The Trailhead

Romy Ancona is a DJ, trail runner, and the force behind Broken Arrow's famously joyful finish line. Born in Cozumel and now based in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley, Romy learned to mix on a trackpad on their mom's Windows laptop before somehow landing their first gig at a Maxim Magazine party in Hollywood. These days, they split time between spinning tracks on the mountain and chasing vertical on skis and trails. In this conversation, Romy talks about shedding DJ ego, their work on Broken Arrow's inclusivity advisory council (think glitter, bubbles, and rainbow slip-and-slide dreams), and how a 2022 accident that broke their back reshaped their relationship to running. As they put it: as much as moving hurts, not moving hurts more. Plus: the lost art of the mixtape, why they watch pro paintball on the treadmill, and a running playlist spanning Celia Cruz to Limp Bizkit. This episode is brought to you by Running Warehouse, your source for jackets, gloves, headlamps, and reflective gear to get you through the dark, cold months. Race Spotlight: Registration is open for the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker —50 miles and 12,000+ feet of climbing through stunning North Carolina single track. Sign up at ultrasignup.com.

Lindsey Freeman is a sociologist, writer, and lifelong runner whose book Running offers a feminist and queer reading of the sport. In this conversation, Zoë and Brendan talk with Lindsey about what it means to treat running as a practice, becoming yourself through repetition, staying soft, and trusting that showing up matters even when outcomes don't. The conversation moves through ideas like the magic circle that makes it acceptable to try really hard in public, the growth of queer run clubs, and the strange emotional math of caring deeply about things that often disappoint you. There's also a delightful tangent about Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian being a serious runner. Lindsey's advice for writer's block and bonking alike? Have a snack and come back tomorrow. Get her amazing book here. This episode is brought to you by Fast Pickle —grab-and-go pickle juice shots at fastpickle.com—and Tantrums , makers of the Crest 6 hydration pack at tantrums.run. Plus: Ultra Trail Drakensberg in South Africa is now open for registration at ultrasignup.com.

Raziq Rauf didn't set out to become a running writer, he set out to avoid burnout as a music journalist covering London's metal and hardcore scene. Now, through his newsletter Running Sucks, he brings that same critical eye to the running industry, asking where authentic culture ends and brand activations begin. We talk about his transition from music journalism to running writing, how to spot the difference between meaningful community and manufactured hype, and discover there's exactly one death metal cowboy concept album in existence, the perfect metaphor for niche subcultures like running. This episode is brought to you by Running Warehouse, helping you stay warm and visible through winter with jackets, headlamps, and gear that keeps you honest about getting out the door. Our featured race is the Zion Ultras on April 11th, 2026, five distances through desert mesas with thousand-foot sandstone cliffs. Registration closes April 8th at UltraSignup.com. The Trailhead is part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network.

Nick Thompson has spent his life chasing big stories and finish lines. The CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground joins Zoë and Brendan to talk about running through life's hardest moments, from a cancer diagnosis at 30 to balancing elite training with parenthood and a high-powered media career. Together, they explore why running became Nick's anchor through chaos and change, the strange parallels between journalism and endurance sports, and the lessons he learned from his father, and why he runs to not become him. They talk about what aging athletes get wrong about decline, the emotional threshold of a "real" ultra (and the world's shortest one), and how Nick manages to fit sub-three-hour marathons into a 60-hour work week. Along the way, Zoë and Brendan share their own thoughts on parenting as endurance training, finish-line family moments, and why run commuting deserves a comeback. The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports is out now from Penguin Random House. Sponsored by: LMNT, stay hydrated year-round with a free sample pack at drinklmnt.com/ultrasignup. Featured Race: Peacock Gap Trail Run — a love letter to Bay Area trails at China Camp State Park.

What kind of person dreams up the hardest race on earth, and then follows it up with one of the weirdest? This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan dive deep into the mind of Lazarus Lake, the man behind both the Barkley Marathons and Big's Backyard Ultra. Our guest, author Jared Beasley, joins to talk about his new book on Laz, unpacking the mystery, mischief, and mythology that made one man's backyard into a global endurance phenomenon. We explore what drives people to suffer on purpose, why Laz's races capture our collective imagination, and what they say about the culture of ultrarunning itself. 🏃‍♀️ Featured Race: Yankee Springs Winter Challenge — 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K distances in Middleville, Michigan on January 3, 2026 . A beautiful, snowy loop through Yankee Springs State Recreation Area. Fast course, frosty singletrack, and plenty of aid. 👉 Register now on UltraSignup. 👟 Presented by: UltraSignup, check out all our podcasts! 💥 Sponsored by: Running Warehouse — your source for the best shoes, gear, and deals in trail and ultrarunning.

