Borderlands Trail (+ Ultra) Running

Josh Rosenthal, Inky Steve, Sam Lohse, Mike Kratzer, and Simon Freeman (co-founder of Like the Wind) sat down in the Borderlands Podcast Studio at Paris Fashion Week to talk about the purpose of PFW and why its important for runners to pay attention to it.You certianly don't have to, but if you're curious or care at all about what's happening with Running Apparel and Clothing, its a brilliant event. Its not for consumers though. It's a classic B2B event in random shops in the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris.There is no central hub telling you what shop is where. You only know where to go if you know where to go. Some brands post on social while others want to be 'found' more organically.It's all interesting. But also useful.Presented by Kiprun.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Paul Mellor joins Josh on the show — founder of underdog-focused creative agency Mellor&Smith, executive producer and 4x BAFTA nominee on Boiling Point, and currently working on a fresh documentary about ultrarunning legend Lazarus Lake.We dive into why trail runners should care about the bigger outdoor industry, Nike's surprisingly humble return to trail running, what makes certain brands unforgettable (and why others fade into the background), and the power of standing out as an underdog.Presented by Kiprun.Paul Mellor is the founder of Mellor&Smith, a creative advertising agency that specializes in helping underdog outdoor brands — those not yet dominating their category — get noticed by the world. His clients include some of the biggest names in outdoor and adventure who are still fighting for pole position.Beyond advertising, Paul is an executive producer and four-time BAFTA nominee for the acclaimed film Boiling Point (yes, that intense one-take kitchen drama). He's currently deep into producing a new documentary on Lazarus Lake (Laz), the mythical creator of the Barkley Marathons and Big's Backyard Ultra — offering a perspective on Laz you've never seen before.Why trail runners and the trail community should pay attention to the wider outdoor industryNike's re-entry into the trail running space — why acg feels refreshingly humbleThe ingredients that make certain brands memorable in a crowded marketWhy some brands struggle to stand out and may never truly resonateThe mindset and creative approaches that help underdogs punch above their weight and get noticedA sneak peek into Paul's work on the upcoming Lazarus Lake documentary and what makes this take unique.Connect with Paul Mellor on LinkedInResources & Links:Nike ACGRaphaSatisfyThe Speed ProjectKantar Research — Insights on brand investment effectivenessPaul Dyson & 2009 + 2020 Media Study — On brand allocation and effective marketing levers

