Community Trail Running

“I really enjoy the act of creating. I mean, running, I love running. I like the physical exertion part of it, but then I really value the creation that I can do with writing. So I find that's just a really helpful way to process the race for me and then to be able to share something of my experience with others.”

Jade Belzberg has been journalling since she was 5 years old so when it comes to putting her thoughts onto paper (or the screen), she’s a seasoned veteran. She’s also a seasoned champion when it comes to trail running, as her resume includes a bunch of very impressive finishes. Two silver medals at the recent Canadian Mountain Running Championships are part of that impressive resume, and Jade mentioned that moving back to Canada and learning who the strong competition is here has been a bit of an adjustment. She’s made that adjustment and been able to stay within herself. Keeping calm and level-headed is how she competes.

“I'm super excited. I'm super motivated, but I don't feel like I get a lot of… I'm not someone who gets like a runner's high after, and I'm all stoked after the run. It just feels like another part of my day, which I really value. But I feel pretty level throughout the day. Because it was so new when I was first starting out, there were more endorphins attached to it. That's pretty rare these days. And even going into races, I'm a really... I'm quite calm compared to my competitors. And that's just how I like it. I think I thrive better with that.”

Jade was a ton of fun to chat with. She’s just getting through a move and her and her partner have twenty animals they take care of as well! To say she has been busy while competing is an understatement and I’m grateful she was able to take some time and chat. I think you’ll enjoy the conversation as much as I did, make sure to let us know!

The Long Run

Episode 2 with Keeley Milne was another huge success. Chantelle Erickson and I are grateful Keeley came on and shared her story and we’re thrilled these episodes have been received so well. Next week we have Crossing Lines on the podcast and we can’t wait to share that one with you. The downloads have piled up and we’re excited to keep them coming. Make sure to check out Keeley’s episode if you haven’t already:

Food Fight Friday

I enjoy doing these shows with Jason Bahamundi. The latest episode I got to honour my father by choosing three “meals” he used to make. Jason had fun answering and shouted out a dish his dad made as well. It was so much fun!

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

“I kind of always thought if you hear yourself say someone should do that, it's a good sign, that you should be doing that. If you'd read that or listen to that or want that, someone else probably would as well.”

Bradley Houghton realized there was a need that could be filled in the New Zealand trail running scene. As someone who loves the sport, he wanted to shine more light on all the amazing races across the country. So he started Trail Running NZ and it’s been growing ever since. The growth is a happy accident of sorts, as he got into trail running because a road marathon didn’t go so well, and he thought a trail ultra couldn’t be any worse. The rest, as they say, is history, and now Bradley is a big part of the coverage of trail running in his home country.

“I found myself, the more I kind of drill into something the more obsessed I get with it and so it's like you want to cover more. But you don't want to start sending three emails a week. So it kind of naturally gets a bit bigger. But really, it's all about the results.”

Bradley was a ton of fun to chat with. It took us a while to record together as the time difference between us was a challenge. But it was worth the wait to hear all about his substack and why he started it! I’m sure you will enjoy the episode as much as I did, and make sure to let us know.

The Long Run

Episode 2 with Keeley Milne was another huge success. We’re grateful Keeley came on and shared her story and we’re thrilled these episodes have been received so well. The downloads have piled up and we’re excited to keep them coming. Make sure to check out Keeley’s episode if you haven’t already:

Ep. 120 The Long Run. Featuring Keeley Milne

“I knew that I was going to die and that was made very clear to me by people in the hospital and by a doctor that I had seen. And I knew I had very limited time. I was having a lot of seizures. Whenever alcohol got out of my system, I would have a seizure. So I was having to drink, even though I didn't want to.”

Read full story

Food Fight Friday

I enjoy doing these shows with Jason Bahamundi. We have a great time being goofy together and the latest episode was no different!

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

“There's a lot of peace in the backcountry. So you find yourself completely by yourself. You may come across lots of animal tracks. Those are some of my favorite things. It's just peaceful and it's wild.”

Sarah Nurcombe coaches trail running and Nordic skiing athletes in my new neck of the woods, Crowsnest Pass. The opportunity to interview someone in person was one I could not pass up and so it was an honour to chat with Sarah at our “Bushtown” kitchen table. She’s been in The Pass for 20 years and it was great to hear a bit about why she loves it so much. She also loves coaching athletes and she’s found it very rewarding to be a positive part of someone’s journey. That’s also been the case with her group runs where she gets to see so many people flourish.

