The Trail Chasers

What happens when a trail runner finds the perfect partner to help her chase her dreams?

In a 1st for the Trailchasers Podcast host, Dean Horwitz sits down with rising star Lijan Burger and Claude Eksteen from Salomon to get a unique perspective on the relationship between athlete and sponsor.

In this episode, we explore the incredible story of Lijan Burger, whose partnership with Salomon has not only elevated her performance but also transformed her career. From navigating the technical terrains of Stellenbosch to representing South Africa on the global stage, Lijan shares how Salomon’s cutting-edge gear and unwavering support have given her the tools she needs to push boundaries and excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports. 

We also chat to Claude about Salomon's celebrated history in the sport internationally and their local legacy and how they work with their athletes and integrate them into the brand. Claude chats us through the brands innovation, the challenges they face and the growth of trail running in South Africa. 

Unpacking Lijan and Claude's collaboration we discover the unique way in which Salomon works with their athletes and the postive impact that this has had on Lijan's running and life. 

Join us to discover the milestones that have shaped Lijan's path, the challenges she’s faced, and what it truly takes to rise in the world of trail running as well as the lessons she has learnt along the way. 

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a seasoned runner, this episode is filled with inspiration, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a powerful brand-athlete partnership can drive lasting success. 

What does it take to turn a passion for running and running shoes into a thriving community?

In this insightful and educational episode, we sit down with Geoff Crowe, a dynamic running shoe influencer whose journey started with a simple goal: to inspire others through his love for running.
Geoff shares his unique journey of getting into running later in life, beginning in his late thirties around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He transitioned from a corporate career to remote work, giving him flexibility to focus on fitness and running before moving into the running space full-time! 

Geoff takes us through his favourite distances, his obsession with getting his marathon right and even touches on his love for trail running and affinity for mountains. 

As a running shoe influencer Geoff touches on  his strategy for maintaining an independent and authentic presence in the running shoe review niche. He delves into his experiences working with various brands, his massive shoe collection, and the ways he engages with his community both online and at races and events. 

Geoff shares how his expertise in running shoes has not only helped athletes find their perfect fit but also created a global community of runners.

He also reveals his training routines, personal life balance, and exciting future goals, including running the Berlin Marathon, Otter Trail Run and UTCT with Adidas. 

The episode ends with a light-hearted word association game, offering listeners a glimpse into Jeff's personality and priorities.

 From shoe reviews to personal stories, Geoff’s content motivates runners of all levels to keep pushing forward—one stride at a time. Tune in to discover how Geoff uses his platform to inspire, connect, and build a movement that goes beyond just shoes. 

How does someone balance their full-time career, family and a farm all the while tackling and winning some of South Africa's top 100 milers? 

In this captivating, honest and uplifting episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Doug Pickard, owner of a trucking company by day, family man and farmer by night and trail runner on the weekends. Doug seamlessly balances his demanding professional career with a fervent passion for ultra trail running, family and farming.

Join us as Doug shares his remarkable journey from his early days in school athletics to his adventurous exploits in kite surfing and adventure racing, culminating in his profound love for trail running.

Discover the pivotal moments that rekindled Doug’s enthusiasm for running, including his experiences at renowned races like Skyrun and the UTD 100-mile. Doug opens up about the mental and emotional aspects of trail running, emphasizing the importance of running one's own race and the tranquil joy found in solo runs amidst nature.

Doug's story is a testament to the supportive and tight-knit trail running community. He recounts memorable races like the Ultra-Trail Drakensberg (UTD) and the George Mountain Race, which have not only tested his limits but also reinforced the camaraderie among runners. With insights into his rigorous training regimen tailored for international races like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), Doug offers valuable advice on balancing high-speed, short-distance runs in Johannesburg with intense climbing sessions in the mountains surrounding his farm in KZN. 

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a curious newbie, Doug’s heartfelt advice and motivating perspective provide an enriching look into the world of ultra trail running. Tune in to hear about his personal goals, the integral role of family support, and the relentless spirit that drives him to push his boundaries.

What does it take to conquer the world's most iconic 100km trail race, the UTMB CCC, on your very first attempt?

In this inspiring, heartfelt and honest episode of the Trail Chasers we welcome the newly crowned UTMB CCC Champion and South African trail running legend Toni McCann into the studio.

Join us as we chase the trails with Toni from her recent win and experience all the way back to her cross-country days in grade 7 and her rediscovery of trail running while leading a sedentary life in university and her remarkable journey to the top of our sport and the lessons learnt along the way.

