The Trail Chasers – Details, episodes & analysis

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How many years of hard work in the shadows does it take to become an overnight sensation? 

In this special bonus PUFfer episode I sit down with 2-time and reigning champion Emily Djock to find out more about what it takes to breakthrough to the top of the SA trail running world and the answers may surprise you...

From the pavements of Wisconsin to the scenic trails of Cape Town, South Africa Emily's journey has been marked by memorable moments and outstading and often surprising achievements! From her fourth-place finish at UTCT 65km in her debut ultra to racing in Italy and Mauritius and winning at MUT By UTMB in George Emily's resume of victories speaks for itself. 

But it's not all victories and memorable moments Emily opens up about the balance of maintaining personal performance with a full-time job, the struggle of self-promotion in a digital age and the lessons learnt from serious running injuries which Emily has overcome to maintain her winning streak and continue her ascent. 

Emily takes us through the often unseen path of what it takes to make it to the top, her transformative shift in strength training and stretching, offering practical advice and motivational tips, such as the advantages of early morning runs and run commuting, and the significance of working with a coach to optimize training routines. Emily’s passion and mental strategies for overcoming tough race moments are sure to resonate with and inspire all running enthusiasts.

Whether you're an aspiring trail runner or a seasoned athlete, this episode is packed with laughter, lessons, and inspiration that will resonate with all running enthusiasts. Tune in and let Emily's passion and mental strategies for overcoming tough race moments inspire your own running journey.

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Join me, Dean Horwitz as I sit down with social media superstar Omar Runs Nap, a remarkable runner whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. 

In this uplifting episode, we dive into Omar's transformative journey from being a tech-focused director of engineering in Silicon Valley to becoming a passionate marathon runner. Grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Omar discovered that running was more than just a way to manage weight gain and mental health struggles; it became his salvation and a path to immense personal growth.

Join us for the journey and discover Omar's life in Napa, his love for wine, and how the pandemic pivoted his fitness focus from weight training to running. His evolution from a casual runner to a marathon enthusiast who has qualified for the Boston Marathon and is now preparing for the Chicago and New York Marathons is detailed, highlighting how social media played a pivotal role in connecting him with a like-minded running community while holding himself accountable. 

Omar's engineering background brings a unique, data-driven perspective to his running, marrying precision with enjoyment. He discusses the mental and physical growth that running has brought into his life, emphasizing the importance of a structured yet enjoyable training regimen which balances fun and competition while maintaining his passion for the sport. 

Additionally, Omar shares the intricacies of maintaining authenticity while building a social media presence as an openly gay Latino runner. He candidly addresses overcoming imposter syndrome, handling online criticism, and the significance of staying true to oneself. His vibrant personality, reflected through bright running outfits and motivational content, has attracted major brands' attention.

The episode concludes with Omar’s excitement for future running goals, including trail running and ultra-running, and his thoughts on the positive trends in the running world that continue to inspire and motivate him.

Join us for an episode brimming with wisdom, resilience, and a passion for running that is sure to leave you motivated.

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Join me, your host Dean Horwitz, as I go behind the scenes into the fascinating world of Maxi Race Cape Winelands with Andri, a high-performance specialist and the man behind the Maxi!  

Get ready for a journey behind the curtain of one of South Africa’s most popular races and be prepared to be enthralled. Andri joins me to discuss everything from handling logistical challenges and weather disruptions to the importance of community and volunteer support. 

Leaving no stone unturned Andri gives detailed insights into the unique routes Maxi runs and the challenges they face putting them together, breaks down why Maxi is a race for everyone and takes us through the almost-disaster that was last year’s race. 

In closing Andri takes us through the lessons he has learnt, the ever-improving race experience, the focus on creating incredible aid stations and the plans to build a festival of trail running at the Maxi Race Village. 

This episode is not only an advert for why you should the race but a meaningful look into what goes on behind the scenes and a tribute to the dedication and hard work that people like Andri put into growing the Cape Town trail community. 

Listen now and be prepared to have a new and deeper understanding of what it takes to put together a trail running race. 

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Join me, your host Dean Horwitz, as we break down the barriers that women face in trail running with Erica Mohr-Holland, a remarkable epidemiologist, social justice advocate, and trailblazer.

