Sassquad Trail Runners

Big Bear SquaTCh South 13.1M/10K Pre-Race Announcements for October 19, 2025!

In this episode, host LMani Viney sits down with Matty Klein and Dougie Wilson, the legendary aid station captains who have been leading the aid station at Wild Goose since day one. Both Matty and Dougie are extremely experienced ultrarunners, having completed countless 100M and 200M events, and they share behind-the-scenes insights on supporting runners through the toughest moments on the trail. The episode wraps up with LMani finishing the pre-submitted runner stories from the 100M and 36H, highlighting the passion, perseverance, and personal “whys” that make the Wild Goose community so special.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, host LMani Viney interviews Penny Williams of Trappe, Maryland, who took on the Wild Goose 100 Miler. Penny shares her race experience and her remarkable decades-long history of running. At 74 years old, she was the most senior Squatch in the 100M field, proving that the Trail Party spirit has no age limit.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, host LMani Viney interviews Vanessa Kline of Hainesport, NJ, the female winner of the Wild Goose 100 Miler. Vanessa set a new course record of 26:06:32, and she also shares her perspective as owner of Beast Coast Pacing and Race Director of Beast Coast Productions.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, host LMani Viney interviews Sassquader Mr. Jeffrey Bock, the teacher who founded the Hackensack Middle School Happy Feet Running Club, along with Luna Espana, one of the club's athletes who set a new distance PR of 10K at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. They share their experiences, the joy of running as a team, and what it means to introduce kids to the trails and trail running community. Thanks to the generosity of the Sassquad community donating to the Squatch Kids Trail Fund, all Happy Feet kids are able to participate in the race free of charge, making these experiences accessible to every young runner.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, host LMani Viney interviews Fra Balbi of Brooklyn, NY, our nonbinary winner of the Wild Goose 100K! Fra finished the challenging course in 23:08:30, sharing their experience, race strategy, and reflections on completing this epic distance at Wawayanda State Park.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this After Dark episode, host LMani Viney chats with Juliene Bell-Smith of Peekskill, NY, a standout finisher of the Wild Goose 50 Miler. Juliene shares her experience on the course, what kept her going, and the highs and lows of tackling this challenging distance at Wawayanda State Park. They also discuss BIPOC participation in trail running and ways we can encourage more folks to get out on the trailsThis live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this special After Dark episode, host LMani Viney sits down with our longtime partner Kenton from Skratch Labs. They chat about the Wild Goose weekend, fueling strategies, and the incredible products that Skratch Labs has been providing to keep runners powered up at Sassquad Trail Parties for years.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

This episode features a live interview with Tsutomu Bessho of Glen Ridge, NJ, the first male finisher of the Wild Goose 100K. Tsutomu set a new course record of 10:48:29, and he joined us at Squatch HQ to share his race experience and reflections.In the second half of the episode, host LMani Viney reads through the powerful, heartfelt pre-submitted testimonials from 100M and 36H participants about their “why” for running the Wild Goose. These stories capture the heart of our community and the spirit of the Trail Party!This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Lewis of Milton, Delaware, the first female finisher of the Wild Goose 50 Miler! Stephanie crossed the line in an incredible 10:10:23, and she joined us live at Wawayanda State Park to reflect on her race, the course, and the Trail Party atmosphere.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

In this episode, we're bringing you a mix of live stream highlights from the Wild Goose Trail Festival at Wawayanda State Park! Tune in for:Race Updates from the course as runners pushed through the 100M, 36H, 100K, and 50M eventsInterviews with Chaos Crewing, sharing insights on the art of pacing, crewing, and supporting ultrarunnersConversations with Women in Ultrarunning, spotlighting their experiences and stories from the trailsThis live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the ⁠2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival⁠ is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

We're kicking off our Wild Goose audio series with an interview with Trail Party Director Kim Levinsky, recorded live on Saturday just after the 100M, 36H, 100K, and 50M events got underway at Wawayanda State Park. Kim shares insights on the race weekend, the community energy at Squatch HQ, and what makes the Wild Goose so special.This live stream was hosted by our Sassquaders LMani Viney and Shai Ben-Dor, who brought the Trail Party vibes to the airwaves all weekend long. Big thanks to them for capturing these incredible conversations and moments!Registration for the 2026 Wild Goose Trail Festival is now open; don't miss your chance to join the flock next year!

