The Trailhead

***NEW PODCAST*** This ain't your normal Trailhead! We'd like to introduce a new podcast that we thought you might enjoy, UltraData. Matt Abbott walks us through how to develop an algorithm to rank UltraSignup’s races by difficulty. Along the way, he brings in some guests (Jeff Pelletier, Riley Brady, Arlen Glick, & Corrine Malcolm) to discuss what makes different races hard for them and to react to iterations of the ranking. We hope you enjoy it!   The Trailhead podcast will be back to its regular episodes in January!

Illegal drugs are cropping up in the running world again; Buzz and Corrine talk testing and their own performance enhancing strategies. Then Corrine interviews Anita Cardinal, a Cree activist and lawyer, about running, resilience, and representation. Finally, Buzz and caller Jane brainstorm how to get back to ultra-distances after having a baby - with a focus on letting go of outcome and simply enjoying the journey.     We’ll be back! Season 2 starts in January, so stay tuned for our next release.   Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Sidas. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction and “Trailhead20” for 20% off Sidas.

Corrine and Buzz chat about the recent Backyard World Championships and how it’s possible to set a world record and DNF at the same time?! Corrine talks to elite marathoner Peter Bromka about balancing parenting and the long run, diving into his popular article “The Endurance Dad Dilemma.”  Then Buzz talks with runner Brianne about how to stay positive during long races, sharing favorite run-tested mantras that work. Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Sidas. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction and “Trailhead20” for 20% off Sidas.

Corrine and Buzz talk about “crushing” and “dominating” on the trails with writer and pro-athlete Meg Mackenzie who penned the thought provoking article “Annihilate That Course and Obliterate Your Competition.” Does using violent language influence our sport experience? The UltraSignup community had heated reactions to the online article; listen in and add your opinion. Then Buzz helps Matt from Issaquah, WA decide how long to rest after a big ultra-effort. Plus, Buzz’s favorite go-to recovery activity. Have a question about trail or distance running? Send your question to news@ultrasignup.com for a chance to chat with Buzz on an upcoming episode.   Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Squirrel’s Nut Butter. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction or Squirrel’s Nut Butter.

Description: Corrine and Buzz break down Kilian Jornet’s exhaustive new blog recapping his 2022 training with micro-details including his workouts, nutrition, sleep, stress and more. Are there usable tips for a “normie” runner or is Kilian simply from another planet? Next, Corrine talks to writer and runner Jared Beasley about the quiet, but seductive appeal of the backyard race phenomenon. His piece, “Everyone’s Got A Shot at a Backyard, Right?” looks at the enigmatic format and how an average runner can get (happily?) sucked in. And Buzz talks to Isabella from L.A. about shin splints and offers a range of tips and tricks to help. Have a question about trail or distance running? Send your question to news@ultrasignup.com for a chance to chat with Buzz on an upcoming episode. Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Tailwind Nutrition.

In this episode, Corrine and Buzz chat about the expansion of trail running media coverage and how runners can “vote with their feet” to keep the smaller races alive. Then, Corrine talks to shoe guru Brian Metzler about carbon fiber running shoes and why they might not be the holy grail for trail runners. You can read Brian’s article “Don’t get FOMO about the twinkle of carbon finer on the trails” here. And Buzz answers Christian’s “Real Runner Questions” about The Bear. Have a question about trail or distance running? Send your question to news@ultrasignup.com for a chance to chat with Buzz on an upcoming episode.   Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from InsideTracker.

This week, fresh off her role as a live commentator, Corrine and Buzz go behind-the-scenes at UTMB. Then Corrine sits down with Oregon PCT FKT holder Emily Halnon to learn about: her unique experience setting a new record with enthusiastic help from the former FTK owner. Finally, Buzz chats with Caroline from Wisconsin about dialing in race nutrition as distances increase. Preview: It's all about chocolate and jelly beans. Have a question about trail or distance running? Send your question to news@ultrasignup.com for a chance to chat with Buzz on an upcoming episode.   Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from On Running.

Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm team up to bring you a lively mix of trail topics, stories, and real runner questions. Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner or newly “trail curious” and just getting started in the sport, start your run with UltraSignup…and meet us at The Trailhead!