The Trailhead

Latest Episodes:

The Joy of Midwest Trail Running & Questions from Semi-Rad Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

We're back! Welcome to Season 3 of The Trailhead. Buzz and Corrine come clean for 2024. There were lots of surprises at the end of 2023.

Corrine speaks with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing about the joys of Midwest trail running. Get all the info about Ornery Mule Racing at www.ornerymuleracing.com.

Buzz answers Semi-Rad's, Brendan Leonard, most pressing questions. You can see all Brendan's monthly drawings for UltraSignup on news.ultrasignup.com and the rest of his work on his website: semi-rad.com.

This episode is brought to you by the Devil's Gulch Race in Washington State, happening on July 13-14th, 2024. The first 50 registrants snag a free pair of Darn Tough Socks! New for 2024: $1000 in prize money, equally distributed among all 1st place finishers across male, female, and non-binary categories. Devil's Gulch offers three epic distances: a half-marathon, 50 Miler, and a formidable 100 Miler. Brace yourself for a course featuring hot, dry high desert, intense gulches, and massive rock hoodoos. The 100 Miler is a true test of endurance with plenty of vert and heat which is why each finisher gets a homemade belt buckle. The 50 Miler? It's half the crazy. And for those seeking a more balanced challenge, there's the half-marathon. Choose your adventure at Devil's Gulch this July and make it a race to remember! Get all the info here: www.evergreentrailruns.com/devils-gulch/

UltraData: Reflecting on 10 Years of UltraSignup Data Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

As we enter 2024, (how???) we began to realize that the world has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Our data guru, Matt Abbott, decided to take a look back at 10 years of USU stats. He reviews the growth of the sport, which distances are the most popular, and who is running and where.

We'd love to hear from you. What is your experience in trail over the past 10 years? Do you have a favorite race or distance? Have you seen your local races growing? Are there more local races! Send us an email to trailhead@ultrasignup.com.

Thanks to Buzz Burrell, Tim Tollefson, Tom Hooper, and Renee Janssen for contributing to the show.

2023 Wrap-Up & 2024 Predictions Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

In this episode Corrine and Buzz reflect on the most inspirational moments of 2023, share their hot takes from 2023 and look forward to 2024. You'll also hear from the trail community: coaches, athletes, writers, and podcast listeners.

Thanks to:

HOKA athlete, paraglider, film maker Allie Mac.

Athlete Callie Vinson

Run the Alps founder, Doug Mayer

Salomon partner, Mental Health Coach, Skier & Runner Drew Peterson

Athlete and The Singletrack Podcast host Finn Melanson.

Strava's Larissa Rivers

Some Work, All Play coaches Megan and David Roche

Ornery Mule Racing Race Director Michele Hartwig

Thanks to listeners: Andy Farina, Carolyn Benson, Dylan Jones, Heather Stadnisky, Jason Corbett, Michaela Tsai, and Paul Fitzgibbons

Do you have a question for Buzz or comment about the show? Send us an email at trailhead@ultrasignup.com

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Lowa Boots. For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance. The new All Terrain Running collection of trail running shoes is designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA's acclaimed quality, fit and durability. A full length rubber sole with grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and Reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA. Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off LOWA ATR when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10.

UTMB, BTP and Paragliding Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Corrine and Buzz chat about the UTMB/WAM controversy.

Then Corrine puts Andy Pearson and Dominic Grossman in the hot seat. She gets all the info on their new podcast "Between Two Pines"

Buzz and Lowa Boots athlete Max Siegel talk about his love for trail running and paragliding.

This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Lowa Boots. For 100 years, LOWA footwear has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and keeping your feet secure on any mountain adventure. All Terrain Running by LOWA, has a collection of trail running models that are designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA's acclaimed quality, fit and durability. Grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA. Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10.

You can find Between Two Pines wherever you get your podcasts. Any complaints can go to hello@betweentwopinespodcast.com.

We are working on our final episode of Season 2 and we want to hear from you! What was your most inspirational moment of 2023? Do you have a hot take from 2023? What are you most excited for in 2024? Send us your answers via email or voice memo to trailhead@ultrasignup.com. We'd love to include you our final podcast of season 2 releasing on November 21st.

Rest, Andy Wacker & The Trail Team, Hiking As Training Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Buzz and Corrine chat about when to run and when to take time to recover from illness.

Corrine interviews professional runner and Trail Team mentor Andy Wacker. Andy recently took 2nd place at the World Mountain Running final and 1st place at the Xterra Trail Run World Championships.

Buzz talks to David about hiking the Colorado Trail as training for Run Rabbit Run. And caller Andy asks how to increase his training post illness and surgery

This episode is brought to you by LOWA.

