EP303: W/Guest Interview: Jase from Oat Running Socks

In this episode, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman dive into the latest updates from the local running scene, starting with a breakdown of their recent training weeks. Chris highlights his recent work, including a solid 77km week and 8x1km intervals, as he gears up for upcoming races like the Bundoora XCR and Lakeside 10km. Zac discusses his experience racing the Calder Park Relays—an event that left both hosts questioning the choice of venue while still finding the racing element enjoyable.

The conversation then shifts to the main guest, returning to the show is Jason "Jase" Smith from Oat Running. Jase shares insights into his evolution as a runner since his last appearance on episode 192, detailing how he manages a hectic schedule——alongside his passion for pacing major marathons. They explore his journey into the running industry and the growth of Oat Running, which has transformed from a passion project into a flourishing brand with a expanding range of colors and designs.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the importance of the grassroots running community to Oat Running. Jase explains why he and his partner, Jess, prioritize face-to-face feedback at expos and local run meets over traditional digital advertising. By staying deeply embedded in local run groupsthey have built a brand rooted in trust and genuine performance. Jase also discusses the durability of their gear, noting that while it’s great for the customer, it means they have to continuously innovate with new colorways to keep the community engaged.

The episode also highlights some exciting developments for the brand, including the move into select retail stores across South Australia and Victoria. Jase shares his enthusiasm for upcoming events, specifically looking forward to meeting listeners at the upcoming Sweat vs. Steam expo. They also touch on the brand's reach, with high-performance athletes like Ed Marks choosing to race in Oat socks, proving that the product holds up under the pressure of elite competition just as well as it does for everyday runners.

To wrap up, Jase tackles some quick fire questions from chriso.

You can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au