This is the recording from our webinar on February 5, 2025: "Women of Squatchapple". Featuring women who have participated in the Squatchapple Trail Party, this webinar dives deep into the trail experience from start to finish. Whether you're curious about the training process, the highs and lows of race day, or how to recover after an ultra-distance challenge, this is the place to learn more about the Squatchapple Trail Party 50M/50K/20M/11M that takes place every March in West Orange, NJ.

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Lauren Scott, AKA “Malfoy”! Lauren is a non-binary ultra runner from Vernon, NJ, who has been a part of the Sassquad family for several years.

We kick off the conversation by diving into Lauren’s epic experience at the 2023 Wild Goose Trail Festival, where they braved 37+ miles during Tropical Storm Ophelia. From torrential rain to relentless winds, Lauren shares how they pushed through the challenging conditions to complete an unforgettable ultra.

Lauren also tells us about their time volunteering at the 2024 Wild Goose, where they brought smiles to everyone by donning an inflatable TyRUNasaurus Rex costume.

The conversation then takes us on a journey to Iceland, where Lauren recently traveled with Vacation Races. They recount the breathtaking landscapes, scenic runs, and incredible camaraderie with fellow adventurers. Lauren shares how the trip strengthened bonds with their husband and introduced them to a vibrant global running community.

Whether it’s braving the elements, spreading joy in a dinosaur suit, or exploring the rugged beauty of Iceland, Lauren’s stories remind us of the joy and adventure trail running brings to life.

In this episode, we chat with the incredible Maria Zieja, ultra-runner and long-time member of the Sassquad Trail Running family. Maria takes us through her journey from obstacle course racing to trail and ultra-running. She shares squatchtastic stories from the 36-hour event at the Wild Goose Trail Festival, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, the lows, and the strategies that kept her moving… Spoiler: it’s all about determination and a little bit of trail

After 15 years in the classroom and a master’s degree in education, she found herself burnt out and searching for a new path. Maria shares about how she took the leap to leave the traditional classroom behind and became a certified nature-based educator. Now, she spends her days inspiring kids to learn and grow outside at Sensory Garden and Play in West Milford, NJ. With her Level 1 certification from the Association for Nature-Based Education (and Level 2 on the way), Maria is on a mission to turn nature into the ultimate classroom.

Maria’s passion for the outdoors is contagious as she talks about the magic that happens when kids get outside every day. From building confidence to boosting creativity, she’s seen firsthand how nature can transform young lives.

Want to learn more about the amazing work Maria is doing? Check out Sensory Garden and Play.

In this episode, we sit down with Gautama Reid, better known as “G,” to hear his inspiring trail running story. G started trail running in 2020 and just finished his first trail 100-miler at the Wild Goose Trail Festival this past September.

G takes us through the highs and lows of his journey, sharing the lessons he learned during his epic adventure at the Grand Canyon this fall, where he ran from the South Rim to the North Rim.

Throughout our conversation, G emphasizes the transformative power of community and the impact of people who believed in him when he was just starting. He credits these connections as the driving force behind his evolution as a trail runner, from tackling shorter distances to conquering the 100-mile mark.

G’s story reminds us all of the strength we can find in ourselves and the importance of the people who lift us up along the way!

In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Kohler, owner and race director of The Running Kind, a trail race company with a mission to be carbon-neutral and promote sustainability in the outdoor community. Aimee shares how her passion for protecting the environment inspired her to create a race series that minimizes its ecological footprint while maximizing the fun and challenge for participants.

As a mountain athlete and advocate for the trail running community, Aimee gives us a behind-the-scenes look at The Running Kind events, their unique sustainability initiatives, and what makes them stand out in the Northeast trail running scene.

We also talk about Aimee’s work at Aardvark Sports Shop, a run specialty store in the Lehigh Valley, where she helps runners of all levels find the perfect gear for their adventures.

Throughout the episode, we celebrate the vibrant and supportive trail running community in the Northeast, sharing stories, laughs, and insights into why this sport is so much more than just running through the woods.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Che Smith, who recently completed her first ultramarathon—a 50K—at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival. Che takes us through her transformative experience training for and conquering her first ultra, sharing both the challenges and triumphs along the way.

We also dive into her inspiring story of resilience as a breast cancer survivor. Che opens up about her diagnosis, treatment, and survival, and how therapy and community has been an essential part of her mental and physical recovery.

Che’s journey doesn’t stop at ultramarathons—she’s also a member of the Puerto Rican Curling Team! We talk about how this unique opportunity came about and what it’s like to compete in a lesser-known but equally exciting sport.

In addition to her personal athletic achievements, Che dedicates her time to empowering young girls as a volunteer coach with Girls on the Run. She reflects on the joy and fulfillment she finds in mentoring and encouraging the next generation of strong, confident runners.

Lastly, Che shares how the running community has been a cornerstone in her mental health journey, providing her with connection, support, and a sense of purpose.

In this special episode, we’re bringing you the recording of the Women of Wild Goose live webinar, held on January 8, 2025. This inspiring panel features incredible women who took part in the 2024 Wild Goose 100 Trail Party. They share their firsthand experiences from the trail and answer questions about tackling ultra-distance challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, an aspiring ultra athlete, or simply curious about the world of ultra-distance events, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical tips, and stories that will motivate you to hit the trails.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎙️ Insights into the Wild Goose 100 race experience, from start to finish

🎙️ How to train for ultra-distance events when you have a busy schedule

🎙️ Tips for trying night-running for the first time

🎙️ Insight on how to gain confidence for solo training

Join us for the 2025 Wild Goose Trail Festival!

Learn how gaiters protect your feet on the trails by keeping dirt, rocks, and debris out of your shoes. Whether you're running or hiking, gaiters are a simple tool to help you stay comfortable and focused on your adventure.

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are honored to share Michael Feldman's incredible 200-mile journey. Originally signed up for the Oregon200, Michael pivoted to complete 200 miles when the race was canceled due to wildfires. The first 100 miles took place on the iconic Appalachian Trail, and the second 100 miles were completed on the Wild Goose course.

Michael's journey was filled with challenges, grit, and unwavering determination, but the magic truly came from the support of his friends and family. The finish line was nothing short of emotional and unforgettable, making this an inspiring tale you won't want to miss.

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are thrilled to share Allie Backer's race experience at the Wild Goose 50K! This was Allie's very first ultramarathon, and she shares her incredible journey on the trails, the challenges she overcame, and the amazing support she received from her friends and family.

Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or someone who simply loves hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with grit, heart, and the true spirit of trail running.

Registration for the 2025 Wild Goose Trail Festival is now open! Kids 1M, 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M, 36H.