fisher, and so many more. If you missed the races, get your updates here. If you watched, listen in to hear Des and Kara's takes on it all. The track year (and the podcast year) is off to an amazing start.

You can't have a Nobody Asked Us episode without a pet update. In the intro, Des gives in an update on her puppy Rivers, and Kara details the history that led to a Bearded Dragon joining the Goucher household. Hi Margot!

Then, Des and Kara wade into the deep end to discuss recent track and field controversies involving New Gen Track & Field, potential hot weather at the US Marathon Trials in Orlando, and race bibs. Kara finds herself speaking for "The Man" (aka USATF) as Des tries to bring balance to the discussion about heat at the Trials. Who knows what the temps will be in Orlando in February, but we know it was a little frigid in hell on the day this was recorded ;).

The most important link you need today is this one: https://performingartshouston.org/events/nobody-asked-us-with-des-kara-2025-01-18-400-pm/.

Go get your tickets for the Houston live show coming up on Saturday, January 18th at 4 pm!

Beyond that, listen to this feel-good episode with Kara and her sisters to round out 2024. Happy New Year everyone!

Des and Kara share their hot (or perhaps medium?) takes on current events in the world of marathoning. Hear their opinions on the location of the Olympic Marathon Trials, the US Marathon Champs at CIM, Eliud Kipchoge doing Boston and so much more. Plus, find out if Des plans to run the 2024 Trials to try to make it to Paris. Stick around for the "tips" on goal setting and resolutions at the end.

What do Celestial Seasonings, fried eggs, and a bird with a backpack all have in common? Find out in this episode where you get to learn about how two introverts - Des and Kara - navigate the world of running celebrity, social media, broadcasting and now podcasting. And if you're an extrovert, they give some tips on how to keep your introverted friends happy and energized. Plus, learn more about the "why" behind each of their upcoming books.

Welcome to Season 3 of Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara presented by Brooks Running!

This is a FUN and INFORMATIVE episode to kick off 2025. Des and Kara start with their usual catch-up banter, updating us on their holiday and New Year activities. Des shares her excitement about another Boston start line coming in April. Kara gives updates on her running with dystonia. They both share hot-takes on the new Aaron Rodgers documentary on Netflix, so mark that off on your 2025 bingo card. Plus as a bonus, they give other TV and movie recs for your TV-binging needs. 

Then, they turn to a detailed, discussion on running contracts, shedding light on some of the reasons you might see a spate of runner retirements on your social feeds. They talk about contract structures, terms, timelines, and the reasons why contracts end. Ultimately, running is business just like any sport, so it is helpful to understand what might be going on behind the scenes in some of these discussions.

Finally, they wrap with a preview of the live show coming up in Houston and finish with the first Top 5 of the year. Happy New Year everyone!

If you think this will be a typical recap + preview show, then you don't know Des and Kara well enough!

Yes, you get event recaps from the NCAA Track and Field Championships, and you get race previews from 800m to 10000m for the Olympic Trials, including all of their reactions and sleeper picks.

But... you also get another Kara Goucher sliding-doors moment, info on a family member that Des can't keep up with on the run, hot takes on spiky super shoes, NIL deals, athletes turning pro, the unsponsored Eric Holt, the newly unsponsored Fred Kerley, plus an idea for the first piece of NAU merch that would no doubt sell out FAST (pun intended).

Dance your way over to your favorite podcast platform and give this one a listen. Then, go sign up for the next Nobody Asked Us LIVE in Eugene on June 29th. Thank you to Brooks Running for hosting!

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com. 

The show notes will be brief so we can get these up quickly. In this one, Des and Kara talk all about their arrivals in Paris, the vibes in the city, the drama of the early rounds for the M1500 and W800, and of course, cover the triumph and emotion of Grant Fisher's medal in the M10000. Such an exciting start to Track and Field in Paris!

This episode is the runner's equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet. There's a little bit of everything, just please go easy on the corn and tomatoes.

Des and Kara start with a recap of the Diamond League Final at the Prefontaine Classic, covering the highlights with behind-the-scenes stories from Kara who was on the call with NBC. They share their favorite moments and try to put some of the mind-blowing results in context. 

Then, they step into a full Chicago Marathon preview starting with the inside scoop on Des's training, key workouts, and her goals for the big day and ending with a breakdown of the elite fields on both sides, including some intel Des has collected on a few of the top American contenders. 

