Chasing Trails Podcast

In this conversation, performance dietitian Melissa Allen shares her insights on nutrition for trail runners, emphasizing the importance of hydration, food choices, and recovery. She discusses her personal journey into running, the healing power of nature, and the mental aspects of endurance sports. The conversation also touches on the challenges athletes face with food and the need for a balanced approach to nutrition. We also touch on stress and its impact on eating habits are explored, along with strategies for developing a personalized nutrition plan. The conversation concludes with practical advice on maintaining a balanced diet during training for trail races.

The boys spend some time breaking down their latest Ultra the Rompin' Rockwood 50k. They'll talk about what went right and what went wrong. Tune in for the all the gory details on this amazing but "punchy" race.

In this episode, trail runner Chrissy Cusack shares her journey from a novice to an accomplished trail runner, recounting her first race experience and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses her transition to longer distances, including her first ultra marathon, and the challenges that come with it. Chrissy also highlights her role as the coordinator for community development with the Trans Canada Trail, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism and community engagement in maintaining the trail network. The conversation wraps up with her favorite sections of the trail and the impact it has on communities across Canada.

This week the boys had a great conversation with local trail runner and founder of the Fredericton Women's Trail Running Group Trailmix. We spend some time sharing our love of trail snacks as well as her journey from being a non-runner to a passionate trail runner, highlighting the importance of community, the joy of trail running, and the unique experiences that come with it. She discusses her upcoming races, the camaraderie among women in trail running, and the challenges of balancing family life with her running ambitions.

In this episode of the Chasing Trails Podcast it's just the boys as they sit down and talk about their training mishaps from the past week as well as play a little fun game of Would you Rather. It's fun, it's unprofessional it's classic chasing trails. Enjoy!

In this conversation, Wayne Walsh shares his journey into ultra running, detailing his experiences with various races, including the UTMB and local events in Newfoundland. He discusses the unique challenges of trail running in Newfoundland, the growth of the trail running community, and his training strategies. Wayne also reflects on the different race formats, including the backyard ultra, and shares his future racing plans.Wayne's Instagram

In this engaging conversation, Mark Hemmings shares his multifaceted journey as an author, photographer, ultra marathoner, and coffee enthusiast. He discusses the unique blend of photography and running, how he uses photography as motivation to run, and his ambitious goals for marathon running. Mark also shares his experiences leading trail running groups in Japan, compares beautiful running locations around the world, and outlines his future running aspirations.To see more of what Mark is up to:https://airelibre.earth/japan-2025https://markhemmings.comhttps://www.strava.com/athletes/32318210

In this conversation,  @sachinmotion  shares his journey of running across Canada to raise awareness and funds for mental health and addiction recovery. He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose beyond oneself, the inspiring responses from the community, and the impact of sharing personal stories. Sach encourages those struggling with mental health to reach out for help and highlights the significance of social media in connecting with others. He discusses his fundraising goals and the charities he supports, as well as his personal growth and shifting goals throughout his journey.To find out more you can go check out https://sachinmotion.ca

This week the boys sit down with 63yr old ultra runner Mark Campbell. We talk about what it's like to run at his age, what he does to get ready to run and why he loves doing it.https://www.nutratology.com - promo code CHASINGTRAILS10https://www.saintjohntrailrunning.comhttps://www.resiliencethroughfitness.com

The boys shake off the rust and kick off season three with guest Mark McColgan from Saint John Trail Running as they talk about the rundown of races this year as well as the launch of the the new SJTR Trail Series. It's a great peek into the Atlantic Canadian Trail Running and Ultra scene. You'll love it. Thanks to our Sponsors: Saint John Trail Runninghttps://www.saintjohntrailrunning.comResilience Through Fitnesshttps://www.resiliencethroughfitness.com

For this special Christmas episode the boys spread some holiday cheer by talking about their recommended stocking stuffers and by chatting with Colin Swift about what shoes you'd like to see under the tree and the best shoe of 2024! Make sure you go and comment on our instagram post about who you'd like to have an Egg Nog Spice Coffee with to win an exclusive Chasing Trails Mug and a bag of coffee. You can check out Colin's shoe reviews⁠ here ⁠ You can follow Chasing Trails on Youtube here

The boys spend some time reflecting on the year that was and some of the best moments of Season 2.

