Sassquad Trail Runners

This is the recording from our webinar on February 5, 2025: "Women of Squatchapple". Featuring women who have participated in the Squatchapple Trail Party, this webinar dives deep into the trail experience from start to finish. Whether you're curious about the training process, the highs and lows of race day, or how to recover after an ultra-distance challenge, this is the place to l...

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Lauren Scott, AKA “Malfoy”! Lauren is a non-binary ultra runner from Vernon, NJ, who has been a part of the Sassquad family for several years. We kick off the conversation by diving into Lauren’s epic experience at the 2023 Wild Goose Trail Festival, where they braved 37+ miles during Tropical Storm Ophelia. From torrential rain to relentless winds,...

In this episode, we chat with the incredible Maria Zieja, ultra-runner and long-time member of the Sassquad Trail Running family. Maria takes us through her journey from obstacle course racing to trail and ultra-running. She shares squatchtastic stories from the 36-hour event at the Wild Goose Trail Festival, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, the lows, and the strategies that kept h...

In this episode, we sit down with Gautama Reid, better known as “G,” to hear his inspiring trail running story. G started trail running in 2020 and just finished his first trail 100-miler at the Wild Goose Trail Festival this past September. G takes us through the highs and lows of his journey, sharing the lessons he learned during his epic adventure at the Grand Canyon this fall, where he ran fro...

In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Kohler, owner and race director of The Running Kind , a trail race company with a mission to be carbon-neutral and promote sustainability in the outdoor community. Aimee shares how her passion for protecting the environment inspired her to create a race series that minimizes its ecological footprint while maximizing the fun and challenge for participants. As...

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Che Smith, who recently completed her first ultramarathon—a 50K—at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival. Che takes us through her transformative experience training for and conquering her first ultra, sharing both the challenges and triumphs along the way. We also dive into her inspiring story of resilience as a breast cancer survivor. Che opens up abo...

In this special episode, we’re bringing you the recording of the Women of Wild Goose live webinar, held on January 8, 2025. This inspiring panel features incredible women who took part in the 2024 Wild Goose 100 Trail Party. They share their firsthand experiences from the trail and answer questions about tackling ultra-distance challenges. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, an aspiring ultra...

Learn how gaiters protect your feet on the trails by keeping dirt, rocks, and debris out of your shoes. Whether you're running or hiking, gaiters are a simple tool to help you stay comfortable and focused on your adventure.

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose ! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are honored to share Michael Feldman's incredible 200-mile journey. Originally signed up for the Oregon200, Michael pivoted to complete 200 miles when the race was canceled due to wildfires. Th...

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose ! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are thrilled to share Allie Backer's race experience at the Wild Goose 50K! This was Allie's very first ultramarathon, and she shares her incredible journey on the trails, the challenges she ov...

In this episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we hear from Carson Hopwood, a nonbinary athlete from Charlottesville, Virginia, who participated in the 36-hour event at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival. Carson achieved an incredible milestone, covering 85 miles—their first time going beyond 50 miles and their first event running through the night. ✨ Tune in to hear: Carson’s reflecti...

In this inspiring episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we feature Gerry Powers from Park Ridge, NJ. At the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival, Gerry took on not only his first-ever ultramarathon but also his first-ever trail race: the 50-miler. Crossing the finish line in just over 13 hours, Gerry's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community. ✨ Tune in...

In this special episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we spotlight Julia Barbour from Audubon, NJ. Julia joined us at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival and accomplished an extraordinary milestone: completing her first 100-mile race! Julia shares her emotional journey to the finish line, where she discovered the magic of inner strength, belonging, and acceptance. Her story is a powerfu...

In this episode, we sit down with Libby Jones, trail race director and owner of  The Active Joe , a trail running company based in Texas. Libby is known for her inclusive approach to race directing, creating a welcoming environment for runners of all paces, backgrounds, and identities. From organizing iconic events like the Dinosaur Valley 100 to championing accessibility in trail running, Libby s...

Join us for this inspirational chat with John and Ann Monroe from Saranac Lake, New York! John was crewed and paced by his wife Ann at the 2023 and 2024 Wild Goose 100. The two events could not have been more different! In 2023, John bowed out at mile 93 after a grueling battle with Tropical Storm Ophelia and the washed out Wawayanda trails. His mantra for the next year carried him to the finish l...

What do you do with all of those feeligs that you're experiencing after a DNF? How do you help a friend who just dropped from a race? Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW is here to help us navigate a DNF! This is the recording from our clinic with Sarah on Thursday October 3, 2024. The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong provides guidance and tools to help understand the complicated waves of emotions that often...

Should you be in the gym lifting weights? Can strength training help you enjoy the trails more? YES AND YES! PT, DPT Colleen McGinnis has been treating, training, and coaching in the fields of Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Strength, and Women’s Health for over 16 years. In addition to holding her Doctorate of PT from USF, Colleen is the owner of Well Body Lab, a certified Precision Nutrition Coach,...

Michael Feldman just completed 200 miles last weekend at the 2024 Wild Goose! When his Oregon 200 event was canceled in August, Michael decided that he still wanted to complete the distance and continue fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. With the help and support of his friends and family, Michael did just that! Listen in to hear all about his squatchtastic adventure of completing "A Rac...

This is the recording of our Wild Goose Trail Festival Pre-Race Q&A on Monday September 16, 2024! The panel included Trail Party Directors Kim Levinsky and Joe Brandine plus a few folks who were at the 2023 Wild Goose: Kathy Carroll, Michael Feldman and Sarah Zieden-Weber. www.sassquadtrailrunning.com/wildgoose

Is running therapy? What should you do when you feel burned out? How do you calm those pre-race jitters? Join us for this Q&A with therapist Sarah Strong to find out! Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UESCA certified ultrarunning coach and mom based in the Colorado Front Range. https://www.thetrailtherapist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_trail_therapist/

This is the recording from our Q&A with Chaos Crewing on September 4, 2024. This interactive Q&A session covered your questions about safety, gear, travel, organizing, and the nitty-gritty logistics of crewing and pacing. To learn more about Chaos Crewing, check out their website ! Sassquaders can save 15% on their services.

Imagine that you are at the starting line of the hundred miler that you've been training for the last several years... And you hear the announcement that the race is canceled due to extreme weather conditions! What would you do? Would you go out and do your own hundo? Well, that's exactly what happened to Jennifer Rankin this past August when Eastern States 100 was canceled by the state of...

Heather Houskeeper: the Botanical Hiker, herbalist, forest therapy guide, author, and yoga teacher! Tune-in to this episode to learn more about how we can become more connected to the trails! Heather's Background and Achievements Founder of The School of Plant and Place Connection Graduated in Herbal Medicine, Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Medicine Making from the Chestnut School of Herb...

Ken Posner, also known as Barefoot Ken, is a versatile individual with a wide range of talents. He is recognized as a financial analyst, runner, writer, and resident of Ulster County, NY. Ken has accomplished an impressive feat of completing 100 marathons and ultramarathons. Notably, he holds fastest known time records for the 358-mile NY Long Path and the 294-mile Badwater Double. As a hiker, he...

Join us for this recap of the 2024 Tahoe 200! Matt Klein finished the 200+ miles in just over 95 hours while being supported by his Crew.