“Those aha moments. They suddenly either have a breakthrough, they suddenly understand something that they'd never understood before about running. And just to see confidence build in people, like the confidence, the camaraderie, right. They often meet people that they end up running trails with. I see them later on the trails running together. So those have been super rewarding for me.”

I’m so glad Sarah was able to meet in person and I look forward to hosting more people at the kitchen table in the future! I’m sure you will enjoy learning about Sarah as much as I did. Be sure to let us know!

It’s the debut of “The Miller Minutes”! Coach Andrew Miller and I are working together as I get ready for Moab Run the Rocks. It’s a segment I’m really excited about as we will chat for five minutes on the first Monday of each month and give you all a glimpse of what it’s like to work with a running coach. Andrew will break down what I’m doing and why I’m doing it so we understand his thought process of building my program. It’s informative and fun and make sure to let us know what you think as we work towards Moab! These episodes will get posted individually on the Wednesday after each release.

Andrew was a guest on Community Trail Running in the past and you can listen to that episode and learn more about him:

The Long Run

Episode 2 with Keeley Milne was another huge success. We’re grateful Keeley came on and shared her story and we’re thrilled these episodes have been received so well. The downloads have piled up and we’re excited to keep them coming. Make sure to check out Keeley’s episode if you haven’t already:

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

“I knew that I was going to die and that was made very clear to me by people in the hospital and by a doctor that I had seen. And I knew I had very limited time. I was having a lot of seizures. Whenever alcohol got out of my system, I would have a seizure. So I was having to drink, even though I didn't want to.”

Keeley Milne has faced difficult challenges in life. She’s persevered through dark times to lead the life she does today. She’s incredibly grateful for the support she’s had to get there and through that support she’s lived a sober life for the last 11 + years. She recognizes that everyone’s journey is different, but that everyone deserves another chance.

“I guess that is, it's never ever too late and it's always worth it. There are people that care and will help even if you don't know them. It doesn't have to be AA, there's people out there, there's 24 hour hotlines that people will get you through until you can see somebody else. There are, there, there are people out there who care. And It's really never too late, no matter how many bridges you burn, no matter what you've done.”

Keeley has done nothing but fall more in love with the sport of running during the last 11 years and is looking to attempt a 200 miler in Alberta. She’s always enjoyed challenging herself which is why she’s also working towards becoming a librarian, a childhood dream she’s getting closer to accomplishing. She’s also appreciated being an active mom to her son and having family in her life.

All of it has given Keeley a unique perspective for her writing at Canadian Running Magazine. Chantelle and I were really grateful to have her on and share so openly about her struggles and triumphs. Her story is an inspiring one, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Alcohol addiction support:

https://helpwithdrinking.ca/

Alberta Addiction Support

Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help

More Long Run:

“I loved the medium of podcasting. I'd been a writer for my whole professional career. I loved radio and I loved this whole podcasting thing that was going on. I just didn't have an idea for a podcast.”

Cherie Louise Turner has always enjoyed writing and telling stories, and she hosts a narrative-style podcast that perfectly suits her style. The Women’s Running Stories Podcast has evolved since she started it (including the name) and she’s enjoyed collaborating with others along the way. Collaboration is something that she’s embraced recently and is looking forward to doing more of that going forward. At the root of it though, she really just loves spotlighting amazing women.

“I mean, lucky me and lucky anybody else who's covering women because there's so many great stories that just aren't even told yet. And I have learned so much just listening to these stories”

Cherie was a joy to chat with. She’s thoughtful and passionate and it was fantastic listening to her share a bit of her story. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Make sure to let us know!

Follow Cherie’s 5k under 20 minutes journey here!

The Long Run

Thank you to all of you who tuned into episode 1 of The Long Run! It was a great success, and we were so honoured to have Tarrant Cross Child as our first guest. I’m thrilled to be working with Chantelle Erickson! We’re excited to bring you episode two this coming Monday, October 28! We have the awesome Keeley Milne on the podcast and you are gonna wanna tune in. Don’t miss it!

