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 Health04:25 New Goals - Half Marathon10:28 Training Solo15:55 Tracksmith Deal Backstory24:18 Athletes And Brand Value32:51 Building A YouTube Channel43:38 Faves Origin Story and Role50:15 Modern Athlete Marketing55:59 Leaving Boulder for LA58:56 Running Future Redefined01:04:38 Advice for Boulder Dreamers01:07:31 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

3x US champion and professional Salomon athlete Annie Rodenfels explains the chaotic finish at the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta. What was supposed to be an exciting debut race quickly took a turn (literally) when the lead vehicle misdirected the top four women, causing them to run almost an extra half mile and costing them their finishing positions. Protests and an appeal were denied under rules stating runners are responsible for knowing the course, and Annie was unexpectedly told she finished third. Currently, she remains unclear of the final team selection for the World Road Racing Championships in Copenhagen, which this championship served as a selection race for.Annie also shares her unconventional path from starting track junior year of high school and running D3 at Centre College to training with various pro groups and landing her first professional contract with Salomon. She discusses what that signing process was like, her decision to move to Boulder and join the newly formed, athlete-led Team Meridia, and her future focus across track, roads, and possibly the marathon for LA 2028.In This Episode:00:45 USA Half Champs Chaos06:54 World Team?11:34 Why The Car Turned16:00 Lever Movement: Use Case For Mid-Distance Athletes17:05 Half Marathon Training19:32 Getting Started In Running21:52 Going D3 At Centre College28:17 Going Pro From D330:57 Leaving Greenville For BAA35:06 Self Coaching Era36:46 Signing With Salomon40:29 Choosing Boulder42:10 Team Meridia45:14 Athlete Autonomy vs Old Team Structure51:05 Future Goals: Track, Roads, And Marathon Plans_____________________________________________________________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

In this episode of The HAX Show, we dive into the highs and lows of professional racing, major updates for Hammer & Axe, and a sit-down with our newest coach and Mexican National Champion, Ryan Adams.

Drew reflects on his 8:10 two-mile PR at the Millrose Games and shares firsthand insight into his racing mindset and strategy. While a 19-second personal best was something to celebrate, the elevated caliber of professional running and tactical reality of the race shared a different story. In an honest conversation, Drew explains why he walked away feeling "optimistically disappointed" and what he wants to continue to improve upon in his racing.

We also announce our first-ever show sponsor, Lever Running. Drew shares his personal journey using the Lever system to return from a plantar injury and how body-weight-supported treadmill running can speed up your return to full training.In the second half (13:22), we welcome on Ryan Adams. Ryan just moved to the Boulder last fall, and in this conversation, he opens up about:

- His successful collegiate career at Furman University

- Difficult transition to the pro ranks

- Training under different systems, in different environments, and finding what works best over time

- Decision to switch affiliations from the USA to now representing Mexico

- Why he chose to give himself one last shot to pursue his dreams on the track

- His coaching philosophy and why he's excited to bridge the gap between Spanish-speaking athletes and quality coaching resources

Ryan's story is one of resilience and learning to persevere through the challenges of sport and life. We hope you enjoy this conversation; if you do, please leave us a review!

Welcome back to The HAX Show! We wish we could've gotten more episodes out at the end of 2025, but as it happens, life got busy! We're excited to return to the studio in the new year with an exciting announcement and plenty of awesome guests lined up.
In this episode, Drew opens with a solo segment covering major updates for the year ahead, including Hammer & Axe’s new partnership, as well as personal life updates, race plans, and performance goals for the season.In the second half, Drew's friend Lawrence joins us for a wide-ranging conversation centered on the upcoming launch of his Revamp Your Running Course. They break down Lawrence's decision to create this course, what it covers, who it’s designed for (and who it’s not), and the real challenges that come with launching an educational product in today's saturated fitness space.Drew and Lawrence dive into the evolving role of AI in training and coaching, the realities of influencing and modern marketing, the importance of mentorship, and what it actually takes to build trust and community in endurance sports. Lawrence also shares what he’s most excited to work on next, how he’s preparing for the London Marathon, and why walking and rucking may be underrated tools in marathon training.Topics include:- Hammer & Axe New partnership announcement- Life updates, race schedule, and goals for the year- Inside Lawrence's Revamp Your Running Course- AI’s role in coaching and training- Influencing, marketing, and mentorship- Building trust and long-term community- London Marathon preparation- The role of walking and rucking in marathon trainingWe hope you enjoy this quick update and discussion. Be on the lookout for new guests and conversations very soon!If you're interested in Lawrence's Revamp Your Running Workshop, where you'll learn to rebuild your running mechanics from the ground up, register here before the start date on January 27: https://www.lawrencevanlingen.com/run-workshop-1 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 individualized coaching, proven training plans, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.Coaching & Training Plans:Explore 1-on-1 coaching and training plans for every distance: https://haxtraining.comFollow Hammer & Axe: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter with Lawrence: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com/p/move-better-run-fasterCheck Out TrainingPeaks: https://www.trainingpeaks.com

This week's guest is Emily Durgin - a US Champion and professional distance runner for Adidas. In this episode of The HAX Show, we talk with Emily about her move to Boulder and changing training environments, her comeback from injury, the realities of training at altitude, and her evolution from the track to the marathon. She shares her unconventional story and experience training with a variety of pro groups for New Balance, Under Armour, and Adidas over the course of her career, and offers a grounded look at navigating burnout, embracing patience, and finding longevity in the sport. Whether you're a marathoner, young athlete, or simply a fan of pro running, Emily's perspectives are sure to bring valued honesty and hard-earned insight to what it takes to chase big goals.