Harvard evolutionary biologist Dan Lieberman is the scientist whose work reshaped how we understand running. His research on human evolution helped popularize the idea that we're born to run, that our bodies, from our toes and tendons to our oversized glutes, are uniquely adapted for endurance. In this conversation, he joins Zoë and Brendan to explore what running reveals about being human. This week's featured race is the Naughty Hog 100k, 50k, 25k, 10k, and 5k! Dec 20. Register now! We dig into why ultrarunning is evolutionarily bizarre but still deeply natural, what persistence hunting really looked like, and how belly fat, treadmills-as-torture-devices, and even the barefoot craze all tie into our running story. It's part science lesson, part reminder that while we didn't evolve for nipple tape, running is still one of the most human things we do. Thanks to LMNT for supporting The Trailhead!

Joe Grant has always blurred the lines between athlete and artist. From racing UTMB and Hardrock to biking between Colorado 14ers, Joe's career has evolved into something bigger than competition—projects that fuse endurance, place, and creativity. In this conversation, Joe joins hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard to talk about his journey from racing to FKTs to local San Juan projects, why he ditched the watch, and how he balances gear geekery with poetry and film photography. If you've ever wondered how running can fuel creative work—or vice versa—this episode goes deep into what it means to truly be present on the trail. Thanks to Running Warehouse for sponsoring The Trailhead! And check out the Best Day Ever Ultra, register now to reserve your spot! 👉 Subscribe to The Trailhead wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube . 🎧 Check out other shows on the UltraSignup Podcast Network: The Buzz with Buzz Burrell — grounded takes on the big ideas shaping trail and ultrarunning. Between Two Pines — conversations that connect trail running with culture, community, and the outdoors.

This week on The Trailhead , Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with one of ultrarunning's most quietly legendary figures: Junko Kazukawa. A two-time Leadwoman, breast cancer survivor, and one of the few athletes to complete both the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and the Leadwoman series in a single year, Junko's story is a masterclass in resilience and joy. Born in Sapporo, Japan, and now based in Denver, Junko shares how she started running in the U.S. after coming over as a student, how she trained through cancer treatments, and why she still lines up for 100- and 200-mile races at age 62. She talks about the identity and community she's built through the sport, how her view of fitness has evolved over decades, and why she believes "glutes are everything." We also hear about her favorite races around the world, from the Tour de Géants to Mount Fuji, and what keeps her motivated to take on new challenges even as recovery gets harder with age. Whether you're chasing your first ultra or your 26th, Junko's joy and perspective will make you want to lace up and keep going. Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from shoes to nutrition, packs and socks, with free two-day shipping. Register now for the Antelope Canyon Ultras! These desert classics always sell out, get your spot now!

Take our listener survey! It takes just five minutes, and your input helps shape the future of UltraSignup! Take it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCgLdj8-92G_pLDxkPfuJ0-r477MzZPieRx_qlj1cmP2oybA/viewform?usp=header This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan sit down with writer, runner, and trail storyteller Sarah Lavender Smith. Sarah has been chronicling the culture of trail and ultrarunning for more than 15 years, from writing for early trail mags to her popular Substack newsletter Mountain Running and Living . She joins us to talk about how she went from journalism to the trails, and how running became not just a sport but a second career. Sarah opens up about what it means to write honestly about midlife and aging, how she's rethinking her relationship with alcohol, and why acceptance is sometimes the hardest training block of all. She also shares the story of finishing Hardrock at 56 and why stage racing like the Grand to Grand Ultra has become her true test of endurance. Along the way, we get into parenting at aid stations, practicing maximum enthusiasm, and how she's turning all of this into her next big project: a memoir. It's a conversation about resilience, storytelling, and the strange joy of chasing meaning in the mountains, sometimes through suffering, sometimes through laughter, but always through a love of the trail. Thanks to Running Warehouse for sponsoring The Trailhead! This week's featured race, Go Wild! Marin Challenge.