Finally, Kara talks about Colt's middle school cross country season and how she's supporting his interest in the sport as a parent. At the same time, she and Des reflect on their own journeys to fall in love with the sport. Plus, you get plenty of pet and life updates with the Top Five to end the show!

Thank you to TCS for sponsoring this podcast as well as being the technology partner for the Chicago Marathon and the Chicago Marathon app. Download it today to track and support all of your favorite runners on October 8th.

Apollo 13 may have had a problem, but the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon DOES NOT. What a freaking amazing race with so many implications for the Olympic Marathon Trials!

Des was on the call in the booth, and Kara was following along from home. In this episode, they recap it all, discussing the men's and women's races for both distances. 

This race had a little bit of everything with a smokin' time from a late entrant, a new American record in the half, the first L in history for Father Time, plus a number of Olympic qualifying ramifications. Houston is flat and fast, and the race always delivers.

Des and Kara also discuss why an athlete might choose to do a race like this in the build-up to the Trials and what it might mean (or not) for their preparation. Plus, we get an update on Des's training and why she chose to be in the booth vs. on the start line for this one.

Stay until the end for the first-ever Olipop top 5 with a juicy, double teaser from Kara about fun things to come. Pop an Olipop and enjoy!

In this episode, Des and Kara give their reactions on the indoor track season including the NB Indoor Grand Prix, Millrose Games, and the US Championships in Albuquerque. They talk about the implications of recent mind-blowing times on the future of the sport, thanks in large part to super-shoe technology coming to the track. Is it good for the sport and will there be a return to an emphasis on pure racing in the near future?

Then, they go back in time to talk about the history of super shoes on the roads and their personal experiences during that transition in 2016-2018, including discussions of how marathon-racing is permanently changed. In particular, Des talks about how her training and racing have changed (or not) since wearing the shoes herself and gives tips on how you might use them as well. 

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...

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!

Note: there is a little bit of background noise on the audio for this episode, but it goes away after 3 minutes and 5 seconds.

This episode is being posted from producer Chris's vacation so forgive the brevity of the show notes! Des and Kara recorded this on Saturday morning in Eugene, live from the Runnerspace House. And yes... they did it from a pontoon stage! They give you event recaps from Thursday and Friday of the Trials, plus previews of the weekend's events.

You can now listen to see if their predictions came true! [Don't worry... they will post a proper, full recap of the Trials next Tuesday, July 9th.]

They also announce a brand new presenting sponsor for the podcast and bring on a very special guest - new Olympian Nia Akins as a part of the Olipop Top 5.

To get your Olipop, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

And drumroll please.... Nobody Asked Us is now presented by Brooks Running!

It's been an amazing first year for the Nobody Asked Us Podcast with Des and Kara... 27 episodes, nearly 1 million downloads, 2 new friends and 1 sassy intro song. Are Des and Kara close friends now because of the pod or in spite of it? I think we know the answer, but this final episode of 2023 will confirm it.

In this episode, they give you a peak back at the highlights of 2023 and a tiny glimpse into what's in store for 2024. Topics include Colt's results at the National Junior Olympics in XC, a book tour recap, favorite races of 2023, Hassan vs. Obiri in a kick finish at a marathon, air-conditioning in Paris, and of course, famous body parts. They end this one with a year-end top 5 to close out 2023 for the podcast. I think we can all agree that our lives and our internet search history will never be the same thanks to Nobody Asked Us.

You might think that two marathoners and a decathlete have nothing in common, and well, you'd be wrong. There's broadcasting, photo shoots, national teams, doggos, track 1500s, and eventually marathons too(?).

On this episode, 2 x World Champion and Olympic silver medalist Trey Hardee joins his future marathon coaches for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the ups/downs of his career, the mental side of his 10-event sport, and the very difficult transition to retirement from track and field. Trey opens up about his struggles with mental health that nearly spiraled out of control for him while calling the US Championships last summer.

There are intense moments in this one, but it is a really fun episode too. Thank you to Trey for being so open and honest about it all.

Spring time is here. The leaves are returning to the trees, and we are turning over new ones. 

Some new leaves in this episode: new Brooks foams and new track meets, plus massages (!), excursions (!), and a lot of breaking news for Save the 10,000. 

This episode starts with an update on Des's build to Boston and her plans for the upcoming taper. She details one of her final big workouts and talks about how she listens to her body (vs. a rigid plan) during these final weeks. She also bought not one, not two, but THREE massages which is three more than she usually does in a Boston build!