In this episode of the Chasing Trails podcast, hosts Brandon and Geoff reconnect after a brief hiatus. This week the boys slide into the topic of winter running. They talk about some of the best tips and tricks to ensure a safe and enjoyable running experience during the winter months.

In this conversation, Lee Murphy shares his experiences and insights from his recent participation with Team Canada in the World Team Backyard Ultra Championships. He discusses his training regimen, the dynamics of Team Canada, and the unique format of backyard ultras. Lee reflects on his motivations, the challenges of ultra running, and the supportive atmosphere of the event, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the sport and his personal journey. Additionally, he highlights the support he receives from the running community, which motivates him to push his limits and achieve his goals.

In the first of what we hope will be many episodes in our Long Run Trail series where, Brandon sits down with trail runners Dawson Mossman, Brian Demmings, and Tim McDonough to discuss in a longer format than normal their recent ultra racing experiences. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of the Swiss Peaks 360 and Tour de Geants races, exploring the physical and mental demands of ultra running. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among runners, the beauty of the landscapes they traverse, and the unique psychological experiences that come with endurance racing, including hallucinations and the perception of time. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from their experiences and offers advice for those considering similar challenges.

In this conversation, Brandon and Geoff welcome Leah Alexander and Adam Wilkins from Explore Lorneville, who share their experiences with trail running and the development of a popular trail system in Saint John New Brunswick. They discuss their personal journeys into running, the challenges of maintaining trails, and the importance of community involvement in preserving outdoor spaces. This conversation explores the journey of community engagement in trail building, the cultural shifts towards environmental stewardship, and the future of trail expansion in Lorneville. Leah and Adam discuss the importance of community involvement in maintaining and enhancing trails, the positive changes in local attitudes towards the environment, and special trail features like the Wind Phone that promote mental health and healing.

Summary In this episode of the Chasing Trails podcast, Geoff and Brandon recap their Thanksgiving experiences, discuss the upcoming Backyard Ultra Championship, and reflect on the running community's support. They also review the documentary 'Running in Circles' and share their thoughts on food traditions, highlighting their Thanksgiving dinners and dessert preferences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, family, and the joy of sharing meals together.

In this engaging conversation, Brandon and Geoff host John and Deb Colicot, trail running enthusiasts and founders of the Wentworth Valley Trail Runners. They share their personal journeys into trail running, the founding of their race organization, and the experiences surrounding their popular Chiggy Ultra race. The discussion highlights the joys and challenges of trail running, the sense of community it fosters, and the couple's commitment to creating memorable race experiences for participants.

This week the boys share briefly a few life updates and what's up next for them. It's a quick episode today but full of heart.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Quinn shares his journey from participating in extreme challenges to creating a documentary that highlights mental health and suicide prevention. He reflects on his experiences with the 4x4x48 challenge, his first 100-mile race, and the emotional rollercoaster of premiering his documentary. Alex discusses the vulnerability of sharing personal stories, the impact of public speaking in schools, and his involvement in suicide prevention initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and authenticity in inspiring others, while also looking forward to future events and projects.

In this episode of the Chasing Trails podcast, hosts Brandon and Geoff reflect on their experiences at the 2024 version of Looney Loops. They discus the event's organization, weather conditions, and the community atmosphere. They share personal insights from their race experiences, including challenges faced and the importance of volunteers. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among runners and the excitement surrounding future races, particularly the upcoming Chiggy race.

