Big changes are happening at The Trailhead! In this episode, co-hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell reflect on Buzz’s legendary career in trail running and his next big adventure—his very own podcast, The Buzz with Buzz Burrell.

Buzz shares his perspective on how the sport has evolved, from the early days of ultrarunning to the rise of FKTs (Fastest Known Times), the integration of outdoor culture into trail running, and the innovations that have transformed the way we run. He and Zoë also discuss why authenticity matters in media, what makes someone a lasting presence in the sport, and what listeners can expect from The Buzz, launching March 25th.

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Running Warehouse, your one-stop shop for all things trail and ultrarunning. Check them out and gear up for your next adventure at RunningWarehouse.com.

🔥 Buzz on the history of trail running and its evolution 🏃 The rise of FKTs and why they matter 🎙️ Why The Buzz is bringing something new to trail running media 🤔 What makes someone a legend in the sport? 📖 Buzz’s upcoming book on FKTs - check it out!

• Subscribe to The Buzz with Buzz Burrell – launching March 25th!
• Follow UltraSignup for updates on new podcast episodes.
• Got questions or hot takes for Buzz? Email [email protected]
• Big news for The Trailhead is coming April 1st – stay tuned!

📩 Email us at [email protected] with your questions or guest ideas!

What makes someone want to run their first ultra? And more importantly—what makes them want to come back for a second? The reality is, most people who sign up for an ultra only do one. But why? And how can we help more runners not just finish, but fall in love with the sport? Tune in for tips on running your first - or even tenth - ultramarathon. 

In this episode, Buzz and Zoë dig into what it takes to have a meaningful, successful experience at your first ultra, whether you're eyeing a 50K for the first time or looking to refine your approach. They’re joined by two powerhouse runners and coaches—Dr. Stefanie Flippin and Krissy Moehl—who have spent years helping athletes navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to ultrarunning.

• What keeps people from coming back after their first ultra? And what can we do to change that?
• How to transition from roads to trails – Why adjusting your pacing expectations is key, and how to train when access to trails is limited.
• The best training approach for your first ultra – What really works when it comes to long runs, back-to-backs, and balancing speed with endurance.
• Mindset shifts that make a difference – From letting go of rigid time goals to understanding why ultras are as much about problem-solving as they are about running.
• The fueling equation – Why past generations of ultrarunners got this wrong, and how 300+ calories an hour can change your entire race experience.
• Making ultras more accessible – Stefanie shares what real inclusion looks like in the sport, and why handing someone a race bib isn’t enough.

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LMNT: Ultras aren’t just about water—you need electrolytes, too. Element makes that part easy, with a science-backed formula and none of the junk you don’t need. Our listeners can get a free sample pack with any purchase at drinkelement.com/ultrasignup.

• Running Your First Ultra by Krissy Moehl – https://krissymoehl.com/
• Making Strides Podcast by Stefanie Flippin – Listen Here
• Got a question for Buzz and Zoë? Email [email protected]

1:42 – Buzz and Zoë dive into how their relationship with running has evolved over the years. They explore what it takes to sustain a lifelong love of the sport—and Buzz dishes out some hard-earned running relationship wisdom.

11:58 – Zoë sits down with Tyler Green and Rachel Drake, a power couple in the ultrarunning world. They share the story of how they first met mid-race (pro tip: always pack soap—you never know when you’ll need to impress a potential suitor). They also break down how they juggle elite competition, parenting, and careers while keeping their love for both running and each other alive.

31:59 – Buzz chats with Tabor and Eli Hemming, two of the fastest short-course trail runners in the game. They open up about how they push each other in training and tackle life together—both on the racecourse and on their working ranch in Kremmling, Colorado. Tune in for grounded relationship advice, a dose of competitive fire, and maybe even a ranching tip or two!

The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse. 

In this episode, Zoë and Buzz dive into their personal journeys toward identifying as environmentalists—exploring why that label can feel complicated and what it truly means to take action for the planet.

7:12 Zoë sits down with Running for Real host and former elite marathoner Tina Muir to discuss the power of small, everyday actions in making running more sustainable. Tina shares the surprising challenges that races face when it comes to sustainability and how she began integrating environmental advocacy into her running.

27:51 Buzz chats with ultrarunning legends Scott and Jenny Jurek about their work with Protect Our Winters and why optimism is a powerful tool for climate advocacy. They discuss the importance of persistence in environmental action, the intersection of policy and personal choices, and how runners can lead the charge for a more sustainable future.

Tune in for practical insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a runner who cares for the planet.