Kara shares stories from her Costa Rican vacation including adventures in the rain forest and run-ins with the local wildlife. She isn't an "excursion-person" so her friends had her branching out on this trip. Did she love it?!? The jury is still out, and we may need a betting pool on whether or not she will attempt an excursion again.

They then give you updates on Save the 10,000 which is on track to be fully funded thanks to support from amazing sponsors and YOU. Listen in for breaking news about the event that will indeed light up your day (including a Live Pod alert!).

Finally, they preview meet one of Grand Slam Track, before the episode ends with an UPLIFTING top 5 sponsored by Lever Movement. To get 20% off on your Lever Movement system, use the code NOBODYASKEDUS at levermovement.com. Support them and support the pod!

You can also support the pod in the following ways:

• Run in the Save the 10,000 virtual race. Register at www.savethe10000.com. The deadline is THIS Friday, April 11th.
• Join us for the Live Pod before the Save the 10,000. Grab tickets for that here: https://runsignup.com/w/SaveTheWithDesAndKara/Page/Tickets.
• Try some Ketone-IQ using the code on Des/Kara instagram pages for this episode! Thank you to Ketone-IQ for returning as a sponsor!

Is it your birthday, girl? 'Cause you lookin' like a present
Is it your birthday, girl? Let's celebrate it
Is it your birthday, girl? Make a wish, 11:11
Is it your birthday, girl? Let's celebrate it.- Lizzo

It's Kara's birthday, and of course we are celebrating with this latest episode of Nobody Asked Us presented by Brooks Running. There are so many presents in this one...

Kara hopped up on Super Coffee. Per usual, crazy intro banter. Some love for your 40s. Stories of Des lifting weights?! Recaps from the final two days of the Oly Trials (W10K, M5K, W1500, M800). Surprise Olympians named post-Trials. Paris Diamond League madness, world records, and leveling up. UK Olympic selection rants. The Super 5 with a super, Super Coffee discount. And perhaps the biggest present of all... a very special guest joins for the final ~30 minutes, and you won't want to miss it.

It might be Kara's birthday, but we are all getting presents! After all, as the great Lizzo says... "Every day, every day is a birthday, hey every day is a birthday, hey, if you a bad b***h, today is your day."

To get your Super Coffee discount, please use this link to order and add code NOBODYASKED for 20% off at check-out. Code valid on Amazon only. On Prime Day - July 16/17 - the code will bump to 25% off!

In this episode, Des interviews Kara on her new book The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team. 

You will have to listen and read to learn more, but Des and Kara talk about several elements of Kara's story including never-before-revealed details about her time with the Nike Oregon Project. 

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

Ok, ok... people DID ask for this one, and you got it! This one is 95% about the thriller that was the men's 1500. Get Des and Kara's breakdown and learn if Kara came through on her preview show promise. The Shocker from Hocker was one for the history books (even though Des and Kara predicted it could happen)!

In this episode, Des and Kara take you behind the scenes in the broadcast booth including how they both got into it and the good, the bad, and the really-freaking-hard about making it behind the mic.

"Haters gonna hate... potaters gonna potate." - Kara Goucher

This and other "wisdom" in this new episode. Des and Kara recap an exciting World Indoor meet in Glasgow where the US brought home a truckload of middle distance and distance medals including 4 in the 1500m alone. Kara was on the call and offers some behind-the-scenes insight, plus they give their thoughts on implications for the outdoor season.

Then, they discuss results from the Tokyo Marathon including Kipchoge's disappointing 10th place. Should he be chosen for the Kenyan marathon team for Paris? What would Des and Kara do (WWDKD)?

Tragically, the Kenya team will also be without one its biggest stars in Kelvin Kiptum who passed away from a car accident on February 11th. Des and Kara share why it took a little bit for them to talk about this very sad news.

Finally, the discussion turns to elite contracts as they try to demystify them for you as listeners, sharing the good, bad, and ugly from their experiences. 

We hope you enjoy this one, and if you don't, then you can just go potate...

Just a few hours after the conclusion of the elite races, Des and Kara jumped on the mics to recap all of the action at the TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday. To call this episode "pure fire" would be a gross understatement AND STILL perhaps the best possible teaser words for it. 

They spend the most time on the women's race, one that Kara calls "the best race of the year," breaking down the cat-and-mouse games that extended well into the race. This includes their perspectives on the strategies of Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle to take the lead at various points, knowing full well that Obiri and Gidey were going to stay patient until a final, blazing-fast push to the finish. As a bonus, you get some early predictions for the women's marathon in Paris. 

