Beyond Running

What does it really mean to run, not just as exercise, but as a culture, a community, a way of being in the world? Raziq Rauf has spent years thinking about that question, and now he's turning those thoughts into a book. This is Running is his debut, and it arrives backed by the loyal readership of his newsletter, Running Sucks, a name that captures exactly the kind of honest, irreverent love for...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Manuel "Eme" Morato sits down with Leslie Vallecillo, Josh Holland, and Philip Mangan to revisit an unforgettable expedition through the wild landscapes of British Columbia. The group, supported by Vivobarefoot, was dropped deep into the backcountry by helicopter and set out to hike ten peaks in minimalist shoes, an experience that pushed their physic...

In this episode Mau Díaz is joined by Aaron Kerehoma, a movement guide, runner, and guardian of Māori ancestral knowledge. Aaron brings together his passion for movement and his deep connection to Māori traditions, offering a unique perspective on how ancient wisdom can inform the way we live, move, and connect today. Mau and Aaron begin by exploring some foundational Māori concepts, uncovering th...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Rob Watson, a lifelong runner, lululemon Run Ambassador, coach, and host of Rob Talks Running, to explore the deeper journey behind a life built around movement. Rob shares his story of how running became his compass, not only shaping his career but helping him navigate challenges, identity, and reinvention along the way. Toget...

In this episode Mau Díaz sits down with Jessie Zapo—ultrarunner, art therapist, multidisciplinary artist, and community builder. Known for blending movement, expression, and healing, Jessie has carved out a unique path where running, art, and care for others converge. Her work is rooted in the belief that the body is not only a vehicle for endurance, but also a medium for emotional and creative re...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Mau Díaz sits down with Nicholas Charlier, a leader in the health and movement industry with over 13 years of experience. Nicholas has built a career around creating impactful programs that inspire connection, healing, and a deeper understanding of the human body. As the driving force behind Vivobarefoot's community programs and the innovative Vi...

In this episode of the Beyond Running podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Maxime Galpin, a runner, meditator, and guide for Aire Libre's French Pyrenees experience. Maxim has spent years exploring the intersection of movement and mindfulness, creating Zen and Run—a practice that merges running with meditation, helping people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. Together, they ex...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz reconnects with writer, poet, and endurance runner Josh Lynott for a compelling follow-up conversation. After previously appearing on Josh's podcast, Mau brings the dialogue full circle as they explore the deep and surprising connections between running and art. Together, they delve into how movement can be more than just physical effort—it c...

In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payro sits down with Cal Calamia—an accomplished trans marathoner, ultramarathoner, and inclusivity activist. Cal, who uses they/he pronouns, has been a trailblazer for non-binary visibility in the running world. From becoming the first non-binary winner of both Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon, to advocating for th...

In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payró sits down with Beba Guzmán to discuss her remarkable experience organizing and leading a team of Rarámuri women in The Speed Project race, an epic journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Beba shares the challenges they faced, from logistical hurdles to cultural adjustments, and the profound rewards of seeing these incredible...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a compelling conversation with Tina Muir. Tina Muir, known for her popular Running for Real podcast, discusses her evolving relationship with running, highlighting the shift from an intense, performance-driven mindset to a more inclusive, community-oriented approach. She opens up about the challenges and...

In this captivating episode of the Beyond Running Podcast by Aire Libre, Mau Diaz sits down with the remarkable Kayla Jeter. A former professional volleyball player turned wellness entrepreneur, Kayla is also a Global Ambassador for Lululemon and the founder of the empowering running community, 100 Miles of Summer. Together, they delve into Kayla's inspiring journey as an athlete, highlighting the...

Join us for a riveting conversation between Mau Diaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, and Anthony Battah, lawyer, devoted father, and newfound environmental activist. Anthony shares the extraordinary tale of his epic journey, running from Canada to Mexico along the path of the Monarch butterfly migration. His mission? To raise awareness about the plight of this endangered species and spark a larger dial...

In this episode, co-founder of Aire Libre, Mauricio Díaz ( @maudac ) engages in a touching and heartfelt talk with passionate multi-marathon runner, coach, and devoted running community builder: Iman Wilkerson ( @on.iman.opia ), a @cieleathletics FRND with whom we had the honor of sharing the trails during our last Oaxaca Day of the Dead experience last November. During this conversation, we explo...

Join us in this episode as Mauricio Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a profound conversation with runner Francesca Goodwin. Together, they explore the transformative journey that running can be, especially when intertwined with the healing power of nature. Francesca opens up about her personal struggles with mental and physical health, and how the rhythm of her footsteps on the earth's t...

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Leslie Payró sits down with Claudia Corona, an incredible Latina ultra marathoner hailing from the vibrant and diverse city of New York. Claudia's latest endeavor is nothing short of awe-inspiring - she's on a mission to run through all five boroughs of the Big Apple. This conversation delves deep into Claudia's journey of gender, representation, resi...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lydia Jennings, a soil scientist, science communicator and runner, to discuss how her scientific interests in soil and her Indigenous ancestry influence her running practice. Lydia shares insights on the interconnections between the land, our bodies, and our communities, and how running has become a way for her to connect with her roots while advocating for su...

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Maluleka, a Zulu runner who has a deep passion for traveling. Daniel shares stories of how running has changed the way he sees himself and the world around him. He talks about the lessons he has learned and how running has allowed him to explore his identity and connect deeper with his family roots.. Join us for an inspiring conversation with this exception...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sergio Avila, a biologist, (recovering) conservationist, and runner. Sergio has dedicated his life to studying and protecting the ecosystems of North America, particularly the Sonoran Desert. During the interview, Sergio shares his experiences as a scientist and conservationist, as well as his passion for running. He discusses how his love for...

For this episode, we talk with author, ultra runner and activist, Mirna Valerio. Mirna Valerio is an absolute force of nature. She has carved out a space for herself in the world of running, and she's doing it on her own terms. As a speaker, author, and activist, Valerio uses her platform to champion body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity in the running community. And don't let her size fool...

For this episode, we talk with author and activist Alison M. Désir about her recently released book, Running While Black. The book itself, and the conversation, investigate complex and necessary topics like white spaces, the healing and hurting that can come from running, and what it means to share your experience. Alison is at the center of a conversation about how the culture around running can...

A few months ago, May 2022, Mau Díaz and Nils Arend decided to run the width of the Baja California Peninsula in one day, from Todos Santos to Cabo Pulmo (140 kms). They knew it would be a challenge, but they never imagined how far this experience would push their physical and mental boundaries. This is a conversation between these two running legends about an incredible adventure that brings to b...

SUGi is on a mission to empower rewilding and bring Nature closer to anyone anywhere. Mobilizing an incredible team of creatives, forest makers, ocean gardeners, and polymaths, their projects create micro-forests that reflect the indigenous biodiversity of that place. In a conversation with founder Elise Van Middelem and lead forest maker James Godfrey-Faussett, we explore their process, the value...

Like the Wind Mag has been changing the game in the running media landscape since they launched in 2014. Bringing beautiful design together with amazing storytelling in collaboration with a range of artists and writers. We spoke with co-founders Julia Freeman and Simon Freeman, longtime friends of Aire Libre, about the project, using running as exploration, and their recent book: Running Wild: Ins...

Clare Gallagher is a professional ultra trail runner and environmental activist who has won the Leadville 100 and Western States 100 mile races. She's also set FKTs on the Zion Traverse and the Joshua Tree Traverse.    The way she uses her platform and running to raise awareness and drive change sets her apart. She's a deep thinker and a writer who explores the intersection of running and mindfuln...