In this episode, we cover:

• Moving to Boulder and reshaping her training environment

• Returning from a hamstring injury and building a strong support team

• Training at altitude and learning the patience it demands

• Transitioning from collegiate running into pro training groups

• Shifting focus from the track to the marathon

• Building Tinman Elite and the future of women's marathoning

• Winning her first national title

• Coaching with Hammer & Axe and what she hopes to share with athletes

About Hammer & Axe Training

Hammer & Axe was born out of a vision shared by a handful of elite distance runners. We found, in our own training, that we ran our best when we committed to training our speed and strength equally. A focus on strength made us durable, strong, and prepared for the adversity that racing brings—we were reliable like a hammer. A focus on speed made us confident, efficient, and ready to move when the right moment arrived—we were sharp like an axe. We wanted to bring this feeling of speed and strength to as many runners as possible.

Our mission is to empower and guide runners to their loftiest goals through effective training and meaningful relationships.

⚒️ Learn More: https://haxtraining.com

⚒️ Meet Our Coaches: https://haxtraining.com/find-a-coach

⚒️ Grab A Training Plan: https://app.rundna.com/hammer-and-axe/program-categories

⚒️ Follow For Free Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/

🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9wk2iycjK-c

This week, we're talking about running from a different 'lens'. If you haven't seen Joe Hale, you've definitely seen his photos. A freelance photographer and co-founder of Footstep Creative, Joe has done work for brands like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, WHOOP, Celsius, and On - building his career at the intersection of authenticity, friendship, and storytelling. Joe traces his path from shooting high-school races, to interning with Tinman Elite, to working with elite training groups, and shares what he’s learned about the running industry, creative identity, and committing to your craft.We dive into:• How he discovered photography and running• The early projects that helped him hone his craft• What he looks for when capturing athletes• How he connected with Tinman Elite and the early days living in Boulder• The origin of Footstep Creative• His advice for emerging creators• Personal mentors, dream projects, and lessons from the sport• Where he sees the future of running culture headingAt only 25 years old, Joe is a vet in the creative industry of running. The lessons and perspectives he shares as a freelancer and entrepreneur are relevant for anyone trying to master their craft, build relationships, and pursue their passion. Learn More About JoeFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkh_photo/Check out his work: https://www.josephkhale.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkhale/Subscribe to his newsletter: https://forimmediaterelease.beehiiv.com/subscribeAbout Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe was born from a simple belief shared by a handful of elite distance runners: you run your best when speed and strength are trained with equal intention. Strength makes you durable and reliable like a hammer; speed makes you sharp, efficient, and ready to strike like an axe. We built Hammer & Axe to bring that balance — and the confidence it creates — to runners everywhere.Our mission is to empower and guide runners to their loftiest goals through effective training and meaningful relationships.⚒️ Meet Our Coaches: https://www.hammer-and-axe.com/find-a-coach⚒️ Grab A Training Plan: https://app.rundna.com/hammer-and-axe/program-categories⚒️ Free Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ahxVMoqH9JX4HBKniVk0Z?si=b_9xZGTGToy-M6pEorkobQ

In this episode of The HAX Show, we down with Lawrence van Lingen — movement specialist, physiotherapist, and performance coach trusted by some of the world’s top endurance athletes.Lawrence shares how emotion, mindset, and physical tension are deeply intertwined, and how unlocking that tension can transform both movement and performance.He gives his perspective on his experience working with Drew to bring him back to health, what he’s learned from the triathlon world through athletes like Taylor Knibb, and how he approaches lifting, form work, and long-term athlete development.You’ll also hear his take on practices like flow rope, tire walking, and happy hip hack drills for runners, plus his nuanced perspective on supershoes and how to create a truly healthy relationship with running.Key TopicsUnlocking tension & emotional connection to performanceRebuilding Drew Hunter’s health and mindsetInsights from treating elite runners and triathletesLessons from Nice & Kona at Triathlon World ChampionshipsLifting philosophy for runnersFlow rope, tire walking, and happy hip hack drillsSupershoes — pros, cons, and long-term impactBuilding a sustainable relationship with movement and runningAbout Hammer & Axe TrainingHammer & Axe was born out of a vision shared by a handful of elite distance runners. We found, in our own training, that we ran our best when we committed to training our speed and strength equally. A focus on strength made us durable, strong, and prepared for the adversity that racing brings—we were reliable like a hammer. A focus on speed made us confident, efficient, and ready to move when the right moment arrived—we were sharp like an axe. We wanted to bring this feeling of speed and strength to as many runners as possible.Our mission is to empower and guide runners to their loftiest goals through effective training and meaningful relationships.⚒️ Meet Our Coaches: https://www.hammer-and-axe.com/find-a-coach⚒️ Grab A Training Plan: https://app.rundna.com/hammer-and-axe/program-categories⚒️ Follow For Free Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/🎧 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hammerandaxetraining