The Trailhead

0:55 Zoë and Buzz discuss Buzz's recent travels around Europe, and why running is such a great way to explore new places. 10:55 Zoë interviews Dr. Jeffrey Hammond, a podiatrist who works with professional athletes to troubleshoot common foot problems. They discuss how runners can prevent common ailments like plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, and dive into how to treat blisters on the fly. 27:16 Buzz interviews Mags Nixon, a professional trail running guide about running the Tour du Mont Blanc. With more and more interest in the loop around Mont Blanc each year, Mags breaks down how every athlete can explore the historic route on foot, along with vital trip planning tips to get the most out of your tour. Check out Mags' treks here! This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas, Your Foot Company. Every foot is unique, and every adventure demands the right support. At Sidas, we believe in preventing injuries so you can stay on the trails doing what you love. Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you. Protect your feet. Enjoy the trails. Don't let foot pain hold you back. Use promo code trailhead20 for an exclusive 20% off your entire purchase at sidas.com. That's trailhead20 for 20% off. With over 30 years of industry experience, Sidas offers performance insoles, innovative socks, and advanced skincare products designed to enhance your trail running experience, no matter the distance.

1:20 Buzz and Zoë break down the post-Olympics hype, and discuss whether or not trail running should be an Olympic sport, and what it would mean to see trail elevated to the world stage. 14:32 Zoë interviews Vic Thasiah, founder and President of Runners For Public Lands. They discuss why Vic founded RPL and what all runners can do to better protect public lands and be better environmental stewards. 44:01 Buzz interviews Reid Delman, Race Director of the Desert Rats Trail Running Festival by UTMB about how his event has changed, and how it has stayed the same since being acquired by UTMB. This episode of the Trailhead is brought to you by LMNT. As we hit the trails, from the seasoned ultrarunner to the weekend warrior, one thing we all need to nail is hydration. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to Whether you're powering through an ultra, or just exploring the trails, hydration is key. Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.

1:02 Buzz and Zoë break down the differences between trail running in the US and Europe and why the trails in Europe are so awesome (read: hard). 18:57 Zoë talks to Mario Mendoza, a professional trail runner and pastor from Bend, about growing up on an avocado farm, falling in love with the outdoors at a young age, and balancing work, training and family. Mario and Zoë also talk about how Mario's running influences his faith and work as a pastor as well as how he's gearing up for OCC. 46:08 Buzz interviews Doug Mayer, the "Mayor of Chamonix" about French trail running culture, and how to plan a trip around Mont Blanc. They discuss why the culture of trail running differs in France and what everyone can learn from running in Europe.

Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss the rise of races that are 200 miles and longer, why different running goals are valid, and what draws us to different events. 14:20 Zoë interviews the winner of the 2024 Cocodona 250, Rachel Entrekin, about how she approaches multi-day races and balances training with work and life (or doesn't!). They discuss sleep strategies, and how people can train for their first 200 mile race. 38:02 Buzz interviews Candice Burt, owner of Destination Trail Races, which hosts the Triple Crown of 200-mile races. They discuss Candice's work as a race director, what it takes to put on a 200-mile race, and her approach to long-distance races and FKTs as an athlete.

00:49:47 Hosts Buzz Burrell and Zoë Rom discuss why the Western States Endurance run is getting so dang fast, and talk about why the Hardrock Endurance Run (which is not a race!!) attracts high caliber athletes and adventurers year after year. 14:54:35 Zoë Rom chats with Courtney Dauwalter about her historic triple last year, winning WSER, Hardrock and UTMB in a single summer, and how she's going to approach her big loop around the San Juan Mountains this weekend. 29:27:78 Buzz Burrell interviews Hardrock Race Director Dale Garland about why the event attracts runners from all over the world, what he's doing to make it more accessible, and what it takes to complete the wild and tough loop Thanks to our generous partner, LMNT! Skip the dodgy stuff and make sure you properly replenish and recover after every run with LMNT hydration! Check out LMNT and visit drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup for a free gift from us to you with any purchase.

