The Trailhead

Joe Grant has always blurred the lines between athlete and artist. From racing UTMB and Hardrock to biking between Colorado 14ers, Joe’s career has evolved into something bigger than competition—projects that fuse endurance, place, and creativity. In this conversation, Joe joins hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard to talk about his journey from racing to FKTs to local San Juan projects, why he ditched the watch, and how he balances gear geekery with poetry and film photography. If you’ve ever wondered how running can fuel creative work—or vice versa—this episode goes deep into what it means to truly be present on the trail. Thanks to Running Warehouse for sponsoring The Trailhead! And check out the Best Day Ever Ultra, register now to reserve your spot! 👉 Subscribe to The Trailhead wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube. 🎧 Check out other shows on the UltraSignup Podcast Network: The Buzz with Buzz Burrell — grounded takes on the big ideas shaping trail and ultrarunning. Between Two Pines — conversations that connect trail running with culture, community, and the outdoors.

This week on The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with one of ultrarunning’s most quietly legendary figures: Junko Kazukawa. A two-time Leadwoman, breast cancer survivor, and one of the few athletes to complete both the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and the Leadwoman series in a single year, Junko’s story is a masterclass in resilience and joy. Born in Sapporo, Japan, and now based in Denver, Junko shares how she started running in the U.S. after coming over as a student, how she trained through cancer treatments, and why she still lines up for 100- and 200-mile races at age 62. She talks about the identity and community she’s built through the sport, how her view of fitness has evolved over decades, and why she believes “glutes are everything.” We also hear about her favorite races around the world, from the Tour de Géants to Mount Fuji, and what keeps her motivated to take on new challenges even as recovery gets harder with age. Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or your 26th, Junko’s joy and perspective will make you want to lace up and keep going. Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from shoes to  nutrition, packs and socks, with free two-day shipping.  Register now for the Antelope Canyon Ultras! These desert classics always sell out, get your spot now!

Sarah Lavender Smith, a writer and passionate trail storyteller, shares her journey from journalism to the vibrant world of trail and ultrarunning. She discusses the transformative power of running during midlife and candidly explores her evolving relationship with alcohol. With laughter and reflective insights, Sarah recounts her experience finishing the Hardrock race at 56 and emphasizes the importance of acceptance in endurance. The conversation delves into family dynamics at races and her exciting project: a memoir capturing the essence of resilience through the trails.

Nick Triolo, a writer and ultrarunner known for his book The Way Around: A Field Guide to Going Nowhere, delves into the freedom of running without metrics. He discusses the joy of loop running, embracing presence over performance, and how circling back can be more fulfilling than chasing summits. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of running as a creative practice, the tension between ambition and societal expectations, and the beauty found in nature during personal journeys. A light-hearted debate about favorite running loops adds a fun twist!

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 after choosing sobriety in 2017, he found clarity, purpose, and eventually, a new identity in the miles. We trace his journey from gym rat to six-star marathon finisher to taking on The Speed Project solo—six ultramarathons in six days across the desert, with no prior experience beyond 26.2. He opens up about recovery (physical and emotional), the myth of “rock bottom,” and how a surprise video from his kids mid-race broke him down, and gave him the strength to keep going. Also: vegan aid station food, the case for trekking poles on pavement, and whether road ultras are actually super hardcore.  Thanks to our partners at LMNT – A tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Get a free sample pack on us! Check out the Kismet Cliff Run to experience on of the Beast Coast's coolest trail races! Race is September 14, registration is open now!

Katie Schide, an elite ultra runner and geologist, shares her journey ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut. She reflects on her evolution as a competitor and her ambitions in the sport. Katie describes UTMB as the 'Goldilocks' race, explaining how her geological background influences her running perspective. Buzz Burrell, a trail running legend, discusses potential exciting showdowns in the sport and highlights the importance of community among female ultra runners. Their conversation emphasizes both personal growth and the changing dynamics of ultra running.

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 roads to trails, what it really takes to make running content, and why being “exceptionally average” might be a superpower. Whether you’re here for the shoe talk, the trail stoke, or the shared love of goofy long runs, this one’s for you.  Follow Kofuzi: YouTube & Instagram: @kofuzi Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting the Trailhead! Check them out for all your gear, apparel and nutriton needs. 

Join trail runner and printmaker Abigail West as she intertwines endurance and artistry from the Southern Appalachia. She shares her journey blending physical movement with creative expression, revealing how she captures the emotional essence of landscapes. Discover her insights on training for ultras during art fair season and her obsession with spiderweb-filled trails. Abigail also tackles challenges of being an entrepreneurial artist, the impact of algorithms on the art world, and her love for Waffle House—making this conversation as rich as her prints.

Steve Magness, a performance scientist and author, is on a mission to redefine mental toughness. He challenges traditional views on grit, arguing that joy and curiosity are key to success, particularly in running. Discussing how elite athletes flourish when they let go of external pressures, he emphasizes the importance of community over metrics. The conversation uncovers the deeper lessons running teaches about connection and emotional experience, reminding us that it can be a joyful escape rather than a grind.

In this conversation, endurance sports journalist Alex Hutchinson, known for his Outside column and the book Endure, delves into the fascinating world of exploration and the psychology behind why challenging tasks can lead to greater fulfillment. He discusses the 'explore vs. exploit' dilemma in running and life choices, emphasizing that inefficiency fuels joy and creativity. Alex also reflects on how parenthood shifted his views on curiosity and comfort zones, offering insights that encourage listeners to embrace uncertainty and push their limits.