The Trail Therapist, Sarah Strong LCSW, will lead this engaging webinar on July 9th at 7pm to chat about the critical role of mental training in trail running. The webinar will be livestreamed on our Facebook Page, Instagram,​ and YouTube Channel. Discover how sharpening your mental game can enhance focus, build resilience, and improve overall performance alongside physical training. This session will explore strategies for managing stress, staying motivated, and cultivating a strong mindset on and off the trails. Please pre-register for this free event so you can submit your questions ahead of time.

Tune-in to listen to our Foot Care and Trail Running First Aid Webinar with race medic, THOR! Whether you're preparing for your first trail race or you're an experienced ultra-runner, this session will provide practical guidance to help you stay healthy and finish strong. Thor will cover essential foot care topics like blister prevention, taping techniques, managing hot spots, and choosing the right socks and shoes. She will also discuss common medical issues that can arise during trail races, including dehydration, cramping, chafing, nausea, dizziness, and heat-related illness. This session is ideal for anyone running the 100 mile, 100K, 50 mile, 50K, timed events, or any distance at Wild Goose or other upcoming trail races.

This is the replay of our webinar on September 3, 2025 about the unique ecosystem of Wawayanda State Park! Tune-in to learn about wildlife encounters (specifically with black bears!) and how to stay safe while respecting the wildlife. This session is essential for participants of the Wild Goose Trail Festival and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the New Jersey Highlands and how to safely explore this remarkable region. Special thanks to Rebecca Fitzgerald, the Administrator for NJ State Parks, for leading this webinar!

Join us for a special webinar with registered dietitian The Nutrition Mechanic, Dina Griffin, as we dive into all things nutrition and hydration for the Wild Goose Trail Festival! Whether you're gearing up for the 10K, 100 miler, or anything in between, this session will help you build a practical fueling plan to support your training and race-day performance. Dina has worked with trail and ultra runners of all levels, and she brings a science-based, real-world approach to endurance nutrition. She'll cover strategies for hydration, calorie intake, electrolyte balance, and troubleshooting common race-day issues like GI distress and bonking. No matter your pace or distance, having a plan can make the difference between surviving and thriving out on the trails. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with a personalized plan to help you squatch your goals at Wild Goose Trail Festival!

Whether you're planning to crew a 50K or support someone through 100 miles, this free webinar with Chaos Crewing is your chance to learn the ins and outs of successful crewing! This is the replay of our live stream on Tuesday August 19, 2025. We dive into all the critical details: safety, gear, travel logistics, organization, and the behind-the-scenes support that can make or break race day.This session is especially helpful for anyone participating in the Wild Goose Trail Festival this September, whether you're running, crewing, or both. So invite your crew to join you for this webinar! It's a great opportunity to learn together and build a solid game plan before race weekend.

Get ready for the 2025 Thunder Chicken Squatch Trail Jamboree! In this episode, we share all the pre-race announcements you need to know before race day. Recorded live on Wednesday, August 6th at 7:00 PM Eastern, this briefing covers course details, start times, what to pack, expected conditions, parking, and more. Whether you're running the race or cheering from the sidelines, this is your go-to guide for race weekend.www.sassquadtrailrunning.com/thunderchickensquatch

In this episode, we're joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Colleen Drahos for a conversation about pelvic floor health during perimenopause. Originally recorded on August 6 and livestreamed on the Sassquad Trail Running Facebook page and YouTube channel, this webinar dives into the unique challenges that runners may face during this season of life. Dr. Drahos unpacks common issues such as urgency, frequency, leakage, and UTI's, all of which can impact performance and quality of life on and off the trails.We discuss how hormonal shifts during perimenopause affect pelvic floor function, and Dr. Drahos shares practical strategies to stay strong and confident. Whether you're currently experiencing perimenopause or preparing for it, this conversation provides valuable insight and actionable advice for navigating these changes with strength and resilience.To learn more or connect with Dr. Colleen Drahos, visit her website at www.drahospt.com and follow her on Instagram at www.instragram.com/drdrahospt

Join us for this squatchtastic chat with Ryan and Alex Thorpe as we explore what it really means to crew and run as a family. Ryan and Alex have always been together through the highs, lows, and aid station chaos of ultramarathon racing. Now, with their almost 2-year-old daughter Emily in the mix, they share how their dynamic has evolved as parents, partners, and teammates.We talk about the real-life logistics of race day with a toddler, the emotional and practical challenges of crewing, and how their approach to success has shifted since becoming a family of three. Whether you're a runner, a crew member, or just someone curious about how families navigate the ultra world together, this conversation is full of honest stories, laughs, and lessons learned!