00:00:54 Hosts Zoë Rom and Buzz Burrell discuss their connection to the Western States Endurance Run and why it's a rising tide for trail running. 12:58:00 Zoë Rom talks to pro ultrarunner Ryan Montgomery about how he embodies pride all year long, and how his patient approach to training has paid off in his running career, and his hopes for Western States this year. Ryan also shares how the trail and ultra community can be more inclusive and welcoming. 35:15:32 Buzz Burrell interviews Diana Fitzpatrick, WSER's Board President about how Western States has evolved over the years and how its leaders are preserving its essence. Buzz and Diana discuss how to make WSER more inclusive and welcoming and what this race means to the community. This episode of The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas, Your Foot Company.Every foot is unique, and every adventure demands the right support. At Sidas, we believe in preventing injuries so you can stay on the trails doing what you love. Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you. Protect your feet. Enjoy the trails. Don't let foot pain hold you back. Use promo code trailhead20 for an exclusive 20% off your entire purchase at sidas.com. That's trailhead20 for 20% off. With over 30 years of industry experience, Sidas offers performance insoles, innovative socks, and advanced skincare products designed to enhance your trail running experience, no matter the distance.

Host Buzz Burrell and new co-host Zoë Rom ask each other rapid-fire questions to get to know one another and share hot takes about the best trails, races, and the proper length for running socks. 19:33 Zoë interviews social media star and professional runner Mikey Mitchell about adventure and authenticity online, his big race season, and why raves are great training for ultras. Mikey shares what Pride Month means to him and how everyone can embody pride on the trails and online. 29:01 Buzz interviews Born to Run Race Director and photographer Luis Escobar about what it takes to assemble a great event and the hard work required to get a great shot. We take a deep dive into his historic photo of Scott Jurek at the Copper Canyon Ultras, and why he thinks social media competition is a good thing. The Trailhead by UltraSignup is presented 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.

Corrine and Buzz chat about Corrine's finish at Transvulcania, and an exciting update for the Trailhead. Corrine shares what she's learned from hosting the Trailhead, and why everyday runners are the lifeblood of the sport. 12:56 Zoë Rom interviews Emily Halnon, whose recent book To The Gorge explores grief and resilience on the Pacific Crest Trail. Zoë and Emily discuss healing from grief through running, Emily's writing process, and what it takes to set a 460-mile FKT (Fastest Known Time). 25:00 Buzz Burrell interviews Race Directors Renee and Todd Janssen of Go Beyond Racing, who host 40 events annually in the Pacific Northwest, and founded the Trail Mix Fund, a 501(3)c non-profit dedicated to improving diversity in trail running by helping ease financial barriers to racing.

Buzz and Corrine chat about taper tantrums ahead of Corrine's upcoming spring A race, and everything that goes into a successful taper. Corrine interviews trail runner and coach Cat Bradley. They discuss Cat's impressive track record in the sport, Cat 2.0, her coaching, and how to race with nothing to lose. Your performance is not a measure of your worth. Buzz talks about the Fat Dog Backyard Ultra with race director Erik Bird. They discuss the unique aspects of the backyard ultra format and how it enables to runners to push their own limits. Erik shares with Buzz that race directors really truly appreciate the participation of every runner in their events. Every time you show up to race, it means something to them. This episode 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 chat about staying in the game when you hit a setback, physical, mental or emotional. Corrine talks with Tracer co-founder Joey Wilson about AI coaching and the future of tech in trail running. And Buzz chats with Six03 Endurance race director, Tom Hooper, about the joys of short and steep running on the East Coast. For 100 years, LOWA has been known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, technology, and performance. Introducing the all new FORTUX GTX by LOWA. It is one of LOWA's All Terrain Running Shoes. The FORTUX GTX is great for longer runs and speed hikes in any weather conditions. And it's loaded with performance and supportive features, including a grippy outsole for superb traction on rough terrain. And durable jacquard weave uppers. And a cushioned rocker midsole for support. It also has fast and secure speed lacing, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lining to keep your feet comfortably dry, mile after mile. Get 20% off LOWA ATR when you apply the discount code TRAILHEAD20.