ITRA Trail Talks

Welcome to the ITRA Trail Talks Podcast. In this episode, our host Stephanie Case is joined by ultra runner, adventurer and author Mirna Valerio. During the episode, Stephanie and Mirna discuss diversity, equality, and inclusion, as well as how it feels to be a black woman on the trails and the pressure of being a public figure. Mirna also discusses her recent participation in the Lululemon Further event, her journey towards self-acceptance, and the various challenges she has overcome along the way. Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments below! ITRA Links: ITRA Website | ITRA Subscription | Instagram | Facebook ⁠| LinkedIn | Youtube Topics covered: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 15:01 Mirna's experience and journey 29:35 The Lululemon Further Event: Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusion 35:56 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Trail Running 44:35 The Need for Research on Women's Bodies in Endurance Sports 49:50 The Transformative Experience of the Run the Alps Trip 55:30 Singing on the Trails: Finding Joy in Music 56:00 The Importance of a Supportive Coach 57:23 Long-Term Running Goals: Staying Active for Life 58:51 Quick-fire questions

Welcome to the ITRA Trail Talks Podcast. In this episode, host Stephanie Case is joined by accomplished ultra runner, Lucy Bartholomew. Lucy reflects on the challenges faced as a female athlete and highlights the importance of finding one's own path and building a supportive community. Lucy also delves into the mental aspect of trail running, discussing the need for a positive mindset and sharing insights on coaching dynamics and overcoming overtraining. Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments below! ITRA Links: ITRA Website | ITRA Subscription | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Youtube Topics covered: Lucy Bartholomew's Accomplishments The Salomon Camp Experience Supporting Her Dad at the Western States Race The Power of Positivity and Optimism Challenges and Setbacks in Trail Running The Importance of Basics and Avoiding Mistakes The Ever-Changing Why in Trail Running Lessons Learned: Patience and Self-Reflection Navigating the Noise and Finding Your Path The Impact of Community and Storytelling

Welcome to the ITRA Trail Talks Podcast. In this episode, host Stephanie Case is joined by trail running and coaching legends Megan and David Roche. Megan and David offer practical tips for the 'everyday' runner, with Megan bringing her scientific research background on female-athlete health, and David offering insights on the importance of mindset, and actionable tips to improve performance on the trails. From strength training and hill strides to optimising training around the menstrual cycle, join us as we uncover the secrets to effective training, and share the latest professional research on maximising performance in trail running. Don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode in the comments! ITRA Links: ITRA Website | ITRA Subscription | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Youtube

Welcome to the sixth episode of ITRA Trail Talks! Joining our host Jeff Campbell this month we have two elite trail runners, amazing athletes but also serious environmental advocates: Majell Backhausen and Dakota Jones. “There’s a lot of ways in which we operate in the world, and it’s evident when it’s in service for the health of the environment and ultimately the health of humans. And it’s obvious when it really isn’t in service for those two things.” Join us as we delve deep into discussion about trail running, environment and the world we live in!

Race & Ethnicity in Trail Running: Simba Mugomba on highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion. Welcome to another episode of the ITRA Trail Talks podcast! In this edition, our host Jeff Campbell talks with Simba Mugomba on “Race & Ethnicity in Trail Running.” Simba is a Ultra-marathon runner, ‘Black Trail Runners’ Trustee and speaker. Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion as Jeff and Simba explore what changes are needed to make trail running more inclusive, particularly as the sport continues to grow. Tune in, lace up, and let’s hit the trails together!

Welcome to another episode of the ITRA Trail Talks podcast! In this edition, our host Jeff Campbell talks with Liza Howard and Dean Karnazes on "Running and Ageing." Liza Howard: A renowned ultrarunner, coach, and advocate for the trail running community, Liza Howard is celebrated for her numerous accomplishments on the trails. With a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, Liza shares her insights on maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling running journey as the years progress. Dean Karnazes: Often referred to as the "Ultramarathon Man," Dean Karnazes is a living legend in the world of endurance sports. With an impressive list of achievements, including running 50 marathons in 50 days, Dean provides invaluable wisdom on the relationship between running and the ageing process. Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion as Jeff, Liza, and Dean explore the nuances, challenges, and joys of trail running at different stages of life. Tune in, lace up, and let's hit the trails together!

In Episode 5 we are talking about the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck/Stubai with some of the world’s top athletes, including our host Jeff Campbell who ran the Long Trail representing Team Canada! We discuss the race and event highlights with @Katharina Hartmuth (Team Germany), Judith Wyder (Team Switzerland) and Stian Angermund (Team Norway). Joined by @itra_trail and @worldathletics representatives, president of ITRA Janet NG and Head of Running Competitions & Events at World Athletics Alessio Punzi, we look at the organisational side of the event and discuss the future of the sport.

Welcome to Episode 4 of ITRA Trail Talks. Are you injured, were you injured or are you scared of getting injured? This episode is for you! We talk injuries, comebacks, small wins and big frustrations with two amazing female athletes. First off: mountain adventurer, an amazing runner, cyclist, triathlete and a violin player Holly Page. Joined by Salomon pro-athlete, skimo champion, photographer, cyclist, business woman and a knitter Martina Valmassoi. We discuss longterm and short-term injuries, physical and mental side of things and how to stay positive when there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

Our third episode of Trail Talks hosted by Jeff Campbell is all about Janet Ng - the first female president of ITRA. Since 2015, Janet has been the treasurer and a member of the Executive Board of the association and she was elected president of ITRA in 2021. Keen runner and race organiser of Hong Kong 100 she shares with us her running story. Are there really monkeys in the basement of ITRA headquarters? How is the score calculated? Listen to our latest episode to find out answers to these questions and many more.

Sharing the Trail - The Inequality of Trail Running Episode Two of ITRA Trail Talks hosted by Jeff Campbell, discussing female issues in the world of trail running with two outstanding athletes Stephanie Case and Sophie Amy Grant. Sophie and Steph talked about their daily life and their experiences on and off the trails. The anecdotes and obstacles they encountered reveal the inequalities that are very much present in trail running.  We thank these two outstanding runners for sharing their strong testimonies. We hope this type of testimony will help runners, organisers and equipment manufacturers to evolve, to realise that women have specific constraints and ought to be considered of equal value to men. Edited by Sam Hill  Video footage Lloyd Belcher 

Episode One with host Jeff Campbell talking to Mathieu Blanchard & Wong Ho Chung about race preparation, training, tapering and recovery.