The Active You

EPISODE 20!!

We had to do something a little different for this one.

20 episodes = 20 questions. Rob and John take turns putting each other on the spot with running hot takes, controversial opinions, NYC Marathon questions and a few opportunities to call each other out.

Do runners take Strava too seriously? Do you really need a hydration vest for a 5K? What's one popular running shoe John just doesn't get? Who's going to be more emotional at the NYC Marathon finish line?

And after 20 episodes together, what have these two actually learned from each other?

Episode 20 of The Active You is out now!

Now we want to know: What's YOUR most controversial running opinion?

All aboard! We're heading to the New York City Marathon!

Rob and John are officially on the train from Buffalo to NYC, kicking off our new mini series, The Active You: The Road to the New York City Marathon!

In Episode 1, we're checking in on marathon training, race-day nerves, weather predictions, and goals for the big day. Plus, we're talking racing shoes, packing for marathon weekend, and everything we're looking forward to in New York City.

Both guys are planning to race in the New Balance SC Elite v6, but how many pairs of shoes did they actually bring?

Have you run NYC before? Send us your best marathon tips! And if you have favorite restaurants, breweries, or must-visit spots in the city, we'd love your recommendations.

Follow along throughout marathon weekend for more episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and plenty of running talk!

Cheers!

SO. MANY. NEW. SHOES.

Episode 19 of The Active You is all about the latest running shoe drops hitting Runner’s Roost.

Rob and John start with what they ran in today and, somehow, they both showed up in the New Balance 1080 v15. From there, we’re breaking down new shoes from On, ASICS, Puma and New Balance, including everything from everyday trainers and stability shoes to lightweight speed shoes and race-day options.

In this episode:

• On Cloudsurfer 3

• On Cloudrunner 3 Max

• ASICS GT-2000 15

• ASICS Blazeblast

• Puma Deviate Pure Nitro

• Puma Velocity Nitro 5

• Puma ForeverRun Nitro 3

• New Balance SuperComp Elite v6

• New Balance SuperComp Rebel

We’re talking stack heights, drops, weights, foams, plates, fit and, most importantly, what these shoes actually feel like and who might enjoy running in them.

Rob and John also look ahead at some of the shoes they’re excited to see heading into 2027 and talk about their plans for the New York City Marathon.

Which of these new drops are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

The Active You is presented by Runner’s Roost Western New York.

Like, subscribe and follow along for more conversations about running, shoes, training and staying active.

Cheers!

Episode 18 is a little different.

A guest cancellation meant Rob and John were left to wing it, crack open a beer at the BEGINNING of the episode, and see where the conversation went.

They start with Monday Run Club after putting some miles in the HOKA Clifton Pro and share their thoughts on where the shoe fits into an already stacked running shoe market.

Then, the NYC Marathon gets real.

Rob and John talk training, race goals, fueling, logistics, what they're most excited about, who is definitely going to overpack, what they're eating after 26.2 miles, and why John's already planning on keeping everyone out of trouble before race day.

With 18 episodes officially under our belt, we also take a look back at The Active You so far. Rob and John share some of their favorite episodes, funniest moments, conversations that have stuck with them, and what they hope this show can accomplish as it continues to grow.

From running shoes and marathon training to finding the people who motivate you to get moving, this episode gets right back to what The Active You is all about.

Subscribe and follow along as Rob, John and the Runner's Roost crew continue training for the 2026 NYC Marathon.

Have a favorite TAY episode or moment so far? Let us know in the comments!

What happens when you decide to run a 5K at EVERY Wegmans?

Meet Ryan Smith, aka @wegmansrunner.

Ryan joins Rob and John for Episode 17 to talk about The Ultimate Grocery Run, his mission to start and finish a run at every Wegmans location, with more than 60 stores already checked off at the time of filming.

But Ryan’s running story goes far beyond the grocery store. He shares how he found running 13 years ago, getting into the Boston Marathon through an unexpected sweepstakes, running Disney and why his family has become such an important part of his journey.

At the time we filmed, Ryan had completed 8 marathons and was preparing for the Sydney Marathon. We can officially update that number: Ryan finished Sydney and is now a 9-time marathon finisher!

With Ryan preparing for Sydney and Rob and John training for NYC, the guys also get into the realities of marathon training: long runs, Buffalo summer heat, hydration, fueling, running shoes and, apparently, eating sandwiches mid-race.