. 📣 Listener Survey: We want your feedback to keep making podcasts you love! Take our quick listener survey. Take it here! This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan sit down with writer and ultrarunner Nick Triolo , author of The Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere . From circumnavigating mountains to ditching Strava and racing for a year, Nick shares what it means to move through landscapes differently, choosing circles over summits, presence over performance, and curiosity over metrics. We talk about why loops feel so satisfying, how creative practice overlaps with running, and what happens when you stop measuring progress and start running just to run. Plus, the crew debates their favorite loops and why "there's nowhere else to go" might be the ultimate running mantra 🏃‍♀️ Featured Race: Cowboy Yeti in Bastrop, Texas—20K loops, mild winter weather, and maybe even Brendan's birthday bash. 👟 Sponsor: Thanks to Sidas for supporting this episode. Keep your feet happy on every loop with high-performance socks, insoles, and blister protection—UltraSignup listeners get 20% off at sidas.us.

Love our podcasts? Help us make them even better! Take our quick UltraSignup Podcast Listener Survey! What happens when a road marathoner tackles one of the wildest ultra challenges out there, solo? In this episode, Zoë and Brendan sit down with Tommie Runz (@tommie_runz): plant-based athlete, podcast host, father, and (accidentally?) ultra-endurance legend. Tommie didn't grow up running, but after choosing sobriety in 2017, he found clarity, purpose, and eventually, a new identity in the miles. We trace his journey from gym rat to six-star marathon finisher to taking on The Speed Project solo—six ultramarathons in six days across the desert, with no prior experience beyond 26.2. He opens up about recovery (physical and emotional), the myth of "rock bottom," and how a surprise video from his kids mid-race broke him down, and gave him the strength to keep going. Also: vegan aid station food, the case for trekking poles on pavement, and whether road ultras are actually super hardcore. Thanks to our partners at LMNT – A tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't. Get a free sample pack on us! Check out the Kismet Cliff Run to experience on of the Beast Coast's coolest trail races! Race is September 14, registration is open now!

Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey. UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan catch up with Katie ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut to talk about how she's evolved as a competitor, why she used to downplay her ambitions, and what's changed in both the sport and herself since her eighth-place finish at UTMB back in 2021. They dig into why UTMB might just be the "Goldilocks" race of the sport, how Katie and her partner are spending the summer training in Colorado's San Juans, and how her background in geology shapes the way she sees, and runs through, the landscape. Katie also shares her take on the term "sub-ultra" and why she thinks we've maybe overcomplicated what's just... running. Plus, Buzz Burrell drops in for a TrailCon Hall of Fame recap, a preview of a potential Katie vs. Courtney showdown at UTMB, and a quick nod to the real MVPs: New England moms on Facebook. This episode is brought to you by SIDAS, makers of high-performance insoles, socks, and footbeds specifically designed for trail running. Whether you're grinding out vert or trying to keep your feet happy past hour six, SIDAS gear is built to handle the unpredictable trail, so your feet don't have to. Check them out at sidas.us and give your feet the upgrade they deserve. And if you're dreaming of a trail experience that's less race and more wild adventure, don't miss our featured adventure: Ruta de los Arrieros , a three-day expedition run through Colombia's ancient gold routes. Expect big climbs, river crossings, waterfall rappels, jungle villages, and about as much trail magic as you can handle. It's capped at just 10 runners this year and kicks off September 14, so if you're into chasing moments instead of PRs, this one's for you. Registration closes August 20 at UltraSignup .

Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey. This week on The Trailhead , we're joined by the one and only Kofuzi, a self-proclaimed non-elite YouTube runner who's built a global following by filming marathons, gear reviews, and everyday runs with heart, humor, and a handheld camera. Zoë and Brendan chat with him about the leap from roads to trails, what it really takes to make running content, and why being "exceptionally average" might be a superpower. Whether you're here for the shoe talk, the trail stoke, or the shared love of goofy long runs, this one's for you. Follow Kofuzi: YouTube & Instagram: @kofuzi Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting the Trailhead! Check them out for all your gear, apparel and nutriton needs.