Join us for the pre-race announcements for the 2025 Squatchy Surprise Trail Party! We'll cover everything you need to know for race day: course info, start times, what to pack, how the golf ball loop draw works, and all the Squatchy surprises we've got in store!

The Trail Therapist, Sarah Strong LCSW led this engaging webinar on July 9th at 7pm about the critical role of mental training in trail running. Tune-in to discover how sharpening your mental game can enhance focus, build resilience, and improve overall performance alongside physical training. This webinar explores strategies for managing stress, staying motivated, and cultivating a strong mindset on and off the trails. To learn more about Sarah Strong, please visit her website: https://www.thetrailtherapist.com/ and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/THE_TRAIL_THERAPIST

Welcome to this episode of Sassquad Trail Stories & Runventures, a new storytelling series from Sassquad Trail Running. In this episode, Kim Levinsky shares the story of her first big solo runventure: running Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. Covering more than 50 miles and over 10,000 feet of elevation gain, this self-supported runventure starts in the dark on Bright Angel Trail, descends to the Colorado River, climbs to the snowy North Rim, and returns via South Kaibab at sunset, finishing under a sky full of stars. Whether you've done Rim to Rim to Rim, dream of doing it, or just love a good trail story, this episode will take you there—step by step.

Tune-in to hear the recording of our webinar from May 28, 2025 with The Trail Therapist, Sarah Strong, LCSW! This was a a heartfelt and insightful discussion on the challenges of being sidelined from trail running due to injury. We explored the emotional and mental hurdles that come with recovery, including coping with frustration, maintaining mental health, and finding ways to stay connected to the trail running community. Tune-in to learn how to use  practical strategies for navigating a difficult season with resilience and hope. Learn more about Sarah Strong here: https://www.thetrailtherapist.com/

This is the recording of the interview from Wednesday, May 21st with ultrarunner Ryan Thorpe, who recently set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Catskills section of the New York Long Path. Ryan completed the full "blue line to blue line" traverse: from the northernmost to the southernmost boundaries of Catskill Park in an incredible time of 32 hours, 24 minutes, and 53 seconds. This marks the first continuous effort on this route, and Ryan was fully supported by a dedicated crew and team of pacers throughout the run!Check out the FKT write-up here: https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/ryan-thorpe-long-path-ny-2025-04-19

Tune-in to hear the pre-camp announcements for the 2025 Wild Goose Training Camp happening this weekend, May 9 and 10!

Join us for a powerful conversation between Kim Levinsky and filmmaker Shai Ben-Dor as we count down to the world premiere of Long Path: A Journey of Becoming on May 3, 2025. This documentary captures Kim's historic FKT on the 358-mile New York Long Path from Albany to NYC. Kim became the first woman to complete the fastest known time on the trail, and Shai was there to document every step. This film dives deep into the power of community, the struggles and triumphs of the journey, and the role of mental health in endurance pursuits.Tune in to this interview to hear how the film came to life, what the journey meant to Kim and Shai, and how they're feeling just days before the premiere.

Tune-in to hear the recording of our special webinar led by Becca Howe-Parisio, Environmental Educator at Minnewaska State Preserve. Becca provides an in-depth look at the fragile ecosystem of the Gunks, offering valuable insights into the unique natural features of the Shawangunks. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your connection to this beautiful and ecologically important area!

Anuncios antes de la carrera Big Bear SquaTCh North!

The pelvic floor is often cloaked in mystery and considered a taboo topic—but it's time to break the stigma and silence! Tune-in to this episode to hear a replay of our open and informative Pelvic Floor Health Webinar on March 19, 2025, led by Dr. Colleen Drahos, PT, DPT.  We chat about this misunderstood part of the body and its crucial role in wellness, athletic performance, and daily life. Don't be shy—let's talk openly, debunk myths, and answer your questions in this supportive environment. 

