489. Friendship Fest with Kyle Merber & Chris Chavez

"We’re track and field’s biggest hype people, and we want to share the joy of the sport with as many people as possible." You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who loves track and field more than the dynamic duo ("the greatest bromance in track and field") of Chris Chavez and Kyle Merber. This week, we're turning our Friendship Fest attention to the guys. Chris is the founder of Citius Mag, host of the Citius Mag podcast, former Sports Illustrated journalist, director of the Magic Boost program, and one of the nicest, hardest-working people in the industry. Kyle is a former professional runner (a 3:52 miler! he won the Millrose Games mile as a high schooler!) who retired in 2020, and now works full-time for American Express while also managing The Lap Count newsletter and navigating life as a new dad. Chris and Kyle started as friends (you'll get that full story in this episode), and now work together as collaborators and track and field commentators. In this conversation, they share their enthusiasm for the sport, talk about what it's like when they run together (it's more fun for one of them than it is for the other), and share their big dreams for the future. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. What you’ll get on this episode: Chris and Kyle recall their first meeting (7:00) Why Kyle wanted Chris to help tell his retirement story (11:50) How Chris and Kyle are working together right now (14:25) Chris and Kyle, track and field commentators (22:45) What to expect from Chris and Kyle this summer (33:15) On running together (35:15) What Chris and Kyle are excited about in running right now (37:40) Chris and Kyle share the moments when they were especially proud of each other (44:00) Check out: Chris Chavez on Episode 262 of the Ali on the Run Show Trials of Miles The Real Maine documentary Citius Mag podcast: Kyle Merber Exit Interview and The Importance of Sharing the Athlete Story The Magic Boost program Follow Chris: Instagram @chris_j_chavez Twitter @chrischavez Citius Mag Follow Kyle: Instagram @kylemerber Twitter @TheRealMerb Subscribe to The Lap Count Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!