Community Trail Running

Fat Dog 120 is set for August 7-9 in Manning Park, BC, and it will be my first crack at this distance!I’m terrified and excited. A great spot to be.Erik Bird is the Race Director, and his journey to directing this race is a fun one to hear. His passion for the sport and the area drives him, and the race offers a remote and breathtaking ultra-challenge. Erik is proud of all the work Fat Dog does on the area trails, and it’s gonna be amazing getting to explore them. I can’t wait to run it and I am so excited to share this chat!The Miller MinutesIt’s back! I’m so excited to be working with Andrew Miller on Fat Dog. He’s a great coach to run with, and I’ll be leaning heavily on him to prepare for August 7!The Trail Running Film FestivalShout out your favourite shop:We’re running a contest for the film festival where you tell us your favourite run shops, and we give them free tickets to the show!Thank you for the support and downloads. It means a lot! I’m thrilled to grow this project with all of you.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

I am so excited to run towards a 100-mile finish in 2026! I am even more excited to be working with Team Run Run coach Andrew Miller once again to do so! He and I worked together while I trained for Moab Run the Rocks this past year, and so I’m really grateful Andrew wants to work with me some more towards my biggest goal ever. Andrew is also running 100-mile races this year, for the first time in a while, so I’m pumped we’re going to be going through similar journies at the same time. We invite you along with us and hope you will find it educational. We received a lot of great feedback from Moab, so I think this 100-mile training story will be a popular one as well! Early Bird Tickets:Shout out your favourite shop:The last episode:Thank you for the support and downloads, it means a lot! I’m thrilled to grow this project with all of you.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Merry Christmas and happy holidays my friends. It’s an exciting day around here, and it’s time for our holiday special episode. The third year! The holiday special is when former guests share their funny trail running stories with all of us, and it’s something I greatly appreciate they take the time to do! This year is a set of fantastic stories that I know you will all enjoy and probably relate to.Big thanks to our guests, here’s who you will hear from:Jeannine Avelino Cory JennermanKirsti & ShepPeter CudmoreJason BahamundiJay TinsleyAmy ReynoldsAllison PowellBig Shout out to Brian Gallant, Shelley Chen, and Craig Lewis for sharing their stories as well!Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support. We continue to do the thing and see where we end up, and it’s pretty fun doing this all together. Upwards and onwards friends.Sincerely,Adam Lee Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Samuel Matte-Thibault is the Event Director for Événements Harricana and the only paid employee. So Event Director means all the jobs. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s incredibly passionate about bringing the community together, he loves having a cause behind all the races, and he’s excited for the 2026 calendar.His description of the events they host is great to hear, and I think you’re gonna be intrigued by what they’re doing in Quebec. The races sound like large celebrations of the sport in beautiful and challenging locations. He’s even offering a chance to join him and thousands of trail runners at UTHC in 2026. Check out our IG page for contest details and find out how you can win a bib and accommodations!Trail Running Film Festival:Get your early bird tickets before January 1 and save $10!Canadian Podcast Awards:The Last Episode:Thank you for the support and downloads, it means a lot! I’m so pumped to grow this thing with all of you.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Mauro Campanelli and Steve Connor are the passionate folks behind Straw Dog Racing, the group that organizes Sulphur Springs Trail Race, the Western States Qualifier in Hamilton, Ontario. They are inspired to make their event as fun as possible and ensure runners have a great experience, no matter what distance they decide to tackle. It was so much fun for me to hear how much they care and how much they think about all the details. They even work through a substantial wait list each year to try and get as many runners as possible to the start lines. It’s all about the vibe!Crossing Lines has been heavily involved in this event over the years, and so it was really awesome to have Mauro and Steve on the show to chat more about it! I hope you like the interview as much as I did, and make sure to check out the Crossing Lines podcast to hear the impact they are having as well!Crossing Lines Latest:The Natasha Swartley Episode:Trail Running Film Festival:Tickets for the film fest are on sale now!We will be in Vancouver at the amazing Rio Theatre on Thursday April 2, and we can’t wait to hang out with you! Get your early bird tickets before Jan 1 and save $10.We’re number 1:Thank you for the support and downloads, it means a lot! I’m so pumped to grow this thing with all of you.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Natasha Swartley wears many hats, but she never seems to be as happy as when she’s wearing hats that have to do with trails. As a medic or a runner, she loves being out there and getting the best out of herself and others. After working many years in the Navy, her leadership skills and no BS attitude allow her to be organized and supportive in her role as a Trail Medic. She is the lead medic at many events, and her role is growing and expanding in 2026.I had so much fun chatting with Natasha. I think she could be a motivational speaker. I know she’s motivating people during their running races already! I hope you find our conversation as fun as I did.Crossing Lines:The last episode:Episode 1:Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Community Trail Running is presented by Altitude Sports!Peter Cudmore met Red Isle Trail Running partner Kris at a race in 2023 and decided right away that they wanted to showcase what Prince Edward Island had to offer trail runners through their own event. They are a few years into the journey, they’ve added a few more events, and they’re pumped to be sharing trail running vibes with fellow islanders and travellers alike. Peter just wants to give the community an event he would want to participate in.🔥💯Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code “communitytrailrunning”. Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-communitytrailrunningConditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.I really enjoyed hearing what the maritime island is all about, and it definitely makes me want to check out some trails out there. The next time we visit Sheena’s family on the coast, a road trip and some running may be in order!Crossing Lines Podcast:The Last Episode:Canadian Podcast Awards:Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers. Help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be, and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Community Trail Running is presented by Altitude Sports!A big reason why Jeremy Rolle was drawn into the sport of trail running was the community around it. It was so much fun for him to be a part of it and that’s where his vision for sharing the sport with others starts. He just wants people to enjoy trail running as much as he does. As he continunes to expand what Heads or Trails does, fun will always be the motivating factor, and he hopes the community will continue to show up and enjoy it, one event at a time. 🔥💯Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code “communitytrailrunning” Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-communitytrailrunningConditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.I really enjoyed chatting with Jeremy and hearing what motivates him. The story of him sweeping roads for a triathlon he hosted gives us some good insight to the level of care he’s putting forward. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did!The previous episode:The episode with Carol-Ann Rolle:The episode with former RD Kara:Canadian Podcast AwardsListen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Community Trail Running is presented by Altitude Sports!Kristian Andres and his wife Nicole are passionate outdoor people who just want to get people on the trails. They both work in healthcare and know the benefits of outdoor activity, and that’s why they started organizing events. Although the races at Trails of ‘Toba weren’t the first activities they organized, they are certainly popular today! Kristian loves to run and push himself, and provide that opportunity for others as well. It was really fun hearing all about it!🔥 Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code “communitytrailrunning”. Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-communitytrailrunningConditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.You’re gonna be planning your next trip to Manitoba before the end of this episode I’m sure! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.And yes, today is our 4th Anniversary at CTR! We launched in November of 2021 and I’m so grateful for all of you to come along for the ride.Last week on The Long Run:Canadian Podcast AwardsListen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Community Trail Running is presented by Altitude Sports! We are so lucky to have Cassandra de Winter on our latest version of The Long Run! Chantelle Erickson and I were so thrilled to chat with Cassandra about her family life and her running. She’s been finishing on podiums and setting course records (Black Spur Ultra), but none of that has been her goal, and that’s what makes her story so interesting and unique. It was so great hearing her insights and how she kicks so much ass!🔥 Shop now at Altitude Sports and enjoy up to 20% off your first order with the promo code “communitytrailrunning”. Click here to order 👉 https://bit.ly/altitude-communitytrailrunningConditions apply: Valid for a limited time on regular-priced items. Cannot be combined with other offers or the member discount. One use per customer.Cassandra is very light-hearted and humble, and this conversation was a lot of fun for Chantelle and me to be a part of! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Let us know what you think in the comments :)The previous Long Run:The previous Community Trail Running:Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

