The Trailhead

Corrine and Buzz chat about spring training, how to think about tune-up races, and everything you need to know about that familiar heavy muscle feeling you get after a big effort, known as delayed onset muscle soreness. Corrine talks to Mammoth Trailfest Race Director Tim Tollefson about his journey with body dysmorphia and building community with The Mammoth Trailfest. Mammoth Trailfest offers a series of challenging distances on some of the most beautiful trails in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Tim built the race on his favorite routes and carefully designed it to not only be hard but also incredibly satisfying. You can find out more about the race at https://www.mammothtrailfest.com/ and @mammothtrailfest on Instagram. Then Buzz answers questions from callers, including our very own podcast producer Tina, who is preparing to take on the challenging uphill Loon Mountain Race this summer and as a road runner, is looking for tips to prepare for the uphill. This episode of the The Trailhead is brought to you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, we make ordering simple.

Buzz and Corrine talk about what we are all talking about, Jasmin Paris’s epic finish at this year’s Barkley Marathon, a record 5 finishers, and the lore of Barkley. In an interview with Born to Adapt trail race founder, Zach Friedley, Corrine gets good advice, race directors should reach out to adaptive runners, have plans in place to accommodate them. Don’t wait for them to be interested, encourage it. Athletes are ready to run.  Buzz and Donna consider starting a to petition for age groups in FKTs. Brian asks Buzz about the train low/sleep high concept. If you live at and train at elevation, is there any benefit to coming down the mountain for speedwork? This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by LOWA. For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance. Introducing the all new FORTUX GTX by LOWA for longer runs and speed hikes in any weather conditions. It’s loaded with performance and supportive features, including a grippy outsole for superb traction on rough terrain, durable jacquard weave uppers and cushioned rocker midsole for support, fast and secure speed lacing, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining to keep your feet comfortably dry, mile after mile. Get 20% off LOWA All Terrain RunningShoes when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD20.

Corrine and Buzz talk about the FURTHER ultra event last week in Palm Springs, records shattered by Camille Herron and how the event sought to push scientific understanding of female performance further. Plus, this event really hearkens back to the origins of ultra running – the 6-day race. Corrine interviews multisport athlete and rising track and trail running star Anna Gibson. Anna talks about growing up running trails, the learning curve of elite racing in two disciplines, and how cross training keeps her both happy and well-trained. You can follow Anna on Strava  and on Instagram @annagibsonn. Buzz hears from callers, first Bobby asks about what it takes to finish a hundred miler and Buzz lets him know it’s about more than training. Then Carl asks how to prepare with an extra early race day start. This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, we make ordering simple. Go to www.runningwarehouse.com to order.

Race season is upon us, and Buzz and Corrine chat about how races are the cornerstone of the trail running community and they touch on some of the “closer to home” races they plan to be at this year. Let us know where you are racing this year at trailhead@ultrasignup.com or @ultrasignup on Instagram. Corrine talks with CTS coach Jason Koop about how to find and get the most out of a trail running coach. Jason has been around the sport for a long time, as an athlete and a coach for every level of runner. Jason touches on two important factors that make runners “most coachable.” Find out more about coaching with CTS. Buzz answers Sidhar’s questions about stretching. Bruce won his first 50k and is looking for entry advice into some bigger races. This episode we’re partnering with LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. But I'm not just talking about water. Enter LMNT. It is our go-to electrolyte powerhouse. Why LMNT? Because it ditches all that dodgy stuff – no sugar, no artificial nonsense. Just the electrolytes your body can use to help ward off cramps, fatigue, and even that brain fog you might hit mid-run. And here’s something cool for our Trailhead listeners. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup.

Buzz and Corrine chat about their favorite shoes and how you can find your perfect pair. Corrine talks with Strava’s Larissa Rivers about community, segments and her local legend status. And Buzz chats with listeners. Christopher asks about training through life changes: new job and becoming a parent. Matt started running in his 30s and is wondering if he is too late to the sport. This episode is brought ot you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Our in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, we make ordering simple. The Saucony Peregrine has consistently been a top 3 selling trail shoe model for Running Warehouse - and they have a lot of shoes! Saucony Peregrine 14 is a reimagined upper with a more comfortable tongue design that helps keep out debris and provides a more secure and adaptive fit. Whether you're embarking on a trail run or a challenging hike, the Peregrine 14 is equipped to handle the demands, offering the perfect blend of comfort, protection, and traction for any adventure.  