We're excited to introduce you to one of our new sponsors Devin Kennedy, founder of Resilience Through Fitness (RTF)! In this episode Deven shares his story of how he found a passion for running and fitness after a life-changing incident. He started RTF to help others, especially first responders, navigate the challenges of training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. RTF focuses on a personalized, holistic approach to fitness, taking into account individual needs and schedules. Devin's dream for RTF is to continue growing and supporting clients in achieving their goals, while also participating in races and events. To find out more about RTF you can go to their ⁠website⁠ Music by ⁠AlexGrohl ⁠

Mark McColgan head of Saint John Trail Running joins the Chasing Trails podcast to discuss the upcoming Looney Loops race in Atlantic Canada. The race is a 24-hour trail race with a 3-kilometer loop around a lake. Mark shares details about the race, including the challenging terrain and the community-based atmosphere. He also talks about the involvement of the YMCA and the donations that will be made to support their programs. Mark highlights some new additions to this year's race, such as a PR gong, live music performances, and projected race results. The conversation concludes with Brandon and Geoff discussing their plans to participate in the race. We finish off by talking about the new race at Poley Mountain called the Pole Peak Pursuit. He mentions the challenges of organizing races and the importance of maintaining consistent communication and high-quality event experiences. We even discuss the future goal of organizing a 100-mile race in the Sussex area and the increasing participation of women in trail running events.

This week on the podcast Allison McFadden, an accomplished trail runner, shares her running journey and recent achievements in the trail racing world. She discusses how she got into trail running and her love for the sport. Allison also talks about her experience running from one tip of Nova Scotia to the other, raising money for the IWK. She highlights the importance of women's participation in trail running and the inspiration provided by female role models. Allison shares her future plans, including taking time to recover and preparing for a sailing adventure with her family. The boys also announce their partnership with Resilience through Fitness. Founder Deven Kennedy created RTF to help first responders and the general population achieve their full potential and partnering with RTF to be our title sponsor for Season 3 was a great fit. If you'd like to know more about them you can check out their website resiliencethroughfitness.com

In this episode, Geoff and Brandon discuss the runner's funk and share tips on how to overcome it. They explore the idea of trying new running routes, going back to basics, and participating in social runs. They also discuss the pressure of setting goals and the importance of making running a lifestyle choice.

In this episode Mark Hemmings shares his trail running journey, from starting with road races to transitioning to trail running and eventually tackling the Capes 100. He emphasizes the importance of learning from the greats and going all-in when pursuing a new challenge. Mark also highlights the joy of running with his daughter and the beauty of the Cape Breton course. He discusses the logistical aspects of the race, including crew support and drop bags, and shares his experience running through the night and encountering challenging weather conditions. Mark shares his experience of running the CAPES 100 race and pushing himself to finish strong. Mark talks about his why behind this challenge, to create a documentary about turning 50 and pushing himself to do something previously believed to be impossible. We finish off by discussing the intersection of photography and running, how they enhance each other, and the joy of documenting his trail running journeys. markhemmings.com Instagram: @markhemmings

In this episode, Geoff and Brandon discuss the most self-conscious things about trail running and the worst things about adulting. They give their bronze, silver, and gold answers for each topic. In this conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss their self-consciousness about certain aspects of trail running. They share their personal experiences and frustrations, including crop dusting, pointy nipples, chafing, and sweaty clothes. They also talk about the challenges of adulting, such as car repairs, buying expensive items that aren't fun, and the constant need to sweep the floors. They conclude by discussing how they've become like their parents and the things that bother them now. Overall, the conversation is light-hearted and relatable, highlighting the humorous side of trail running and adulthood.

Colin Swift, a trail runner and shoe reviewer, shares his running journey and love for trail running. He discusses his transition from team sports to running and how podcasts and books inspired him to start running. Colin also talks about his recent documentary on the Fundy Footpath FKT and his passion for ultra running. The conversation then shifts to sneakers, with Colin providing recommendations for different categories, such as first-time trail runners, door-to-trail shoes, and more. In this conversation, Colin Swift discusses different types of trail running shoes based on specific needs and preferences. He recommends the Nike Pegasus Trail and Solomon Max Glide for beginners, the Hoka Speedgoat and Solomon Ultra Glide as daily trainers, and the North Face Vectiv Pro and Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra as high-end race shoes. For those on a budget, he suggests looking for last year's models or considering the Solomon Ultra Flow and Brooks Divide. Colin also emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit and considering factors like cushioning, stack height, and drop. Colins' Youtube channel

