Chasing Trails Podcast

We're excited to introduce you to one of our new sponsors Devin Kennedy, founder of Resilience Through Fitness (RTF)! In this episode Deven shares his story of how he found a passion for running and fitness after a life-changing incident. He started RTF to help others, especially first responders, navigate the challenges of training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. RTF focuses on a personalized, holistic approach to fitness, taking into account individual needs and schedules. Devin's dream for RTF is to continue growing and supporting clients in achieving their goals, while also participating in races and events.

To find out more about RTF you can go to their ⁠website⁠

Music by ⁠AlexGrohl ⁠

Mark McColgan head of Saint John Trail Running joins the Chasing Trails podcast to discuss the upcoming Looney Loops race in Atlantic Canada. The race is a 24-hour trail race with a 3-kilometer loop around a lake. Mark shares details about the race, including the challenging terrain and the community-based atmosphere. He also talks about the involvement of the YMCA and the donations that will be made to support their programs. Mark highlights some new additions to this year's race, such as a PR gong, live music performances, and projected race results. The conversation concludes with Brandon and Geoff discussing their plans to participate in the race.

We finish off by talking about the new race at Poley Mountain called the Pole Peak Pursuit. He mentions the challenges of organizing races and the importance of maintaining consistent communication and high-quality event experiences. We even discuss the future goal of organizing a 100-mile race in the Sussex area and the increasing participation of women in trail running events.

This week on the podcast Allison McFadden, an accomplished trail runner, shares her running journey and recent achievements in the trail racing world. She discusses how she got into trail running and her love for the sport. Allison also talks about her experience running from one tip of Nova Scotia to the other, raising money for the IWK. She highlights the importance of women's participation in trail running and the inspiration provided by female role models. Allison shares her future plans, including taking time to recover and preparing for a sailing adventure with her family.

The boys also announce their partnership with Resilience through Fitness. Founder Deven Kennedy created RTF to help first responders and the general population achieve their full potential and partnering with RTF to be our title sponsor for Season 3 was a great fit. If you'd like to know more about them you can check out their website resiliencethroughfitness.com

In this episode, Geoff and Brandon discuss the runner's funk and share tips on how to overcome it. They explore the idea of trying new running routes, going back to basics, and participating in social runs. They also discuss the pressure of setting goals and the importance of making running a lifestyle choice.

In this episode Mark Hemmings shares his trail running journey, from starting with road races to transitioning to trail running and eventually tackling the Capes 100. He emphasizes the importance of learning from the greats and going all-in when pursuing a new challenge. Mark also highlights the joy of running with his daughter and the beauty of the Cape Breton course. He discusses the logistical aspects of the race, including crew support and drop bags, and shares his experience running through the night and encountering challenging weather conditions. Mark shares his experience of running the CAPES 100 race and pushing himself to finish strong.

Mark talks about his why behind this challenge, to create a documentary about turning 50 and pushing himself to do something previously believed to be impossible.

We finish off by discussing the intersection of photography and running, how they enhance each other, and the joy of documenting his trail running journeys.

markhemmings.com

Instagram: @markhemmings

In this episode, Geoff and Brandon discuss the most self-conscious things about trail running and the worst things about adulting. They give their bronze, silver, and gold answers for each topic. In this conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss their self-consciousness about certain aspects of trail running. They share their personal experiences and frustrations, including crop dusting, pointy nipples, chafing, and sweaty clothes. They also talk about the challenges of adulting, such as car repairs, buying expensive items that aren't fun, and the constant need to sweep the floors. They conclude by discussing how they've become like their parents and the things that bother them now. Overall, the conversation is light-hearted and relatable, highlighting the humorous side of trail running and adulthood.

Colin Swift, a trail runner and shoe reviewer, shares his running journey and love for trail running. He discusses his transition from team sports to running and how podcasts and books inspired him to start running. Colin also talks about his recent documentary on the Fundy Footpath FKT and his passion for ultra running. The conversation then shifts to sneakers, with Colin providing recommendations for different categories, such as first-time trail runners, door-to-trail shoes, and more. In this conversation, Colin Swift discusses different types of trail running shoes based on specific needs and preferences. He recommends the Nike Pegasus Trail and Solomon Max Glide for beginners, the Hoka Speedgoat and Solomon Ultra Glide as daily trainers, and the North Face Vectiv Pro and Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra as high-end race shoes. For those on a budget, he suggests looking for last year's models or considering the Solomon Ultra Flow and Brooks Divide. Colin also emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit and considering factors like cushioning, stack height, and drop.

Colins' Youtube channel

In this episode of the Chasing Trails podcast, Geoff and Brandon discuss their experiences with training and racing during the hot summer months. They also introduce their new merchandise, a limited edition Chasing Trails mug. The hosts then play a game of 'Would You Rather' with trail running-themed scenarios. In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss various hypothetical scenarios and share their preferences such whether they would rather be crewed by their own kids or each other's kids in a race, and whether they would choose to have a sixth child or run ultras barefoot. They also discuss eating a quesadilla with expired cheese or drinking raw milk, DNFing a race at kilometer one or kilometer 99, choosing between winning a race or receiving $1 million, and slipping and falling in their own vomit or someone else's vomit on the race course.

It's bound to entertain.

In this conversation, Kelsey Hogan and Adam Fearnall share their running stories and their love for trail running. They discuss how trail running brings them a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and connection to themselves, others, and the natural environment. They also talk about the challenges of balancing trail running with their relationships and responsibilities.

Kelsey who is ranked third in the World Trail Majors shares her experience at the Quebec Mega Trail (QMT) 100-mile race. A course she knows well by setting a course record in 2023.

Adam and Kelsey both emphasize the importance of celebrating the achievements of all runners and the supportive trail running community.

Adam discusses his involvement with the Worga Foundation, which provides supports to Mabaan Youth in South Sudan to pursue their educational dreams. They also talk about their passion for justice and their involvement with various non-profit organizations.

In terms of mental hurdles in trail running, they emphasize the importance of embracing and befriending the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that arise during training and races. They also discuss their recovery process after running 100-mile races and share their upcoming goals, including Kelsey's participation in the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc and Adam's continued involvement in trail running.

@kelseypamela wanted to thank her sponsors @nordarun and @backtrailsnbfor their support.
You can follow her season on Kelsey’s crew, click below to subscribe:

@adamfearnall dedicated his efforts at the QMT to the Worga Foundation and you can support him here:

Brandon and Geoff discuss their recent vacations and training updates. Brandon shares his experience in New York City and his hamstring injury, while Geoff talks about his vacation in PEI and his consistent training. They also announce the upcoming release of a custom-made Chasing Trails mug.

They also interview Cody Cooper, a trail runner and mountain biker who shares his journey into trail running and the intersection between cycling and running. He discusses his love for being in nature and the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports. Cody also talks about his upcoming documentary project and the mental discoveries that come from pushing oneself in endurance activities.