Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara

The most important thing to know today is that the Tokyo World Champs are incoming this weekend, and Des and Kara will be there covering it all. We will have LIVE podcasts from the Brooks House on our YouTube channel at 8 pm EST on Sept 12 (Friday), Sept 15 (Monday), and Sept 17 (Wednesday). Mark your calendars! Plus, we will be posting other episodes with event recaps, reactions, and hot takes throughout next week. Stay close to your computer and podcast player to catch it all! For this episode, we prep you for what's to come... Of course, there is plenty of non-Tokyo content first with some fun catch-up banter, reactions to the Swift-Kelce engagement, and thoughts on the 5th Ave Mile results. Then, they dive into some Tokyo preview content before ending with a fantastic, Lever Lift Up Top 5! Love, laugh, lift! To support the pod and Lever, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off here: https://levermovement.com/collections/lever-store "See" you in Tokyo!

"What are we even going to talk about? We just did an episode last week..." - Des and Kara before they blink and produce 70 minutes of glorious podcast content. As such, this "short" episode turned long in all of the best ways. It starts with a laugh-inducing intro with life updates from Des and Kara and ultra training updates from Des. Then, they get into all of the latest running news - 20K US Champs, Sydney Marathon, UTMB, DL Final, GST, and a suprising and very maddening US doping positive. From leopard-print pajamas to Red Fox Regattas and all the running news that is fit to talk about, this episode was the best kind of "short," meaning that the time listening to it will fly by! Thanks to Ketone-IQ for sponsoring this episode and helping Des and Kara get revved up for this one. To support Ketone-IQ and support the pod, use code NOBODYASKED for 30% off on your subscription order (PLUS a free gift with your second shipment) at KETONE.com/NOBODYASKED.

Des and Kara are not capable of recording short episodes so this one is long with plenty of straight talk about running drama and the upcoming Chicago + NYC marathon fields. No one wants their episodes short (and curly) after all...  This one starts with life updates that quickly devolves into hilarious, hotel horror stories. You will be laughing along and thinking about your own nightmare hotel stays. Just make sure you are in a place where you can laugh out loud, because you will, and it might get out of control! Then, they lean into the recent Tracksmith and trail drama along with the sprinting, where-abouts drama. Does Tracksmith belong in trail and what do we make of Gabby Thomas on TikTok surrounded by books and talking about missed tests? Finally, they dig into the Chicago and NYC fields complete with way-too-early predictions for each. Des puts Kara on the spot regarding some of the Americans in the fields, and then gives us an NYC confession of sorts. Listen to the end to hear it and stay for an off-the-rails top 5. This is a fun one. Enjoy!

Gossip? Facts? Real news? This episode has a little bit of all 3 in a back-and-forth dynamic that will leave you laughing and loving it.  Des and Kara start with an update on their girls trip to Cincinnati to visit their friend @runningcb. There was baseball and tennis and so much walking involved that Kara is still sore today. There were also shenanigans with dog Miles and beer challenges for Des and shared bedrooms. It's safe to say that Des and Kara have entered into a new level of friendship with this trip (and that Crouton might be jealous).  Then, they turn to all of the running chatter from this past week including a comeback race for Keely, WR attempt for Faith, hope for Yared, and of course, the latest "transparency" from Michael Johnson and Grand Slam Track. They talk doping offenses from Fred Kerley and collegiate Parvej Khan, remind the pros how easy it is to use the whereabouts system, and wonder when more rigorous testing will come to the collegiate and high school level. With NIL expanding, are high schoolers and their parents ready for testers to watch them pee in a cup?! Finally, they end with an unhinged Lagoon Sleep top 5 (err... 4?). Now to support the podcast and our sponsor Lagoon, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first order. You can check it out at this link to take the quiz and find the perfect pillow for you: https://lagoonsleep.com/pages/lagoon-the-nobody-asked-us-podcast-from-kara-goucher-and-des-linden

We know you want US Champs reactions, but this episode starts with the real post-mortem you've been waiting for... the redux on the Hot Ones challenge where Kara and Des go full TMI on you. They tell you all about the spicy aftermath of last week's episode, and Des shares that she has been going back for more. Then after quick life updates, they get into in-depth recaps of every event 800m+ at the US Champs. There are almost too many storylines to cover from surprises in the distance events to some sprint drama both on and off the track. There was so much good stuff that it took a full 95 minutes to recap. We can't wait for Tokyo... can you?!

