Sam Hopper is a kiwi that flew the coop, yes Kiwi's are flightless, but not this one when laced up! Hopper jumped - or hopped (sorry) - at the opportunity when the offer to live and train alongside one of Australia's greatest distance runners and Dual Olympian Ben St Lawrence was made mid 2018. Hopper struggled at first whilst regaining his former fitness but through consistent mileage and hard racing for the run crew, some very respectable times have been officially recorded with World Athletics from the 3000mtrs to the half marathon. Hopper now has his sights set on running his first marathon on the Gold Coast this year and is absorbing the extra volume well as he fits his training in around selling shoes at Pace Athletic. At the age of just 26, Hopper has the opportunity for a lengthy marathon career and will no doubt be asserting his presence among the front groups very soon. Hopper is a genuine down to earth guy and really enjoyed the chat as you will too!      Follow Hopper at: Instagram - www.instagram.com/_hopper   Strava - www.strava.com/athletes/31489759   Greatly appreciate your support for the podcast on Patreon -www.patreon.com/therunningguypodcast   The Running Guy Podcast Singlet -www.therunningguypodcastsinglet   The Running Guy Coaching Website - therunningguy.com.au   Instagram - Instagram.com/therunningguypodcast   Facebook - therunningguypodcast   Join The Running Guy Podcast Strava Club -  therunningguypodcast   YouTube Channel youtube.com/channel/UCAvM0q11KzHkLBoL0LX_9lw   Opening music - Artist: Dan Henig Song: Flames Closing music -  Artist: Dan Henig Song: Wood   DanHenig.com   Hey guy's if you are enjoying listening to the show and would like to make a small donation of support then follow this PayPal link https://paypal.me/astonduncan?locale.x=en_AU