Tommy Lewis and Josh Rosenthal talk about how they're a bit tired with the business of running (content and everything else) but they share a continued commitment and fascination with running itself. Tommy is the final guest in our series celebrating those who bring light to the world through running. Others have included Laz Lake, Nils Arend, Scott Jurek, and Dean Karnazes.He's a content creator and influencer buildling communities around running sustainabily with a sense of purpose and joy. Presented by Kiprun.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Lazarus Lake (Gary Cantrell) is the race director and creator of the Barley Marathons and Big's Backyard Ultra among others.In this interview, Josh pays homage to him with three artifacts designed to spur on conversation and attempt to explain more of who Laz Lake actually is.1. Cigarettes | Laz smokes Camel Yellows. We talk about his origins of smoking.2. LIke the Wind magazine | Mechanical watch companies navigated the quartz crisis, Like the Wind navigated the digital crises. Laz, like LtW and Blancpain, they never got sucked in to the crises and stayed convicted and committed to their way of doing things - untouched by modernization.3. Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway | Laz is like Santiago from the old man and the sea persistently and consistently pursuing value and validation in the struggle. Insodoing, he gives this gift to ultra runners by designing races that tease this out of every participant.Presented by Kiprun.Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of the Laz Lake Interviews.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Gary Cantrell (aka Lazarus Lake) is the last rebel of ultra running.Watch our conversation on Youtube.We love the professionalization of trail running but we don't want it all to go that way. In order for that to be interesing, the world of underground ultra running has to live strong.In this episode, Josh works through the stories of Popcorn Sutton and Andy Payne with Laz.Popcorn Sutton was a moonshiner untouched by modernization. He stood in stark contrast to the Jack Daniels and Jim Beams of the world. They work to maximize revenue and total annual output where Popcorn kept doing things the same way.Andy Payne won the Bunion Derby in 1928 - a race across America with 275 participants. He also happened to be Laz's Dad's neighbor.Laz is a blend of the two figures with a rock and roll-type status preserving a type of heart of running all its own.Enjoy.Presented by Kiprun.----Listen to Scene One (the Races of Laz Lake) on Spotify or Apple or watch on YouTube.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Josh flew to Bell Buckle, TN to interview Lazarus Lake (aka Gary Cantrell) at his home and backdrop to Big's (and Little's) Backyard Ultra.There are three scenes to The Lazarus Lakes Interviews and in this first one they discuss the races. You all know about Barkleys Marathons and the Backyard Ultras but what about the other races like the Vol State 500k or the now deceased Idiot's Run? Or ARFTA (a race for the ages)?To anyone who knows of Laz Lake, you will not be surprised to learn that this interview was a wild ride in and of itself. He rarely speaks concretely, almost everything is metaphorical. And once you accept that you understand that he's rarely simply talking about a tree or a cave or Jesse James' gold.Josh went into this interview planning to uncover a PT Barnum type or an artist standing at a canvas. Instead, he found a scientist in a laboratory whose lab rats are actually ultrarunners.He's tinkering with variables looking to uncover elements of the human spirt on one hand and on the other, he's at face value.He's a country boy born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma and Tennessee.Presented by Kiprun.With support from Like the Wind Magazine + Hyperlyte Liquid Performance.----Listen to Scene Two with Laz (the Last Rebel of Ultra Running) on Spotify or Apple or watch on YouTubeFor behind the scenes and uncut content from this interview, go to our Patreon.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Dean Karnazes brings light to the world through running. Dean's books and myth motivated many to start running for the first time or pushed them to run further.He's been an amassador for running the world over and on a scale no other runner has enjoyed. In this episode we dive into his appearances on Conan O'briend, David Letterman, and the ESPYs. When he started running it was much simpler. It was really just a pair of shoes and a place to run. But that's not necessarily the good old days. Today there are more people running than ever. And because foundational he believes that running is a gift to all who do it, the growth in every aspect of the industry is net good. Presented by Kiprun.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Scott Jurek represents a generation of ultratrail runners who either had day jobs or were true dirtbag trail runners. Scott and Josh Rosenthal dive into the 'good old days' of trail running when a lot of the gear was DIY like punk rock or skateboarding. Presented by Kiprun.Scott Jurek and Y2KDIY: Ultrarunners, Punk Rock, and SkateboardingRunners have it easier with gear advancesAthlete mentality is shifting in a sterile directionMental resilience in ultra runningThe lasting bonds of competing in ultratrailThe commercialization of Ultratrail RunningDespite changes, the essence of running remains accessible to everyone.This conversation explores the evolution of ultra running, reflecting on personal experiences from the Y2K era to the present day. Josh Rosenthal and Scott Jurek discuss the changes in gear, the competitive landscape, and the importance of community within the sport. They emphasize the mental resilience required for ultra running and celebrate the friendships formed through shared experiences. Despite the commercialization of the sport, the essence of running remains accessible and fulfilling for all.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Nils Arend started The Speed Project and it continues to bring light into the world through running.[Presented by Kiprun]Josh and Nils sit on a Rugby Field in Albi, FR at midnight to talk about the origin story of TSP and what it means to so many.Yes, TSP is an ultrarunning event but its not an 'ultrarunning' event. Its not in the ultrarunning zeitgeist, its a zeitgeist all its own.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Monday, 22 Dec 2025 marks a new beginning for Borderlands' podcast presented by Kiprun.We've had a helluva a run and now I'm doubling down on the things I believe will take us to the next level. Tune in to find out.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letterWylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Allie Gibbons ran The Speed Project in the Atacama Desert while 22 weeks pregnant. Prior to that, she ran Bigfoot 200 in the Washington wilderness after just learning that she was pregnant. Presented by Kiprun.In this conversation, they discuss the challenges of ultra running, the unique experience of being pregnant during such a demanding race, and the mental and physical preparations required. Allie shares insights on health monitoring, the emotional waves experienced during long races, and the camaraderie found within the ultra running community. The conversation also touches on the transition from road to trail running and the competitive spirit that drives athletes in these extreme conditions.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Josh Rosenthal and Inky Steve explore the future of running gear, discussing innovations in shoe design, the impact of cultural elements like movies on running, and the competitive landscape of brands in the industry. [Presented by Kiprun]They share insights from the TRE event, highlight the rise of smaller brands, and reflect on their experiences with various running products, including the Naked belt. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and personal preferences in the running world.Brands discussed:NordaKiprunSpeedlandNike / acgMerrellSalomonTantrumsSAYSKYMount to Coast----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

