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We've been trying to get this guest on basically since we've started the show, and now we're here.  Dive into John Trautmann's running journey with us as he tells us what got him going. The we just sit back and listen as John takes us through his favorite memories of his legendary career.  We pivot to talk more about the passing of Gags and the major impact he had on John. The way he effected John's like as a runner, coach and man. Lastly we get John's feelings about the sport itself. He's headlong into it being a pro coach and his perspective is invaluable. Like and Subscribe to the show!

We're always happy to be joined by Jeff Benjamin. We chat with Jeff about the passing of Frank "Gags" Gagliano. We talk about what he meant to this sport and the stories we have from him.  Then we chat about the upcoming 2026 SIRA Legends Gala. Who is attending this year, who will be honored and more.  And we finally get his pulse on the sport and some of the crazy times we've seen since we last had him on! Like and Subscribe to the show!

Stanford legend and Mountainside HS XCTF Coach Dave Frank joins the show!  We talk about his running journey. Where the spark came from and what are some of his favorite memories.  We transition to high school running. How has the sport changed over the nearly three decades he's been coaching? Lastly, we pick his brain about the sport itself. Does he think it's in a good place right now?  This is going to be a fun one, don't miss out! Like and Subscribe to the show!

The hits keep on coming! You want to be here for this one.  Lyle, Dave and Alex get the chance to chat with Asics pro runner, Drew Hunter. We start off with the norm, his running journey and memories.  But then we dive deeper. What are the family dynamics of a pro runner who is a husband, father and athlete? He gives us his version of what that looks like for him.  Then we close out talking about the phenomena that is "trackflation" and why he thinks it's happening. Enjoy the ride on this one with one of America's current best runners.  Like and Subscribe to the show!

An absolutely monster show today.  Lyle, Dave and Alex welcome pro American standout distance runner, Marco Langon. We talk about his spark for becoming a runner and his memories from his time starting to now. We then chat about another amazing runner in Eamonn Coghlan and his influence he's had on Marco.  We finish by talking about where the sport is and what he would change and his goals. Make sure you like and follow the show!

The conclusion of this epic special brings us 6 men, all NJ running legends, all former Holmdel Park record holders. We're joined by Jim Smith, Brad Hudson, Andy Martin, Jason DiJoseph, Craig Forys & Joe Rosa to cover the legendary course. We chat about their careers competing in NJ and the fond memories at Holmdel and beyond.  We then get to their record races and how they braved the #1 voted hardest 5k course in America.  Bridging generations in a way only Talking in Ovals can. You absolutely don't want to miss this special show.  Like and Subscribe to the channel!

It's time for a special addition if the show with the Holmdel Heroes series! With the Brooks XC Northeast Championships set to be hosted by the historic Holmdel Park, we decided to bring on legendary record holders to discuss. Tonight, Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by former record holders Michelle Rowen and Megan Venables. We talk everything Holmdel. From the difficulty of the course. Changes over the years and of course, the races that they set their records in. Join us for the first part of this two part special for a walk down memory lane with these two legendary ladies. Make sure you like and follow the show!

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Mike Stahr and we talk about an array of topics. Mike gives us his spark that made him want to become a runner then takes a walk down memory lane. From high school to professional success, Mike brings up stories that many haven't heard. We then shift to talking about all the fast times over the last few years. What's the true reason behind them? Can it be maintained?  We then talk about the health of the sport. Is it in a better place after the World Ultimate Championships? If you're a running fan, this is the show for you. Make sure you like and follow the show!

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Craig Segal to chat about all of the amazing things he's doing for the running community at the shore. We start off diving into the amazing events he has been putting on. The growth, the talent and the eye catching results from these successful races are something that can't be ignored. Craig has quickly turned the Outpost into a staple in the running community. From being a local runner to now being a major supporter, he continues to give back in a major way.  You don't want to miss this one, especially if you're a Shore Conference runner! Make sure you like and follow the show!

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Corey Annan and Bakari Tice as we get set for another New Jersey high school XC season!  We go over who we think will be the best for the boys and girls individually and team wise. We also cover and dark horses and potential breakout stars!  It's going to be another great show with the experts. If you want the skinny on this upcoming season, you don't want to miss it. Make sure you like and follow the show!