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

Matt Trappe has worked with many running brands over the years. The experience has led to a base of knowledge and the writing process is something that he enjoys and excites him. So the chance to take his experience and share it with the world is something that intrigued him and “A Matter of Brand” is the result! Matt writes about his observations in the industry and hopes to push the whole industry forward. It’s an exciting time in trail running and Matt is loving sharing his thoughts.

“I have a lot of ideas. I have a lot to say. And I feel like I'm just unlocking myself and opening up my brain to the world. And writing has been a lot of fun to do that. So I started the Substack just to riff on things I was thinking about, discovering, maybe learning about myself anyway within the world of branding, marketing, and particularly running. And the writing process makes me really clarify my thoughts and fully think through things from, whatever perspective or whatever take I have on the topic. And I really enjoy it.”

I enjoyed my conversation thoroughly with Matt. I enjoy reading “A Matter of Brand” too, and so it was great to meet the person behind the words and learn a bit more about his inspiration. I hope you will enjoy the conversation as much as I did and let us know what you think!

The Long Run

Thank you to all of you who tuned into episode 1 of The Long Run! It was a great success, and we were so honoured to have Tarrant Cross Child as our first guest. I’m thrilled to be working with Chantelle Erickson! We’re excited to bring you episode two on October 28! We have the awesome Keeley Milne on the podcast and you are gonna wanna tune in.

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

“When looking for stuff to wear that didn't always look like I was on a workout, I found that the material wasn't quite right, or it looked too sporty, or a lot of men's clothing is just sort of ugly or bland or banal, and I wanted to add some life to it. So I came up with a concept that is the opposite of athleisure wear. It's something that I call leisletic. And so basically, it is a way for you to go out into the wilderness, to hide in plain sight in society, and to look like you were never working out to begin with.”

Elliot Matson wanted to do something different with Folklord and that’s exactly what he’s done. Taking trail running clothing and putting his own stamp on it, Matson is creating clothing that is fun and effective. This is how he stands out in such a crowded market, and the fact he designs the clothing himself is a point of pride and creativity in his life. He’s been enjoying the creative process as well as the reward of seeing people use the clothing he’s created.

I spent a year building this brand from the ground up, from the design of it to the art direction, to the writing, to the actual manufacturing of everything until it was in my hands, let alone in someone else's. When I see people actually running in it and doing what I intended to have it be done, you know, it's so cool to see that and to see people really liking it and being excited about it.”

You can get 10% off Folklord with the code “Community”. Unfortunately, they are only in the US right now, but when Canada comes on board, Elliot will let us know!

We hope you let us know what you think about the episode. I had a great time chatting with Elliot and learning more about Folklord. I hope you did as well and you will take a look at his cool company!

The Long Run

Thank you to all of you who tuned into episode 1 of The Long Run! It was a great success, we are so honoured to have Tarrant Cross Child as our first guest and I’m so thrilled to be working with Chantelle Erickson! We’re excited to bring you more like this in the future.

Food Fight Friday

The latest episode was fun as always. I really like doing this show with Jason. I was as mature as always when it came to making my choices for my foods this week:

Food Fight Friday is always a blast with Jason Bahamundi of Run Tri Bike Mag. We have a great time giving each other 3 aid station options where the other person has to decide which they will eat right away, which they will carry along the route, and which they will chuck in the bush.

Read full story

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

“I would run all through there when I was younger and my grandfather knew I'd love to run, he would get me to round up the horses. So I'd have to go spend some time out there in the buttes rounding up the horses and bringing them into the corral. So it was actually out there where he really realized I loved running.”

Tarrant Cross Child grew up running and credits his grandfather, Dan Weasel Moccasin, for encouraging him to take it more seriously. It was his grandfather who bought him his first pair of shoes, and his grandfather also brought him to his first track meet. That encouragement from family and his love for the sport was all the more important as Tarrant went through life.

His journey led down some dark paths, eventually to the point where Tarrant attempted suicide. Thankfully it wasn’t his time to go, and a year long rehab program, where he was able to run and dial into that love of running again, followed. What’s come of his second life is truly remarkable. Tarrant is an ambassador for the sport in many ways, including running “Prairie Run Crew”, which helps Indigenous youth get involved in the sport. Running has been a life changer and saver for Tarrant, and he wants to share that as much as he can.

