"Not all rectangles are squares. That’s how I dissect who’s self-conscious and not in the short-shorts vs. tights debates." Welcome back to “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!” I’ve worked in the running industry in some capacity for roughly a decade now, and as much as I’ve immersed myself, there’s still so much I don’t know or understand. So if I, a relative industry insider, am still confused about things like shoe contracts, waterfall starts on the track, and world rankings (seriously, what's up with world rankings?), surely I’m not alone. And since the 2023 World Athletics Championships competition kicks off this weekend in Budapest, it felt urgent to get the inside scoop. So today, former professional runner and founder of The Lap Count (and track and field’s biggest fan and hype guy) Kyle Merber returns to answer all of your (and some of my) questions about the World Championships. Big Qs and Little Qs and world stage paydays and the Media 800, and more! SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. For more, check out: Everything You Need to Know About Track & Field Everything You Need to Know About the Business of Running Follow Kyle: Instagram @kylemerber Subscribe to The Lap Count Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!