Then, they cover the men's race too, but not before hearing about Des's death-defying trip to the marathon start line in Staten Island, where she and counterpart-on-the-lead-motos Galen Rupp, were the very last to cross the bridge before it closed.

Des was in rare form on this episode - fresh off the marathon broadcast, still jet-lagged from Japan, hopped-up on champagne, beer, and coffee, and oh so ready to stoke any available fire. Kara just can't seem to contain her... or walk away. You have to stay all the way to the end for the biggest conflagration (and genuinely not a bad sponsorship idea for the US Marathon Trials). Enjoy!

Listeners keep saying that the title is wrong, that everyone asked Des and Kara to start a podcast. That may or may not be true, but one thing that is definitely true: USATF and World Athletics didn't ask for this episode. They won't be listening even if they should. In it, Des and Kara talk about the state of the sport and how to draw in more fans. 

From small crowds and missing stars at the recent LA Grand Prix to confusing Olympic Qualifying standards and the highly inflated USATF CEO salary, they talk in depth about the challenges for the sport and then give ideas for growing it. 

As a bonus, you get their live reaction to learning of Faith Kipyegon's new 1500m world record and a classic Kara "rant" at the end that you won't want to miss. Someone put these two in charge!

The mood was spicy for this one, fueled by Olipop and post-Olympics sleep deprivation and jetlag! The result is yet another banger episode from Des and Kara.

This one starts with some fun behind-the-scenes intel on the Olympic Village and why athletes might choose to stay outside of it. 

Then, they very thoroughly address THE elephant in the room, giving their perspectives on the criticism Fiona O'Keeffe has received for not dropping from the marathon. You might have your opinion on this, but I promise you that Des and Kara will teach you a side of this story that you didn't know. It is a lot more complicated than the social media "pundits" might think.

After that, they turn to recaps of the M800, W1500, M5000, and both marathons to wrap up their coverage of the Paris Olympics, including some humble pie served very warm.

We are sad it's over, but so very happy that it happened. What an epic end to these Games!

Thank you 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.

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. 

• 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. 

First of all, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

This episode is jammed packed with so much good stuff. You've got behind-the-scenes broadcasting intel, American gold in the discus, a WR in the pole vault, dominance in the women's 800, and of course, the drama and chaos of an historic field for the women's 5000. Des and Kara break it all down (and more) as only they can!

This is Des and Kara at their finest, like listening in on two best friends shooting the s**t about their favorite sport. Yes, the recent World Championships in Budapest is the backdrop for the discussion, but they weave in so much more than just event recaps. Plus, Kara dishes all the behind-the-scenes, broadcasting tea, including the back story behind the now-infamous pic of a shirtless Trey Hardee on Instagram. Who's mad about it? Absolutely no one.

Topics include a race recap from Des on her 20K tune-up in New Haven, fangirling Courtney Dauwalter, pressure as an athlete, "new" media vs. traditional, Athing Mu, Sha'Carri, and so much more. Grab your coffee or go for a run, and listen in!

First, we have to thank a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

Des admits to skipping a night of track to recover, and thus missing live perhaps the biggest shocker of these races so far. Plus, your editor gets a cameo appearance to assist with the breakdown. We talk all about the surprise silver from Kenneth Rooks, the scary fall for Girma, rehash a few other moments from these Games, and give you a preview of the marathon course with on-course intel from Des herself.

Nobody asked Des and Kara to put on a 10,000 meter track race, but as is the theme for this podcast, here we are! It's officially official. The Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara is happening on Saturday, May 3rd at Mt. San Antonio College (aka Mt. SAC) in Walnut, CA. Listen to this episode for all of the details, and then head to http://savethe10000.com to sign up for the virtual race, get tickets, and check out other ways to support.

Des and Kara are putting up their own money to make this thing happen with sponsors gradually coming on board, but obviously we welcome as much help as possible from this amazing community of listeners. All proceeds from the virtual race and from ticket sales will go to fund this event. In addition, we owe a special shout-out to Trevor Rhodes for his work behind the scenes to make this happen.

While much of this episode is about the details of this event (which you don't want to miss), Des and Kara also catch up on Des's Boston training, the US Indoor Champs, and the US Half Champs with some impressive performances across the board. As usual, they finish with a fun top 5, and now it's your turn to go tell all of your friends about the Save the 10,000! 

