Would you run a mile for free pizza for life? What about a billion dollars… or to legally ban pineapple on pizza?
In this hilarious episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett play “Would the Juice Run for That?”—a game that tests if anything could make Jarett, a self-proclaimed run-hater, actually lace up and hit the trail. From Japan trips to stock portfolios to Morgan Freeman narrating his life, the stakes get weird fast.
Then in the second half, Nick throws every piece of running jargon he can at Jarett to see what sticks. From “fartleks” to “negative splits” to the made-up “Ostrich Shuffle,” can Jarett figure out what any of it means—or will he bonk before the finish?
Whether you're an ultrarunner or just here for the banter, this one’s for the flock.

In this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett tackle the weird pride runners have — and that constant urge to convert everyone else into running. Is it inspiration? Is it bragging? Or is running secretly a cult?
We kick things off from our hotel room at Podcast Movement, breaking down why runners love to talk about their miles, injuries, and finish lines like they’re badges of honor. Then we hit the convention floor to ask random people — both runners and non-runners — how they see running pride, and what their version of a marathon looks like.
Whether you’re a runner, a skeptic, or just tired of hearing about somebody else’s PR, this episode digs into why running takes up so much space in our lives… and our conversations.

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The One With Majors On The Mind
What happens when the code stops compiling—but it’s not your job, it’s your life? In this episode, Nick sits down with Derrick Song, a software engineer turned ultra runner, to talk about what happens when burnout forces you off the grid and onto the trail.
Derrick opens up about the cultural pressures of being Asian-American in the tech world, the unexpected therapy he found through endurance running, and why he's learning to measure success in miles, not metrics.
This conversation goes deep—into masculinity, healing, mental health, and what it really means to feel “enough.” Whether you run to race or to escape, this one’s for anyone who's ever felt like life was sprinting past them—and decided to chase it down on foot.

Derrick IG: @derickvsworld
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Ultrarunning isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s a test of survival. In this episode, Nick dives into the harrowing true stories from the dark side of ultrarunning: the 2021 Gansu ultramarathon disaster in China where 21 runners lost their lives, the recent passing of Elaine Stypula at the Hardrock 100, and the bizarre and brutal injuries runners have faced—including going blind mid-race.
This episode honors the runners we’ve lost, explores the razor-thin line between passion and peril, and asks the tough question: how far is too far?
Whether you're an ultrarunner, a trail junkie, or just someone fascinated by the extremes of human endurance—this one’s for you.
Warning: This episode contains discussion of real-life tragedy and may be difficult for some listeners.

In this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, host Nick Meraz interviews Bri Santos, a remarkable mother of seven and ultra runner. Bri shares her journey of balancing motherhood with her passion for running, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faces along the way. From starting her running journey during the pandemic to overcoming health issues, Bri emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting goals. She discusses her aspirations to run the Western States 100 and the significance of representation in the running community. Throughout the conversation, Bri's resilience and determination shine through, inspiring listeners to push their limits and prioritize their well-being.
Bri's IG: @bri_santos

The One WIth A History Lesson
Why run 100 miles? Why invent races so hard they chew people up? Today on the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett dig deep into the surprising, messy, and weirdly inspiring history of ultramarathons.
From ancient hunters in the African savanna overheating antelope for dinner to Victorian gamblers betting on men to walk 500 miles without sleep, this is the story of how humans decided “too far” wasn’t far enough. We’ll meet Greek couriers sprinting between city-states, Tarahumara runners navigating canyon trails long before GPS, and South African soldiers who turned grief into a 56-mile memorial.
We’ll trace the rise of pedestrianism—complete with champagne aid stations—and the gritty American trail boom that spawned Western States, Leadville, and Badwater from bar bets and civic desperation. By the end, you’ll see ultrarunning not just as a sport but as a mirror held up to human nature: stubborn, curious, hungry for meaning through suffering—and always ready to ask, “What if we just... went farther?”

Pedestrianism Book
The Bunion Derby
Grit Guts Determination - Ken Chlouber Story
Running On The Sun Documentary

This week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, we sit down with Wes Cornett—a retired U.S. Air Force Special Warfare operator turned ultrarunner, writer, and storyteller who is running with a diagnosis of early-onset Lewy Body Dementia.
Wes doesn’t sugarcoat anything. We talk about the real stuff: depression, sobriety, what it’s like to get lost on trail and concussed, finishing a 100-miler after two DNFs, and training for the Western States 100 even as time feels short.
He shares why he still shows up every damn day, how running helped him get sober, and the role of family—especially Elise and his daughter who crew and pace him. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s exactly the kind of conversation we think matters in the running world.
We also talk about pizza as the perfect ultra fuel, Monster Rehab pre-run rituals, meeting Elise on the Appalachian Trail, and why kindness on trail goes a long way.
If you’ve ever felt broken, discouraged, or like the miles are numbered—this one’s for you.

Lewy Body Dementia Foundation

In this raw and revealing episode, we flip the script. Jarett interviews Nick Meraz, the founder of Ostrich Running—ultrarunner, veteran, and creator of a brand that’s become a home for the broken, the slow, the weirdos, and the wild ones. We talk about where the brand really came from (spoiler: it wasn’t a business plan), what Run Scared really means, and why Ostrich Running is bigger than merch—it’s a movement. Whether you’re new to the flock or you’ve been here since the first black-and-white hat dropped, this one’s for you. 🎧 What you'll hear:

• Why the brand started in a dark place
• What it takes to build from zero
• The real stories behind Run Scared

Ostrich Running Website

The One With Olympic Trial Dreams Pt 1
Xavier Smith is one of the fastest runners you've never heard of—because in the world of elite track and field, if you’re not already a star, you’re on your own. In this episode, we go deep into what it’s like chasing Olympic Trials while balancing fatherhood, physical and mental obstacles, and a system that doesn’t reward even the best. This is for the grinders. The ghosts. The 99% of elite athletes running on hope and hustle. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode. 

Performance Elite Running

Nick and Jarett unpack eight wild (and maybe terrifying) ways artificial intelligence is about to crash the aid station. Will algorithm-built shoes, real-time pacing bots, and carbon-score race calendars save our legs—or ruin the soul of ultra-running? No guest, just unfiltered debate, occasional tech meltdowns, and plenty of laughter for your next long run.