In this episode of the Chasing Trails podcast, Geoff and Brandon discuss their experiences with training and racing during the hot summer months. They also introduce their new merchandise, a limited edition Chasing Trails mug. The hosts then play a game of 'Would You Rather' with trail running-themed scenarios. In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss various hypothetical scenarios and share their preferences such whether they would rather be crewed by their own kids or each other's kids in a race, and whether they would choose to have a sixth child or run ultras barefoot. They also discuss eating a quesadilla with expired cheese or drinking raw milk, DNFing a race at kilometer one or kilometer 99, choosing between winning a race or receiving $1 million, and slipping and falling in their own vomit or someone else's vomit on the race course. It's bound to entertain.

In this conversation, Kelsey Hogan and Adam Fearnall share their running stories and their love for trail running. They discuss how trail running brings them a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and connection to themselves, others, and the natural environment. They also talk about the challenges of balancing trail running with their relationships and responsibilities. Kelsey who is ranked third in the World Trail Majors shares her experience at the Quebec Mega Trail (QMT) 100-mile race. A course she knows well by setting a course record in 2023. Adam and Kelsey both emphasize the importance of celebrating the achievements of all runners and the supportive trail running community. Adam discusses his involvement with the Worga Foundation, which provides supports to Mabaan Youth in South Sudan to pursue their educational dreams. They also talk about their passion for justice and their involvement with various non-profit organizations. In terms of mental hurdles in trail running, they emphasize the importance of embracing and befriending the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that arise during training and races. They also discuss their recovery process after running 100-mile races and share their upcoming goals, including Kelsey's participation in the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc and Adam's continued involvement in trail running. @kelseypamela wanted to thank her sponsors @nordarun and @backtrailsnbfor their support. You can follow her season on Kelsey's crew, click below to subscribe: @adamfearnall dedicated his efforts at the QMT to the Worga Foundation and you can support him here:

Brandon and Geoff discuss their recent vacations and training updates. Brandon shares his experience in New York City and his hamstring injury, while Geoff talks about his vacation in PEI and his consistent training. They also announce the upcoming release of a custom-made Chasing Trails mug. They also interview Cody Cooper, a trail runner and mountain biker who shares his journey into trail running and the intersection between cycling and running. He discusses his love for being in nature and the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports. Cody also talks about his upcoming documentary project and the mental discoveries that come from pushing oneself in endurance activities.

This week the boys breakdown their race experience from the Seaside Scramble in Halifax Nova Scotia and the East Coast Beast Coast Run in Saint John, New Brunswick. They share about their experience running on some amazing terrain as well meeting a very friendly beach goer. The episode finishes with a special interview with Amelia and Adeline Leblanc who ran their first EVER trail race.

This week the boys sit down with Lee Murphy, winner of the Keji Big Backyard Ultra, a last man standing race where participants run a 6.7 km loop every hour. He talks about the challenges of sleep deprivation, the camaraderie among runners, and the support of his crew. Lee talks about reaching his 200-mile goal while emphasizing the importance of having fun and staying mentally and emotionally healthy during ultra races. He also discusses his future goals, including the Capes 100 race and as the silver ticket winner his entrance into the upcoming World Team Championships in October.

Brandon and Geoff recap their trip to Wentworth, Nova Scotia, where they participated A Weekend At Wentworth. They discuss their Airbnb experience, the lack of amenities, and their post-race meal at a dive bar. Brandon shares his experience of completing his first ultra marathon, while Geoff talks about his race strategy and the supportive community they encountered. They share some of the memorable moments from the race including their experiences running a 50K race. They share their thoughts on nutrition, including eating Sour Patch Kids and drinking Coke.

Brandon and Geoff record together for the first time in the beautiful Wentworth Valley. They discuss their upcoming 24-hour race and their lack of preparation. They talk about their training, their race goals, and the snacks they plan to bring. We take a second to chat about the Big Backyard Ultra and their admiration for the Last Man Standing style of race. They discuss their travel experiences and the challenges of packing for a long race. Stay tuned to see how they make out with Part 2

The Rompin' Rockwood trail race in Atlanta, Canada was a challenging and exciting event that brought together runners from all over. The race featured impressive winners, amusing anecdotes, and unexpected events, making it a memorable experience for all participants. The course was technical and demanding, with steep hills and rocky terrain, but the organization, marking, and volunteer support were exceptional. Overall, the race received high praise and left a positive impression on the participants. Geoff and Brandon discuss their recent race experiences, focusing on the challenges, community support, and the importance of staying connected with the running community. They share insights on the impact of positive encouragement and the value of being present at race events.

Shawn McCardle shares his trail running journey, starting from road races to marathons and eventually transitioning to ultras and trail running. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running long distances and pushing his limits. Shawn also talks about the trail running scene in PEI, including the growth of races and the beautiful trails available. He highlights Bonshaw Provincial Park as a must-visit spot for trail running in PEI. Geoff and Brandon finish off the episode with a huge debate about Jam!

Summary Mark McCoglan discusses his involvement with Saint John Trail Running and the recent success of the intro group. Mark also talks about his role as a race director and the planning process for premier races in Atlantic Canada. The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion about Atlantic Canada's largest Trail race the Rompin' Rockwood. Mark discusses the new trail sections and the increase in race participants. He also mentions the addition of swag and other activities, such as a coffee truck and lawn games, to enhance the race experience. The boys finish off by announcing a contest for a FREE registration to the Rompin' Rockwood.

In this episode, Brandon and Geoff discuss Geoff's first ultra marathon experience at the Hanwell Hammering race. They talk about Geoff's race strategy, fueling, and the emotional roller coaster he went through during the race. They also highlight the supportive trail running community and the importance of encouragement from fellow runners. Geoff shares his recovery process and his plans for future races. Geoff and Brandon finish off by trying to guess discuss the gross topics that are commonly discussed within the trail running community. They end the conversation by discussing their upcoming ultra marathon races.

In this episode, Brandon and Geoff discuss their upcoming trail race, Geoffs accidental 25K run, and their training progress. They also talk about the challenges of running with children and share their experiences with foot pain. The conversation then shifts to discussing recent trail race preview videos and the documentary about Jim Walmsley's race at UTMB. Finally, they discuss their dream locations to live and the factors they consider, such as proximity to water and mountains. In this conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss various topics including language barriers, music playlists, electric cars, and upcoming trail races. They share personal anecdotes and opinions, providing a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout. The conversation concludes with their excitement for the upcoming trail running season.

They boys sit down with Dan Meades who went from full paralysis to running ultra marathons. Along the way they also talk about the great running scene in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This week the guys talk underwear! Also how do you handle feeling anxious about a run?

The boys chat with runner Alex Hermason about life as a runner on instagram, the importance of creating welcoming spaces for runners and of course FOOD. You can follow Herm here

This week the guys talk training plans. They break down some of the best paid and free plans. Plus they talk about the best holiday meals and who the best action movie hero is Stallone, Arnold or Willis?

This episode the guys talk old man injuries, the Barkley and they sit down with Tyler Isbister the Race Director for Highland Trail Running and they talk about the exciting race season in beautiful Antigonish County.

This week Brandon and Geoff spend some time talking about what races they'll be involved and reflecting on what they'd do differently if they could start trail running all over again. They finish off the episode looking at what super powers they would use to make them better at trail running. Hope you enjoy!

This week Geoff and Brandon have a conversation with brother and sister duo Jackson Jones and Katie Bell. In a real and authentic way you hear them share their journey from joining an intro to trail running group to running ultras. It's a lot of laughs and a lot of great advice on trying trail running for the first time.

Brandon and Geoff are back for Season 2! They kick off the season with a conversation with ultra runner Reid Burrows.

On this episode we talk Love and David Goggins! We have guest Alex Quinn on as he updates us on the work he's doing raising awareness for Suicide Prevention as well as this years 4x4x48 challenge.

In this special episode Geoff and Brandon get in the holiday spirit and talk about their favourite Christmasy things and there's a chance to win a great Christmas Gift!

As the boys wrap up their inaugural season they spend some time reflecting on the year and teasing what is upcoming for Season 2.