Toni offers us a glimpse into her personal background, her love for home comforts, and her humorous and embarrassing moments on the trails.Toni’s stories will make you laugh and empathise as she takes us through injuries, training, moving to France and the pitfalls of self-coaching in an open and very candid way.

Giving us a 1st hand account of her recent win at CCC Toni sheds light on the emotional and mental toll of preparing for and completing such a significant event, and the overwhelming yet rewarding nature of post-race support.

In this episode, we explore the intense mental and physical challenges faced during ultra-distance races. Toni candidly discusses the psychological struggle of tackling a 100K race and the unexpected physical pain that came much sooner than anticipated. We also cover the vital role of spectators and personal crews in ultra racing, emphasising the importance of clear communication and pre-race planning to ensure effective support.

Listen in as we touch on managing emotions to conserve energy, the sacred nature of aid stations, and the extraordinary experience of crossing the finish line at the UTMB race amidst cheering crowds and a strong presence of South African supporters.

Finally, we delve into the motivations, training, and coaching aspects of ultrarunning. Toni recounts her decision to step up from OCC to CCC, her struggles with motivation and training consistency, and the crucial role her coach, Tom Evans, played in providing structure and accountability. We discuss the journey of self-coaching versus having a coach, the transition to living in France for specific training, and the evolution of Toni’s running career and sponsorship. 

Tune in for invaluable advice for those new to trail running, the importance of simplicity and consistency, and the pure joy of being out in nature or just to hear the story of a remarkable athlete and a genuinely kindhearted person. 

What happens when running goes beyond physical endurance and transforms lives?

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Trail Chasers podcast, we delve into the transformative power of endurance running. Join us for an engaging conversation with Kyle and Miranda, two remarkable athletes who have redefined their lives through the sport. Miranda, a creative jeweller and former addict, shares her journey of overcoming substance abuse through ultra running, finding control and solace in the discipline. Kyle recounts his own battles with addiction, finding running and some seriously harrowing experiences running in the desert and how these trials have shaped his mental and emotional resilience. Together, they reveal how endurance running has been their lifeline, offering discipline, therapy, and a robust mental health toolkit.

This episode isn't just about the physical challenges of running but the profound mental and emotional growth it fosters. We discuss the emotional impact of family illnesses and how these experiences fueled the drive to build a supportive network geared toward tackling difficult physical challenges. From the isolation felt during a move back to South Africa to the joy of raising funds through the 13 Peaks challenge, our guests delve into the transformative power of community. Kyle and Miranda also highlight their personal growth journeys, showcasing how continuous learning and a shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation can elevate one's running experience and overall well-being.

Tune in to learn the art of building mental resilience through training with practical insights and advice from managing self-talk to maintaining good habits in sleep and diet. Through firsthand anecdotes and real-life examples, such as Miranda’s and Kyle’s ultra running feats, we illustrate the fundamentals of mental toughness. 

From novice runners to seasoned athletes, this episode is a treasure trove of insights on how perseverance, community, and intrinsic motivation can lead to profound personal transformation. Join us and get inspired to chase new challenges, discover the transformative power of endurance sports and define your own finish lines.

How many years of hard work in the shadows does it take to become an overnight sensation? 

In this special bonus PUFfer episode I sit down with 2-time and reigning champion Emily Djock to find out more about what it takes to breakthrough to the top of the SA trail running world and the answers may surprise you...

From the pavements of Wisconsin to the scenic trails of Cape Town, South Africa Emily's journey has been marked by memorable moments and outstading and often surprising achievements! From her fourth-place finish at UTCT 65km in her debut ultra to racing in Italy and Mauritius and winning at MUT By UTMB in George Emily's resume of victories speaks for itself. 

But it's not all victories and memorable moments Emily opens up about the balance of maintaining personal performance with a full-time job, the struggle of self-promotion in a digital age and the lessons learnt from serious running injuries which Emily has overcome to maintain her winning streak and continue her ascent. 

Emily takes us through the often unseen path of what it takes to make it to the top, her transformative shift in strength training and stretching, offering practical advice and motivational tips, such as the advantages of early morning runs and run commuting, and the significance of working with a coach to optimize training routines. Emily’s passion and mental strategies for overcoming tough race moments are sure to resonate with and inspire all running enthusiasts.

Whether you're an aspiring trail runner or a seasoned athlete, this episode is packed with laughter, lessons, and inspiration that will resonate with all running enthusiasts. Tune in and let Emily's passion and mental strategies for overcoming tough race moments inspire your own running journey.

Join me, Dean Horwitz as I sit down with social media superstar Omar Runs Nap, a remarkable runner whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. 