Corrine and Buzz talk all about gear! What you need and what you can leave at home. Corrine interviews professional skier and lifelong runner Drew Petersen. In the most human of ways, Drew shares how he rediscovered running in the wake of a serious accident and his journey in overcoming challenges with his mental health. Together, Corrine and Drew explore the parallels between running ultras and getting through life’s hardest moments. Drew’s latest movie, Feel It All, comes out this spring and you can get all the updates @drewpeterskion IG. Buzz chats with more Keep Trail Running Weird Award Winners: Amy McDowell: Best Race Fail Chris Morrison: Best Pacer Favorite Trail Weirdo: Jeremy McCoubrey aka Chad Ultra. Follow Chad Ultra on IG @chad.ultra.never.tired Andy Glaze: Most inspirational. Follow Andy on IG @amglaze,  Strava at Andrew Glaze and Tik Tok @glazeruns Eric Durrett: Most Tenacious This episode we’re partnering with LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. But I'm not just talking about water. Enter LMNT. It is our go-to electrolyte powerhouse. Why LMNT? Because it ditches all that dodgy stuff – no sugar, no artificial nonsense. Just the electrolytes your body can use to help ward off cramps, fatigue, and even that brain fog you might hit mid-run.   And here’s something cool for our Trailhead listeners. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup.

Buzz and Corrine discuss how they use the dreadmill and maintain motivation during the  winter months. For more information about Up For Air, check out the website: https://upforairseries.org/ Corrine talks with Callie Vinson about how she conquered her first FKT in November 2024. You can follow Callie on Instagram @callievinsonn. Buzz talks with two Keep Trail Running Weird Award winners!  Best Dressed: Charlotte Corriher and Most Miles and Most Hours Raced: Eric McGee You can find Charlotte on Instagram @marathoncostumechic. This episode is being supported by Running Warehouse, which offers the best brands and the widest selection of running gear. Their in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, they have free shipping and fast delivery, so ordering is simple.

We’re back! Welcome to Season 3 of The Trailhead. Buzz and Corrine come clean for 2024. There were lots of surprises at the end of 2023. Corrine speaks with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing about the joys of Midwest trail running. Get all the info about Ornery Mule Racing at www.ornerymuleracing.com. Buzz answers Semi-Rad’s, Brendan Leonard, most pressing questions. You can see all Brendan’s monthly drawings for UltraSignup on news.ultrasignup.com and the rest of his work on his website: semi-rad.com. This episode is brought to you by the Devil's Gulch Race in Washington State, happening on July 13-14th, 2024. The first 50 registrants snag a free pair of Darn Tough Socks! New for 2024: $1000 in prize money, equally distributed among all 1st place finishers across male, female, and non-binary categories. Devil's Gulch offers three epic distances: a half-marathon, 50 Miler, and a formidable 100 Miler. Brace yourself for a course featuring hot, dry high desert, intense gulches, and massive rock hoodoos. The 100 Miler is a true test of endurance with plenty of vert and heat which is why each finisher gets a homemade belt buckle. The 50 Miler? It's half the crazy. And for those seeking a more balanced challenge, there's the half-marathon. Choose your adventure at Devil's Gulch this July and make it a race to remember! Get all the info here: www.evergreentrailruns.com/devils-gulch/

As we enter 2024, (how???) we began to realize that the world has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Our data guru, Matt Abbott, decided to take a look back at 10 years of USU stats.  He reviews the growth of the sport, which distances are the most popular, and who is running and where. We’d love to hear from you.  What is your experience in trail over the past 10 years? Do you have a favorite race or distance? Have you seen your local races growing? Are there more local races! Send us an email to trailhead@ultrasignup.com. Thanks to Buzz Burrell, Tim Tollefson, Tom Hooper, and Renee Janssen for contributing to the show.