"Get ready for a journey that will leave you awestruck! Erica's trail running adventure takes you from the breathtaking trails of Cape Town to the gritty challenges of balancing a demanding career and intense training. As a woman in a male-dominated sport, Erica shares her unfiltered experiences, from overcoming physical and mental obstacles to pushing for inclusivity and representation.

With unflinching honesty, Erica tackles the taboo topics of periods, body image, and the struggles of being a female athlete. But this conversation is more than just endurance and overcoming obstacles - it's a call to action for a more supportive and inclusive trail running community.

Join Dean and Erica as they chat about  her passion for running, her ambition to inspire others, and her commitment to mentorship and community. Witness how her journey ignites a collective drive for progress and empowerment in the world of trail running.

This episode is a rallying cry for women to take to the trails, to push boundaries, and to celebrate the resilience of the female spirit. So, lace up your running shoes and get ready to be inspired by a tale of strength, heart, and the transformative power of running!

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Join me, your host Dean Horwitz, as we venture into the wonderful world of trail running gear with Rudy Oliver, a seasoned trail runner and gear connoisseur who works at the trail running store Gone.  

In this enlightening episode, we explore Rudy's comprehensive guide to selecting the right gear for trail running, delving into his wealth of knowledge on balancing cost, performance, safety, comfort, and weather adaptability. 

With a dash of humor and a wealth of insight, Rudy shares his tried-and-true tips on hydration, nutrition, and training, emphasizing the critical roles of recovery, simulation, and gear testing. His passion for trail running is matched only by his dedication to sharing his expertise with others, making this episode a treasure trove of advice for runners of all levels. 

As we navigate the world of trail running gear and technique, Rudy's story highlights the intricate dance between a runner's mental and physical prowess. Our conversation culminates in a spirited discussion on the merits of bottles versus bladders, shedding light on Rudy's infectious enthusiasm for trail running and his invaluable expertise as a guide for runners everywhere. 

Tune in for a narrative that embodies the spirit of trail running, the joy of discovery, and the unyielding passion of a true trail running aficionado.

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Join me, your host Dean Horwitz, as we delve into the world of professional trail running with Bianca Tarboton, a remarkable athlete and engineer, sponsored by Adidas Terrex. In this captivating episode, we traverse Bianca's dual journey of endurance and precision, exploring her exhilarating experience at the Otter Trail race and her unique approach to training.

Bianca's tale is one of balance and resilience, weaving her demanding engineering career with her passion for trail running. With a meticulous blend of humor and insight, she shares her rigorous training regimen, emphasizing the critical roles of recovery and nutrition. Her analytical mindset, honed by her engineering background, plays a pivotal role in her approach to race preparation and performance.

This episode reveals Bianca's aspirations in the trail running world, her dedication to advancing women's representation in the sport, and the ways she harmonizes her professional and athletic pursuits. As she navigates the challenges of both fields, her story underscores the symbiotic relationship between a runner's mental and physical prowess.

Our conversation culminates in a delightful word association game, shedding light on Bianca's infectious passion for mountain running and her innovative perspective as an athlete-engineer. Tune in for a narrative that captures the essence of trail running, the joy of discovery, and the unyielding spirit of an extraordinary individual.

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Embark on an adventure with South Africa's trail virtuoso Robbie Rorich and me, your host Dean Horwitz, as we traverse the intersection of endurance and artistry in the great outdoors. Robbie, with his infectious humor, recounts tales from the trail that could easily be mistaken for scenes from a comedy, yet underneath the laughter lies a profound narrative of a man who dances to the beat of his own drum. 

From being mistaken for a homeless man to cycling nearly 900 kilometers to his first trail race, Rorich's escapades are as much a part of his training as his strides on the mountain paths.

This episode is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between a runner's mindset and his physical prowess. Robbie, an advocate for the less conventional training methods of meditation and breathwork, sheds light on the significance of aligning with the energy of life rather than merely following a rigid regimen. 

His holistic approach to training isn't just about peak physical condition — it's about resonance with the races he chooses, the joy discovered, and the sense of being part of the broader energetic flows of existence. 

