The HAX Show

Achieving Breakthroughs: USA 5K Champs, London Marathon, & Training for Longevity

Drew Hunter is joined by movement coach Lawrence van Lingen for a deep-dive Q&A on training philosophy, mindset, and what it takes to unlock your performance potential. Together, they break down elite-level concepts into practical advice that runners at any stage can apply to their own training. From questions like “How should I lift during a marathon taper?” to “What’s the best approach for training for an 8K cross country race?”, Drew and Lawrence share thoughtful, experience-driven answers shaped by years in the sport as both athletes and coaches.If you enjoyed this new Q&A-style format, let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear if you want to see more episodes like this. In This Episode: 01:18 Lawrence's London Marathon Experience 06:08 Drew's USA 5K Champs Recap 12:11 Advice on Lifting During the Taper Phase 16:10 Race Visualization Tactics 25:05 Reframing Strength Training For Runners 34:12 How To Improve Your 5K Time 36:35 Most Common Mistakes Runners Make 43:48 Getting into Running Later in Life 46:31 Speed, Strides, And Hills 49:10 Fix Form Without Overthinking 52:54 Philosophy Into Practice 58:41 Cross Country 8K Training Tips 01:00:47 Gratitude And Wrap Up If you learned something valuable from this conversation, please like the video and subscribe for more episodes. Have more questions for Drew or Lawrence? Drop them in the comments! NEW OFFER: Want unlimited access to a complete library of our training plans? Now's your chance! Introducing the HAX Athlete Bundle: 150+ training plans including base building, XC training, and 800-5K specific plans for every athlete. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201 HAX Show Partner: Lever Movement:The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever Movement to help you recover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance. Support the pod and LEVER by using code HAX20 for 20% off at this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20 ⚒️ About Hammer & Axe Training: Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency. 1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quiz Training Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/ Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/ Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com

Joe Klecker: 2:05 at the Boston Marathon | Is Faster Possible?

Joe Klecker, OAC professional and Olympian, returns to the show to recap his 2:05 performance at the 2026 Boston Marathon. In a year where world records are falling and the depth of American marathon running is reaching new heights, Joe breaks down how he navigated a historic day in what was only his first race in Boston, and second-ever marathon overall.Joe's race was a great reflection of the grit and adaptability it takes to run the marathon. He dives into what the splits don't show, including how he threw out his original fueling plan at mile 9 due to a nagging side stitch, and even debated dropping out and pivoting to enter the London marathon the following week. We also discuss the details of his training build, where he explains the philosophy on maintaining track-focused, VO2 sessions as a marathoner and the impact of training alongside teammates as OAC grows its elite presence on the roads.Lastly, we talk about the "why" behind the current marathon revelation, both in American distance running and internationally, as performances that once seemed unfathomable are now happening more frequently. Joe explains the compounding effects of super-shoe technology and the fueling evolution that is allowing athletes not only to race faster, but to train harder and recover better than ever before.In This Episode:00:45 Boston Marathon Mindset & Strategy13:10 Inside The Race - When Things Don't Go To Plan21:11 Final Result Reflection24:41 The Training Build32:01 Shoes & Training Essentials37:28 What To Improve43:38 Why Times Are Dropping52:47 Building The OAC Marathon Team58:00 Track Vs Marathon LessonsIf you enjoyed this conversation, like the video and subscribe for more! Feel free to leave a comment with what stood out to you most.About Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe Training is a coaching and education platform built by athletes, for athletes. Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/ Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com________________________________________________________The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever MovementRecover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance.Follow: @levermovementTo support the pod and LEVER, use code HAX20 for 20% off, or follow this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20

Austin Dalquist on Elite Performance, Overcoming RED-S, and What HS Runners Are Missing

