For this episode, Addie sat down with Maddie Hart - a trail and ultra runner, environmental consultant, and the founder of Hart Athletic Co., a new sustainability consulting initiative for endurance events. Maddie is based in the Bay Area (shoutout to the Pacifica trails and the iconic Taco Bell Cantina) and joined me to talk about her path from skiing and horse riding to 100-mile ultras, the state of renewable energy, and how she’s helping races cut waste, emissions, and greenwashing.

We talk about:

• Why we need to move away from climate perfectionism and toward meaningful, measurable change

• What it’s like to go from burnout in the clean energy sector to launching her own consulting business

• Her approach to certification, tailored to the realities of each event and community

• What it means to show up with skin in the game—as a runner, racer, and trail user

• The carbon footprint of finish-line beer (yes, it’s a thing) and what races can do about it

This episode is for anyone who’s curious about building something from scratch, shaping the future of trail events, or turning frustration into action.

Links

• Hart Athletic Co.

• CleanPowerSF (Community Choice Aggregator)

• TerraCycle – Zero Waste Boxes

• EPA Guide to Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

• High Lonesome 100

• Javelina Jundred

• Western Colorado University – Environment & Sustainability Program

• Runners for Public Lands

Let me know what stood out to you - especially if you're a race director, athlete, or organizer thinking about how to make your event more sustainable. Or if you just want to talk trail snacks and carbon sinks.

Keywords:
climate action, sustainable racing, trail running, ultra running, Hart Athletic Co., endurance events, renewable energy, race sustainability, green sports, eco-friendly races, electrification, clean energy transition, waste reduction, carbon offsetting, zero waste, environmental consultant, outdoor industry, TerraCycle, RECs, climate communication, trail race emissions, climate and sport, public lands advocacy, inclusive outdoor community, sustainable event certification