Love our podcasts? Help us make them even better! Take our quick UltraSignup Podcast Listener Survey!

What happens when a road marathoner tackles one of the wildest ultra challenges out there, solo?

In this episode, Zoë and Brendan sit down with Tommie Runz (@tommie_runz): plant-based athlete, podcast host, father, and (accidentally?) ultra-endurance legend.

Tommie didn’t grow up running, but after choosing sobriety in 2017, he found clarity, purpose, and eventually, a new identity in the miles. We trace his journey from gym rat to six-star marathon finisher to taking on The Speed Project solo—six ultramarathons in six days across the desert, with no prior experience beyond 26.2.

He opens up about recovery (physical and emotional), the myth of “rock bottom,” and how a surprise video from his kids mid-race broke him down, and gave him the strength to keep going.

Also: vegan aid station food, the case for trekking poles on pavement, and whether road ultras are actually super hardcore.

Thanks to our partners at LMNT – A tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Get a free sample pack on us!

Check out the Kismet Cliff Run to experience on of the Beast Coast's coolest trail races! Race is September 14, registration is open now!

Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey.

UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan catch up with Katie ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut to talk about how she’s evolved as a competitor, why she used to downplay her ambitions, and what’s changed in both the sport and herself since her eighth-place finish at UTMB back in 2021.

They dig into why UTMB might just be the “Goldilocks” race of the sport, how Katie and her partner are spending the summer training in Colorado’s San Juans, and how her background in geology shapes the way she sees, and runs through, the landscape. Katie also shares her take on the term “sub-ultra” and why she thinks we’ve maybe overcomplicated what’s just... running.

Plus, Buzz Burrell drops in for a TrailCon Hall of Fame recap, a preview of a potential Katie vs. Courtney showdown at UTMB, and a quick nod to the real MVPs: New England moms on Facebook.

This episode is brought to you by SIDAS, makers of high-performance insoles, socks, and footbeds specifically designed for trail running. Whether you're grinding out vert or trying to keep your feet happy past hour six, SIDAS gear is built to handle the unpredictable trail, so your feet don't have to. Check them out at sidas.us and give your feet the upgrade they deserve.

And if you’re dreaming of a trail experience that’s less race and more wild adventure, don’t miss our featured adventure: Ruta de los Arrieros, a three-day expedition run through Colombia’s ancient gold routes. Expect big climbs, river crossings, waterfall rappels, jungle villages, and about as much trail magic as you can handle. It’s capped at just 10 runners this year and kicks off September 14, so if you’re into chasing moments instead of PRs, this one’s for you. Registration closes August 20 at UltraSignup.

Be part of shaping the future of UltraSignup podcasts. Share your feedback in our quick listener survey.

This week on The Trailhead, we’re joined by the one and only Kofuzi, a self-proclaimed non-elite YouTube runner who’s built a global following by filming marathons, gear reviews, and everyday runs with heart, humor, and a handheld camera. Zoë and Brendan chat with him about the leap from roads to trails, what it really takes to make running content, and why being “exceptionally average” might be a superpower.

Whether you’re here for the shoe talk, the trail stoke, or the shared love of goofy long runs, this one’s for you.

Follow Kofuzi: YouTube & Instagram: @kofuzi

Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting the Trailhead! Check them out for all your gear, apparel and nutriton needs.