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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis sits down with Chris Lotsbom, Director of Race Communications & Media at the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic organizations in running.

While the B.A.A. is best known for organizing the Boston Marathon, this conversation reveals a much bigger story...one rooted in history, community, and a year-round commitment to the sport.

Chris shares how the Boston Marathon was born out of inspiration from the 1896 Olympic Games, when B.A.A. athletes witnessed the power of the marathon and brought the idea back to Boston. What started in 1897 with just 10 runners has evolved into a global event with 30,000 participants—while still maintaining its deep connection to tradition. 

One of the biggest takeaways was that the B.A.A. is far more than a single race. The organization hosts events ranging from free community runs to a full “distance medley” series (5K, 10K, half marathon), along with youth programs designed to introduce the next generation to running. 

Their mission is clear: meet runners wherever they are, from first-timers to elite competitors. Over the past decade, the B.A.A. has intentionally worked to broaden its reach beyond elite runners. Through free events, youth initiatives, and expanded club programs, the organization is focused on making running more accessible, welcoming, and community-driven. As Chris puts it, the goal is to support athletes at every stage of their journey, not just those chasing qualifying times.

Organizing the Boston Marathon is a massive collaborative effort. With a core staff of around 40 people and more than 10,000 volunteers, the event is described as a “puzzle” where every piece must come together perfectly on race day.  From choreographing the finish line experience to managing media, athletes, and logistics, every detail is carefully planned—while still leaving room for the unpredictability of a live event.

The conversation also dives into one of the sport’s hottest topics: Boston qualifying times. With running experiencing a major boom, demand for the race is higher than ever—leading to difficult decisions around cutoffs and entry. Chris shares that the B.A.A. is constantly analyzing data and feedback, working to balance fairness, prestige, and opportunity in an increasingly competitive environment. 

Key Takeaways

• The B.A.A. is a year-round organization, not just the Boston Marathon
• Community access and inclusivity are central to its mission
• The Boston Marathon is powered by massive collaboration and volunteer support
• Qualifying continues to evolve as demand for the race grows
• Every runner’s story is what truly defines the event

Whether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier, running your first 5K, or just showing up to cheer on race day, this episode is a powerful reminder of how deeply running is woven into the fabric of New England and how the B.A.A. continues to shape and be a part of that story.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we head down to one of the most iconic riding destinations in New England — Cape Cod.

Host Art Trapotsis sits down with Kim Pzegeo, President of the Cape Cod Cycling Club (otherwise known as C4), and Michele Kjoller, longtime member and board member, to explore how a small group ride with just a handful of cyclists grew into a thriving and welcoming cycling community.

We dive into the origins of the club — from its early days as a small, race-focused group to its evolution into a club built around inclusivity, community, and “all kinds of cycling for all kinds of people.” 

Kim and Michele share what makes riding on Cape Cod so special, from scenic coastal routes and sunset views to rides that pass by 11 beaches in a single loop. 

We also cover:

• Weekly group rides for all levels — from beginner-friendly social rides to faster-paced training groups
• Where to ride on the Cape, including local favorites like Hyannis, Osterville, Wellfleet, and Provincetown
• How visitors can join rides while vacationing on the Cape
• Favorite routes, hidden gems, and what makes the Cape a truly unique place to ride. 

Whether you're planning a cycling trip to Cape Cod or just looking to connect with a welcoming endurance community, this episode offers a great look at what makes the Cape Cod Cycling Club so special.

And here are 3 iconic must-do cycling routes on Cape Cod:

• Cape Beaches Loop
• Mashpee to Woodshole Loop
• Orleans to Truro

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, Art Trapotsis sits down with Susan Dunklee — three-time Olympian, former World Championship medalist, and now Director of Biathlon and Head Junior Biathlon Coach at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Susan shares her journey from growing up in a Vermont ski family to discovering biathlon after college and eventually competing on the world stage in Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing.

The conversation dives into what makes biathlon such a unique and demanding endurance sport, from managing effort and breathing under pressure to handling the mental challenge of shooting with a redlined heart rate. Susan also reflects on lessons from elite sport, the value of not specializing too early, and what young endurance athletes should focus on instead.