It was so good to have Shep and Kirsti on the cast once again. It’s always a treat to chat with them, and we were even lucky enough to chat in person at the famous Rum Runner in Coleman, Alberta. They told us all about the High Five, which is summarized awesomely in this post from Shep on IG:The High Five consists of peakbagging Turtle, Coulthard, Crowsnest, Tecumseh, and Bluff mountains. Shep was the first to attempt it, and as such, he owns the FKT. Shep and Kirsti both shared great stories from the day and how the challenge went, including taking off from Spry and having some great pacers along the way. I am sure you will enjoy the interview as much as I did!Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Join the Community Trail Running Crew! Never miss an episode or post and be part of the community.Jon Ritter is a virtual physical therapist who specializes in ankle and foot care. He’s passionate about the outdoors and getting on the trails. This passion, combined with his education, enables him to work with individuals he has plenty in common, which fuels his work and growth. He loves the feeling that comes with helping others achieve their goals and it’s evident he really enjoys what he does. I hope you will enjoy the conversation as much as I did! I really appreciate you all being here and growing this thing together. Thank you for all of your support.Last week’s episode:Crossing Lines recap:Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

I get the pleasure of working with Amy Reynolds and her skin care products through my real-life job at Rock Gear Distribution. runOn™ (a skin repair and antichafe) is one of those products. It’s a product that I really like, as it works well and is 100% natural. So I jumped at the chance to chat with Amy about runOn™ here on the show! It’s always fascinating to hear where the motivation comes from and how the business ends up where it is. We’ve even been partnering with a bunch of races lately, so you may have even received some! (If you did, feel free to comment what you think about it!) Amy was open and a lot of fun to chat with. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Brennan Fawcett finished in second place at the Divide 200. Everything contained in that sentence is impressive, and yet it’s not the most impressive part of his time on course. Brennan and his pacer had an encounter with a couple of campers who will forever be grateful for the racer/pacer combo (even if they weren’t showing it at the time). I’m not sure “defend campers from bear” was on the map at km200, but they figured it out, and I hope you love the tale as much as I did!Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Janelle Schultz met Amy Alain, and it was an instant friendship. Both of them loved to run trails and foster community. Amy had a profound impact on Janelle in a short amount of time. Sadly, Amy was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the two met and passed away. Janelle and Amy’s partner, Phil, started Amy’s House in her honour for those having to stay in Edmonton for cancer treatment. They have two houses and are working on a third, as families are staying nonstop and appreciative of the home to stay in. “Run On Edmonton” helps support that, and it’s incredibly important to Janelle. I loved this chat and learning more about it. This run is doing a great deal of good for people facing such difficult circumstances. I hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did.Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