Zoë and Buzz dive into what community means to them and why the Keep Trail Running Weird awards matter. Instead of focusing on elite athletes, these awards shine a spotlight on the everyday runners, the quirky characters, and the inspiring individuals who make up the heart of the trail running community. It’s our way of celebrating the people who keep this sport vibrant, inclusive, and downright fun

• 6:44 – We chat with Dwight Swaney, winner of the Favorite Trail Weird award, about how to infuse more fun into every run.
• 13:12 – Leah Kate Vincent, 2024's Most Inspirational award winner, shares how she encourages her community to hit the trails—even with a busy to-do list.
• 22:57 – Tony Mendez, 2024's Best Dressed trail runner, gives us tips on embracing the crop top lifestyle and finding joy in the daily grind of running.
• 32:49 – Heather Westberg, winner of 2024’s Best Trail Fail, recounts her wild injury story and how it led her to give back through volunteering.
• 41:05 – Rich Tenaglia spent 2024 traveling across the U.S. in a van, running as many trail races as possible. He shares his insights on living simply and fully embracing the moment.

This episode is a celebration of the quirky, bold, and inspiring people who make trail running the unique and vibrant community we all love. Don’t miss it!

00:40 Buzz and Zoë chat about how they connect with nature through trail running, and why all trail runners should think of themselves as environmentalists. 

6:48 Zoë interviews Luis Benitez, an environmental leader in the outdoor industry and a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship, who has summited Mt. Everest six times. As the first-ever Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and , Luis brings a unique perspective on the intersection of outdoor recreation, environmental responsibility, and community impact and how all trail runners can be environmentalists. 

33:37 Buzz interviews ultra legend Clare Gallagher about how approach to environmental stewardship, and how she finds meaning in her connection to nature offline and on the trails. They dive into her recent race in Bhutan, and how that has shaped her perspective on environmental storytelling and ultrarunning. 

It’s the end of 2024, and we’re wrapping up the year with a deep dive into the biggest trends, moments, and milestones in trail running. Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell share their top highlights from the year, including record-breaking performances, evolving race formats, and bold predictions for 2025. Joined by UltraSignup’s Head of Data, Matt Abbott, this episode explores the stories behind the stats and how they’re shaping the sport we love. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just hitting the trails, there’s something here for you.

Chapters:

• [00:00] – Welcome to the Trailhead: Reflecting on the biggest moments of 2024
• [01:22] – Super Shoes in Trail Running: Hype vs. Reality
• [2:06] – The Launch of the World Trail Majors: What It Means for the Sport
• [4:26] – Tara Dower’s Appalachian Trail Record and Other Standout Performances
• [19:50] – Breaking Down Trail Running Demographics with Matt Abbott: Who’s Running and Why?
• [24:42] – The Rise of Backyard Ultras and the Boom in 200+ Mile Races
• [34:05] – Women in Trail Running: Participation Trends and Media Narratives
• [46:39] - Is there a trail running hype bubble?
• [49:43] – UltraSignup CEO David Callahan talks about the growth of trail running
• [55:07] – The growth of run clubs
• [1:02:23]- What sustainable growth looks like for the trail community Thanks to Our Sponsor: Join us for the inaugural Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra, May 16–18, 2025, in stunning Kanab, Utah. Choose from 115- and 50-mile distances in one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Use code TRAILHEAD10 at checkout for 10% off registration.

Connect With Us: Have questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with your trail running crew. Thanks for meeting us at The Trailhead! 

1:00 Zoë and Buzz discuss the technological and cultural shifts that have led to the trail running livestream boom and debate what its impact will be on the sport. 

6:04 Buzz interviews Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury. They discuss how Mountain Outpost is leading the way with livestreams and why he decided to buy Ultrarunning magazine. They also discuss how the sport has changed and how Jamil’s love of bringing new people into the sport inspires him to keep pushing boundaries with event coverage. 

28:06 Zoë interviews writer and researcher Leigh Cowart, author of Hurts So Good: The Culture of Pain on Purpose, about the psychology that drives people to seek out uncomfortable experiences intentionally. They dive into how Leigh’s trip to Big’s Backyard Ultra inspired them to write about ultrarunners and what they learned about pain from hanging out with ultra athletes.

0:50:00 Buzz and Zoë talk about what community means to them and how the trail running community can serve as a positive model as people reassess who they consider their neighbors. 

11:09:00 Zoë interviews Tara Dower, who recently set the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, about her preparation for the FKT and how her relationship with the iconic trail and with hiking and running has evolved over time. Tara talks about her trail running role models and how she wants to inspire more people to push their limits on the trail. 

34:47:00 Buzz interviews Warren Doyle, who has hiked the AT 18 times and is the founder of the Appalachian Trail Institute. They discuss the trail's history of speed records and explain why so many hikers and runners are drawn to this iconic through-hike.

:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss the "party platform" that all trail runners can agree on and how athletes can navigate election anxiety. 

8:29 Buzz interviews RUN Editor in Chief Brian Metzler. Buzz and Brian discuss the biggest changes they've seen in the world of trail and ultrarunning and what's next for the running industry. 

33:11 Zoë interviews TrainingPeaks co-founder Dirk Friel about how technology has changed training for endurance sports, and why AI isn't taking your coach's job just yet. 

The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and the widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, Running Warehouse makes ordering simple.