In this episode, Des and Kara take you behind the scenes at the Olympics. Both Des and Kara have raced there twice. They share what it was like achieving their lifelong dreams and then living it out under all of the pressure of the Games. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and unicorns.

You will hear about the "Big O" camp, pictures with the President, the dining hall at the Olympic village, the infamous condom bowl, swapping podium gear with a medalist, the post-Games letdown, and so much more. Go back to Beijing, London, and Rio with Des and Kara!

Prosecutors and YouTube subscribers take note: Des and Kara allegedly recorded this episode in the same hoodies that they would wear to conceal their identities during a future crime. If you are watching the security cam video, Des is the one in the "nice" hoodie. What would be their crime you ask??? I don't know... maybe they could steal the job of the World Athletics marketing director?! Now, that's a crime they could pull off flawlessly... I'm not sure about any other ;). 

Speaking of justice, this episode is all about that. Des and Kara talk about justice for Lashinda Demus who will finally receive her rightful gold medal in Paris. Her silver from 2012 was "upgraded," and now she has to pay her own way to get the medal that was  hers all along. Kara gives Lashinda advice from her medal-upgrade experience and explains how it is so much different than you would hope for athletes in this situation.

They also talk about justice for Leonard Korir who DOES get to toe the line in Paris in the marathon after all, with World Athletics opening up additional spots for those ranked highly enough. Go Lenny (and Conner and Clayton)!

Then, they move on to establish motive for their future crimes by discussing the recently announced "innovation" in the works from World Athletics. New long jump rules, new javelin and shot put weights, the 1-mile steeple, a 4 x 100m mixed relay, and of course, the "Ultimate" World Championships that we've been missing all this time. That marketing director better watch out. 

Don't worry... the episode ends on a positive note with a new "comeback" segment from Lever Movement, discussion of the Brooks PR Invitational coming up this week, and an extended Olipop Top 5 that does this episode justice...

To take advantage of the offers in this episode, use the following links and codes:

For Lever Movement:

• 15% off link: https://bit.ly/4bLI2tG.
• 15% off code: NobodyAskedUs

For Olipop:

• 15% off link: click here.
• 15% off code: NOBODYASKEDUS

This episode begins with Des and Kara commiserating over their hatred for midwestern, summer horse flies, and in true Des fashion, she finds a way to gain inspiration from them. Would you expect anything less from one of the most gritty and tenacious athletes of our time?!? 

Then, your hosts meander through a fun episode discussing the World Championships marathon and how it's different from the Olympics or a World Marathon Major. From field sizes to racing dynamics and the water station setup... they take you behind the scenes. Plus, this includes a discussion of the two of them racing together in the 2009 World Championships in Berlin with a bonus preview of the US marathon team set to line up in Budapest in August. 

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. 

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/

It's a rest day in Eugene, but Des and Kara aren't resting. They droppin' this freshy fresh recap episode like it's oh so hot. The Gs know what we talkin' about...

Now, button up your pastel polos because this episode has a little bit of everything, including all of the laughs you expect and insights you can't get anywhere else.

Kara starts with a behind-the-scenes description of calling races with NBC including the Snoop Dogg cameo during the men's steeplechase final. Did she play it cool or did she unleash her inner 17-year-old and lose her s**t when she met the D.O. Double G?

Of course, you get recaps of all of the distance finals so far AND highlights from the sprint events, including hot takes on Grant Fisher's win, Drew Hunter's out-of-nowhere, top-4 finish, Hillary Bor's fall in the men's steeple, that holy Hocker kick from 250m, the near-photo-finish in the women's 5K, Parker Valby's boss run to potentially make the team, the bittersweet 800m final for the women, and so much more. 

Plus, you learn that NACAC isn't an insurance company or a duck call but actually the thing that might punch Evan Jager's ticket to the Olympics. [Can YOU say NACAC five times fast?] Then, you hear what Des and Kara thought of the 100m finals (we see you Sha'Carri, Noah, and Fred!), Noah Lyle's kit reveal, and the 16-year-old sprint phenom Quincy Wilson who might just make a relay team in Paris. 

This episode is everything we love about Des and Kara... listen in as your prep for the second half of the trials which starts on Thursday!

Welcome Super Coffee to the Nobody Asked Us podcast with the new Super 5 segment! To support them and us, please use this link to order and add code NOBODYASKED for 20% off at check-out. Code valid on Amazon only.

And don't worry, Olipop is still a sponsor as well for the Top 5 segment. For that, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com. 

