The Trailhead – Details, episodes & analysis

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 stewards. 

44:01 Buzz interviews Reid Delman, Race Director of the Desert Rats Trail Running Festival by UTMB about how his event has changed, and how it has stayed the same since being acquired by UTMB.

This episode of the Trailhead is brought to you by LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to Whether you're powering through an ultra, or just exploring the trails, hydration is key. Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.

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 running influences his faith and work as a pastor as well as how he's gearing up for OCC. 

46:08 Buzz interviews Doug Mayer, the "Mayor of Chamonix" about French trail running culture, and how to plan a trip around Mont Blanc. They discuss why the culture of trail running differs in France and what everyone can learn from running in Europe. 

Buzz and Corrine talk about what we are all talking about, Jasmin Paris’s epic finish at this year’s Barkley Marathon, a record 5 finishers, and the lore of Barkley.

In an interview with Born to Adapt trail race founder, Zach Friedley, Corrine gets good advice, race directors should reach out to adaptive runners, have plans in place to accommodate them. Don’t wait for them to be interested, encourage it. Athletes are ready to run. 

Buzz and Donna consider starting a to petition for age groups in FKTs. Brian asks Buzz about the train low/sleep high concept. If you live at and train at elevation, is there any benefit to coming down the mountain for speedwork?

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by LOWA. For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance. Introducing the all new FORTUX GTX by LOWA for longer runs and speed hikes in any weather conditions. It’s loaded with performance and supportive features, including a grippy outsole for superb traction on rough terrain, durable jacquard weave uppers and cushioned rocker midsole for support, fast and secure speed lacing, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining to keep your feet comfortably dry, mile after mile. Get 20% off LOWA All Terrain RunningShoes when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD20.

Corrine and Buzz talk about the FURTHER ultra event last week in Palm Springs, records shattered by Camille Herron and how the event sought to push scientific understanding of female performance further. Plus, this event really hearkens back to the origins of ultra running – the 6-day race.

Corrine interviews multisport athlete and rising track and trail running star Anna Gibson. Anna talks about growing up running trails, the learning curve of elite racing in two disciplines, and how cross training keeps her both happy and well-trained. You can follow Anna on Strava  and on Instagram @annagibsonn.

Buzz hears from callers, first Bobby asks about what it takes to finish a hundred miler and Buzz lets him know it’s about more than training. Then Carl asks how to prepare with an extra early race day start.

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, we make ordering simple.

Go to www.runningwarehouse.com to order.

Race season is upon us, and Buzz and Corrine chat about how races are the cornerstone of the trail running community and they touch on some of the “closer to home” races they plan to be at this year. Let us know where you are racing this year at trailhead@ultrasignup.com or @ultrasignup on Instagram.

Corrine talks with CTS coach Jason Koop about how to find and get the most out of a trail running coach. Jason has been around the sport for a long time, as an athlete and a coach for every level of runner. Jason touches on two important factors that make runners “most coachable.” Find out more about coaching with CTS.

Buzz answers Sidhar’s questions about stretching. Bruce won his first 50k and is looking for entry advice into some bigger races.

This episode we’re partnering with LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. But I'm not just talking about water. Enter LMNT. It is our go-to electrolyte powerhouse. Why LMNT? Because it ditches all that dodgy stuff – no sugar, no artificial nonsense. Just the electrolytes your body can use to help ward off cramps, fatigue, and even that brain fog you might hit mid-run.

And here’s something cool for our Trailhead listeners. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup.

Buzz and Corrine chat about their favorite shoes and how you can find your perfect pair.

Corrine talks with Strava’s Larissa Rivers about community, segments and her local legend status.

And Buzz chats with listeners. Christopher asks about training through life changes: new job and becoming a parent. Matt started running in his 30s and is wondering if he is too late to the sport.

This episode is brought ot you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, we make ordering simple.