Ryan also shares the story of proposing to his wife after finishing the Walt Disney World Marathon and the philosophy behind all of his adventures: create your own fun, dream big and build a “life resume” full of experiences you’ll want to remember.

It’s running, Wegmans, family, food and a whole lot of miles on Episode 17 of The Active You.

Running has always been about more than http://miles.In Episode 16 of The Active You, we're joined by Ross John Jr., founder of Run Like A Native, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Native athletes, preserving Indigenous running traditions, and using running as a way to connect communities.Ross shares how running served as a vital form of communication for Native Nations through the historic Messenger role, where runners carried important messages between communities long before modern technology. We also dive into the stories of legendary Indigenous athletes like Billy Mills, Lewis "Deerfoot" Bennett, Tom Longboat, Jim Thorpe, and Frank Pierce, whose contributions to the sport deserve far more recognition.Beyond history, we discuss how Run Like A Native is creating opportunities for Indigenous runners today by sponsoring athletes, hosting community events, and encouraging runners to reconnect with nature, community, and the deeper purpose behind every run.Whether you're a lifelong runner, new to the sport, or simply love learning the stories that shaped it, this conversation offers a perspective you won't want to http://miss.In this episode:🏃 Ross's running journey and the creation of Run Like A Native🌎 The Indigenous history of running and the Messenger tradition🏅 Legendary Native runners who changed the sport🤝 Building community through running🌲 Connecting with the land through movement🎽 Sponsoring the next generation of Indigenous runners👟 What everyone wore to Monday Run Club🍻 Local craft beer to close out the showLearn more about Run Like A Native:Website: https://www.runlikeanative.orgInstagram: @runlikeanativeFacebook: Run Like A NativeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow runner. New episodes of The Active You premiere every other Sunday, featuring conversations with runners, coaches, industry leaders, and the people helping shape the running community.

Running is about so much more than pace, finish times, or chasing personal records.

In Episode 15 of The Active You, Rob and John sit down with Brooks Running Tech Rep Courtney Schatz to talk about her journey from growing up in Montana to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the running community across Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and West Virginia.

Courtney shares how running shaped her life, why community matters, what makes specialty running stores different, and why Brooks continues to be one of the most trusted brands in running. The conversation also dives into the latest Brooks shoes including the Hyperion Max 4, Glycerin 23, Glycerin Flex, Ghost Max 3, Cascadia 19, Adrenaline GTS 25, apparel innovations, and what runners can look forward to next.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, your next marathon, or simply looking for a welcoming running community, this episode is packed with stories, shoe talk, and reminders that running can look different for everyone.

Topics include: • Courtney's running journey • Working for Brooks Running • Why specialty running stores still matter • Brooks shoe technology • The importance of local running communities • Group runs and demo nights • Trail running and staying active • Why anyone can be a runner

Subscribe for new episodes every other Sunday.

Hosted by Runner's Roost Western New York.

Summer is here, and so is marathon training.

In Episode 14, Rob and John break down what every runner should know about training through heat and humidity. They discuss why your pace slows down during the summer, hydration and electrolyte strategies, fueling for long runs, preventing chafing, choosing the right summer gear, and what it's like beginning training for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Coach Luke Rogers.

The episode also wraps up with a comparison between the Saucony Triumph 24 and the Nike Vomero Plus to help runners decide which max-cushion trainer might be right for them.

Whether you're running your first 5K or preparing for your next marathon, this episode is full of practical tips to help you train smarter all summer.

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode14

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The newest running shoes are here, and we're breaking down all of the biggest releases!

This week on The Active You, John and Rob dive into some of the hottest running shoes to hit the market, including the ASICS Novablast 6, Saucony Triumph 24, Paramount Max, Procyon Max, Endorphin Elite 3, Mizuno Wave Rider 30, Neo Vista 3, R.A.D. Mallow, and the upcoming HOKA Clifton Pro.

From daily trainers and max-cushion shoes to race-day super shoes, we discuss what makes each model unique, who they're designed for, and which releases have impressed us the most.

We also wrap up the episode by announcing the brand-new Summer Send-Off 8K on August 20th at Wings Flights of Hope. Learn why we chose an 8K, what makes this event different, and how it will support an incredible local organization.

Whether you're training for your next race, shopping for your next pair of shoes, or simply love talking running, this episode is packed with everything you need to know.

What shoe are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow The Active You for new episodes every other Sunday.

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode-13

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Saucony seems to be having a moment... but did they ever really leave?

