DNF is a podcast from Trail Runner magazine.
Cartoonist Alison Bechdel uses running to overcome a drinking habit, and Jack Kerouac self-destructs.
In 2017, Hillary Allen took a fall during a race that almost ended her life, and her running career. She says the survival story really begins the day she took her first steps, and all the days after that. Hillary reflects on injury, survival and identity. Plus, Scott Fitzgerald cracks.
Peter Sagal says he might not have been born to run, but he has used running throughout his life as a way of exploring success, failure, and all the life that happens in between.
Breaking a world record caused Mike Foote to realize he needed help. And, T. S. Eliot re-invents modern literature while depressed.
A divorce led Ben Gibbard to reexamine his creative approach to songwriting and trail running. Plus, a brief history of Japanese ceramic repair.
Fresh out of the Air Force Academy, a wrong turn forced Jim Walmsley to reconsider the trajectory of his life. A few years later, another fateful turn would launch his running career. Plus, the many ways to not make a lightbulb.
Growing up on a Navajo reservation was hard, but Verna Volker tapped into the resilience that she associates with being an indigenous woman. When she didn't see herself reflected in running media, she set out to create her own community centered around native women and their stories.
Amelia Boone struggled with an eating disorder since high school, well into her hears as a champion obstacle course racer. After she was diagnosed with four stress fractures in three years, she decided to get help. In order to truly heal, Amelia had to overcome her biggest obstacle yet: fear of feelings. And, Walt Whitman was his own hype man.
Alison Désir is a runner, mother, community builder and activist. After marathon training gave her a new outlook on life, Alison decided to use her education and experiences to help others. Through her own mental health struggles, Alison has built communities based on inclusion and visibility where Black runners are empowered to take control of their mental health. For additional mental health resources, check out Bigger Than The Trail, Heal Haus, and On the Mend.
Katie Arnold used running as a way to work through grief and anxiety in the wake of her father's death. But she never expected to win one of the country's biggest 100-mile races. Plus, Joan Didion quotes in context.
At age 23, Brendan Leonard was a mess. After years of drinking past last call, fist-fights, wrecked cars, multiple arrests and two DUI's and a stint in jail, Brendan got sober. His story is about the optimism and courage it takes to quit drinking, and how wonderful it is to live in the after. Sponsored by blackdiamondequipment.com
David Roche had the job he’d always dreamed of, working as an environmental lawyer and policy advisor. There was just one problem. David was deeply unhappy. This week’s episode of DNF grapples with feeling unfulfilled at work, and knowing when to leave your dream job. And, William Faulkner vs. the U.S. Postal Service.
In 2017, Cat Bradley was teaching kindergarten and training for Western States. Then, she was unexpectedly laid-off, forcing her to confront the relationship between her job and her identity en route to the biggest race of her career. Also, a brief history of blimps.
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