In this episode Corrine and Buzz reflect on the most inspirational moments of 2023, share their hot takes from 2023 and look forward to 2024. You’ll also hear from the trail community: coaches, athletes, writers, and podcast listeners. Thanks to: HOKA athlete, paraglider, film maker Allie Mac. Athlete Callie Vinson Run the Alps  founder, Doug Mayer Salomon partner, Mental Health Coach, Skier & Runner Drew Peterson Athlete and The Singletrack Podcast host Finn Melanson.  Strava’s Larissa Rivers Some Work, All Play coaches Megan and David Roche  Ornery Mule Racing Race Director Michele Hartwig Thanks to listeners: Andy Farina, Carolyn Benson, Dylan Jones, Heather Stadnisky, Jason Corbett, Michaela Tsai, and Paul Fitzgibbons Do you have a question for Buzz or comment about the show? Send us an email at trailhead@ultrasignup.com This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Lowa Boots. For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance. The new All Terrain Running collection of trail running shoes is designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA’s acclaimed quality, fit and durability. A full length rubber sole with grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and Reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA.  Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off LOWA ATR when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10.

Corrine and Buzz chat about the UTMB/WAM controversy. Then Corrine puts Andy Pearson and Dominic Grossman in the hot seat. She gets all the info on their new podcast “Between Two Pines” Buzz and Lowa Boots athlete Max Siegel talk about his love for trail running and paragliding. This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Lowa Boots.  For 100 years, LOWA footwear has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and keeping your feet secure on any mountain adventure. All Terrain Running by LOWA, has a collection of trail running models that are designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA’s acclaimed quality, fit and durability. Grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA.  Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10.  You can find Between Two Pines wherever you get your podcasts. Any complaints can go to hello@betweentwopinespodcast.com. We are working on our final episode of Season 2 and we want to hear from you!  What was your most inspirational moment of 2023? Do you have a hot take from 2023? What are you most excited for in 2024? Send us your answers via email or voice memo to trailhead@ultrasignup.com. We’d love to include you our final podcast of season 2 releasing on November 21st.   

Buzz and Corrine chat about when to run and when to take time to recover from illness. Corrine interviews professional runner and Trail Team mentor Andy Wacker. Andy recently took 2nd place at the World Mountain Running final and 1st place at the Xterra Trail Run World Championships. Buzz talks to David about hiking the Colorado Trail as training for Run Rabbit Run. And caller Andy asks how to increase his training post illness and surgery   This episode is brought to you by LOWA.  For 100 years, LOWA footwear has been known for it’s emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and keeping your feet secure on any mountain adventure. All Terrain Running by LOWA, has a collection of trail running models that are designed to excel on demanding terrain while delivering LOWA’s acclaimed quality, fit and durability. Grippy lugs for secure traction, carbon rebound plate for energy return, and reptex uppers for durability – go ahead and elevate your trail running experience with LOWA.  Explore the full collection at lowaboots.com. Get 10% off when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD10.”

As we head into the off season, Buzz and Corrine discuss the benefits of road running and cross training. Corrine interviews Dylan Bowman of Freetrail. He thinks “trail running will save the world” You can get more info about Freetrail at Freetrail.com. Buzz chats with 2 callers. Ivars is curious about training minimums. Can 1 mile a day get you through a 100 miler? Jill is ready to tackle night running. Is it something to practice, or can you save it for race day?

Buzz has just returned home after a successful trip to the Master’s Trail World Championships. He and Corrine talk about what "World Championship" means in trail running right now and they discuss the athlete and spectator turnout in Madeira. Corrine interviews Lakota runner Connor Ryan about his connection to the mountains, how he found running, and why inclusion is so important in ultrarunning. You can read the article “The need for Indigenous Inclusion in Ultrarunning” over at news.ultrasignup.com. Real Runner Questions: Buzz the chats with David about how runners stay strong through the decides.  Orly asks how to get off the injured list. You can get more information about Natives Outdoors at natives-outdoors.org

In this episode, Buzz and Corrine marvel over Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, and Zach Miller’s performances at UTMB. Then, Corrine talks with artist Brendan Leonard (often known as Semi-Rad) about his ultimate trail race. It includes Dropbag Jeff and all the French toast. You can see Brendan’s illustrations on UltraSignup. Buzz chats with two callers. First, he speaks with Mark from Minnesota. They agree that baked beans are not ideal running fuel. Buzz makes the case for sugar. Buzz and Laura from Portland talk about ultrarunning after cancer treatment.  Here are the links to the organizations Laura mentioned. Susan G Komen:  https://www.komen.org/ Pink Lemonade Project:  https://www.pinklemonadeproject.org/

