THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST

Blending Stanford smarts with relentless drive, Cole Sprout is emerging as one of America’s most exciting young pros. Cole was the NACAC U23 Champion in the 5,000m in 2023 while also coming in 8th at the USATF Championships in the 5,000m the same year.His PRs include a 7:42.41 in the 3,000m indoors in March of 2025; a 13:24.38 in the 5,000m indoors in 2022; a 27:42.42 in the 10,000m in 2022; a 3:56.53 mile in 2022; and a 3:42.27 1,500m in 2021.His time at Stanford from 2020–2024 saw him become a five-time All-American; secure 4th outdoors in the NCAA championship in the 10,000 (2022); run an indoor 3,000m in 7:43.10 (which is number two in school history at the time); and show steady leadership on the grass.Cole recently came in second at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5k in New York amidst an extremely competitive field. He’s also now training under Jerry Schumacher and has his sights set on a whole lot more. He stands at the crossroads of promise and breakthrough, ready to turn potential into podiums on the world stage.Tap into the Cole Sprout Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

After two years of rehab and earning her spot via a Golden Ticket roll-down, Abby Hall stormed into history at the 2025 Western States 100, running 16:37:16 for the fourth-fastest women's time ever and finishing 11th overall.Hall has since cemented herself as one of the premier athletes in the 100K–100-mile range, highlighted by podium finishes at UTMB’s CCC (2nd in 2021, 3rd in 2022), a win at the 2022 Transvulcania 73K, and a debut finish at Western States in 2021.Her résumé includes a 16:37:16 100-mile best and an 8:52:35 trail 100K at Black Canyon — showcasing world-class range when it comes to varying terrain and courses.But her rise did not come without adversity. Early in her ultra career, she scraped under the cutoff at the Leadville 100 in 2017 and 2018. And in June 2023, a training fall resulted in a tibial fracture and major ligament damage, requiring reconstructive knee surgery and a long, uncertain recovery.From scraping cutoff times at Leadville to running one of the fastest Western States in history, Abby Hall’s comeback is the ultimate story of resilience and redemption–and you won’t want to miss how she did it. Tap into the Abby Hall Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Nico Young, a 23-year-old professional middle- and long-distance runner, discusses his groundbreaking 2025 season, where he smashed the American 5,000m record and secured national titles. He shares insights on the benefits of staying in Flagstaff with Coach Mike Smith, the importance of training consistency, and the camaraderie with veteran teammates. Young reflects on high-stakes races, developing a faster kick, and balancing training with personal growth. He also opens up about his hobbies outside running, showcasing his relatable side beyond the track.

Michael Maiorano, a rising star in collegiate running and the 2025 NJCAA steeplechase champion, shares his unique journey from Gonzaga to Salt Lake CC, where he reset his trajectory. He discusses the impact of setbacks like his suspension and illness on growth, emphasizing the balance between humility and tactical arrogance in competition. Maiorano advocates for reflection and team-first thinking while critiquing the NCAA's commercialization. With an eye on future goals, he emphasizes the importance of discipline, patience, and meaningful connections.

Isaiah Photo, a content creator turned endurance runner, shares his incredible journey of running six marathons on six continents in just six days. He discusses the challenges of sleep deprivation and nutrition during the grueling feat, as well as his decision to fly economy to keep the experience relatable. Isaiah reflects on the emotional ups and downs he faced, including an airport breakdown and the inspiring support from his hometown of Austin. He also offers advice on persistence and reveals his ambitious future plans for running adventures.

Conner Mantz, an elite marathoner and Olympic Trials winner, joins his wife Kylie, a rising star in running, as they share their unique journeys in competitive sports. They discuss Kylie's rapid growth, her emotional experience running her first marathon in Fresno, and the dynamics of pacing each other on race day. The couple reflects on their relationship, emphasizing shared values, growth during separation, and the balance of personal dreams with love and support. Their story highlights the joy of running and the strength gained from facing challenges together.

Haftu Knight is an Ethiopian-born professional marathoner who transitioned from shepherding in Ethiopia to elite racing in the U.S. He shares insights on embracing a marathon mindset, reflecting on pivotal moments, including running alongside Galen Rupp. His journey from high school runner to NCAA champion showcases his dedication. With coach Jeff Cunningham at Bat City Track Club, he emphasizes the importance of community and preparation. Haftu's story inspires aspiring runners to show up and embrace their personal journeys.

Elise Cranny, a two-time U.S. Olympian and record-holding distance runner, dives into her journey of resilience and self-trust. She discusses the challenges of returning after breaks, the importance of nutrition in sustaining energy, and her evolving goals. Elise shares insights on balancing results with joy and finding peace in training, encouraging athletes to focus on consistency over flashy achievements. She reflects on the influence of coaches and the significance of rekindling passion, all while embracing both the rigors and joys of the sport.

Yaseen Abdalla, an elite distance runner from Sudan, shares his journey of resilience and ambition, boasting remarkable records from the mile to the marathon. He candidly recounts a harrowing marathon experience, discussing the importance of internal toughness and family motivation. Yaseen emphasizes the need for personal accountability in success, while critiquing NCAA coaching quality. He believes hard work can surpass raw talent and stresses the significance of balance in life and training. Follow him on social media for insight into his upcoming events and philosophies.

Kole Mathison, a rising NCAA distance star and national champion, shares his journey from injury struggles to impressive achievements at the University of Colorado. He discusses the importance of patience in athletics, the dynamics of cross country culture, and the pressures faced by young athletes. Kole delves into the significance of relationships with teammates and finding fulfillment beyond performance goals. He also emphasizes staying grounded amidst NCAA challenges while nurturing a deep love for the sport.