“When I was in rehab, I was gifted a pair of gently used shoes. Celeste didn't have any money. We're just barely making it by. I was on social assistance. We had nothing. So the shoes that were gifted to me while I was in rehab were like a lifeline. It just meant so much on two levels. One, that somebody from the outside was thinking about me. And then number two is that I can now run in a good pair of shoes. And that gave me that inspiration to be able to get out, to keep running to the shed, to keep running over to the train, to the tracks. I started hearing about the youth suicide crisis in Indigenous communities. So I thought, you know what, since running's helped me, maybe it'll help them.”

That inspiration is where it all started for Tarrant and Prairie Run Crew. He’s been working on it ever since he finished his rehab and today the group is doing more than he could have ever imagined. Tarrant has created a group that shares hope with his community and it was all accomplished through the sport of running. He’s a truly incredible person making a difference in the world each and every day. We salute Tarrant and all he has done, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him, his family, and the incredible Prairie Run Club.

Tarrant was an incredible first guest for us on the Long Run. We’re so grateful he shared his time and story with us and we hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we did. Make sure to check out Prairie Run Crew and find out how you can get involved!

You can learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation day here:

The Indigenous Foundation

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Government of Alberta information

Government of Canada information

“The long run is all about uncovering the runner behind the run.”

Chantelle Erickson is a Lethbridge, AB-based marathoner, ultrarunner, and coach with Personal Peak. She’s also a certified personal trainer, pre-and postnatal fitness specialist, and freelance group fitness instructor with her own company, Be Well Chantelle. She’s also my new co-host on “The Long Run”! We are very excited to be working together and it’s nearly time to share episode 1 with you all. Before we do that, we thought we’d preview the show this week and give you all an idea of what to expect.

“We talk so much about people's accomplishments and their goals, and it's all about the race strategy and the race itself. I think the long run is just all about sort of deconstructing and decomposing who the actual person behind that is.”

Monday, September 30 we are set to debut the show and I hope you will all tune in and let us know what you think. We’d love any feedback and we’re always open to suggestions. So reach out and let us know what you think already, and make sure to come back next week and do the same.

Get to know Chantelle a bit better from our previous episodes:

Food Fight Friday

The latest episode was fun as always. I really like doing this show with Jason. I was as mature as always when it came to making my choices for my foods this week:

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)

It’s a special episode, so we’re doing things a little different here on a Thursday. We’ve got the winner of the Divide 200 Allison Powell on the podcast! Allison is also a fellow substack author and I’m so excited she was able to chat about her experience in Southern Alberta. She was a lot of fun to chat with, and it was very insightful to hear her talk about the race.

“Then the rain came in. And it just became a real mental battle. I don't think I've ever felt so low in a race. I've wanted to quit maybe a few times. But usually it's just like, “Oh, I'm tired. I wish I could be done. Oh, my legs hurt. It'd be nice to be over.” And this was like, “I think I'd rather be dead than take another step on this race course.”

Huge congrats to the amazing Allison Powell, it was awesome to hear her chat about her amazing accomplishment and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

The Long Run - Coming September 30

I’m super excited to be launching “The Long Run” with Chantelle Erickson! We will be premiering the show on September 30, and you can look forward to 5 additional episodes coming out on the last Monday of each month. We are excited to work together and do a bit of a deeper dive with our guests. The shows will be 45 - 60 minutes and we’re incredibly excited about our guests. More information to come in the weeks that follow, including some of those guests. Stay tuned!

Food Fight Friday

Our next episode will come out this week. The latest episode was fun as always. I really like doing this show with Jason:

Check out our fun and lighthearted side project and let us know what you think!

#Naaksquad - Try it and get 15% off

I enjoy the Naak products, even if the sauces took a few tries to grow on me. They get the job done and they don’t give me any issues, and isn’t that the point? So I applied to be part of the squad to get a discount on the products I plan on using a bunch. Reach out to me if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer! They give me a referral code, so I’m including that today.

If you’re gonna check it out, click through this link (CTR15 for 15% off), I appreciate it.

Listen where you listen

Spotify: Click Here

Google Podcasts: Click Here

Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Music by Paolo Argentino from Pixabay

We’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!

If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :)