CUSS Running

In this inspiring episode of the CUSS Running podcast, we sit down with Kirk from Trailblazer Running, a visionary race director whose innovative ideas are redefining the trail running scene. Join us as we delve into what it means to be a truly impactful race director, the responsibilities it entails, and how to create memorable and engaging races that resonate with participants.

Kirk also introduces us to his unique concept of "trail golf," a creative blend of trail running and the strategic elements of golf, designed to offer a fresh perspective on outdoor sports. We explore how this novel idea not only adds fun and variety to trail running but also encourages runners to think differently about their interaction with nature and the trails.

Don't miss this episode if you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of race directing, looking for innovative running activities, or simply love the thrill of trail running. Tune in to hear how Kirk and his ideas are trailblazing a new path for runners and race directors alike.

Listen in to gain insights from one of the most inventive minds in the community, and perhaps find a new way to enhance your own running or race directing endeavors!

How does running impact your relationship? How can training for ultras negatively impact your relationship? Elaine and I chat about our personal experiences with this hot issue!

Just an all around awesome conversation with Nick about their journey into running and how it coincides with their coming out as non-binary.

Tune in to hear how you can help create safe spaces in the running community and beyond!

Elaine and Ally chat about using running as a coping strategy and how this can make your relationship with running unhealthy sometimes.

Tune in to hear Ory and I discuss what it means to come out as a runner and how many of us struggle with claiming that identity.

Tune in to learn about Reginald's journey from overweight smoker to ultra runner. Learn about his training and how he shows up at races mentally.

Laughter warning. Lots of laughter warning.

Elaine and I chat about UTMB, our worst race experiences, her half marathon training and our 2024 goals.

Paul is newish to the ultra running scene but already has several races under his belt. Tune in to hear his rapid journey through the ultra distances and why he loves the community.

We're back with a new format and schedule. We're going to a bi-weekly schedule including the one on one interviews you love and with Running Shit Talk episodes with myself and Elaine as requested from the audience.

We start off Season 2 with Ally & Elaine discussing their recent running adventures, a review of the Hoka Mach 5 and discussing Courtney Dauwalter's impressive summer performances.

Karmell & Lee are experienced ultrarunners who love the 100 mile distance. They are also the founders of the Women's 100 Miler Project, a grassroots project to increase the number of women at the start line of 100 miler races.

Tune in to hear their running stories, race experiences and learn all about the Women's 100 Miler Project.

Jessy started running to get through a stressful time period in her life. She started by running barefoot around her yard and quickly progressed to running ultras. Trail & ultra running became her thing and she has spent years solidifying her role in the community, even meeting her wife through ultra running.

Tune in for a charming conversation about life, ultra running and more.

Jim Lampman is a lifetime runner and has spent over 2 decades in the trail and ultra scene. Learn about his journey to running 100 100 milers and the secret to his longevity in the sport.

This week's guest on the CUSS Running podcast is Michele Hartwig. Michele is an accomplished trail and ultra runner. She is also the founder of Ornery Mule Racing, an inclusive running company known for their friendly events. Tune in to hear how Michele got into the sport, why she uses inclusive language in her advertising and what's coming up for Ornery Mule.

This week's guest is Phyllis Stanley. Phyllis grew up on a Navajo reservation where running was part of the culture. She carried her relationship with running through her life constantly using it for support. She's gone on to tackle multiple ultra races with distances up to 200 miles. 

Aisha Jordan-Johnson is a badass ultrarunner who has completed distances up to 138 miles. She radiates enthusiasm and a real joy for running. Listen in to hear how she got started and why she listened to Alligator noises in her ultra training. We also dive into the mental aspect of how we view ourselves as runners and what can happen when our views get out of line with reality. 

Mark & Beth Budden have completed multiple journey runs, but more impressively is that they have completed them together. 

Tune in to hear how it took Beth 10 years to go from running a half marathon to running a marathon and why she finds journey runs to be life changing. If you're thinking of doing a journey run, Mark and Beth will give you advice, tips and a little inspiration!

This week's episode features Jason Sikora, accomplished ultra runner and rad dad. We discuss his running motivation over the years, being a good role model for his daughter and his big dreams in the future. 

Libby Jones is the race director for the Active Joe races in Texas. She is at the forefront of shaping policies concerning non-binary and trans athletes. Tune in to hear her running story, how she got into race directing and what she would like to see in the future of the sport. 

Jake is an awesome runner who works hard to carve out space in the road running world for everyone to feel like they belong. We talk about their running journey, their work with the major marathons on their non-binary policies and what they would like to see in the future of the sport. 

Britt is a mom, teacher and a runner. Tune in to hear how she fits it all in and hear us deep dive into the societal bullshit present in major marathons.

Tune in for a slight detour from my usual running talk to hear me and my eldest nephew discuss his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighting and his Vol State experience.

Katie's joy will make you have a good day. Listen in as we discuss her running journey and her training for a 200 miler.

Settle in for our longest episode yet, which is appropriate given the guest.

Jared has completed multiple journey runs and a TransCon run. Tune in to hear us discuss the joys and wonders of journey running and the terrors too. 

CUSS Running Co-Founder, Elaine, joins us to tell her running story and answer listener questions with me. 

Kevin & I talked about his journey into the world of ultra running and what drives us to push ourselves.

If you want to listen to a running podcast where we go on a whole tangent about Kurt Vonnegut, this is the episode for you! Chad is the founder of Hard Prairie. We discuss imposter syndrome and why the Illinois running community is so special.

Amy is an accomplished ultra runner with an amazing sense of humor and giving spirit. Listen in to hear how she ended up pacing a stranger and other favorite race memories

Happily Running's Race Directors chime in on how they built an incredible community of running, the impact of seeing others accomplish their goals and why races directed by ultra runners are the best.

Paul and I chat about his long history with running, trail running and ultra running. We also dive into why journey runs are the best!

Tune in as Tahnee and I discuss the fun of adventure running in the city through all seasons.

Christy started and runs one of the best running clubs in Chicago. We talk about how she's kept the club going for over a decade and what running brings to our lives.

I had a blast chatting with Rory and Dan McCaslin, leaders of Vagabond Endurance, about all things trail & ultra running and their journey as race directors.

Coree and I chat about his ultra running journey and what supporting diversity & inclusion in the sport really means.

Listen as Zobel and I chat about their running journey from 5k to marathon to 50k and beyond. Get their take about taking up space in the running world. Learn about the ultrarunning scene in New York and the rad races they have there. 

Patti and I discuss her relationship with running and how she became a DEI leader in the trail and ultra running community. Prepare to be inspired!

Tune in as Leia and I discuss race directing, taking up space in the world and the policies we are happy to see more of in ultra running.

Tune in to hear Grace and I discuss running as an act of protest. You'll laugh, you'll cry or at least I did.

Learn how Katy creates whimsy when running trails and about the trail running scene in Ohio!

Nimbe has run multiple marathons and participated in several triathlons. Learn how she keeps herself motivated to train and her tips on overcoming anxiety to participate in group runs. 

Sandy has run 29 road marathons and maintained a run streak for 5 years. She's managed all of this while being an amazing mom and a kind person, always looking for ways to give back. Learn how her relationship with running has changed from when she started in the 4th grade to now. 

TW: Child Loss

Crystal Irwin is an accomplished athlete winning events ranging from crossfit competitions, to trail races and now paddling. Learn about her journey and what keeps her motivated to pursue suffering.

What is Cuss Running and why did they make a podcast.