In this uplifting episode, we dive into Omar's transformative journey from being a tech-focused director of engineering in Silicon Valley to becoming a passionate marathon runner. Grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Omar discovered that running was more than just a way to manage weight gain and mental health struggles; it became his salvation and a path to immense personal growth.

Join us for the journey and discover Omar's life in Napa, his love for wine, and how the pandemic pivoted his fitness focus from weight training to running. His evolution from a casual runner to a marathon enthusiast who has qualified for the Boston Marathon and is now preparing for the Chicago and New York Marathons is detailed, highlighting how social media played a pivotal role in connecting him with a like-minded running community while holding himself accountable. 

Omar's engineering background brings a unique, data-driven perspective to his running, marrying precision with enjoyment. He discusses the mental and physical growth that running has brought into his life, emphasizing the importance of a structured yet enjoyable training regimen which balances fun and competition while maintaining his passion for the sport. 

Additionally, Omar shares the intricacies of maintaining authenticity while building a social media presence as an openly gay Latino runner. He candidly addresses overcoming imposter syndrome, handling online criticism, and the significance of staying true to oneself. His vibrant personality, reflected through bright running outfits and motivational content, has attracted major brands' attention.

The episode concludes with Omar’s excitement for future running goals, including trail running and ultra-running, and his thoughts on the positive trends in the running world that continue to inspire and motivate him.

Join us for an episode brimming with wisdom, resilience, and a passion for running that is sure to leave you motivated.

What sparks the passion to transform one's life by embracing trail running, and how pivotal is the support of the trail community in fueling that transformation?"

In this episode Musa Dliso AKA @Musa_on_Trails joins me, Dean Horwitz to chat all things community, diversity, representation and why Trail Running has become such an important part of his life! 

In this inspiring conversation Musa takes me through his passion for trail running and how it has transformed his life over the past decade. From struggling to find balance in his corporate life to discovering his love for running, Musa shares his remarkable journey. 

Musa's passion and energy shine through this interview as he takes me through his journey from attempting and hating the gym to struggling through Comrades to running and ultimately falling in love with ultra-trail marathons that now define and balance his life. 

Throughout our conversation the importance of the trail community in Musa's life and how it has shaped him as a person and a runner kept coming up as we discussed what it means to him and why it is so prevalent and important in the Cape Town running scene. 

As we moved deeper into the conversation Musa and I dived into the topics of diversity, representation and what it means to see people like you in the spaces you occupy and how that motivates and moves people while at the same time offering his opinions on what can be done to change the current status quo. 

With candid moments, insightful reflections, and a fun word association game, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of trail running. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the trail running world? 
 
 Join me, your host, Dean Horwitz as I explore the inspiring journey of Emily Hawgood, a passionate and exceptionally talented trail runner, coach and amazing human being from her humble beginnings in Zimbabwe to racing on the world stage. 
 
 Emily shares her transformation from Ironman triathlete to trail running enthusiast, and reveals her coaching philosophy and training regimen, which emphasizes the importance of community, proper nutrition, strength training, and recovery. 
 
 Along the way, she recounts inspiring stories and valuable lessons learned from racing and winning across the world infused with their signature enthusiasm and love for trail running and being outdoors which really sets her apart from her competitors. 
 
 In closing Emily shares some impactful words of wisdom and her secrets to success which stresses the importance of balance, motivation, and having fun in this incredible sport that we all love. 
 
 This episode is not only captivating but a must-listen for anyone that has wondered what it takes to reach the pinnacle of our sport and the lessons and passion that comes from that unique experience. 

Have you ever wondered why they call Karkloof South Africa's friendliest and fastest trail race? 
 
Join me, Dean Horwitz, as I sit down with Michael Cunningham, one of the race directors of the renowned Karkloof trail race to take a deep dive into what makes this trail race so special and unique. 
 
Our chat explores the history and evolution of the Karkloof Trail Run, highlighting its unique characteristics, the landscape of the Midlands, and the race's inclusive, friendly nature which sets it apart in the South Africa trail running scene. 
 
Emphasizing accessibility and community, Michael takes us through the logistics that go on behind the scenes, the kind of training that is needed for Karkloof, and how the race village set-up and camping site adds to the friendly nature of the race. 
 
Touching on some of the strategic goals of Michael and his fellow race directors we dive into their plans to attract elite runners through incredible prize incentives while at the same time ensuring they remain a race for every type of trail runner by offering a friendly course layout and a variety of distances. 
 
This episode is a must-listen for all trail runners, not only to discover what goes on behind the scenes of a trail race but also to discover why Karkloof should be right up there on your must-run list.