We are mixing it up with this episode, and let's just say that things get a little bit spicy! If you haven't subscribed to our YouTube channel yet, then now is the time b/c you will want to watch this one there for sure. In this episode, I (editor Chris) join as host to take Des and Kara through the Hot Ones challenge, using the hot sauce line-up from Season 27 of the show. Hot Ones is the show with hot questions and even hotter wings, but since we recorded this in Austin, we swapped in smoked brisket for hot wings, with all of the same sauces from the show. To start, we cover fun running questions and then get into deeper life stuff as the bites getting hotter. Des and Kara hang in there pretty well until brisket bite #8, when things drastically fall off the rails as we hit the infamous "Da Bomb" sauce. Des starts sweating dramatically from the sides of her nose, and suddenly Kara can't form a coherent sentence. In addition to the hilarious spectacle of it, you learn some fun stuff along the way including their post-long-run food of choice, their alt Olympic sport from another life, some very questionable road-trip hygiene choices, and how they remain authentic in the public eye (plus so much more). How will these two Olympians handle the challenge?!? Tune in to find out!

Surprise! Des and Kara are bringing you a 3rd episode in as many weeks because they have to talk about the news of this week - US Champs incoming! This is your comprehensive preview show of every event from 800m and up. They give you all of the favorites AND the athletes to watch who might just sneak onto a podium. Trips to the Tokyo World Champs are on the line, so consider this episode your homework to be ready for the meet which starts THIS Thursday. You can hear Kara on the call on NBC on Saturday and Sunday, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. ET. Thursday and Friday’s events will only be on USATF.tv ($9.99/month for USATF members and $12.99/month for non-members). Finally, support the pod and support Lever Movement by using code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off on your Lever Movement system at levermovement.com.

And we aren't talking about Caesar salad... Kara and Des are joined in-person by a very special guest on this one. She isn't very talkative, but they can't stop interacting with her throughout the show. You might jump over to YouTube for the full experience on this one. This episode is a good one that is absolutely jam-packed. You get all of the life updates from both. Des gives us the rundown on pacing Western States and her epic, hut-to-hut trip in Switzerland, where she learned the magic of trekking poles. Now, trekking poles might be coming to a road marathon near you ;). Kara shares about her summer in Minnesota, calling Grandma's and then calling Pre, and the always-welcomed Colt Goucher running news. Then, they dive into the commentary for which you've been waiting a few weeks... what did they think of the Faith sub-4 attempt and her WR to follow at Prefontaine? Plus, which results at the Prefontaine meet turned their heads, including the women's 5K record and the always-exciting men's 1500m where Yared Nuguse was nipped at the line? Bonus topics include the Donovan Brazier comeback and where oh where is the Grand Slam Track prize money which has yet to be paid? Michael Johnson promised transparency but still has not showed us whether or not GST's wallet is deep enough for the promises made. Finally, they end with a Lagoon Sleep top five to celebrate all of the July birthdays from the show, including Kara's older sister Kelly. Now to support the pod and pick up a cooling Otter pillow, use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS.

You asked for it, and here it is. This is a bonus episode with Des and Kara's freshy fresh takes on the Ruth Chepngetich doping positive and provisional suspension. Ruth shocked the world with a 2:09 WR at the Chicago Marathon last year, and now, it appears that it wasn't real, even as the WR will likely still stand. If you are curious about their reactions, stop everything and press play. Plus, come back for our regularly scheduled programming on Tuesday, July 22nd when our next episode will land!

In this episode, we take a break from our usual content (due to summer travel) to share a fun interview with Michael Brandt, the founder and CEO of Ketone-IQ. Michael is also a very fast marathoner with goals to one day break the 2:30 barrier. In this conversation, Michael takes us behind the scenes of Ketone-IQ, including the original story of its founding, the government research that really launched the brand, and the science behind how ketones work as fuel for you and your brain. Plus, good news... it no longer tastes like gasoline (his word, not mine) but comes in great flavors such as peach, green apple, and raspberry lemonade. Michael also shares his personal running journey, including what's motivating him to chase down big goals and how he personally uses Ketone-IQ along the way. This one is for the science nerds, the crazy entrepreneurs, and of course, the runners who like to geek out on it all.  Ketone-IQ is a sponsor of the podcast. To support Ketone-IQ and support the pod, use code NOBODYASKED for 30% off on your subscription order (PLUS a free gift with your second shipment) at KETONE.com/NOBODYASKED. [Note: this interview was recorded in April 2025 right before Save the 10,000. And don't worry... we will have a fresh episode with reactions on Faith's sub 4:00 attempt and her new WR (and so much more) coming on July 22].

Who is ready for Faith Kipyegon's sub-4-mile attempt?!? We are! Des and Kara are big Faith fans, and they are excited to tune in to the attempt on Thursday. But, what do they really think about it and will she get it?!? Listen in to find out what they think, but be ready for SO MUCH MORE! Des and Kara start with the usual catch-up chat. You get updates on Des's pacing duties at Western States this weekend and her plans for a running trip to the Swiss Alps after that. Kara shares about her 5K in Duluth on Grandma's Marathon weekend and her first outdoor broadcasting duties of the year at the Prefontaine Classic. They then talk about Grand Slam Track and their thoughts on the cancellation of the final meet in LA. How are athletes reacting and does anyone have faith that it will be back next year? Plus, Kara TRIES to get Des's reaction to Boston Marathon's qualification adjustments for downhill marathons, but Des tries very hard not to bite. There are plenty of hilarious easter eggs in this one, so listen closely.  Finally, we love a Lagoon Sleep top 5, and this one starts pretty hysterically. You won't get the full hysterics on the audio, so if you want that head to the YouTube version. It is well worth the watch. Plus, go get a Lagoon pillow and sleep better by using code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS.

