The Trailhead

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 afte...

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 ahea...

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 roa...

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...

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 Known for calling BS on outdated notions of grit, Steve shares insights from his latest book, Win the Inside Game , and challenges the idea that suffering is the only path to success.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 cu...

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 bestsell...

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...

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,...

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, aski...

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 in...

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 tak...

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 pac...

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...

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 f...

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 O...

It's the end of 2024, and we're wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running. Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell share their top highlights from the year, including record-breaking performances, evolving race formats, and bold predictions for 2025. Joined by UltraSignup's Head of Data, Matt Abbott, this episode explores the stories behind the stats...

1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be on the sport.  6:04 Buzz interviews Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury. They discuss how Mountain Outpost is leading the way with livestreams and why he decided to buy Ultrarunning magazine. They also discuss how the sport has changed and how Jamil...

0:50:00 Buzz and Zoë talk about what community means to them and how the trail running community can serve as a positive model as people reassess who they consider their neighbors.  11:09:00 Zoë interviews Tara Dower, who recently set the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, about her preparation for the FKT and how her relationship with the iconic trail and with hiking and running...

:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss the "party platform" that all trail runners can agree on and how athletes can navigate election anxiety.  8:29 Buzz interviews RUN Editor in Chief Brian Metzler. Buzz and Brian discuss the biggest changes they've seen in the world of trail and ultrarunning and what's next for the running industry.  33:11 Zoë interviews TrainingPeaks co-founder Dirk Friel about how technolo...

00:00:53 Buzz and Zoë chat through advice they wish they had gotten when they first started running, and advice for new and aspiring trail and ultrarunners. 00:8:53 Zoë interviews Randi Zuckerberg (yes,  that Zuckerberg!) about how she went from running a half marathon, to signing up for the Cocodona 250 in a year. Plus, they dive into what it means to go all in on your passions, and advice for at...

1:00 Buzz and Zoë discuss the intersection of trail running and alpinism, and how runners can stay safe when seeking high adventure. 14:00 Zoë interviews Kilian Jornet about his Alpine Connections Project, where he linked 82 peaks in under 20 days entirely under his own power. Kilian unpacks how he trained for his epic alpine adventure, and why he wants to use it to draw attention to climate chang...

1:00 Buzz and Zoë break down their favorite moments in ultra running history, from historic race performances to establishing new routes and FKTs.  14:20 Coach, writer, and podcaster David Roche discusses his record-breaking win at the 2024 Leadville 100, diving into his training, shooting his shot, and why ultra runners are getting so much faster.   39:11 Buzz interviews Jasmin Paris, the first w...

0:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss Buzz's recent travels around Europe, and why running is such a great way to explore new places.  10:55 Zoë interviews Dr. Jeffrey Hammond, a podiatrist who works with professional athletes to troubleshoot common foot problems. They discuss how runners can prevent common ailments like plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, and dive into how to treat blisters on the fly.  2...

1:20 Buzz and Zoë break down the post-Olympics hype, and discuss whether or not trail running should be an Olympic sport, and what it would mean to see trail elevated to the world stage.  14:32 Zoë interviews Vic Thasiah, founder and President of Runners For Public Lands. They discuss why Vic founded RPL and what all runners can do to better protect public lands and be better environmental steward...

1:02 Buzz and Zoë break down the differences between trail running in the US and Europe and why the trails in Europe are so awesome (read: hard).  18:57 Zoë talks to Mario Mendoza, a professional trail runner and pastor from Bend, about growing up on an avocado farm, falling in love with the outdoors at a young age, and balancing work, training and family. Mario and Zoë also talk about how Mario's...