I want to share some more about the amazing Galiano Island after yesterday’s episode with Kirsten Evanish of The Galiano Gallop, and since we’ve had so many new subscribers since July 2022, it makes sense to dip into the archive and share this once again. I will also share a podcast episode from the vault. I think this will pique your interest in the island and running there!An island meant for trail runningGaliano Island is a singletrack paradise. The ease with which you can get onto the trails and run is unparalleled, and the vistas offered up are second to none. The island is the perfect spot for a trail-running weekend. With great food, accommodations, and other entertainment available, a weekend on Galiano is a weekend you won’t regret. The island has something for everyone!The Galiano Trails Society is a huge reason for the amazing trail running network. They help build and maintain the network of trails up and down the island. On the podcast, I speak to two board members of the Society about what the Society does and how the network of island trails continues to grow. Those board members are Vilupti Corlis and Jesse Keefer and they also shared a few other things they love about the island. I’ve already covered some of this in a written piece that went up last week: You can get the podcast anywhere you listen:Spotify: Click HereGoogle Podcasts: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereYoutube: Click HereI also had a couple of close running friends, Jeff Radomsky and Chris Shier, join me for a running weekend on the island. I included some of their feelings about what it was like to run on the island. It was a ton of fun to put this series together, as Galiano is a special place and I love being able to share it with anyone on any level. Listen to this podcast, read the written piece, and book your trip to Galiano. You won’t be disappointed! Music by Skilsel from PixabayIf you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

It’s so cool to see the Galiano Trails Society announcing their first trail race! Set for September 28, 2025, on gorgeous Galiano Island, the Galiano Gallop will feature a kids' race, 6 K, and 10 K courses on some amazing island trails. Kirsten Evanish is the race director, and she is so stoked to be highlighting the trails and the work GTS does. As a former member of the society and a lover of the trails on Galiano Island, I am so excited for this announcement, and I have high hopes for where this all goes. I hope you all enjoy the conversation as much as I did!Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

James Duvall wanted to be able to raise money while being active outside of events. He found events would allow folks to collect money for important causes, but he wanted to carry that over to training and every day life. Trifundit was born, and now they are growing and looking for more ways to get involved and help great causes raise even more. It’s turned into a family affair for James and he couldn’t be happier. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did!Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

It’s always fun to explore with my wife Sheena, I’m always appreciative when we get to go check out a new race together. We did this in June when we went to “The Wildness” stage race at Panorama Resort. This was especially cool because Sheena doesn’t run, so it meant she’d have a whole resort to keep her entertained while I was on course at this event, how fun!I was thrilled to take on the beautiful and challenging course, and even more so when I was able to think about Sheena enjoying a coffee, taking a sightseeing chairlift ride, or riding the awesome mountain coaster. It was great knowing we were both enjoying our days in different ways, and it was really cool coming together at the finish line and celebrating the rest of the day together! Registration for the 2026 Wildness opens at 9:00 am Wednesday August 13 (tomorrow!!!)We’re even more stoked because we get to give out an entry to next year’s race! Just check out the post on Instagram and enter there. All you need to do is comment and tag someone you think would like the event, super easy! The winner will also get a sweet Rossignol water bottle and running hat, as will four others. So even if you don’t win the main prize, you can still get some awesome Rossy swag. Get over and enter while you can!Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe

Cory Jennerman, co-owner of Run Guides, knew the beer mile event was quirky and fun, and he also knows how to bring people together to have a good time. This combo has led to some memorable events in Vancouver for runners and drinkers, and running drinkers(?) through “Vancouver Beer Mile”. Whatever you want to call the participants, they certainly show up and enjoy the events that Jennerman hosts. After seeing the success of the “horizontal” beer mile, Cory decided that some vert needed to be involved, and that’s how the vertical beer mile started. Hearing about these events and what Cory does to put them on was so much fun. He’s incredibly passionate about making this a good time for people, the event is so unique, and he is such a good storyteller that this episode will have you laughing, I’m certain of it. I know Cory had me cracking up!I hope you all enjoy the chat as much as I did. Let me know what you think! Are you signing up to beer mile, horizontal or vertical style? Listen where you listenSpotify: Click HereGoogle Podcasts: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click HereMusic by Paolo Argentino from PixabayWe’re on the journey to 2,000 subscribers, help us get there!If you enjoy this podcast, I would really appreciate it if you could like, share, subscribe, or comment! I’m trying to make this the best trail running podcast it can be and I certainly appreciate your time. Thank you all and happy trails :) Get full access to Community Trail Running at communitytrailrunning.substack.com/subscribe