This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who's showing us what it means to run with purpose. Based in the lush foothills of Southern Appalachia, Abigail blends endurance and artistry, carving out time (and linoleum) to tell stories about wild places, climate, and community. We dive into everything from FKTs in the Georgia mountains to why training for ultras is a terrible match with art fair season. Abigail shares how she captures the emotional texture of landscapes through printmaking, why she's obsessed with spiderweb-filled singletrack, and what it means to be an entrepreneurial artist-athlete in a world that doesn't quite know what to do with either. Plus: the problem with art world algorithms, the reality of life in a construction zone, and a full-throated defense of Waffle House. Grab your gravy and your gaiters, this one goes deep. The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas! The company that supports your feet so that they can support you!

This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan are joined by performance scientist, coach, and author Steve Magness for a deep dive into the messy, meaningful side of mental toughness. Known for calling BS on outdated notions of grit, Steve shares insights from his latest book, Win the Inside Game , and challenges the idea that suffering is the only path to success. Instead, he makes the case for curiosity, flexibility, and joy as essential ingredients for growth, not just in running, but in life. Together, they explore how identity, external validation, and over-optimization can get in the way of real performance. Steve explains why some of the fastest runners he's coached only started thriving once they let go of the pressure to be a runner, and how elite athletes like Sara Hall have learned to recalibrate their goals to preserve their peace of mind. He makes the case for ditching the data when it stops serving us, and why meaningful community—not metrics—is what actually makes us better. They also unpack what running has to teach us about feeling deeply, building connection, and making space for the full human experience. Whether it's the emotional highs of crewing a friend at 2 a.m., the quiet power of a watchless workout, or the absurd relief of pushing an empty jogging stroller just to feel fast again—this conversation is a funny, honest, and refreshing reminder that running doesn't have to be a grind. It can be recess. And maybe that's the whole point. Up your hydration game LMNT Lemonade and get a sample pack on us! Register for Run for the Ages 10k!

Check out the Cloud Cap Marathon here! Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from shoes to sun hoodies, with free two-day shipping. This week on The Trailhead , we're joined by one of the most thoughtful voices in endurance sports writing: Alex Hutchinson. You might know him from his Outside column, Sweat Science , or his bestselling book Endure . But today, we're talking about his newest work— The Explorer's Gene —and what it reveals about why we push into the unknown, whether we're climbing literal mountains or trying the weirdest thing on a menu. In this wide-ranging and unexpectedly hilarious conversation, we dig into: The "explore vs. exploit" dilemma, and how it shows up in our running, routines, and lives Why inefficiency is essential to joy and creativity How kids (and ultrarunners) are wired for uncertainty The effort paradox: why hard things feel more meaningful What AI, IKEA furniture, and running have in common Alex also shares how becoming a parent and moving beyond his "Endurance Science Guy" brand shaped his perspective on curiosity, comfort zones, and career detours. Whether you're stuck in a rut, planning your next big adventure, or wondering if it's time to zag instead of zig, this one's for you.

This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan put coach and writer Mario Fraioli in the hot seat with their burning trail running questions. From "How slow is too slow?" to "When does running become hiking?" we tackle the big, the small, and the existential dilemmas runners face on (and off) the trail. Come for the laughs, stay for Mario's wisdom, and find out why running might just be a Sisyphean project we willingly signed up for. Check out Mario on the Morning Shakeout. This episode is brought to you by Arc'teryx Footwear. The Vertex Speed is your new go-to for mountain adventures. Obsessively designed. Athlete-tested. Trailhead approved. Available online and in Arc'teryx stores. Catch the Trailhead live at Meet the Minotaur Skyrace in June!