The Saucony Peregrine has consistently been a top 3 selling trail shoe model for Running Warehouse - and they have a lot of shoes! Saucony Peregrine 14 is a reimagined upper with a more comfortable tongue design that helps keep out debris and provides a more secure and adaptive fit. Whether you're embarking on a trail run or a challenging hike, the Peregrine 14 is equipped to handle the demands, offering the perfect blend of comfort, protection, and traction for any adventure.

Corrine and Buzz talk all about gear! What you need and what you can leave at home.

Corrine interviews professional skier and lifelong runner Drew Petersen. In the most human of ways, Drew shares how he rediscovered running in the wake of a serious accident and his journey in overcoming challenges with his mental health. Together, Corrine and Drew explore the parallels between running ultras and getting through life’s hardest moments. Drew’s latest movie, Feel It All, comes out this spring and you can get all the updates @drewpeterskion IG.

Buzz chats with more Keep Trail Running Weird Award Winners:

Amy McDowell: Best Race Fail

Chris Morrison: Best Pacer

Favorite Trail Weirdo: Jeremy McCoubrey aka Chad Ultra.

Follow Chad Ultra on IG @chad.ultra.never.tired

Andy Glaze: Most inspirational. Follow Andy on IG @amglaze,  Strava at Andrew Glaze and Tik Tok @glazeruns

Eric Durrett: Most Tenacious

This episode we’re partnering with LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. But I'm not just talking about water. Enter LMNT. It is our go-to electrolyte powerhouse. Why LMNT? Because it ditches all that dodgy stuff – no sugar, no artificial nonsense. Just the electrolytes your body can use to help ward off cramps, fatigue, and even that brain fog you might hit mid-run.

And here’s something cool for our Trailhead listeners. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup.

Buzz and Corrine discuss how they use the dreadmill and maintain motivation during the  winter months.

For more information about Up For Air, check out the website: https://upforairseries.org/

Corrine talks with Callie Vinson about how she conquered her first FKT in November 2024. You can follow Callie on Instagram @callievinsonn.

Buzz talks with two Keep Trail Running Weird Award winners!  Best Dressed: Charlotte Corriher and Most Miles and Most Hours Raced: Eric McGee

You can find Charlotte on Instagram @marathoncostumechic.

This episode is being supported by Running Warehouse, which offers the best brands and the widest selection of running gear. Their in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, they have free shipping and fast delivery, so ordering is simple.

We’re back! Welcome to Season 3 of The Trailhead. Buzz and Corrine come clean for 2024. There were lots of surprises at the end of 2023.

Corrine speaks with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing about the joys of Midwest trail running. Get all the info about Ornery Mule Racing at www.ornerymuleracing.com.

Buzz answers Semi-Rad’s, Brendan Leonard, most pressing questions. You can see all Brendan’s monthly drawings for UltraSignup on news.ultrasignup.com and the rest of his work on his website: semi-rad.com.

This episode is brought to you by the Devil's Gulch Race in Washington State, happening on July 13-14th, 2024. The first 50 registrants snag a free pair of Darn Tough Socks! New for 2024: $1000 in prize money, equally distributed among all 1st place finishers across male, female, and non-binary categories. Devil's Gulch offers three epic distances: a half-marathon, 50 Miler, and a formidable 100 Miler. Brace yourself for a course featuring hot, dry high desert, intense gulches, and massive rock hoodoos. The 100 Miler is a true test of endurance with plenty of vert and heat which is why each finisher gets a homemade belt buckle. The 50 Miler? It's half the crazy. And for those seeking a more balanced challenge, there's the half-marathon. Choose your adventure at Devil's Gulch this July and make it a race to remember! Get all the info here: www.evergreentrailruns.com/devils-gulch/

As we enter 2024, (how???) we began to realize that the world has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Our data guru, Matt Abbott, decided to take a look back at 10 years of USU stats.  He reviews the growth of the sport, which distances are the most popular, and who is running and where.

We’d love to hear from you.  What is your experience in trail over the past 10 years? Do you have a favorite race or distance? Have you seen your local races growing? Are there more local races! Send us an email to trailhead@ultrasignup.com.

Thanks to Buzz Burrell, Tim Tollefson, Tom Hooper, and Renee Janssen for contributing to the show.