As Robbie shares his unique perspective on racing, listeners will garner insights into how one can prepare for the competitive world of trail running while staying true to the spiritual side of the sport.

The discussion wouldn't be complete without delving into the essentials of trail running nutrition, where Robbie brings his preference for natural sustenance over synthetic supplements to the fore. He candidly navigates the nuances of fueling for varied race distances, uncovering his personal energy rhythms and why shorter races play to his strengths.

Robbie's story embodies more than just the sport of trail running; it's about the profound healing and growth found in the embrace of nature. His journey, marked by personal loss and the rediscovery of simplicity, offers an intimate look at how the trails become not only a place of physical challenge but also of spiritual sanctuary.

Join us for a narrative steeped in the wild terrain of Cape Town, illustrating how the pursuit of passion often leads to the most unexpected and fulfilling paths.

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Join us for an insightful discussion with Jenna Bowes, a nutritionist and passionate athlete, as we delve into the world of fueling for consistent performance in trail running. Jenna shares her expertise on the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and electrolyte balance in optimizing athletic performance.

In this episode Jenna emphasizes the significance of personalized fueling plans tailored to individual athletes, highlighting the critical role of carbohydrates as the primary energy source during endurance activities.

As the conversation unfolds, Jenna provides valuable insights into the process of creating effective fueling strategies for both training and racing. She stresses the importance of trial and error, emphasizing the need for athletes to experiment with different nutrition approaches to find what works best for them.

Listeners gain valuable knowledge about the role of electrolytes in hydration and performance, with Jenna offering practical advice on determining individual sodium needs and optimizing electrolyte intake during training and competition.

The discussion also delves into pre-race fueling strategies, debunking myths surrounding carb loading while offering practical tips for ensuring athletes arrive at the start line adequately fueled and hydrated.

Jenna emphasizes the importance of balancing carbohydrate intake with hydration needs and discusses the timing and composition of pre-race meals and snacks.

Throughout the episode, Jenna's passion for both nutrition and sport shines through as she shares her expertise and practical advice for athletes looking to enhance their performance through optimized fueling strategies. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the crucial role of nutrition in achieving peak athletic performance.

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Ever wondered what it takes to become a professional ultramarathon trail runner? This week's episode is an exhilarating deep-dive into the life of trail-running legend, Ryan Sandes! 

Ryan opens up about his initial foray into running, which began with a spontaneous marathon entry, to his ascent as a top-tier competitor in the world of trail running. We explore his passion for the sport and and the thrill of setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs). 

From the emotional rollercoaster of desert races to mastering the mental and physical rigors of ultramarathons like UTMB and Leadville, Ryan shares the wisdom that can only come from years of endurance racing. 

We've packed this episode with anecdotes, training insights, and Ryan's advice for trail-running newbies. Plus, hear about how he's giving back to the community with events like the Cape Town Trail Marathon and his 13 Peaks FKT. 

Ready to be inspired and learn from one of the best in the sport? Lace up your trail shoes, and let's hit the play button! 

Listen now and transform your perspective on what it means to push through adversity and conquer the trails

Season 1 sponsored by High Protein Recovery Milk 

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What sparks the passion to transform one's life by embracing trail running, and how pivotal is the support of the trail community in fueling that transformation?"

In this episode Musa Dliso AKA @Musa_on_Trails joins me, Dean Horwitz to chat all things community, diversity, representation and why Trail Running has become such an important part of his life! 

In this inspiring conversation Musa takes me through his passion for trail running and how it has transformed his life over the past decade. From struggling to find balance in his corporate life to discovering his love for running, Musa shares his remarkable journey. 

Musa's passion and energy shine through this interview as he takes me through his journey from attempting and hating the gym to struggling through Comrades to running and ultimately falling in love with ultra-trail marathons that now define and balance his life. 

Throughout our conversation the importance of the trail community in Musa's life and how it has shaped him as a person and a runner kept coming up as we discussed what it means to him and why it is so prevalent and important in the Cape Town running scene. 

As we moved deeper into the conversation Musa and I dived into the topics of diversity, representation and what it means to see people like you in the spaces you occupy and how that motivates and moves people while at the same time offering his opinions on what can be done to change the current status quo. 

With candid moments, insightful reflections, and a fun word association game, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of trail running.