For 100 years, LOWA footwear has been known for it's emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and keeping your feet secure on any mountain adventure. All Terrain Running by LOWA, has a collection of trail running models that are designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA's acclaimed quality, fit and durability. Grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA. Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10."

Trailrunning Saves the World & Spiritual Strength Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

As we head into the off season, Buzz and Corrine discuss the benefits of road running and cross training.

Corrine interviews Dylan Bowman of Freetrail. He thinks "trail running will save the world" You can get more info about Freetrail at Freetrail.com.

Buzz chats with 2 callers. Ivars is curious about training minimums. Can 1 mile a day get you through a 100 miler? Jill is ready to tackle night running. Is it something to practice, or can you save it for race day?

Where Buzz's Been, Sacred Stoke, and a Doomed Runner Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

Buzz has just returned home after a successful trip to the Master's Trail World Championships. He and Corrine talk about what "World Championship" means in trail running right now and they discuss the athlete and spectator turnout in Madeira.

Corrine interviews Lakota runner Connor Ryan about his connection to the mountains, how he found running, and why inclusion is so important in ultrarunning. You can read the article "The need for Indigenous Inclusion in Ultrarunning" over at news.ultrasignup.com.

Real Runner Questions: Buzz the chats with David about how runners stay strong through the decides. Orly asks how to get off the injured list.

You can get more information about Natives Outdoors at natives-outdoors.org

Walmsley & Dauwalter Rule UTMB, Semi-Rad and Baked Beans Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Buzz and Corrine marvel over Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, and Zach Miller's performances at UTMB.

Then, Corrine talks with artist Brendan Leonard (often known as Semi-Rad) about his ultimate trail race. It includes Dropbag Jeff and all the French toast. You can see Brendan's illustrations on UltraSignup.

Buzz chats with two callers. First, he speaks with Mark from Minnesota. They agree that baked beans are not ideal running fuel. Buzz makes the case for sugar.

Buzz and Laura from Portland talk about ultrarunning after cancer treatment. Here are the links to the organizations Laura mentioned.

Susan G Komen: https://www.komen.org/

Pink Lemonade Project: https://www.pinklemonadeproject.org/

UTMB, Soft Rocking, and Racing a 50k Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Buzz and Corrine are in Chamonix. UTMB is all anyone is talking about. They discuss who to watch and try to make sense of the "stones" qualification system.

Corrine talks with UltraSignup's Rob Goyen about Dirt Circus trail party happening this fall.

Dirt Circus will be in Flower Mound, Texas on September 30, Boulder, Colorado on October 7, and Phoenix, Arizona on October 21. The final event is in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 17th and 18th. Get details for all the events at dirt circus.ultrasignup.com.

In Bentonville, there will also be a 5k and 10k race. The 10K is a competitive event with a cash prize of $3000 for the first-place finishers! All events have an expo, entertainment and raffle prizes. Events are filling up fast!

Buzz talks to Justin about "Soft Rocking" and Leave No Trace principles while trail running. And Maddie wants not just to finish a 50k, but to race it. She and Buzz come up with a training and pacing plan for Red Rock.

If you want more info about Leave No Trace, check out their website https://lnt.org/

Taking place between September 29th and October 1st this fall at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, the UESCA Ultrarunning Conference is the first-ever ultrarunning conference of its kind. Headlined by renowned ultrarunning coach and author, Jason Koop – the conference brings together top experts from around the world to present on a multitude of topics specific to ultrarunning. To learn more, or to register for the conference, please visit: ultraconference.uesca.com.

Zoë Rom, Tina Muir, and Buzz's Skyrace Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Buzz and Corrine chat about Buzz's skyrace experience in Norway. Then Corrine interviews Zoë Rom and Tina Muir about their new book, Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet.

"A healthy planet depends on your thriving and your community's thriving. Your running depends on a healthy planet and a healthy community. A healthy community depends on healthy individuals and a healthy planet to exist," said Zoë.

And Buzz answers questions from Scott on pickle juice and mustard and talks to race director Samuel Hartman about why ultrarunning is not in the Olympics.

Are you ready for Dirt Circus?

Dirst Circus is a series of running festivals from UltraSignup and it's happening this fall!

UltraSignup has partnered with local running stores to bring together runners, race directors, coaches, and brands to celebrate all the things we love about trail running. We will have group runs, an expo, demos, and amazing raffle prizes.

Dirt Circus will be in Flower Mound, Texas September 30th. In Boulder, Colorado on October 7th. And in Phoenix, Arizona on October 21st. We will close out the season with epic event in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 17th and 18th. Get details for all of the events at dirt circus.ultrasignup.com.

In Bentonville, there will also be a 5k and 10k race. The 10K is a competitive event with a cash prize of $3000 for the first place finishers.

If you want to meet new people, test out new gear, or lace up for the Bentonville race, register at dirtcircus.ultrasignup.com.

Events are filling up fast.