The Trailhead

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.

In this engaging discussion, Mario Fraioli, a seasoned coach and host of the Morning Shakeout, dives into the complexities of running. He humorously tackles burning questions like 'How slow is too slow?' and explores the fine line between running and hiking. Mario shares insights on overcoming fears in trail running, the perpetual quest for speed, and the importance of strength training. He also debunks myths about running with weighted vests while emphasizing the joy of the journey over mere performance. Plenty of laughs and wisdom await!

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, everyday ethics, and endurance sports. She teaches philosophy at Christopher Newport University and writes a beloved ethics column for iRunFar—and she’s here to explore how running can be a "laboratory for virtue," where our daily choices shape who we become both on and off the trail. Together, we unpack: How running teaches us about moral character (whether we know it or not) Everyday ethical choices in sport and life—beyond the big scandals Why we hedge the truth (even when no one's watching) What it means to celebrate others' success while still chasing your own The role of humor and humility in building resilience How parenting and philosophy collide  And why runners aren’t just chasing finish lines—they’re practicing becoming better people. 🏃‍♂️ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Running Warehouse! Running Warehouse makes it easy to gear up for your next big adventure with thousands of in-depth reviews, expert advice, and fast, free shipping. Whether you're chasing vert in the mountains or keeping it local on your home trails, Running Warehouse has you covered with the best brands and the biggest selection of shoes, apparel, and gear. Before you head out for your next run, stock up at Running Warehouse. Links and Resources: 🧩 The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little: Buy the book 🖋️ Sabrina’s ethics column for iRunFar Follow Sabrina on Instagram: @sabrina.little This episode of The Trailhead is hosted by Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard. It’s part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. If you loved this conversation, share it with your trail crew, leave us a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure. Follow the show at @trailheadpod, or drop us a line at trailhead@ultrasignup.com — we’d love to hear your stories, guest ideas, or just say hi! And be sure to check out all the other great shows in the Ultra Podcast Network.