Buzz and Corrine are in Chamonix. UTMB is all anyone is talking about. They discuss who to watch and try to make sense of the “stones” qualification system. Corrine talks with UltraSignup’s Rob Goyen about Dirt Circus trail party happening this fall.  Dirt Circus will be in Flower Mound, Texas on September 30, Boulder, Colorado on October 7, and Phoenix, Arizona on October 21.  The final event is in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 17th and 18th. Get details for all the events at dirt circus.ultrasignup.com. In Bentonville, there will also be a 5k and 10k race. The 10K is a competitive event with a cash prize of $3000 for the first-place finishers! All events have an expo, entertainment and raffle prizes. Events are filling up fast! Buzz talks to Justin about "Soft Rocking" and Leave No Trace principles while trail running. And Maddie wants not just to finish a 50k, but to race it. She and Buzz come up with a training and pacing plan for Red Rock. If you want more info about Leave No Trace, check out their website https://lnt.org/  Taking place between September 29th and October 1st this fall at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, the UESCA Ultrarunning Conference is the first-ever ultrarunning conference of its kind. Headlined by renowned ultrarunning coach and author, Jason Koop – the conference brings together top experts from around the world to present on a multitude of topics specific to ultrarunning. To learn more, or to register for the conference, please visit: ultraconference.uesca.com.

Buzz and Corrine chat about Buzz’s skyrace experience in Norway. Then Corrine interviews Zoë Rom and Tina Muir about their new book, Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet. “A healthy planet depends on your thriving and your community’s thriving. Your running depends on a healthy planet and a healthy community. A healthy community depends on healthy individuals and a healthy planet to exist,” said Zoë. And Buzz answers questions from Scott on pickle juice and mustard and talks to race director Samuel Hartman about why ultrarunning is not in the Olympics.   Are you ready for Dirt Circus? Dirst Circus is a series of running festivals from UltraSignup and it’s happening this fall! UltraSignup has partnered with local running stores to bring together runners, race directors, coaches, and brands to celebrate all the things we love about trail running.  We will have  group runs, an expo, demos, and amazing raffle prizes.  Dirt Circus will be in Flower Mound, Texas September 30th. In Boulder, Colorado on October 7th. And in Phoenix, Arizona on October 21st.  We will close out the season with epic event in Bentonville, Arkansas on November 17th and 18th. Get details for all of the events at dirt circus.ultrasignup.com. In Bentonville, there will also be a 5k and 10k race. The 10K is a competitive event with a cash prize of $3000 for the first place finishers.  If you want to meet new people, test out new gear, or lace up for the Bentonville race, register at dirtcircus.ultrasignup.com. Events are filling up fast.   

After Corrine placed 3rd at the Cascade Crest 100, Buzz and Corrine discuss whether running 100 miles is fun or just hard? And we learn how useful “goldfish memory” can be.  Corrine then interviews last year’s UTMB winner, Katie Schide, about her life in a remote French village and our profile of her, “We Have Nothing, but We Have Everything.” And Buzz answers Joni’s question about “The Leans” and Luke’s on alternative training schedules. 

After Courtney Dauwalter set a new record at Western States without a pacer, Buzz and Corrine discuss the pros and cons of having someone run with you.  Corrine interviews Michael Wirth about his full moon Elk Traverse FKT (54 miles, 23,500 feet of uphill). You can check out the gear he used for this adventure here. Then, Buzz chats with Kaitlyn about how to approach training as a young athlete (hint: run like the Norwegians). And he gives Snehal a confidence boost and urges him to trust the training.  The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas, your foot company. Use promo code TRAILHEAD20 for 20% off your entire purchase at Sidas.com.  

“Courtney wasn’t running out of her mind,” said Corrine in this week’s episode, “but her running was making us lose our minds.”  This week, Buzz and Corrine talk Western States 2023, and contextualize Courtney Dauwalter rewriting the record books.  “You’re my hero,” Jeff Colt told her, “Run for office!” Then, Corrine interviews USN writer Heather Balogh Rochfort about her articles, “Managing taper madness,” on how to stay sane in the days leading up to your big race and "How to not DNF a 100-miler". “Have a backup plan for your backup plan for your backup plan,” she says.   And Buzz answers questions about salt pills and running in rattlesnake country. The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.