🎙️ The Trackstaa Podcast I London 2026 Elite Race HOKA PB Protocol Preview with Ellis Cross & Andy Hobdell Live from HOKA Hub

The Trackstaa Podcast live from HOKA Hub in London previews the 2026 elite marathon field with Ellis Cross and coach Andy Hobdell, dissecting the psychological and physical demands of a debut marathon. Ellis reflects on his 2:10 debut in Seville, revealing that the most profound lesson wasn't pace or training—but enduring grueling sessions while physically broken, learning that mental toughness is forged not in triumph, but in showing up when every fiber screams to quit. Andy emphasizes that the real breakthrough for elite athletes isn't talent alone, but the team environment: the banter, camaraderie, and shared struggle that fuel performance. He argues that the PB Protocol athletes are now in a 'performance' phase—not just development—because HOKA’s investment in a cohesive team culture has created a self-sustaining engine of excellence. The episode also delivers a stark warning: AI-generated coaching and doping remain the sport’s greatest threats, with both speakers calling for clean competition and a return to fundamentals. As the London Marathon looms, the consensus is clear—this isn’t just about breaking records, but about building legacy through relentless, collective effort.