UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan catch up with Katie ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut to talk about how she’s evolved as a competitor, why she used to downplay her ambitions, and what’s changed in both the sport and herself since her eighth-place finish at UTMB ba...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min
This week on The Trailhead, we’re joined by the one and only Kofuzi, a self-proclaimed non-elite YouTube runner who’s built a global following by filming marathons, gear reviews, and everyday runs with heart, humor, and a handheld camera. Zoë and Brendan chat with him about the leap from roads to trails, what it really takes to make running content, and why being “exceptionally average” might be a superpower. Whether you’re here for the shoe talk, the trail stoke, or the shared love of goofy lon...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min
This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who’s showing us what it means to run with purpose. Based in the lush foothills of Southern Appalachia, Abigail blends endurance and artistry, carving out time (and linoleum) to tell stories about wild places, climate, and community. We dive into everything from FKTs in the Georgia mountains to why training for ultras is a terrible match with art fair season. Abigail shares how sh...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan are joined by performance scientist, coach, and author Steve Magness for a deep dive into the messy, meaningful side of mental toughness. Known for calling BS on outdated notions of grit, Steve shares insights from his latest book, Win the Inside Game , and challenges the idea that suffering is the only path to success. Instead, he makes the case for curiosity, flexibility, and joy as essential ingredients for growth, not just in running, but in life. ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Check out the Cloud Cap Marathon here! Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from shoes to sun hoodies, with free two-day shipping. This week on The Trailhead , we're joined by one of the most thoughtful voices in endurance sports writing: Alex Hutchinson. You might know him from his Outside column, Sweat Science , or his bestselling book Endure . But today, we’re talking about his newest work— The Explorer’s Gene —and what it rev...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min
This week on The Trailhead , Zoë and Brendan put coach and writer Mario Fraioli in the hot seat with their burning trail running questions. From “How slow is too slow?” to “When does running become hiking?” we tackle the big, the small, and the existential dilemmas runners face on (and off) the trail. Come for the laughs, stay for Mario's wisdom, and find out why running might just be a Sisyphean project we willingly signed up for. Check out Mario on the Morning Shakeout. This episode is brought...
Apr 29, 2025•56 min
What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead , Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with Sabrina Little: ultrarunner, philosopher, ethics professor, mom of (soon to be) three, and author of The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners . Sabrina’s work sits at the fascinating intersection of character development, everyday ethics, and endurance sports. She teaches philosophy at Christopher Newport University and...
Apr 15, 2025•59 min
Welcome Brendan Leonard to The Trailhead! He’s the mind behind Semi-Rad , the master of stick figure cartoons, and now, he’s Zoë’s new co-host on The Trailhead . But instead of the usual "tell us about yourself" intro, we’re doing things our way. In this episode, Brendan gets interviewed by the person who knows him best—his mom. Kathy Leonard pulls no punches in this no-holds-barred sit-down, asking about everything from poop strategies to race regrets. We also chat about what drew Brendan to ul...
Apr 01, 2025•43 min
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 ...
Mar 18, 2025•37 min
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 t...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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 j...
Feb 18, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 environment...
Feb 04, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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...
Jan 21, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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 outdo...
Jan 07, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 25
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 cove...
Nov 26, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 24
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 m...
Nov 12, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 23
: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 T...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 22
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...
Oct 15, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 21
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...
Oct 01, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 20
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 ...
Sep 17, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 19
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 Bla...
Sep 03, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 18
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...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 12 min
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...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 interview...
Jul 09, 2024•52 min
00:00:54 Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss their connection to the Western States Endurance Run and why it’s a rising tide for trail running. 12:58:00 Zoë Rom talks to pro ultrarunner Ryan Montgomery about how he embodies pride all year long, and how his patient approach to training has paid off in his running career, and his hopes for Western States this year. Ryan also shares how the trail and ultra community can be more inclusive and welcoming. 35:15:32 Buzz Burrell interviews Diana Fitz...
Jun 25, 2024•55 min
Host Buzz Burrell and new co-host Zoë Rom ask each other rapid-fire questions to get to know one another and share hot takes about the best trails, races, and the proper length for running socks. 19:33 Zoë interviews social media star and professional runner Mikey Mitchell about adventure and authenticity online, his big race season, and why raves are great training for ultras. Mikey shares what Pride Month means to him and how everyone can embody pride on the trails and online. 29:01 Buzz inter...
Jun 11, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Corrine and Buzz chat about Corrine’s finish at Transvulcania, and an exciting update for the Trailhead. Corrine shares what she’s learned from hosting the Trailhead, and why everyday runners are the lifeblood of the sport. 12:56 Zoë Rom interviews Emily Halnon, whose recent book To The Gorge explores grief and resilience on the Pacific Crest Trail. Zoë and Emily discuss healing from grief through running, Emily’s writing process, and what it takes to set a 460-mile FKT (Fastest Known Time). 25:...
May 28, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Buzz and Corrine chat about taper tantrums ahead of Corrine’s upcoming spring A race, and everything that goes into a successful taper. Corrine interviews trail runner and coach Cat Bradley. They discuss Cat’s impressive track record in the sport, Cat 2.0, her coaching, and how to race with nothing to lose. Your performance is not a measure of your worth. Buzz talks about the Fat Dog Backyard Ultra with race director Erik Bird. They discuss the unique aspects of the backyard ultra format and how...
May 14, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 10