I still consider myself a trail runner even though I never run on trails. I'm trail runner-ish. There are a lot of people bringing light into the world through running. Let's talk about a few of them - Tommy Lewis, Josh Lynott, Nils Arend, Dean Karnazes, and more.Presented by Kiprun.Yes, we're presented by Kiprun but I also think they are the next big running brand coming out of France. Salomon and Hoka both started here. If Kiprun build momentum and iterate/improve year after year on the portfolio they just released, they will be in the brass ring.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

At the beginning of 2025 did an episode where we looked at a bunch of brands and trends in trail running and evaluated if we were optimistic about their future (buy) or pessimistic (sell)[Presented by Kiprun]In this episode I review my predictions and assess if they were right or wrong on these topics: SatisfyAravaipaKetones----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Hyperlyte Hotline - RUNMORE649 (786.667.3649)Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026Presented by Kiprun.

The Dude Abides and would probably never wear trail running shoes. But we love this movie too much so Josh asked Inky, what shoes go best with The Big Lebowski? Slides. Super chill running recover slides.There's a boom in them right now. You see them popping up all over the place and there's actually some innovation happening.But at the end of the day, The Dude would wear the hell out of some recover slides and we have a blast exploring it.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

Mike Herrera and MxPx have been playing for 30 years. I was there from the beginning so I was stoked to do this interview with an all time great and hero of mine.[Presented by Naked Sports Innovations]Mike knows a thing or two about endurance and keeping on when life and circumstances get you down.Enjoy.----Borderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026

I stopped using strava and found 7 bugs that ended up being features. [Borderlands TRE event - RSVP here]Here are the bugs. Listen to find out how these became features.I don't run as farI don't run as fastI can't review my performanceI can't reminsce on old runsI can't be impressiveI'm losing structureI don't have receipts for my runsPresented by Naked Sports Innovations----Patreon | BtS Building BorderlandsBorderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026PartnersNaked Sports Innovations - I wear this running belt EVERY TIME I RUN.______________RUNNING GEARNaked Running Band Path Projects Apparel La Sportive Prodigio Pro PODCAST GEAROSMO Pocket 3 Shure MV7 Neewer MS60B

James Lauriello joined Josh to talk trail running from multiple angles. James is the host of the Steep Stuff Podcast and an athlete for La Sportiva. the Professionalization of Trail RunningWho is the Alex Honnold of Trail Running?Is the fan base growing?Every trail runner should run the cirque seriesWho is the GOAT of sub-ultra?Presented by Naked Sports Innovations----Patreon | BtS Building BorderlandsBorderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Hyperlyte Hotline - RUNMORE649 (786.667.3649)Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026PartnersHyperlyte Liquid Performance - 100g Carbs, 1000mg Sodium, Miles of DirtNaked Sports Innovations - I wear this running belt EVERY TIME I RUN.______________RUNNING GEARNaked Running Band Path Projects Apparel La Sportive Prodigio Pro PODCAST GEAROSMO Pocket 3 Shure MV7 Neewer MS60B

Ryan Becker runs for Naked Sports Innovations and competes at the highest level in mountain running. He brings an honest and analytical view of the sport that feels fresh and from the heart. In this episode they discuss the difference between being a pro runner and an elite runner.You don't have to be a pro running fan to enjoy this episode.Ryan runs for Naked Sports Innovations----Patreon | BtS Building BorderlandsBorderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Hyperlyte Hotline - RUNMORE649 (786.667.3649)Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026PartnersHyperlyte Liquid Performance - 100g Carbs, 1000mg Sodium, Miles of DirtNaked Sports Innovations - I wear this running belt EVERY TIME I RUN.______________RUNNING GEARNaked Running Band Path Projects Apparel La Sportive Prodigio Pro PODCAST GEAROSMO Pocket 3 Shure MV7 Neewer MS60B

Let's put Taylor Bodin to the test. Josh went to Running Warehouse and selected some top sellers and quized Taylor. How did he do?Also, we dove into Mount to Coast. Presented by Naked Sports InnovationsTaylor Bodin is the Believe in the Run's Dirt Division.----Patreon | BtS Building BorderlandsBorderlands.cc | Podcast NetworkSign up: analog*Borderlands [new]letter Hyperlyte Hotline - RUNMORE649 (786.667.3649)Wylder is now available on iOS + Android.Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races | 30 May 2026PartnersHyperlyte Liquid Performance - 100g Carbs, 1000mg Sodium, Miles of DirtNaked Sports Innovations - I wear this running belt EVERY TIME I RUN.______________RUNNING GEARNaked Running Band Path Projects Apparel La Sportive Prodigio Pro PODCAST GEAROSMO Pocket 3 Shure MV7 Neewer MS60B