Just as importantly, Susan gives listeners an inside look at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center — its mission, its deep ties to Concept2, its role as a nonprofit hub for rowing, running, skiing, and biathlon, and the way it brings together elite athletes, juniors, and everyday endurance enthusiasts. From sculling camps and ski weekends to junior programs and novice biathlon events, this episode is a great introduction to one of New England’s most special endurance communities.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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New Balance has been part of the New England running culture for over a century. In this episode, Andy Downin shares how the company supports local races, builds relationships with run clubs, and creates events like New Balance Nationals and the Marathon Relay during Boston Marathon weekend. If you’re part of the region’s running scene, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain.

A New England native and former U.S. champion in the 1500 meters, Andy shares his journey from professional athlete to community builder, and how his early days experimenting with grassroots race ideas eventually led him to New Balance in 2012.

The conversation dives into the brand’s deep commitment to New England — from operating five footwear factories in the region to investing in world-class infrastructure like the New Balance Track in Brighton. Andy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships are built, how events are selected, and what “shared values” really mean when a major brand aligns with local clubs and races.

At its core, this episode is about more than shoes or sponsorships, it’s about long-term relationships, authenticity, and investing in the people who make running special in New England.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis speaks with Skip Thomas and Karen Smyers about the B2VT Ride and the VT Monster gravel event. They discuss the origins of both rides, their evolution over the years, and the community that surrounds these endurance events. The conversation covers the challenges of the course, strategies for participants, and the importance of camaraderie in endurance sports. They also touch on the role of e-bikes, the significance of team spirit, and the charitable aspects of the events. The episode concludes with insights into registration and participation details, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the cycling community in New England.

Key Takeaways:

• The B2VT Ride started as a marketing stunt by Harpoon Brewery.
• Team Psycho is a Boston-area triathlon team that has evolved into a cycling community.
• The B2VT Ride is classified as a fun ride with a charitable component.
• Pacing is crucial for success in endurance events like the B2VT Ride.
• The course has evolved to include more challenging terrain over the years.
• Participants can switch between different ride distances leading up to the event.
• The VT Monster gravel event was created to cater to the growing gravel riding scene.
• Community support and volunteers are essential for the success of the events.
• The cycling community in New England is known for its camaraderie and support.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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We’re launching Season 3 with a bang—and a blizzard.

In this premiere episode, we sit down with Ryan DeLena, the first person to ski all 91 lines in the Presidential Skiing guidebook, and the star and co-creator of the new documentary NINETY ONE, set to release this February 2026.

Ryan shares stories from his time navigating the moody terrain of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, what it took mentally and physically to complete this historic project, and the many personalities of Mount Washington—from brutal whiteouts to bluebird perfection.

We also go deeper into Ryan’s co-authorship of the memoir Without Restraint with his father, and his advocacy work with the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, helping to reform treatment of neurodiverse youth in schools and institutions.

This conversation covers everything from glacier skiing in Ecuador to personal growth, mental endurance, and the unseen side of mountain mastery.

Topics Covered:

• The making of NINETY ONE and filming in extreme winter conditions
• Why the Presidentials are more emotional than you think
• Lessons from skiing the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Equator
• Co-writing a powerful memoir with his father
• Ryan’s advocacy in education reform and neurodiversity
• The tools, mindset, and humility needed to endure the mountains

Follow Ryan on Instagram @extreme_ryan_delena

Watch for the release of NINETY ONE coming soon on YouTube and at select film festivals.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Firefly Bicycles co-founders Tyler Evans and Kevin Wolfson to explore the craft, philosophy, and real-world decision-making behind world-class custom titanium bikes.

From geometry choices and material tradeoffs to bike fitting instincts honed in the peloton, Tyler and Kevin pull back the curtain on how Firefly designs bikes for how people actually ride. We dig into the myth of the “quiver killer,” why one bike can’t always do it all—especially in New England—and how compromises show up when terrain gets rough.

We also cover what it’s like to order a Firefly: realistic build timelines, what customers should (and shouldn’t) control in the design process, and what carbon-neutral manufacturing looks like in practice—not just on paper.

Whether you’re dreaming about a custom build or simply want to understand why some bikes feel right and others don’t, this conversation is a deep dive into intention, craftsmanship, and choosing the right tool for the ride.

Key Takeaways

• The “quiver killer” bike isn’t for everyone — especially in New England, where rough mixed terrain often demands purpose-built tools.
• Tire clearance alone doesn’t define versatility — geometry and ride intent matter just as much as tire size.
• Custom bikes shine when rider intent is clear — the best outcomes happen when riders share goals and trust the builder.
• Bike fit is about reading the rider, not just numbers — experience, posture, and movement tell a deeper story.
• Custom doesn’t mean infinite choice — knowing what to leave to the builder can dramatically improve the final result.
• Great craftsmanship includes invisible details — many of Firefly’s most important design decisions are ones customers never see.
• Carbon-neutral manufacturing is an active process — not a marketing label, but a set of real operational commitments

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Tim Mitchell, Technical Director of the legendary CCB Cycling Education Foundation. With roots dating back to 1960s England and an official U.S. presence since 1976, CCB is the longest-running elite cycling program in the country. But it's more than just race results—it's a movement centered on Education Through Athletics.

Tim shares the deeply human story behind CCB's evolution—from its historic origins with and notable alumni (like Tim Johnson, Tyler Hamilton, and Curtis White), to its legendary manager Steve Pucci, to its groundbreaking under-23 women’s program where every rider is required to pursue post-secondary education.

We hear how CCB pivoted from elite men's racing to meet the glaring need in women’s development pathways, and how the tragic loss of rider Chad Young galvanized the team’s educational mission. From national titles to Pan-Am victories, from jump rope champions to former Olympians, this team’s stories are anything but ordinary.

We also dive into the current state of New England racing, the importance of community, and the joys of unplugging from data to rediscover the pure ride. Whether you're an aspiring racer, a longtime cycling fan, or just someone who believes in sports that build character, this conversation with Tim will leave you inspired.

🔗 Learn more at [pinkwatts.com] (https://pinkwatts.com) and follow @ccbwomenscycling on Instagram.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Drummond—founder of White Mountain Ski Company and the man behind some of the region’s most iconic events and endurance feats.

Andrew recently completed the White Mountains Direttissima—connecting all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in a single unsupported push. That’s 231 miles and 86,000 feet of climbing in just 4 days, 22 hours, and 43 minutes, setting a new fastest known time (FKT). We unpack how trench foot, tendon pain, and mental fatigue nearly derailed him—and how he pushed through.

We also cover the Last Skier Standing, his pioneering coffee roasting project, and how he views his role in building the endurance community in Jackson, NH and beyond. If you’re curious what it takes to run a backcountry ski shop and crush unsupported FKTs, this episode is a masterclass in mountain grit.

Learn more: whitemountainski.co

Follow Andrew: @sr_drummond and @whitemountainskico

Key Takeaways:

• How Andrew trained for the unsupported White Mountains Direttissima FKT
• Lessons learned from trench foot, blisters, and tendon breakdown at hour 90
• The origin and ethos of Last Skier Standing
• Building White Mountain Ski Company from a truck bed to a Jackson hub
• The underrated value of coffee and community in endurance culture
• Andrew’s favorite peak, favorite trail, and what’s next for 2026

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this inspiring episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Brush, founder of the Kelly Brush Foundation, and a former collegiate ski racer turned national advocate for adaptive sports. After a life-altering crash in 2006 left her paralyzed from the chest down, Kelly founded the Kelly Brush Foundation to empower others with spinal cord injuries to live active, engaged lives through sport and recreation.

Kelly shares her personal journey from rehab to riding again on an adaptive bike, and how that pivotal moment sparked nearly two decades of advocacy, innovation, and community building. We talk about the barriers people with disabilities face when accessing sport—whether cost, awareness, or terrain—and how KBF’s Active Fund and Active Project are changing that.

She also dives into the power of inclusive trail design, how Vermont became a model for accessible mountain biking, and how events like the Kelly Brush Ride are not only about fundraising but about celebration, connection, and confidence.

Whether you're an athlete, race organizer, or simply someone who believes in equitable access to the outdoors, this episode will leave you inspired to get involved and help redefine what's possible for adaptive athletes.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.