This week on The Active You, Rob and John dive into why Saucony has become one of the hottest brands in running, what's fueling the success of the Endorphin lineup, and why the Triumph 24 is getting so much attention. They also discuss Puma's commitment to specialty running stores and how the brand has quietly become one of the biggest innovators in the industry.

Beyond running shoes, the conversation shifts to sports as they celebrate the New York Knicks ending a 53-year championship drought and talk about the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup. They also discuss why major sporting events inspire so many people to get active.

Finally, they recap the Saint Greg's race, why summer racing can suddenly feel so much harder, how to adjust to changing weather conditions, and why one disappointing race should never define an entire training cycle.

In Episode 10 of The Active You, we sit down with Luke Rogers, a former basketball player turned runner and Runner’s Roost store coach. Luke shares how an ACL injury helped lead him into running and what it was like starting from the very beginning. Running did not come easy at first, but through consistency, patience, and showing up every day, he learned that you do not have to be a naturally gifted runner to become a great one. We talk about coaching at Runner’s Roost, helping runners build confidence, the common things runners overlook, and what it was like training John and helping him work toward a PR. Luke also shares why easy runs should actually be easy, why sleep, recovery, eating right, and core work matter, and how altitude training challenged his mindset. We also get into poker and how running teaches you to play the long game. Whether you are a new runner, getting back into it, or chasing your next goal, this episode is all about hard work, consistency, and trusting the process.

n Episode 11 of The Active You, we sit down with longtime Mizuno representative and running industry veteran, RunBird Riley. With nearly 16 years at Mizuno, Riley has helped countless runners find the right shoe, understand the latest technology, and most importantly, enjoy the process of running. We also dive into a fun piece of running history as John and Riley share how they first connected years ago through the Running Shoe Geeks Facebook community before eventually meeting in person at Runner's Roost. What started as online conversations about running shoes turned into a friendship built around a shared passion for running and helping others stay active. Throughout the episode, Riley shares insights from his years in the industry, how running shoes have evolved, and why he believes the best running shoe isn't necessarily the most expensive, the most advanced, or the most popular. Instead, it's the shoe that you enjoy running in. From shoe fitting and technology to building confidence in runners of all experience levels, this conversation highlights the importance of finding gear that works for you and embracing an active lifestyle on your own terms. We even crack open a few beers Riley brought from Pennsylvania while talking running, community, shoe geek culture, and what keeps people coming back to the sport year after year. Whether you're training for your next race, just getting started, or simply curious about the world of running shoes, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode 9 of The Active You is all about the lifelong impact of movement, resilience, and finding your way back through running. In this episode, we sit down to talk about growing up in an active family, from having a dad who was a track coach and part of the original Bell Watling group, to a mom whose own running story became a powerful example of strength while battling cancer. We dive into early running memories, high school and college experiences, Turkey Trots, races, marathons, half marathons, and what it means to carry an active lifestyle from childhood into adulthood. We also talk about the difficult shift from being an active person to navigating Lyme disease after being diagnosed in 2022. This episode shares the story of figuring out what was really going on, the years of struggle and treatment that followed, and how running and staying active played a meaningful role in recovery. We also discuss the support of Lyme WNY, the importance of awareness, and key facts and statistics about Lyme disease. This is a conversation about family, running, health, community, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Support Lyme WNY here: https://www.lymewny.com

Episode 8 of The Active You features a powerful conversation with Max founder of Mind Over Foundation and Nick founder of Mind Over Foundation from Mind Over Foundation.

We talk about what it really means to choose being active, not just physically but mentally. From pushing your limits to building resilience, this episode dives into how movement, discipline, and community can help you navigate life’s challenges.

Max and Nick share their personal journeys, how they’ve overcome obstacles, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference. We also talk about building a community of like-minded individuals who push each other to grow and succeed.

If you’re looking for motivation, perspective, and a reminder of why you started, this episode is for you.

Want to get involved? Check out their upcoming event on May 9–10 and learn more here: https://mindoverfoundation.com/

Take us with you on your next run, walk, or workout.

We dive into how he built the brand, what goes into running a business in the gear and performance space, and why taking care of your equipment matters more than most people think. Whether it’s your running shoes, ski gear, or soccer equipment, proper care can extend the life of your gear and keep you performing at your best.

We also talk about what we’ve been running in lately and what’s ahead for Revive and Revel, including some exciting things on the horizon.

