***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!

BONUS - UltraData Podcast: The Hardest Trail Races of 2022

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!

Sports

Health & Fitness

Running

Buzz and Corrine chat about taper tantrums ahead of Corrine’s upcoming spring A race, and everything that goes into a successful taper. Corrine interviews trail runner and coach Cat Bradley. They discuss Cat’s impressive track record in the sport, Cat 2.0, her coaching, and how to race with nothing to lose. Your performance is not a measure of your worth. Buzz talks about the Fat Dog Backyard Ultra with race director Erik Bird. They discuss the unique aspects of the backyard ultra format and how it enables to runners to push their own limits. Erik shares with Buzz that race directors really truly appreciate the participation of every runner in their events. Every time you show up to race, it means something to them. This episode 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.

Taper Tantrums, Cat B and Fat Dog

Buzz and Corrine chat about staying in the game when you hit a setback, physical, mental or emotional. Corrine talks with Tracer  co-founder Joey Wilson about AI coaching and the future of tech in trail running. And Buzz chats with Six03 Endurance race director, Tom Hooper, about the joys of short and steep running on the East Coast.   For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance.  Introducing the all new FORTUX GTX by LOWA.  It is one of LOWA’s All Terrain Running Shoes. The FORTUX GTX is great for longer runs and speed hikes in any weather conditions.  And it’s loaded with performance and supportive features, including a grippy outsole for superb traction on rough terrain. And durable jacquard weave uppers. And a cushioned rocker midsole for support. It also has fast and secure speed lacing, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining to keep your feet comfortably dry, mile after mile.  Get 20% off LOWA ATR when you apply the discount code  TRAILHEAD20.  

Comebacks, AI Coaching,  Short & Steep Running

Corrine and Buzz chat about spring training, how to think about tune-up races, and everything you need to know about that familiar heavy muscle feeling you get after a big effort, known as delayed onset muscle soreness. Corrine talks to Mammoth Trailfest Race Director Tim Tollefson about his journey with body dysmorphia and building community with The Mammoth Trailfest. Mammoth Trailfest offers a series of challenging distances on some of the most beautiful trails in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Tim built the race on his favorite routes and carefully designed it to not only be hard but also incredibly satisfying. You can find out more about the race at https://www.mammothtrailfest.com/ and @mammothtrailfest on Instagram. Then Buzz answers questions from callers, including our very own podcast producer Tina, who is preparing to take on the challenging uphill Loon Mountain Race this summer and as a road runner, is looking for tips to prepare for the uphill. This episode of the 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.

Spring DOMS,  Mammoth Trail fest & Cheap Shoes

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.

The Most Epic Barkley yet? and Adaptive Running with Zach Friedley

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.

BONUS - UltraData Podcast: The Hardest Trail Races of 2022

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