The Trailhead

UltraSignup•news.ultrasignup.com

The Trailhead isn’t your typical trail running podcast—we’re not dissecting splits or debating race strategies. Instead, hosts Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard take you straight to the heart (and funny bone) of the sport, celebrating the people, stories, and quirks that make trail running so special. With a mix of humor, heart, and a little irreverence, we explore the personalities, people, artists, and everyday athletes who give the sport its soul—because trail running is about more than just the miles.

Last refreshed: July 20th, 2025 at 4:48 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Pro Runners Unite, Andrew Drummond, and KTRW Award Winners.

This week, Buzz and Corrine talk about the Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA), a non-profit based in Switzerland that Corrine helped found. Corrine interviews Andrew Drummond , from Run the Whites, about our UltraSignup News article “ Rock hopping with Run the Whites ,” and his ultra-journey from helping Scott Jurek set an FKT to putting the White Mountains back on the map. Buzz then talks to two of our Keep Trail Running Weird award winners : Mike Melton who won the Most Tenacious and Jen Gol...

Feb 13, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 3

Arlen Glick and our Keep Trail Running Weird Award Winners

This week is a fun one! Buzz and Corrine discuss the best trail runners of 2022. You can read Buzz's Top 10 Cliff's Notes here: https://news.ultrasignup.com/the-best-of-the-best-2022/ Corrine interviews ultrarunning champion Arlen Glick about his fantastic race season and training in less than ideal situations. (You can read our article on him here: https://news.ultrasignup.com/not-to-be-ignored/ .) Then, Buzz interviews three of our Keep Trail Running Weird award winners: Mike Smith—MOST MILES ...

Jan 30, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Year in Review, Predictions Ahead, and Allie Mac!

We’re back for Season 2! Buzz and Corrine talk “best of the year” 2022 and run through their 2023 predictions. Corrine predicts an increase in tibial stress reactions (due to carbon shoe proliferation) and Buzz admits that he’s run FKTs in shoes he bought at K-Mart! Corrine interviews Allie “Mac” McLaughlin about her amazing 2022 race season. And they discuss her 1-year-old best friend, how injury episodes have allowed her to grow in other ways, and what’s next for the extreme athlete. We wrote ...

Jan 16, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 1

BONUS - UltraData Podcast: The Hardest Trail Races of 2022

***NEW PODCAST*** This ain't your normal Trailhead! We'd like to introduce a new podcast that we thought you might enjoy, UltraData. Matt Abbott walks us through how to develop an algorithm to rank UltraSignup’s races by difficulty. Along the way, he brings in some guests (Jeff Pelletier, Riley Brady, Arlen Glick, & Corrine Malcolm) to discuss what makes different races hard for them and to react to iterations of the ranking. We hope you enjoy it! The Trailhead podcast will be back to its re...

Dec 23, 2022•55 min

Doping up, staying resilient, and starting again.

Illegal drugs are cropping up in the running world again; Buzz and Corrine talk testing and their own performance enhancing strategies. Then Corrine interviews Anita Cardinal, a Cree activist and lawyer, about running, resilience, and representation . Finally, Buzz and caller Jane brainstorm how to get back to ultra-distances after having a baby - with a focus on letting go of outcome and simply enjoying the journey. We’ll be back! Season 2 starts in January, so stay tuned for our next release. ...

Nov 14, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6

World Record DNFs, being a Long Run dad, and when to “just smile”

Corrine and Buzz chat about the recent Backyard World Championships and how it’s possible to set a world record and DNF at the same time?! Corrine talks to elite marathoner Peter Bromka about balancing parenting and the long run, diving into his popular article “ The Endurance Dad Dilemma .” Then Buzz talks with runner Brianne about how to stay positive during long races, sharing favorite run-tested mantras that work. Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Sidas . Use pr...

Oct 31, 2022•23 min

What’s the name of the game?

Corrine and Buzz talk about “crushing” and “dominating” on the trails with writer and pro-athlete Meg Mackenzie who penned the thought provoking article “Annihilate That Course and Obliterate Your Competition.” Does using violent language influence our sport experience? The UltraSignup community had heated reactions to the online article ; listen in and add your opinion. Then Buzz helps Matt from Issaquah, WA decide how long to rest after a big ultra-effort. Plus, Buzz’s favorite go-to recovery ...

Oct 17, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Advice from another planet, the lure of 4.167, and running’s most common injury.

Description: Corrine and Buzz break down Kilian Jornet’s exhaustive new blog recapping his 2022 training with micro-details including his workouts, nutrition, sleep, stress and more. Are there usable tips for a “normie” runner or is Kilian simply from another planet? Next, Corrine talks to writer and runner Jared Beasley about the quiet, but seductive appeal of the backyard race phenomenon. His piece, “Everyone’s Got A Shot at a Backyard, Right?” looks at the enigmatic format and how an average ...

Oct 03, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 3

The Growth of Trail Running, Carbon Fiber Shoes and Real Runner Questions about The Bear

In this episode, Corrine and Buzz chat about the expansion of trail running media coverage and how runners can “vote with their feet” to keep the smaller races alive. Then, Corrine talks to shoe guru Brian Metzler about carbon fiber running shoes and why they might not be the holy grail for trail runners. You can read Brian’s article “Don’t get FOMO about the twinkle of carbon finer on the trails” here. And Buzz answers Christian’s “Real Runner Questions” about The Bear. Have a question about tr...

Sep 19, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 2

UTMB Recap, Reimagining the FKT, and a Fast Hike with Jelly Beans

This week, fresh off her role as a live commentator, Corrine and Buzz go behind-the-scenes at UTMB. Then Corrine sits down with Oregon PCT FKT holder Emily Halnon to learn about: her unique experience setting a new record with enthusiastic help from the former FTK owner. Finally, Buzz chats with Caroline from Wisconsin about dialing in race nutrition as distances increase. Preview: It's all about chocolate and jelly beans. Have a question about trail or distance running? Send your question to ne...

Sep 05, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Coming Soon - The Trailhead From UltraSignup

Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm team up to bring you a lively mix of trail topics, stories, and real runner questions. Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner or newly “trail curious” and just getting started in the sport, start your run with UltraSignup…and meet us at The Trailhead!

Aug 16, 2022•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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