Austin Dalquist joins the show for a conversation on his career progression across the top levels of the sport, personal struggles throughout his career, and finding greater purpose in both running and life through faith. He dives into his recent indoor season, his unique path from a non-running family to becoming an elite high school recruit to competing for the University of Arkansas, and openly discusses his struggles with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s) and disordered eating, offering valuable insights on fueling and recovery for athletes.He dives into his early days of running with the culture and mindset of his HS program, how he became one of the top middle distance recruits in the country, and why he chose Arkansas after initially committing to Ole Miss. He openly discusses his experience in college with RED-S and disordered eating, which eventually led to a broken sacrum, and the important nutritional changes that helped his recovery. He also shares how faith shapes his approach to an ego- and performance-driven sport and reflects on coaching high school runners, emphasizing positivity and long-term development over the specifics of training.In This Episode:00:30 Indoor Season Recap and Future Racing Plans06:06 High School Breakthrough10:52 HS Training And Mindset18:46 Choosing Arkansas22:47 RED-S And Eating Struggles29:31 Recovery And Nutrition Tips37:37 Faith In Competition49:40 Why Coach High School54:52 Culture Over WorkoutsIf you found value in this conversation, like the video and subscribe for more! Feel free to leave a comment with what stood out to you most.________________________About Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe Training is a coaching and education platform built by athletes, for athletes. Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Get A Free Personalized Recommendation: https://haxtraining.com/coaching-matchTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com_________________________The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever MovementRecover faster, run injury-free, and improve performanceFollow: @levermovementTo support the pod and LEVER, use code HAX20 for 20% off, or follow this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20

Blacksburg to Boulder: Ben Fleming on Resilience, Coaching Systems, Triathlon, and Back To Track

Ben Fleming’s career began as a walk-on at Virginia Tech in his hometown of Blacksburg and has led him to the high-altitude proving grounds of Boulder. In this episode, Ben traces the unconventional path from NCAA standout to elite triathlete and, ultimately, back to the track with the HAX.Ben gives us an inside look at the specialized training systems from the great coaches he's worked with, including Ben Thomas, Chris Miltenberg, and Joan Hunter, highlighting the nuances of each system and how they shaped his development.Beyond that, Ben breaks down what it actually takes to stay in the game post-collegiately when the "pro contract" isn't the primary driver.In This Episode:01:44 Blacksburg High Running Culture03:22 Choosing Virginia Tech05:54 Ben Thomas Training System16:28 Injuries and Surgery25:11 UNC vs Virginia Tech Training30:26 Starting Triathlon Training43:45 Returning to Running Full-Time49:28 Outdoor Goals and SteepleBen translates his experience across multiple high-level training systems and background in elite triathlon into a coaching philosophy centered on durability. He specializes in helping athletes stay in the game long enough to see their true potential.Get Coached By Ben: https://haxtraining.com/coached-by-ben_____________________________________________About Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe Training is a coaching and education platform built by athletes, for athletes. Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Find Your Coach: https://haxtraining.com/coaching-matchTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com______________________________________________The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever MovementRecover faster, run injury-free, and improve performanceFollow: @levermovementTo support the pod and LEVER, use code HAX20 for 20% off, or follow this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20

Sam Parsons: Redefining Purpose in Running, Building A Tech Startup, and Moving to LA

Drew sits down with longtime friend and teammate Sam Parsons to catch up on a period of significant transition in his life. Sam dives into his “bonus year” contract with Tracksmith in 2025, his shift away from the traditional pro running system, and his move into full-time work with the startup tech company Faves. Soon to move to Los Angeles with his fiancée, Sam reflects candidly on closing the chapter of going all-in on his pro track career. While he describes that as "the best job I'll ever have", he shares how he's rediscovered purpose in the sport through his work at Faves - helping athletes navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and sponsorship. Lastly, Sam describes what it's been like adapting to training independently and pursuing new types of running goals away from the track.Tune in for an insightful perspective from Sam on what he's excited for - and nervous for - as he steps into a completely new phase of life and community. In This Episode: 02:37 Running And Mental Health 04:25 New Goals - Half Marathon **note: Since recording this episode, Sam has decided to not compete in this half marathon anymore. However, he's excited for other exciting race opportunities ahead! 10:28 Training Solo 15:55 Tracksmith Deal Backstory 24:18 Athletes And Brand Value 32:51 Building A YouTube Channel 43:38 Faves Origin Story and Role 50:15 Modern Athlete Marketing 55:59 Leaving Boulder for LA 58:56 Running Future Redefined 01:04:38 Advice for Boulder Dreamers 01:07:31 Retirement Question and Wrap-Up ________________________________________________ About Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe Training is a coaching and education platform built by athletes, for athletes. Our coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Find Your Coach: https://haxtraining.com/coaching-matchTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com ____________________________________________ The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever MovementRecover faster, run injury-free, and improve performanceFollow: @levermovementTo support the pod and LEVER, use code HAX20 for 20% off, or follow this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20