But also… Trail running podcast

The Idiots join host Celeste Fong as she shares her recent health scare that led to surgery, getting the all clear to start training again and trying to plan races for the year.

The group debates whether she should attempt the 112-mile Cut race or drop to the 50-miler, discussing fitness, injury risk, fueling struggles, pacers and crew, plus upcoming races and volunteer plans.

Host Celeste Fong talks with Greg Smith about his running journey from college runs and marathons to technical mountain ultras. They cover standout races—from Spain’s rugged Pyrenees course to Mid-State Massive and Old Dominion—plus the thrill and challenge of trail versus road running.

The conversation also explores balancing training with new fatherhood, sleep deprivation, race planning and fueling, community support on the trail, and facing risks like allergies and the surreal moments that come with ultra-distance running.

In this episode Celeste Fong talks with Marcy Ritsick about her shock discovery from an at-home DNA test, learning she was donor-conceived and half Ashkenazi Jewish, searching for and meeting her biological father, and the ripple effects on her family, identity, and medical history.

They discuss the emotional fallout, the loss and rebuilding of relationships, finding community and chosen family through running and advocacy, and how Marcy moved forward with resilience.

Celeste hosts an adult-only episode featuring Mike and Taylor as they relive the Frozen Yeti 30-hour winter race: extreme cold, deep snow, and brutal conditions that turned miles into a fight for survival.

They discuss pacing, gear failures, injuries, aid-station moments, and the humor and teamwork that helped them get through a punishing 50-mile effort.

Host Celeste Fong and guest Mommy Craigery recount his wild experience at the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh: a 2.5-mile run to the donut shop, eating a dozen glazed donuts, and a 2.5-mile run back.

The episode covers the chaotic donut pit, cold and windy conditions, surprisingly edible-but-exhausting results, friends’ antics (including one who ate 18 donuts), and the charity-driven spirit behind the event.

They close with reflections on the aftermath, travel delays, and the humor of making — and surviving — terrible life choices.

Host Celeste Fong sits down with longtime friend Mike Feinberg for an unfiltered conversation about his running journey — from awkward beginnings and cross country to joining the 169 Club, Winter Warrior challenges, marathons like New York and Chicago, and embracing ultras and multi-day training.

They trade favorite race memories, parenting and community anecdotes, and the messy, motivating realities of high-mileage training, injury, and race-day chaos. The episode highlights how running became a tool for connection, stress relief, and reinvention.

Through stories of club camaraderie, volunteer races, and milestone moments like turning 50, the pair celebrate the emotional side of running and finding joy beyond PRs.

Host Celeste Fong sits down with Michael Lo Presti to trace his running journey from a late '90s start to 141 marathons and ultras, the discovery of a birth defect and aortic aneurysm, and his open-heart surgery and recovery.

Together they discuss his return to endurance racing—including six-day and multi-day loop events—tattoos as storytelling, the supportive running community, and his message to "live urgently."

Host Celeste Fong and her crew of 'idiots' deliver an adult-only, irreverent end-of-year recap covering proud accomplishments, disappointments, and favorite race memories.

They talk first ultras, finishing 169 towns, Notchview, HamsterWheel, Niagara plans, training goals for 2026, and plenty of offbeat, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories.

Host Celeste Rong talks with Rick Amernick about the two-decade history of the DC Capital Striders, their focus on giving back, and the community they built through group runs, volunteering, charity events, shoe demos, and partnerships.

The episode covers memorable races, volunteer programs, holiday and scavenger runs for charity, how to join or start local group runs, and the real-life stories of runners whose lives were changed by the club.

Host Celeste Fong interviews Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about the group's rise from a local meetup to a multi-location running community. They cover the shift into trail running, North Face training, ultramarathon experiences, and the Wolfpack trail faction.

The episode also focuses on the group's charity work — the Holiday Lights Run, the Amazing Race events, volunteering and partnerships — and reflects on the deep community impact and plans for the 20th anniversary.