What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead , Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with Sabrina Little: ultrarunner, philosopher, ethics professor, mom of (soon to be) three, and author of The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners . Sabrina's work sits at the fascinating intersection of character development, everyday ethics, and endurance sports. She teaches philosophy at Christopher Newport University and writes a beloved ethics column for iRunFar —and she's here to explore how running can be a "laboratory for virtue," where our daily choices shape who we become both on and off the trail. Together, we unpack: How running teaches us about moral character (whether we know it or not) Everyday ethical choices in sport and life—beyond the big scandals Why we hedge the truth (even when no one's watching) What it means to celebrate others' success while still chasing your own The role of humor and humility in building resilience How parenting and philosophy collide And why runners aren't just chasing finish lines—they're practicing becoming better people. 🏃‍♂️ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Running Warehouse! Running Warehouse makes it easy to gear up for your next big adventure with thousands of in-depth reviews, expert advice, and fast, free shipping. Whether you're chasing vert in the mountains or keeping it local on your home trails, Running Warehouse has you covered with the best brands and the biggest selection of shoes, apparel, and gear. Before you head out for your next run, stock up at Running Warehouse. Links and Resources: 🧩 The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little: Buy the book 🖋️ Sabrina's ethics column for iRunFar Follow Sabrina on Instagram: @sabrina.little This episode of The Trailhead is hosted by Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard. It's part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. If you loved this conversation, share it with your trail crew, leave us a review, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure. Follow the show at @trailheadpod , or drop us a line at [email protected] — we'd love to hear your stories, guest ideas, or just say hi! And be sure to check out all the other great shows in the Ultra Podcast Network.

Welcome Brendan Leonard to The Trailhead! He's the mind behind Semi-Rad , the master of stick figure cartoons, and now, he's Zoë's new co-host on The Trailhead . But instead of the usual "tell us about yourself" intro, we're doing things our way. In this episode, Brendan gets interviewed by the person who knows him best—his mom. Kathy Leonard pulls no punches in this no-holds-barred sit-down, asking about everything from poop strategies to race regrets. We also chat about what drew Brendan to ultrarunning, why the middle of the pack is where the magic happens, and how humor helps us survive the weirdest parts of trail running. We're not here to chase clout or finish lines—we're here for the characters, the comedy, and the community that make this sport what it is. Thanks to Our Partners, Skratch Labs! Fuel your long runs the smart way—with real food ingredients backed by science. Grab your free sample pack at skratchlabs.com with code REALFOODFUEL .

Big changes are happening at The Trailhead ! In this episode, co-hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell reflect on Buzz's legendary career in trail running and his next big adventure—his very own podcast, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell . Buzz shares his perspective on how the sport has evolved, from the early days of ultrarunning to the rise of FKTs (Fastest Known Times), the integration of outdoor culture into trail running, and the innovations that have transformed the way we run. He and Zoë also discuss why authenticity matters in media, what makes someone a lasting presence in the sport, and what listeners can expect from The Buzz , launching March 25th. 🏃 Shoutout to Our Sponsor: Running Warehouse! This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Running Warehouse , your one-stop shop for all things trail and ultrarunning. Check them out and gear up for your next adventure at RunningWarehouse.com . Tune in for: 🔥 Buzz on the history of trail running and its evolution 🏃 The rise of FKTs and why they matter 🎙️ Why The Buzz is bringing something new to trail running media 🤔 What makes someone a legend in the sport? 📖 Buzz's upcoming book on FKTs - check it out! Stay Connected & Tune In! Subscribe to The Buzz with Buzz Burrell – launching March 25th! Follow UltraSignup for updates on new podcast episodes. Got questions or hot takes for Buzz? Email [email protected] Big news for The Trailhead is coming April 1st – stay tuned! 📩 Email us at [email protected] with your questions or guest ideas!

What makes someone want to run their first ultra? And more importantly—what makes them want to come back for a second? The reality is, most people who sign up for an ultra only do one. But why? And how can we help more runners not just finish, but fall in love with the sport? Tune in for tips on running your first - or even tenth - ultramarathon. In this episode, Buzz and Zoë dig into what it takes to have a meaningful, successful experience at your first ultra, whether you're eyeing a 50K for the first time or looking to refine your approach. They're joined by two powerhouse runners and coaches—Dr. Stefanie Flippin and Krissy Moehl—who have spent years helping athletes navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to ultrarunning. What keeps people from coming back after their first ultra? And what can we do to change that? How to transition from roads to trails – Why adjusting your pacing expectations is key, and how to train when access to trails is limited. The best training approach for your first ultra – What really works when it comes to long runs, back-to-backs, and balancing speed with endurance. Mindset shifts that make a difference – From letting go of rigid time goals to understanding why ultras are as much about problem-solving as they are about running. The fueling equation – Why past generations of ultrarunners got this wrong, and how 300+ calories an hour can change your entire race experience. Making ultras more accessible – Stefanie shares what real inclusion looks like in the sport, and why handing someone a race bib isn't enough. Thanks to Our Sponsors! Wahoo KICKR RUN : Take your run training to the next level—whether you're dialing in race-specific pacing, tackling structured workouts, or just escaping the elements. The Wahoo KICKR RUN is the first smart treadmill designed for endurance athletes, with real-road feel and precision control to match your effort. Train smarter and run stronger. Learn more at wahoofitness.com . LMNT: Ultras aren't just about water—you need electrolytes, too. Element makes that part easy, with a science-backed formula and none of the junk you don't need. Our listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at drinkelement.com/ultrasignup . Resources & Links Running Your First Ultra by Krissy Moehl – https://krissymoehl.com/ Making Strides Podcast by Stefanie Flippin – Listen Here Got a question for Buzz and Zoë? Email [email protected]

