Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara

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!

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.

"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!

"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!

"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...

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!

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!  

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!  

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.

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!  

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

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.  

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!

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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!

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.