But also… Trail running podcast

Host Celeste Fong sits down with Michael Lo Presti to trace his running journey from a late '90s start to 141 marathons and ultras, the discovery of a birth defect and aortic aneurysm, and his open-heart surgery and recovery. Together they discuss his return to endurance racing—including six-day and multi-day loop events—tattoos as storytelling, the supportive running community, and hi...

Host Celeste Fong and her crew of 'idiots' deliver an adult-only, irreverent end-of-year recap covering proud accomplishments, disappointments, and favorite race memories. They talk first ultras, finishing 169 towns, Notchview, HamsterWheel, Niagara plans, training goals for 2026, and plenty of offbeat, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories.

Host Celeste Rong talks with Rick Amernick about the two-decade history of the DC Capital Striders, their focus on giving back, and the community they built through group runs, volunteering, charity events, shoe demos, and partnerships. The episode covers memorable races, volunteer programs, holiday and scavenger runs for charity, how to join or start local group runs, and the real-life stories of...

Host Celeste Fong interviews Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about the group's rise from a local meetup to a multi-location running community. They cover the shift into trail running, North Face training, ultramarathon experiences, and the Wolfpack trail faction. The episode also focuses on the group's charity work — the Holiday Lights Run, the Amazing Race events, volunte...

Host Celeste Fong talks with Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about how a chance Meetup listing in 2006 grew into a large running community and 501(c)(3). Rick recounts early runs on the National Mall, expanding to DuPont and trail runs, partnerships with brands and organizers, and fundraising efforts like a Haiti benefit race. The episode highlights community-building through ru...

We discuss the chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt moments from the Hamster Wheel 30‑hour race in New Boston, NH. We share stories of 100‑mile finishes, severe cold and hypothermia scares, top‑notch aid‑station food, crew and pacer heroics, costumes and shenanigans, and the strong community support that helped runners hit big goals.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultra runner John Calabrese about trail and ultra racing — the highs, the DNFs, the gear, and the tight-knit (sometimes cult-like) running community. The conversation also wanders into food and film: pizza and competitive-eating dreams, favorite horror movies like The Blair Witch Project, true-crime and cult anecdotes, and the strange, hilarious moments that happ...

Celeste and Danielle recount a 50th birthday road trip through Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce — full of side‑quests, wildlife encounters, brutal climbs, and nonstop laughter. They share highlights, mishaps, and practical tips from Emerald Pools to the Narrows and Bryce’s hoodoos, celebrating the freedom of doing epic, unplanned adventures with a great travel buddy.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultrarunner Taylor Verville and her pacer Mike Martineau about Taylor’s recent Devil’s Den 30-hour race in Bradford, Vermont — her course-record performance (about 89 miles), pacing strategies, nutrition, temperature swings, and lessons from a past collapse at Notchview. The episode explores both runner and pacer perspectives, the race community and c...

Host Celeste Fong sits down with Joey Thompson to discuss his transformation through running — from weight loss and coping with his mother’s death to sobriety and pushing to 100 miles at Notchview. They talk honestly about burnout, depression, anxiety, the healing power of community on the trails, and how showing up can help you find your love of running again. Joey also shares his upcoming goal o...

Veteran sports reporter Lori Riley sits down with Celeste Fong to share her journey from print newsrooms to the trails, covering UConn, high school sports, and memorable local runners. They discuss how running changed her life, the evolution of women’s sports, and the personal stories that make reporting meaningful. Listen for candid reflections on locker-room culture, reporting challenges i...

Host Celeste Fong records live on the trails at the Notchview Invitational, capturing on-course chaos, cheering, and candid conversations with runners like Anna, Celeste, Newt, Taylor, Claire, Marcus, and Linda. This episode weaves race memories, origin stories, late-night antics, and the deep sense of community that fuels ultrarunning, all delivered with humor and unfiltered honesty.

Greg Mathai (aka Walter) joins me with a great conversation about how running replaced long-term smoking and drinking, how his wife helped save his life, and how he fell into ultras later in life.

Host Celeste Fong chats with longtime friend Rick Shoup about his running journey, epic Ragnar experiences (including running 12 in a year), creative pandemic-era stadium ultras, and his love for outrageous eating challenges. They reminisce about memorable races, weather curses, and the tight-knit running community that keeps drawing them back. Expect candid, adult conversations with humor, race s...

This young lady schools me on determination, persistence and strength. If Cassie is representative of the next generation of ultra runners, our sport will be in good hands.

Jenna Gould shares her story. Turns out she’s a fighter as fierce as Daenerys Targaryen. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know if Lenny and Althea are actually dragons disguised as dogs.

Mommy joins me to discuss the Circadian Endurance Challenge https://www.patreon.com/ButalsoTrailRunningPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973457291 https://www.instagram.com/but_also_trailrunningpodcast?igsh=MXY3b2Z4YWpoNHkxYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Mike Martineau shares his inspirational story. Growing up with cerebral palsy, overcoming physical and cognitive challenges and putting up with me for 40 miles at Notchview. https://www.patreon.com/ButalsoTrailRunningPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973457291 https://www.instagram.com/but_also_trailrunningpodcast/profilecard/?igsh=MXY3b2Z4YWpoN...

A quick introduction to the podcast and my favorite group of idiots. https://www.patreon.com/ButalsoTrailRunningPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578973457291 https://www.instagram.com/but_also_trailrunningpodcast?igsh=MXY3b2Z4YWpoNHkxYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr