Roots Running

Roots Running

By Al Ferguson and Sean CateSportsRunning
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Roots Running episodes

  • Arlen Glick - The Chase Film, ACL surgery, Muskie Fishing, and More | Roots Trail and Ultra Running

    Arlen Glick joins the fellas to talk all things BEAST coast, the recently released Aravaipa film 'The Chase' featuring Arlen as one of five runners, his decision to have ACL surgery after 12 years and 30,000 miles of running without an acl, and his love of fishing. Big thanks to Arlen for joining us for nearly two hours! We cannot wait to see the how he continues to demolish expectations and write his own unique path in the sport of ultra running.


    The link to The Chase on Youtube!

    Link to the MindBodyMarathon Interview we referenced here!


    Chapters


    00:00 Defining the 'Beast Coast'

    02:58 Running/Fishing Biathalon?

    06:03 The Chase Film

    08:52 Arlen's Journey to Ultra Running

    12:12 Cocodona: A Unique Challenge

    15:09 Injury and Rehab journey

    18:11 The Evolution of Arlen's Running Career

    38:29 Aravaipa and Relationship with Jamil Coury

    41:23 Connections Beyond Running: Music and Community

    43:49 The Impact of Documentaries on Ultra Running

    52:48 Navigating Social Media as an Athlete

    01:06:36 Finding Value in things other than Performance

    01:18:13 Coaching Dynamics: Arlen and David Roche

    01:25:28 Long-Term Goals vs. Short-Term Fixes

    01:28:29 Experiences at Hard Rock and Future Aspirations

    01:33:02 Team Dynamics and International Experiences

    01:39:56 Fishing as a Metaphor for Life and Running



    Beast Coast, ultra running, Cocodona, community events, injury recovery, competitive spirit, running journey, athletic competitions, Arlen Glick, outdoor sports, ultra running, community support, Aravaipa, Jamil Coury, music connections, ultra running documentaries, social media in sports, performance mindset, coaching dynamics, training, coaching, accountability, long-term goals, ultra running, Hardrock100, WSER100, team dynamics, fishing.



    1 hr 58 min
  • Rachel Lemcke- Right Mind Running Company | Roots Trail and Ultra Running

    Beast Coast Alumni and old friend Rachel Lemcke joins Sean for a conversation about the value of personalized one on one coaching for athletes of all levels, her approach to coaching and being more than just a training programmer, to her own journey as an athlete over the past year navigating health issues and identity as a competitive athlete.


    Check out Right Mind Running Company to learn more about one on one personalized coaching and training here!


    Connect with us on instagram here for more Roots content!


    As always, thanks for listening and being a part of the Roots Family!


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Rachel Lemke and Her Journey

    06:02 Gorges 60k and The Daybreak Racing Community

    11:48 Rachel's Coaching Philosophy and Approach

    14:54 Transitioning to Full-Time Coaching

    21:00 Empowering Athletes and Debunking Myths

    24:05 The Importance of Coaching for All Levels

    33:27 Building Long-Term Relationships with Athletes

    39:29 Identity Outside of Athletic Performance

    43:51 Finding Perspective in Running and Life

    46:52 Trusting Your Body After Setbacks

    49:02 The Unique Coaching Dynamic with Tabor and Eli Hemming

    55:27 Training for High Lonesome 100-Miler

    59:27 Finding Joy Beyond Competition

    01:01:55 Embracing Failure and Learning from Experience

    01:10:18 Balancing Expectations and Reality in Training

    01:16:36 The Role of a Coach in an Athlete's Journey



    ultra running, Rachel Lemke, Daybreak Racing, Gorge Waterfalls, running community, athlete development, coaching philosophy, training strategies, accountability, athlete needs, race preparation, long-term relationships, athlete success, work-life balance, health challenges, running, coaching, athlete mindset, race preparation, athlete experiences.



    1 hr 22 min
  • Hans Troyer on Canyons 100k, WSER, Young and Fit | Roots Trail and Ultra Running

    Roots Fam! Coming off a second place and golden ticket finish at the Canyons 100k, joining Sean on the podcast this week is none other than the YOUNG and Fit , Hans Troyer.


    Hans stormed onto the ultra scene in 2024 performing at an elite level in some of the most competitive races in the US. Sean and Hans chat about his experience with trail running culture, his passion for training and working hard, desire to compete and see just how fast he can get. The hard work is clearly paying off and we can't wait to see where Hans will go.


    If you enjoyed the podcast give us a review and follow our instagram


    Hans' Youtube Channel here


    Chapters


    00:00 Introducing: Hans Troyer

    07:44 Training in Georgia/ The Canyons Build

    14:43 2024 Bandera 100k

    22:09 Lessons Learned and Future Goals

    27:47 Obsession with Golden Ticket Races

    38:46 Headspace After Canyons 100k

    43:46 Being Welcomed into the Ultra Running Community

    01:01:49 WSER Predictions and Insights



    Hans Troyer, ultra running, recovery, college running, training, Bandera, Rabdo, inspiration, running community, Western States, ultrarunning, Black Canyon, Golden Ticket, David Roche, mental strategies, community, hydration, nutrition, training, racing, trail running, ultra running, 100-mile races, community, future races, predictions, hobbies, kinesiology, training, competition



    1 hr 7 min
  • Promise Land 50k and Canyons by UTMB Previews, Retail Running Stores, Livestream Wars, and Hot Takes | Roots Rundown Vol. 2

    In this episode, Sean Cate and Al discuss the evolution of trail running, focusing on how media coverage and technological advancements are shaping the sport. They delve into upcoming races, particularly the Promise Land and Canyons 100K, sharing personal insights and predictions about the competition. The conversation also highlights the importance of community when it comes to retail running stores, and more.


    Highlights

    02:47 Gorges Race Insights and Performances

    06:09 The Impact of Media on Ultra Running

    08:52 The Future of Live Streaming in Ultra Events

    12:02 Shoe Brands and Their Commitment to Trail Running

    18:04 Industry Changes and Athlete Development

    36:16 The Evolution of Trail Running Media

    40:00 Innovations in Trail Running Gear

    42:50 Upcoming Races and Personal Goals

    46:15 Analyzing the Promise Land Race

    01:01:31 Previewing the Canyons 100K


    Thanks for listening, happy trails!


    -A&S

    1 hr 15 min
  • Caleb Bowen | Roots Episode 5

    Alvah and Sean welcome Caleb Bowen to the show this week!


    If you enjoyed the show please follow, save, give us a review and feel free to send any questions or comments our way either in the comments section of the podcast or via instagram.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Caleb Bowen and His Journey

    03:03 Growth of the Ultra Running Community in West Virginia

    06:03 The Impact of Running on Local Communities

    09:09 The Allure of Highland Sky Ultra

    12:05 Transitioning Between Local and Competitive Races

    15:00 Experiences at Canal Corridor and Other Races

    32:41 The Coaching Committee and Its Influence

    37:44 Balancing Coaching and Personal Goals

    46:12 The Pride of West Virginia

    49:01 Recruiting and Local Talent

    50:36 The Grit of West Virginia's Heritage

    53:54 Experiences at Grindstone 100

    01:03:44 Reflections on Western States 2023

    01:11:10 Coaching Through Disappointment

    01:13:30 Facing Redemption at Javelina

    01:26:18 Showcasing West Virginia's Beauty through Racing

    01:28:22 Future Podcast Directions and Community Stories


    Thanks for listening! Catch on the next episode😎

    1 hr 41 min
  • Butch Slabach | Roots Episode 3

    This episode of Roots is brought to you by hard work and determination. 


    Sean and Al are joined by Butch Slabach, a Virginia native coming hot onto the scene and throwing down some impressive times on classic Virginia ultra races, as well as out west with some of the best athletes in the sport. The fellas talk about Butch’s unorthodox intro into trail and ultra running, his time at the Virginia Tech Ultra Club, moving out to Oregon with his wife Emily, and then subsequent return to Virginia. Tune in to hear about Butch's breakthrough year in 2024, and a preview of what is to come for Butch in 2025. 


    If you enjoyed the show give us a follow, shoot us any feedback, or share with a friend. 


    Thanks for listening


    ❤️


    -Al & Sean

    1 hr 48 min
  • David Horton | Roots Episode 2

    Joining the Roots Running pod, none other than THE Dr. David Horton. Not a single person that we know of has influenced more people to become true runners and ultra-runners as Horton. Not only that, Dr. Horton started this decades before youtube, social media, and podcasts.


    This episode features a sweeping view of the sport of ultra running from JFK 50 miler in 1979, winning the first two Hardrock 100's, to the mind blowing course records we've seen broken today at the sport's most competitve and historic ultras. In addition to being the second Barkley finisher ever, Horton was the pioneer of FKT's, setting the record on the Appalachian Trail before when no one had ever dreamt of 'running' the 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine.

    Horton shares about the challenges of training in Virginia while competing out west at altitude, his thoughts on Tara Dower's recent success both of the AT and at Black Canyon's 100k, and his experience founding Mountain Masochist 50.


    If you enjoyed this episode share it with a friend, follow and give us a review!


    Thanks for listening❤️


    -Sean & Alvah

    1 hr 26 min
  • An Origin Story | Roots Episode 1

    We are stoked to bring you the very first episode of the Roots Running podcast, hosted by Sean Cate and Alvah Ferguson. This episode features a dive into the purpose of the podcast, what trail/ultra events Alvah and Sean are excited about in 2025 and a preview of what is to come.

    -We can only go up from here😎


    Cheers to old friends and new beginnings!


    -Al & Sean

    1 hr 14 min
  • WTGGT: The Final Episode

    Tough fam! We apologize dearly for the whiplash, as our last episode led both all of us to believe we were continuing on with the WTGGT podcast with renewed vigor. The truth is, today's episode will be the final edition of When The Going Gets Tough.


    After reflecting on our passions and desires. Adam and I decided the best thing for us both would be to say no to a good thing (continuing WTGGT) in order to say yes to better things (each of our new podcasts). Adam has been working on launching a Formula 1 podcast geared towards an American audience, while I am launching a fully Trail/Ultra-running podcast that will leave here on this page. We stand on the shoulder's of these episodes, which we had so much fun making. Ultimately, we believe WTGGT had not only run it's full course, but it was time to make room for new things.


    We are so thankful for your support, and we hope you these conversations stirred you to live a different life, against the grain of comfort, and do tough things.


    While the name of this channel will change, the original episodes will live here unchanged.


    Never stop being tough,


    ❤️

    -Adam Giard and Sean cate

    25 min

About Roots Running

From the publisher's feed

Roots is a trail and ultrarunning focused show born out of a deep appreciation for the humble origins of our sport, and a dedication to shedding light on stories that won't otherwise be told.