1:42 – Buzz and Zoë dive into how their relationship with running has evolved over the years. They explore what it takes to sustain a lifelong love of the sport—and Buzz dishes out some hard-earned running relationship wisdom. 11:58 – Zoë sits down with Tyler Green and Rachel Drake, a power couple in the ultrarunning world. They share the story of how they first met mid-race (pro tip: always pack soap—you never know when you'll need to impress a potential suitor). They also break down how they juggle elite competition, parenting, and careers while keeping their love for both running and each other alive. 31:59 – Buzz chats with Tabor and Eli Hemming, two of the fastest short-course trail runners in the game. They open up about how they push each other in training and tackle life together—both on the racecourse and on their working ranch in Kremmling, Colorado. Tune in for grounded relationship advice, a dose of competitive fire, and maybe even a ranching tip or two! The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse.

In this episode, Zoë and Buzz dive into their personal journeys toward identifying as environmentalists—exploring why that label can feel complicated and what it truly means to take action for the planet. 7:12 Zoë sits down with Running for Real host and former elite marathoner Tina Muir to discuss the power of small, everyday actions in making running more sustainable. Tina shares the surprising challenges that races face when it comes to sustainability and how she began integrating environmental advocacy into her running. 27:51 Buzz chats with ultrarunning legends Scott and Jenny Jurek about their work with Protect Our Winters and why optimism is a powerful tool for climate advocacy. They discuss the importance of persistence in environmental action, the intersection of policy and personal choices, and how runners can lead the charge for a more sustainable future. Tune in for practical insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a runner who cares for the planet.

Zoë and Buzz dive into what community means to them and why the Keep Trail Running Weird awards matter. Instead of focusing on elite athletes, these awards shine a spotlight on the everyday runners, the quirky characters, and the inspiring individuals who make up the heart of the trail running community. It's our way of celebrating the people who keep this sport vibrant, inclusive, and downright fun 6:44 – We chat with Dwight Swaney , winner of the Favorite Trail Weird award, about how to infuse more fun into every run. 13:12 – Leah Kate Vincent , 2024's Most Inspirational award winner, shares how she encourages her community to hit the trails—even with a busy to-do list. 22:57 – Tony Mendez , 2024's Best Dressed trail runner, gives us tips on embracing the crop top lifestyle and finding joy in the daily grind of running. 32:49 – Heather Westberg , winner of 2024's Best Trail Fail , recounts her wild injury story and how it led her to give back through volunteering. 41:05 – Rich Tenaglia spent 2024 traveling across the U.S. in a van, running as many trail races as possible. He shares his insights on living simply and fully embracing the moment. This episode is a celebration of the quirky, bold, and inspiring people who make trail running the unique and vibrant community we all love. Don't miss it!

00:40 Buzz and Zoë chat about how they connect with nature through trail running, and why all trail runners should think of themselves as environmentalists. 6:48 Zoë interviews Luis Benitez, an environmental leader in the outdoor industry and a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship, who has summited Mt. Everest six times. As the first-ever Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and , Luis brings a unique perspective on the intersection of outdoor recreation, environmental responsibility, and community impact and how all trail runners can be environmentalists. 33:37 Buzz interviews ultra legend Clare Gallagher about how approach to environmental stewardship, and how she finds meaning in her connection to nature offline and on the trails. They dive into her recent race in Bhutan, and how that has shaped her perspective on environmental storytelling and ultrarunning.