A face behind Southwest Elixirs and the Extra Credit crew, Madison Ortega is shaping her running journey surrounded by community. 

You could say running "runs in the family," as the sport dots the lives of many of Madison's family figures. Now, alongside her husband and friend of the show, Santiago, Madison channels that history into her running.

In this conversation, we discuss how unexpected injuries last year affected her race calendar, how nutrition affects movement, and her race plans for 2026.

We recorded this podcast days before Madison ran the Big Bend Ultra, even shaving time off her previous race. 

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Roy Gallegos returns to the race that started it all, and graduates to the 50K distance in the process. 

In his second time at Bandera, Roy is preparing to toe the 50K start line, having knocked out a stellar 2025, which included a 50K finish at Sky Island in September. In this conversation, we touch on Roy's processes for the effort and what he hopes to pursue post-Bandera. 

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Two is the recurring number for Cait Gomez: It's her second time running at Bandera, and her second 50K.

Cait is coming into this weekend's race having spent physical time on the course alongside her coach and other Bandera runners. Coupled with focused training and some homemade nutrition, Cait is confident in crossing the finish line, even if the effort will be long. 

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Erick Rendon is coming into this year's Bandera trail race, nearing his tenth time in some distance at the esteemed Hill Country race.

For his third attempt at the 100K distance, Erick is not scared of the distance; for him, it is more of a mental battle. Erick is confident his cross-training on the bike will help him cross the finish line this weekend.

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Santiago Ortega is coming into this year's Bandera trail race with back-to-back-to-back efforts planned. 

Not only is Santiago looking to check the Bandera 25K off his list, but he is also planning to race the 20K at the Big Bend Ultra not long after. He will cap it off with another 50K at the Rocky 50 in February.

Hear how Santiago is planning for all of the efforts, and his plans to stay on top of nutrition and hydration at Bandera.

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Katie Glasheen is coming into her time at Bandera calm, cool, and calculated. 

Running the 50K distance for the second time, Katie is confident that her training block and composition of strength training and physio will pay off. 

In this conversation, hear how Katie sprinkled in some fun during her 15-week training block and what she plans to pack for nutrition and hydration.

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Shaun Jones is coming into this year's HOKA Bandera trail race with redemption and first-time experiences on his mind.

Despite this being his first attempt at any distance at Bandera, Shaun is eyeing a finish following an unfortunate DNF at Cactus Rose last year. Nonetheless, Shaun is expecting his focused training to help him cross the finish line.

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The Bandera course is something of a homecoming for Courtney Rouse, a local legend in San Antonio's trail scene. It was the first course she ran when she moved to San Antonio, and one she has continually returned to. 

Courtney is coming into this year's 50K race looking to have fun and improve on her 5-hour time last year, albeit on a last-minute course change. 

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In September, ahead of the Sky Island trail race, Will Rocha famously said he was going to "f**k around and find out." I suppose you could say it paid off—Rocha took the top spot on the 25K, finishing the race in just under two-and-a-half hours.

An impressive finish, especially considering it was Rocha's first trail race. However, Rocha is no stranger to the endurance chase.

In our conversation, we discuss how running came to Rocha by way of an interest in cycling and mobility, his marathon plans, where his next trail race is set to take place, and how that cycling history influenced his team's routing for the UNRTD Austin to San Antonio relay race.

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Jordan Gracey may be an average runner, but his itch for the heart of running and creating is palpable.

Gracey is one of three behind "AVRG," a DIY-zine tailored for all runners. 

Check out Issue 001 from AVRG.

We recorded this episode back in September.

While we do touch on running and AVRG in this conversation, Jordan graciously shared in my meanderings about trail shoes, the beauty and complexities of Kogonada’s film Columbus, and Gracey’s roots in the music scene.

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