THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST Cole Sprout & Charles Hicks on Leaving the NCAA Bubble: Identity, Expectations, and What “Washed” Really Means
Feb 4, 2026
Cole Sprout, a former Stanford All-American now testing himself on road 5Ks and longer distances. Charles Hicks, NCAA cross country champion turned 2:09:59 marathoner. They talk about leaving the NCAA bubble, choosing events and training culture, defining “washed” and retirement, building habits and environment, and how identity and expectations shift when stepping into pro running.
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Running As A Platform For Impact
- Running can be a vehicle to have positive impact beyond performance by reaching and helping people.
- Charles Hicks says using running to affect others gives the sport greater long-term meaning.
Stop When Your Inner Drive Stops
- Aging and slowing are inevitable, but the pursuit remains meaningful if you chase getting as close to 100% as possible each day.
- Charles Hicks says you'll know to stop when that daily drive disappears.
Redefine 'Washed' By Effort Not Age
- Measure commitment by effort and heart, not results; you can be 'washed' by mindset, not age.
- Charles Hicks suggests that giving everything on a day keeps you far from being washed.