The Trailhead

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.

00:00:53 Buzz and Zoë chat through advice they wish they had gotten when they first started running, and advice for new and aspiring trail and ultrarunners.

00:8:53 Zoë interviews Randi Zuckerberg (yes, that Zuckerberg!) about how she went from running a half marathon, to signing up for the Cocodona 250 in a year. Plus, they dive into what it means to go all in on your passions, and advice for athletes balancing training with busy lives.

35:48:52 Buzz interviews Brendan Madigan, Race Director at Broken Arrow Sky Race about what it takes to run a three day event and what US races can learn from European style events. 

1:00 Buzz and Zoë discuss the intersection of trail running and alpinism, and how runners can stay safe when seeking high adventure.

14:00 Zoë interviews Kilian Jornet about his Alpine Connections Project, where he linked 82 peaks in under 20 days entirely under his own power. Kilian unpacks how he trained for his epic alpine adventure, and why he wants to use it to draw attention to climate change in the alps.

42:44 Buzz interivews pro trail runner and race director Mike Foote about how The Rut has become such a successful event, and how he was inspired by his experiences racing in Europe. 

1:00 Buzz and Zoë break down their favorite moments in ultra running history, from historic race performances to establishing new routes and FKTs. 

14:20 Coach, writer, and podcaster David Roche discusses his record-breaking win at the 2024 Leadville 100, diving into his training, shooting his shot, and why ultra runners are getting so much faster. 

 39:11 Buzz interviews Jasmin Paris, the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons. They dive into how Jasmin juggles training with a busy life as a parent and veterinarian, and how she prepares mentally for grueling events like the Barkley Marathons. 

The Trailhead is sponsored by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and 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.

0:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss Buzz’s recent travels around Europe, and why running is such a great way to explore new places. 

10:55 Zoë interviews Dr. Jeffrey Hammond, a podiatrist who works with professional athletes to troubleshoot common foot problems. They discuss how runners can prevent common ailments like plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, and dive into how to treat blisters on the fly. 

27:16 Buzz interviews Mags Nixon, a professional trail running guide about running the Tour du Mont Blanc. With more and more interest in the loop around Mont Blanc each year, Mags breaks down how every athlete can explore the historic route on foot, along with vital trip planning tips to get the most out of your tour. Check out Mags' treks here!

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1:20 Buzz and Zoë break down the post-Olympics hype, and discuss whether or not trail running should be an Olympic sport, and what it would mean to see trail elevated to the world stage. 

14:32 Zoë interviews Vic Thasiah, founder and President of Runners For Public Lands. They discuss why Vic founded RPL and what all runners can do to better protect public lands and be better environmental stewards. 

44:01 Buzz interviews Reid Delman, Race Director of the Desert Rats Trail Running Festival by UTMB about how his event has changed, and how it has stayed the same since being acquired by UTMB.

This episode of the Trailhead is brought to you by LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to Whether you're powering through an ultra, or just exploring the trails, hydration is key. Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.

1:02 Buzz and Zoë break down the differences between trail running in the US and Europe and why the trails in Europe are so awesome (read: hard). 

18:57 Zoë talks to Mario Mendoza, a professional trail runner and pastor from Bend, about growing up on an avocado farm, falling in love with the outdoors at a young age, and balancing work, training and family. Mario and Zoë also talk about how Mario's running influences his faith and work as a pastor as well as how he's gearing up for OCC. 

46:08 Buzz interviews Doug Mayer, the "Mayor of Chamonix" about French trail running culture, and how to plan a trip around Mont Blanc. They discuss why the culture of trail running differs in France and what everyone can learn from running in Europe. 

Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss the rise of races that are 200 miles and longer, why different running goals are valid, and what draws us to different events.

14:20 Zoë interviews the winner of the 2024 Cocodona 250, Rachel Entrekin, about how she approaches multi-day races and balances training with work and life (or doesn't!). They discuss sleep strategies, and how people can train for their first 200 mile race. 

38:02 Buzz interviews Candice Burt, owner of Destination Trail Races, which hosts the Triple Crown of 200-mile races. They discuss Candice's work as a race director, what it takes to put on a 200-mile race, and her approach to long-distance races and FKTs as an athlete. 

00:49:47 Hosts Buzz Burrell and Zoë Rom discuss why the Western States Endurance run is getting so dang fast, and talk about why the Hardrock Endurance Run (which is not a race!!) attracts high caliber athletes and adventurers year after year. 

14:54:35 Zoë Rom chats with Courtney Dauwalter about her historic triple last year, winning WSER, Hardrock and UTMB in a single summer, and how she's going to approach her big loop around the San Juan Mountains this weekend. 

29:27:78 Buzz Burrell interviews Hardrock Race Director Dale Garland about why the event attracts runners from all over the world, what he's doing to make it more accessible, and what it takes to complete the wild and tough loop

Thanks to our generous partner, LMNT! Skip the dodgy stuff and make sure you properly replenish and recover after every run with LMNT hydration! Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.