If you’re serious about getting the most out of your gear and your training, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Shop the shoes from the show here:

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode7

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Episode 6 of The Active You is packed with everything from miles to mindset. We kick things off talking about what we’ve been running in, including the New Balance 1080v15 and the Ellipse, a great option for younger runners or anyone looking for solid performance at a more approachable price point.

We dive into how training helps calm race day nerves, why recovery matters more than you think, and the role things like massages and healing play in staying consistent. We also talk about why slow miles still count, how hills can make you a stronger runner, and why showing up matters.

We get into the balance between running solo and running with a group, the accountability that comes with it, and how having a routine can elevate your training. Plus, we touch on testing your nutrition before race day, running with or without headphones, and dialing in what works best for you.

To wrap it up, we cheers with some incredible beers from Chandler St. Breweries and talk about what we’ve been loving lately.

Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to stay consistent, this episode is full of tips to help you keep moving forward.

Shop the shoes from the show here:

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode6

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Episode 5 of The Active You is all about getting back outside. With winter winding down, we’re talking about the return of sunlight, why getting natural light in the morning matters, and how it helps regulate your circadian rhythm and overall energy.

We dive into the science behind blue light, what “blue hour” actually means, and why those early morning rays can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day. We also touch on staying safe in the sun and what to know with the upcoming burn ban in Western New York.

On the fun side, we’re getting excited for everything that comes with spring. Fishing season is around the corner, golf is back (and yes, we’re still saying trail shoes make great golf shoes), and hiking season is almost here. We break down what we look for in a great trail shoe including grip, durability, comfort, and versatility, plus some upcoming models we’re excited to test.

We also recap what we ran in, featuring the Nike Vomero Premium, and talk about why it’s quickly becoming a favorite for both of us.

To round things out, we hit on a huge win for the Sabres and highlight top performances from the LA Marathon.

Perfect for your next run, walk, or time outside

Shop the shoes from the show here:

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode5

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In Episode 4 of The Active You, we dive into what it really takes to stay active for the long run. From recovery strategies to fueling your body the right way, we talk about why rest, nutrition, and consistency matter just as much as the miles you put in.

We also touch on some Olympic moments that inspired us and discuss a couple of the shoes we took out for a run tonight, including the Nike Vomero Premium and the PUMA MagMax 2 Nitro.

If you're looking to stay healthy, run stronger, and enjoy the process of staying active, this episode is for you. Lace up, head out for your run, and take us with you.

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode4

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In Episode 3, we’re diving deep into one of our favorite topics, running shoes. From super trainers to race-day rockets, we break down the shoes we’re loving right now and the ones we cannot wait to log miles in.

If you’re searching for your next daily trainer, marathon shoe, or performance upgrade, this episode is packed with honest thoughts from real runners in the active community.

👟 Shoes We’re Loving Right Now

We talk about:

• ASICS Superblast – A versatile super trainer that blends max cushioning with surprising speed.
• ASICS Metaspeed Ray (Tokyo edition) – A lightweight, race-ready carbon-plated shoe built for serious PR attempts.
• PUMA performance trainers – Why Puma is stepping up in a big way in the performance running space.
• Saucony Endorphin Azura – A modern shoe with serious vintage Saucony vibes.
• RAD UFO – A unique entry into the performance running shoe world that caught us by surprise.

🚀 Shoes We’re Excited to Run In

We also share what’s coming next in our rotation:

• Mizuno Wave Sky – Known for its plush cushioning and smooth ride for long miles.
• Mount to Coast H1 – A distance-focused shoe that’s building major buzz in the endurance community.
• Paramount Max – A max-cushioned option we’re excited to test on long runs and recovery days.

Whether you’re training for a marathon, building base miles, joining your local run club, or just love staying up to date on the latest performance running shoes, this episode is for you.

If you’re part of the active lifestyle community and love geeking out over foam compounds, stack heights, and race-day feel — welcome home.

Shop the shoes from the show here:

https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/episode3

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We took The Active You on the road to San Antonio for The Running Event, the biggest event in the run specialty world and we’re bringing you along for the ride.

In this episode, we talk about:

👟 The FREE shoes we got our hands on

🏃‍♂️ Running with RAD Running

💙 What we’re excited about from Brooks Running

🎥 Behind-the-scenes moments from the expo floor

🌮 The tacos, laughs, and everything in between

If you love running shoes, new gear, industry insight, and being part of the active community, this episode is for you.

Shop the shoes from the shoe here; https://shop.therunnersroost.com/collections/the-active-you-episode-2

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👇 Drop a comment: What shoe are you most excited about in 2025?