"It's free. After you pay for it, it's free. Just a one-time fee, that you pay annually." - Portlandia cell phone episode + most track streaming services, probably, but NOT Portland Track Fest (which is truly free to stream!) In this episode, Portland Track president Jeff Merrill joins the show! Jeff is a former 800m runner himself who spent time at Nike before getting involved with the Portland Track Festival and starting tracklnd.com and Tracklandia. His meet is THIS weekend in Portland, so see the notes below on how to support, attend, or watch (FREE!) from afar.  Jeff helped Des and Kara with ideation around the Save the 10,000, and here he shares really interesting perspectives on storytelling in track and field and how to make it interesting for the fan/viewer. You'll get all of the behind-the-scenes intel on the 17-year history of the meet, plus the storylines for this year including Donovan Brazier continuing his comeback. You will love Jeff's thoughtfulness and Des and Kara's thoughtful questions until a top 5 with an epic twist from Kara that will have you rushing to the YouTube version. Check this out and then mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday to watch the PTF! To check out the Portland Track Fest coming up THIS weekend (June 14-15): - Streaming: https://tracklnd.com/ptf/ptf. People can also Sweeten the Pot on this page and fill out the Fan Poll (beginning tomorrow) Winner of fan poll gets $250 Bandit gift card. Second = $150, 3rd = $100. Rules are on the webpage. - In-person tickets to PTF: TICKETS - PTF Schedule: SCHEDULE

Pulling up to this episode is like pulling up to your local library... it's got a little bit of everything in it, except for hopefully those pesky midwestern ticks. The episode opens with the usual intro banter, where Des characterizes Kara as being in "librarian mode." If Kara is the librarian, then that makes Des the person who is relentlessly trying to make you laugh in there. Thus, we are off to a good start riffing about summers in the midwest, travel, and camps.  Kara talks about winning an Emmy(!) and about Colt graduating from 8th grade and being on the precipice of both driving and high school. Des shares about her prep for the upcoming Western States training camp. Is she ready to enter the shallower end of one of the most historic 100-milers in the world? Plus, they bond over their mutual hatred of ticks before turning to discuss their impressions of season one for Grand Slam Track (GST). What do they think so far? Where could it be improved? Will it move the needle on interest in our sport? Then, they react to a RW article on influencers and phones in races. Should they be allowed? Where is the line to be drawn? Is it good for the sport or just annoying? Finally, they end with a Lagoon Sleep top 5 where Des questions her chinchilla ways as they both share uplifting moments from their weeks.  If you love the pod, support our partners and the pod in the following ways... Get a pair of Brooks running shoes to support our title sponsor. Sleep better by using code NOBODYASKEDUS for 15% off on your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/NOBODYASKEDUS. Use code NOBODYASKED for 30% off on your subscription order (PLUS a free gift with your second shipment) at KETONE.com/NOBODYASKED.  

They warmed you up with plenty of pre-race content, Des and Kara and the athletes delivered on exciting races, and now it's time for the cooldown! Des and Kara recap the Save the 10,000 with all of their reactions and lessons learned. They give you even more build-the-scenes details of the event and discuss whether or not there will be a year 2 for the event.  But first, there is plenty of intro banter on Des's post-Boston recovery and Kara's Mother's Day with the family. They also give you some teasers on Des's fall racing schedule. Is it a 50-miler or 1-mile race in the plans?!? Kara may have different plans for Des than Des has for herself! And of course, they finish with a very uplifting Top 5 from Lever Movement.  To support the podcast, please support our sponsors for this episode - Brooks Running and Lever Movement. Use code NOBODYASKEDUS for 20% off at levermovement.com.

To get you excited about Saturday night's Save the 10,000 with Des and Kara, this episode is all about Kara's history with the event. She talks about 10,000m legends Lynn Jennings and Billy Mills and how they inspired her to want to be an Olympian. She gives the story of how she WALKED in her very first 10,000 on the track, seemingly swearing off the event for good. She details coming back to the distance at later time and surprising herself in her 2nd attempt at the distance. Then of course, she shares the play-by-play on her historic medal in the 10,000 at Osaka in 2007 that would change her running life forever.  This episode is here to remind you why the 10,000 is worth saving. We hope you enjoy.  If you are in Southern California on Saturday night (May 3rd), then go see the event in person at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. Admission is free. Otherwise, you can stream for free on RunnerSpace. The men's race starts at 8 pm PST, and the women's race closes the night at 8:45 pm. Thank you also to all of the sponsors for the event: BioBrace, Old Spice, Secret, The Sport Specialist, Lever Movement, Pacers Running, and of course Brooks Running. Please show those sponsors some love!