“Personally speaking, it's been a creative outlet that I didn't know I needed. But beyond that, the best thing about doing the show has been getting to know all these people and hearing their stories.”

Chasing Cutoffs is a fun and creative trail-running podcast that Ben Mead hosts. The Olympia, Washington trail runner has been hosting the show since April of 2022 and features back-of-the-pack inspiration. The inspiration to start the show came from a disappointing DNF of his own, and during reflection of said DNF, he wondered why there wasn’t a show that featured stories from runners like himself. Chasing Cutoffs was born, and we are all better off for it!

“I attempted a 50 miler earlier this year, my very 1st 50-mile attempt out in Arizona, and it was a complete and utter disaster. DNF and on the day after I'm walking around in a daze, pretty darn disappointed and thinking “there's got to be a podcast about this, about being super slow, about being either DNF or DFL, or why is there not a show about this experience?”

Ben was a great guest and we got into all kinds of things, like some of the challenges he faced that he didn’t expect, what some of his favourite things about hosting are, and he even takes time to talk about producer “Daisy” and what it’s like having a co-worker that doesn’t contribute much. This interview is informative and entertaining and I’m so grateful that Ben took the time!

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Dear Adam

I received one question from the recent callout from Andrew Giles of Edmonton, Alberta. Andrew, thank you so much for taking the time to submit a question! There were two race directors that were more than happy to respond to your question, which was very kind of them, and we definitely appreciate it here at the newsletter. Here is Andrew’s question:

Dear Adam,

I’m a solid mid to back of the pack runner. Most prizing is geared to the front of the pack which I never am - what should races do to encourage folks like me? Or should we just run simply for the joy of it? - Andrew Giles, Edmonton

Matthias Eichler of Rock Candy Running in Olympia, WA was a previous guest on the show and was more than happy to offer up what he does as an RD and podcast host:

Dear Andrew,

Short answer:"... or should we run simply for the joy of it?"Is there another way to run?Longer answer:Here are my suggestions and what I am personally working on as RD and podcaster:- On race day have raffles for all bib holders. That way prizes, especially valuable things like sponsored gear, can be more easily distributed among all the runners participating.

- Create races where coming in first isn't the only focus. For example, we had two endurance events where people can run short loops for 6, or 12 hours. Yes, there will be someone who has run the most loops, but everyone who races their own race and has a different goal. As a race director, this format really allows us to celebrate every achievement by every runner and not just the folks who make it on the podium.

- Highlight stories of the everyday runner, don't just talk about the pro athletes. That way more folks feel empowered to participate in our sport.

- Tell stories of adventure runs and FKT (Fastest Known Time) route. There is so much more to running than just putting on a bib.

Mathias Eichler

Rock Candy has “SATURNALIA” coming December 17, 2022. Register now and see what Rock Candy races and Mathias are all about!

Andrew, I’ve got one more for you. Look for another response from another race director next episode! Myke Labelle of Coastline Endurance and race director for Island Trail Series has also been on the show previously and was kind enough to offer up a response as well.

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Music by REDproductions from Pixabay.

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 :)

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