When Grace Myers laces up her running shoes, she's not checking her GPS watch or loading up on the latest sports nutrition—she's tapping into something more fundamental. On this episode of The Hobby Jogger, we meet a runner who qualified for Boston Marathon without using a single calorie of race fuel, who pushed strollers through training runs until the tires literally wore out, and who found her way back to the trails after surviving a terrifying assault. Grace's running journey spans over ...

What happens when a self-described "hobby jogger" from the coastal flatlands of South Carolina lands a coveted spot in one of trail running's most prestigious events? Jason Cox takes us through his extraordinary journey from the moment he received that unexpected 5 AM email confirming his entry into OCC—one of the iconic UTMB races in the French Alps. Jason's adventure began with training on Hunting Island's modest trails, where he could gain about 500 feet of elevation over three miles—a fa...

Ultra runner John Calabrese (The Breezy Trailhead) shares his journey through injury, recovery, and the unique culture of ultra running while reflecting on his experiences at races like Burning River and the Barkley Fall Classic. • Coming back from injury and DNF at Burning River 100 where challenging weather led to many dropouts • Struggling with cross-training through swimming after hip issues impacted training • The importance of PT exercises despite difficulty fitting them into an alread...

The quest for optimal running performance often leads us down paths of trendy supplements and one-size-fits-all nutrition plans. But what if the real secret lies in personalization? Dietitian and ultra-marathon coach Rachel Laymon cuts through the noise with evidence-based, practical advice on fueling strategies that actually work. Ever wondered how many carbs you should consume during an ultra? Rachel suggests starting with 90 grams per hour—but emphasizes this number should be tailored to ...

Rachel Lehman transforms our understanding of running fundamentals in this captivating conversation about the science and art behind effective training. From her remarkable journey starting as a reluctant 5K participant in Florida to becoming a respected ultramarathon coach and founder of Run Well Be Well, Rachel brings authenticity and expertise to every topic. The discussion takes us through the real science of heat adaptation, where Rachel challenges popular notions with her evidence-base...

Olivia's refreshingly honest account of her ultra-running journey reveals both the highs and lows of endurance challenges. From bizarre race-day ailments ("I started throwing up like 20 miles into the race") to unexpected nutrition discoveries (pumpkin bread as the secret ultra fuel), her storytelling captures the unpredictable nature of hundred-mile adventures. Her experience navigating the technical East Coast trails—particularly the rocky Appalachian Trail sections—offers valuable perspect...

The 2025 Western States delivered drama from the start, with an unprecedented dozen elite men charging out 13 minutes ahead of course record pace just 10 miles in. Our panel examines how the race has fundamentally changed—from NASCAR-style aid station pit stops (now averaging under 30 seconds versus 3 minutes in 2019) to the complex cooling strategies employed in the notorious canyons. We celebrate Abby Hall's remarkable comeback victory after a devastating injury, running virtually solo fro...

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Ultra stands as one of the East Coast's most formidable trail challenges, and in our latest episode, we get an unfiltered look at what makes this Pennsylvania race so legendary. Guests Nikki Niemeyer and William Walmsley take us through their recent battle with this 70-mile trail featuring 11,000 feet of elevation gain across relentlessly rocky terrain. Both Nikki and Will arrived with solid training and race plans, only to face the perfect storm of 90% humi...

When a child battles cancer, they need more than just medicine – they need moments of joy, strength, and normalcy. That's exactly what Project Outrun delivers through their innovative approach to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families. In this deeply moving conversation, Courtney Salyer, Director of Operations for Project Outrun, shares how this Ohio-based nonprofit transforms the lives of children fighting cancer across all 50 states. What began eight years ago with founder...

The journey of an ultrarunner is rarely a straight line from start to finish. Sometimes, the path takes unexpected turns – as Mike Weinsheimer discovered when facing snowfall and freezing temperatures at the Canyons 100K in California. But what happens when the race you've trained for slips away? For Mike, the answer was simple yet bold: pivot. Within days, he secured a spot in the iconic Miwok 100K, transforming disappointment into opportunity. Trading snow and freezing rain for sunsh...

When trail runner and Hobby Jogger podcast host Casey returned from the Canyons 50K with a surprisingly fast recovery, he knew exactly what made the difference: strength training. That's why we invited strength coach Michael Meeker, owner of Big Tree Fitness in Akron, to explain the transformative impact resistance training can have for endurance athletes. As runners, many of us have been conditioned to believe that simply logging more miles is the path to improvement. Mike challenges this n...

What happens when gymnastic prowess meets mountain trails? Professional HOKA athlete Jess Brazeau takes us on her remarkable journey from the gymnastics mat to conquering technical downhills. Whether you're fascinated by athletic crossover skills, mountain racing strategy, or the cutting edge of endurance nutrition, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone performing at the highest levels while maintaining remarkable humility about her achievements. Ready to elevate your trail r...

When two premium carbon-plated trail shoes battle for supremacy, which one truly deserves your hard-earned dollars? We dive deep into the $220 Adidas Terex Agravic Speed Ultra and $275 Hoka Tecton X3 to discover their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. The Adidas delivers a responsive, race-ready feel that mimics road super shoes but raises stability concerns. Meanwhile, the Tecton X3 provides confidence-inspiring stability on technical terrain but disappoints with its durability re...

In this captivating conversation, seven-time Emmy-nominated sound engineer Brian Parker returns to share his LA Marathon journey, complete with all the triumphs and challenges that followed. Brian takes us through his training, including how California wildfires disrupted crucial long runs and how he encountered "the wall" at mile 16 during preparation. "I had a hard time walking in a straight line and my brain did not feel good," he reveals, describing that moment of glycogen depletion that...

What happens when you blend elite-level racing with coaching dozens of athletes? Rachel Tomajczyk knows a thing or two about this balancing act. Fresh off her victory at the Ventura Half Marathon, Rachel joins us to discuss her first road race in nearly four years while sharing how she maintains her competitive edge on the trails. The conversation takes us deep into the world of professional trail running as Rachel reveals her ambitious plans for this years Golden Trail Series, with races sp...

Strap on your shoes and join us for a discussion with Matt Trappe, a creative director and founder of Auteur Sportif. In a world where trail running is transcending its traditional boundaries, we explore how athletes are evolving into brand creators, harnessing the power of storytelling to build their identities within the running community. With the sport witnessing an influx of new talent and a growing appreciation from mainstream culture, Matt shares his insights on the dynamic lands...

Discover the remarkable journey of Grayson Murphy, affectionately known as Racin Grayson, as she navigates her path from a collegiate soccer player to a renowned professional runner for Saucony. With accolades including five-time US champion and two-time world champion, Grayson's story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Our conversation takes you through the realm of mountain trail running and its growing influence, as we discuss the prospects of such races becoming an Olympic spo...