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by John Grady, Distance Coach at Bishop Eustace Prep, and we cover wide range of topics. We start by finding out his spark for becoming a runner. We take a look at his memories and how is shaped him into the fan he is today.   We then jump into his fandom and talk about the myriad of meets he's been to. He compares and contrasts the differences in the sport from Europe to America.  Lastly, we get his opinion on the state of the sport. Are we in good shape? What can we improve upon?  If you're a fan of track you won't want to miss this one. Between over two decades of experiences as a coach and fan, John Grady delivers a great show.  Make sure you like and follow the show!

In Episode 203 of Talking in Ovals, former competitive runner, reluctant lawyer, and youth track coach Bobby Papazian joins us to share the spark that ignited his athletics journey, standout memories from his career, insights from witnessing Mary Cain’s rise (including the people and dynamics around her), and his take on the health of the sport today along with the changes shaping it. Bobby Papazian:   https://www.instagram.com/bobbyppz   https://www.hunterdonlionstc.org/announcements/278097/introducing-hlxc-cross-country   https://www.gklegal.com/attorneys/robert-j-papazian/

Episode 202 of Talking in Ovals brings Lyle, Dave and Alex together with Ben Andrus, the standout distance runner who just wrapped an unforgettable career at Haddonfield Memorial High School. From the moment the fire first lit in him to chase the clock and the pack, Ben has collected memories that stretch across seasons of breakthroughs, team glory, and personal grit.  We dig into those early sparks and the moments that still stick with him, then turn to what it really felt like balancing individual ambitions inside one of New Jersey’s most dominant programs. Ben opens up about stepping into leadership, carrying the weight of expectations while lifting the guys around him, and finding the right balance between personal bests and team titles. Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the decision that sent him to Boston College, how far he sees himself going in the sport, and the deeper ways running has shaped the person he is becoming. Through a year that tested him with a sudden, life-threatening heart condition from Lyme carditis and the heartbreaking loss of his father just days before one of his biggest races, Ben kept showing up. The resilience that carried him back to the track and onto the podium at places like the Penn Relays and the Meet of Champions is the same quiet strength that will define whatever comes next. This one is about more than splits and medals. It is about the heart of a runner who refuses to quit.  Ben's Instagram - @ben.andrus

Welcome to Episode 201 of Talking in Ovals with your hosts Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt, and Alex Cuesta. In this episode, we are joined by legendary sports writer Jim Lambert and NJ running legend Andy Martin for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious New Jersey track and field projects ever published. We break down Jim Lambert's recent article for NJ MileSplit, where he ranked the top 250 New Jersey Cross Country and Track & Field athletes of all-time, featuring 125 boys and 125 girls. Together, we discuss:  * The standouts, legends, and criteria behind the top 250 list  * Notable names left off the list and the reasons behind those tough cuts  * Active athletes currently competing who have the potential to crack a future edition of the list Read Jim Lambert's full article on NJ MileSplit here: https://nj.milesplit.com/articles/710229/celebrating-250-of-the-best-njtfxc-athletes-of-all-time Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel for more track, field, and cross country coverage. Let us know in the comments who you think belongs on the list.

Episode 200 of Talking in Ovals is here! We’re celebrating a massive milestone: 200 episodes of conversations about track, field, and everything in the world of athletics with Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt and Alex Cuesta! In this special episode we kick things off with a full roundup and our honest takes on the 2026 USATF Outdoor Nationals (held at Icahn Stadium in New York). The performances, the storylines, the surprises, and what it all means heading into the rest of the season. Then we dig into the archives and each share our Top 5 Episodes from the very beginning of the show all the way to now, looking back at the guests, the moments, and the conversations that have defined Talking in Ovals over the years. Whether you’ve been with us since episode 1 or just hopped on recently, this one’s for the whole community. Thanks for listening, watching, and supporting the show all the way to 200! Drop a comment with your favorite episode or biggest takeaway from the USATF Outdoor Nationals. We want to hear from you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Follow us for more track and field talk. YouTube: @TalkingInOvals And check out the full podcast wherever you listen! #TalkingInOvals #Episode200 #USATF #TrackAndField #Athletics #USATFOutdoorNationals #TrackTalk