COFFEE CLUB: a running podcast about nothing · Morgan McDonald

Running in 2026: AI Coaching, Strava, Creatine, Cold Plunges, NCAA Bans + WORLD XC CHAMPS!

January 8, 2026·1 hr 7 min·1 clip

There's a water pit, a fake hill, sand pit, and live alligators that you have to run by - five times.

The Coffee Club podcast hybrid New Year's/World Championships preview episode follows Australian cross-country runners Ollie, Morgan, and George as they prepare for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida (January 10th). Morgan experienced team selection anxiety when relay teammate Jack Anstey's selection was announced without communication, though his relay spot was confirmed. The episode features extensive discussion of the challenging championship course featuring water pits, fake hills, sand obstacles, and live alligators that runners must navigate five times in the 10K race. The Australian team includes strong competitors like Jess Hull and Lyndon Hall (women) and Kai Robinson, Seth O'Donnell, and others (men), competing against powerhouse nations like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and France. Hosts discuss training camp logistics in Phoenix (70-degree weather before race), team dynamics, and tactical race planning.

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