This episode has a little something for everyone. Des and Kara start by swapping medical war stories including the backstory behind Des's recent hand injury. Spoiler alert: She nearly lost her thumb in a boating accident but is going to be ok!

Then, they jump into recaps of Boston and London where you get their takes on Emma Bates, Hellen Obiri, Sifan Hassan, Conner Mantz, Scott Fauble, Eliud Kipchoge, and so much more. Plus, you hear how Des felt about her race in Boston.

At the end, Des and Kara give you a little insight into the life of an elite athlete starting with how both handled downtime after a marathon and then how they transitioned back into full training. It's clear that the rapport between these two is building so you don't want to miss this one!

Swifties and track nerds rise up! Fans of the Notorious B.I.G too. Oh, and lovers of puppies and those with July birthdays... this episode is for all of you! 

Kara recaps her experience at the Taylor Swift concert in Minneapolis. Des talks about her challenges reading the big "E" without glasses and trying to decide on the perfect puppy name.

Then, they give you an event by event breakdown of the US Track Championships coming up at the end of this week (July 6th to July 9th). The intrepid among you will listen to the end and then participate in their prediction contest on the YouTube channel. To enter, pop over there, subscribe,  and then drop a comment with the 6 winners across the 1500m-5000m-10000m events plus the winning time for the women's 10K for your chance to win a yet-to-be-named, amazing prize. You have until July 6th at 5 pm PST to enter!

What's better? Sex or two Nobody Asked Us episodes in 4 days?!? It's a trick question because the correct answer is listening to this new episode while munching on a Nerds rope.

This episode starts by going a little off the rails but quickly gets back on track as Kara leads Des through a conversation about her record-setting weekend. There's also bonus coverage of Kara's 5K race on Saturday and her successful spectating duties on Sunday.

You will hear about the controversial KitKat at the press conference, pancakes in a wine room, Rivers on his best behavior, the athlete who held up the elite bus, Des doing math in the final miles, and her mindset from start to finish line with just 12 seconds to spare. 

Plus at the end, Kara and Des react to the mind-blowing performances at the front of the race and give you breaking news about the NYC Marathon.

Are you ready for this?!? We aren't sure, but here goes nothing...

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

Thank you to a special sponsor Ketone-IQ for helping to make these Olympic episodes possible. Save 30% on your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with https://ketone.com/NOBODYASKED.

Thank you also to our other sponsors - presenting sponsor Brooks Running and Olipop - for their support for these episodes in Paris. As usual, to support the podcast and get your Olipop fix, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off at drinkolipop.com.

For the sprint, throws and pole vault fans, this one is for you. They breakdown the women's 100m final, the mixed 400m relay (hello Femke Bol!), the shot put 1-2 from Crouser and Kovacs, and an unfortunate (or fortunate?) "doink" in the pole vault, plus preview the men's 1500m semifinals. The track has been on fire so far and so are Des and Kara!

And if you are looking for that video... 

You asked for it, and you are getting it! Des and Kara recorded this freshy fresh Boston Marathon recap at 10:15 pm on Marathon Monday after just enough beers. The most important detail, perhaps, is that they shut down the bar at the end of this one. They were literally kicked out of the Sam Adams Taproom in downtown Boston to end the show, the perfect mic drop after an epic weekend of racing for the two of them.

You will hear the full back story on Kara’s successful mission to #destoryColt, including the complete shock to her system to navigate the challenges of the mass start. Bib pickup… “how does that work?” Gear check… “wait, what?” Lining up 20+ minutes early to be positioned well for the start… “this is crazy.” Despite these new hurdles, she “destroyed” Colt’s PR by 7 seconds to finish in 18:50 and declare open season on the new hashtag #destroyKara as Colt now seeks his revenge.

Then, of course, you hear highlights from Des’s 11th Boston. Des talks about the difficulty of being marathon-sharp after a full weekend of events, shares her pre-race meal and pre-race vibes, and details the key moments in the race, including the words exchanged with Emma Bates when she caught the lead pack again at mile 15. Along the way, Kara gives her thoughts and emotions as the ultimate Des fangirl watching from the finish line on Boylston for the first time.

Finally, they finish with the “Underbird” underdog of the week segment (sponsored by Oiselle), discussing an unlikely athlete who again made huge waves at the front of the race at the age of 44.

Thank you to Oiselle for sponsoring this episode. Use code NOBODY10 for 10% off at oiselle.com for some amazing running apparel from Kara's sponsor!