Mary is a born and raised Carlton County resident who grew up running at a young age. Inspired by Olympic track athletes as much as local Duluth pals logging miles on deer trails and through swamps before our extensive trail systems had been established, Mary has found success training for and completing races such as Boston Marathon and Superior Fall 100 Mile trail race. Listen in to hear about Mary’s running history, a few stories, and how she has balanced the importance of running in her life with listening to her body more now than ever.

Numerous local races are recapped and previewed from 1 Mile to 100 Miles, and most everything in between. Trail conditions are in prime late summer condition, although perhaps overgrown brush exists in some less-traveled areas. Bugs seem to be dying down, pre-leaf peeping season on the trails is upon us!

This month’s edition of Coach’s Corner is focused on nerves and anxiety. Tony talks about how all runners can manage pre-race nerves as well as mental tricks for training and racing to stay calm and focused. Mike’s Route of the Week is in Chester Park, Tony reflects on scepticism on the women’s marathon world record that was set in October 2024, and the guys have a few shout-outs with local athletes pursuing high-level races.

Matt is a born and raised Duluthian who grew up running (from the cops) on the Chester Park trail system, and continues to train regularly on those very same trails (fully within the confines of the law) to this day! Matt has completed multiple trail ultramarathon races, and is currently training for another finish at the Superior Fall Trail Race 100 Miler this September.

Tune in to hear how Matt got started running, stories from some of his races and trainings, and his experience volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Northern Minnesota Track Club (NMTC) helping produce the local spring and fall trail race series, Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon, and Minnesota Voyageur 50 Miler.

Tony and Mike highlight race results and news from Grandma’s Marathon, Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5k, Sawdust 5k, Sidewalk Shuffle 5k, and others. Upcoming races include the Park Point 5 Miler, Run with the Hounds 5k, Voyageur 50 Miler, Red Run 5k, Buzz Ryan Sprint Triathlon and Brewhouse Triathlon.

Hazy, smoke filled air is a topic of conversation throughout the July 2025 episode, Tony talks about working on speed and marathon fitness during Coach’s Corner, and Mike reviews a carb drink mix that he has been testing. Both guys have a couple items they’re into, thoughts on the run, and shout outs to all the race volunteers out there.

Leroy is a local Duluth runner who has participated in many road running races for over 30 years. He brings a passion and head-down grit to training and racing, with events under his belt from 5k to the marathon distance. Listen in to hear Leroy’s story and how running has positively impacted his life. His story highlights how almost anybody can get involved in running races and experience joy, no matter what your history or situation is!

Race results are in from the Pike Lake Races and CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5k. Also, NMTC Spring Trail Race series finale Chester Bowl results are announced as well as series winners. Upcoming Races are numerous, including Grandma’s Marathon, the Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5k, Sawdust 5k, Dragin’ Tail 5 Miler, Sidewalk Shuffle 5k, Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon, Park Point 5 Miler, Run With The Hounds and the Buzz Ryan Triathlon. 

The report from local trails is great, and Tony talks all things race week for people toeing the line at Grandma’s Marathon weekend races. Mike and Tony discuss wildfire smoke and the AQI, Mike reviews a trail shoe and nutrition product, and both hosts are currently into dot-watching various multi-day endurance pursuits.

Emma is a Duluth native, CrossFit athlete, multiple-time Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon finisher, and Certified Nutrition Specialist/Licensed Nutritionist. Listen in as Tony and Mike learn the basics of nutrition in the context of a training for running performance. This immensely important subject is confusing, complex, and full of conflicting viewpoints when it comes to ads and social media influencers.

Emma has done the legwork and schooling to become certified and licenced, and Tony and Mike take the opportunity to ask a true expert in the field just a few questions within a reasonable timeframe. We could have gone for hours longer! If you have additional questions, you can find Emma at www.emmaharvienutrition.com, email her at [email protected], or find her on social media at @emmaharvienutrition.

Race results are hot off the press from the NMTC Spring Trail Race Series, Superior Spring Trail Races, Madeline Island Marathon, and Northland 5k for Food Allergy. Upcoming races are plentiful, including the Pike Lake Races on 5/31, Going Bananas Run on 6/7, CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5k on 6/14, Grandma’s Marathon on 6/21, Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5k on Friday night 6/27, and a fundraiser 5k Trail Run for the Duluth East running program coming up on July 19.

Trail conditions are optimal – green light for all of your favorite trail-based activities! This month’s Coach’s Corner segment features “The Long Run”, and Tony discusses traditional long slow distance versus a workout/race pace inclusion into your long run. Mike’s Route of the Week is gravel outside of out, and Mike is into various running clubs and NMTC getting into full swing. Tony has a couple shout-outs. 

Shannon is a Twin Ports runner who started with road half marathon running and racing as a way to be productive with fitness, and has steadily increased her distance focus to several 100-mile finishes and sights set on even longer! Tune in with Mike and Tony to hear about Shannon’s running story and experience with working with coaches and becoming a coach herself.

Race results from a couple local 5k road races are discussed, and the upcoming race calendar is filling out into May with a variety of road and trail running events of many distances. 

This month’s Trails Report is a fickle subject, with Duluth area trails being announced as “open for the season” but with rain in the forecast accessibility conditions may change rapidly. Tony and Mike discuss their Route of the Week in Superior’s Municipal Forest, and an arboretum in Brainerd, respectively. 

Tony reviews a new piece of gear that his wife picked up, a new pair of New Balance “supershoes”. Tony is into gravel biking with a new rig that he built, and Mike is into local live music with the Homegrown Music Festival starting off this week. The guys shout out a few local runners.