Sassquad Trail Party Director Kim Levinsky spoke at the Boston Run Show on March 1st! Tune-in to this episode to hear her chat about how roadies and newbies can try out trail running!

This is the recording from our February 19th "Women in Ultrarunning" webinar led by ultrarunner Rachel Bambrick and the founder of Women in Ultrarunning. Tune-in to hear this squatchtastic chat about ultrarunning, training, and trail running, overcoming barriers in the sport, addressing safety concerns, and building community. 

This is the recording from our webinar on February 5, 2025: "Women of Squatchapple". Featuring women who have participated in the Squatchapple Trail Party, this webinar dives deep into the trail experience from start to finish. Whether you're curious about the training process, the highs and lows of race day, or how to recover after an ultra-distance challenge, this is the place to learn more about the Squatchapple Trail Party 50M/50K/20M/11M that takes place every March in West Orange, NJ.

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Lauren Scott, AKA “Malfoy”! Lauren is a non-binary ultra runner from Vernon, NJ, who has been a part of the Sassquad family for several years.We kick off the conversation by diving into Lauren's epic experience at the 2023 Wild Goose Trail Festival, where they braved 37+ miles during Tropical Storm Ophelia. From torrential rain to relentless winds, Lauren shares how they pushed through the challenging conditions to complete an unforgettable ultra.Lauren also tells us about their time volunteering at the 2024 Wild Goose, where they brought smiles to everyone by donning an inflatable TyRUNasaurus Rex costume.The conversation then takes us on a journey to Iceland, where Lauren recently traveled with Vacation Races. They recount the breathtaking landscapes, scenic runs, and incredible camaraderie with fellow adventurers. Lauren shares how the trip strengthened bonds with their husband and introduced them to a vibrant global running community.Whether it's braving the elements, spreading joy in a dinosaur suit, or exploring the rugged beauty of Iceland, Lauren's stories remind us of the joy and adventure trail running brings to life.

In this episode, we chat with the incredible Maria Zieja, ultra-runner and long-time member of the Sassquad Trail Running family. Maria takes us through her journey from obstacle course racing to trail and ultra-running. She shares squatchtastic stories from the 36-hour event at the Wild Goose Trail Festival, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, the lows, and the strategies that kept her moving… Spoiler: it's all about determination and a little bit of trail After 15 years in the classroom and a master's degree in education, she found herself burnt out and searching for a new path. Maria shares about how she took the leap to leave the traditional classroom behind and became a certified nature-based educator. Now, she spends her days inspiring kids to learn and grow outside at Sensory Garden and Play in West Milford, NJ. With her Level 1 certification from the Association for Nature-Based Education (and Level 2 on the way), Maria is on a mission to turn nature into the ultimate classroom.Maria's passion for the outdoors is contagious as she talks about the magic that happens when kids get outside every day. From building confidence to boosting creativity, she's seen firsthand how nature can transform young lives.Want to learn more about the amazing work Maria is doing? Check out Sensory Garden and Play.

In this episode, we sit down with Gautama Reid, better known as “G,” to hear his inspiring trail running story. G started trail running in 2020 and just finished his first trail 100-miler at the Wild Goose Trail Festival this past September.G takes us through the highs and lows of his journey, sharing the lessons he learned during his epic adventure at the Grand Canyon this fall, where he ran from the South Rim to the North Rim.Throughout our conversation, G emphasizes the transformative power of community and the impact of people who believed in him when he was just starting. He credits these connections as the driving force behind his evolution as a trail runner, from tackling shorter distances to conquering the 100-mile mark.G's story reminds us all of the strength we can find in ourselves and the importance of the people who lift us up along the way!

In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Kohler, owner and race director of The Running Kind, a trail race company with a mission to be carbon-neutral and promote sustainability in the outdoor community. Aimee shares how her passion for protecting the environment inspired her to create a race series that minimizes its ecological footprint while maximizing the fun and challenge for participants. As a mountain athlete and advocate for the trail running community, Aimee gives us a behind-the-scenes look at The Running Kind events, their unique sustainability initiatives, and what makes them stand out in the Northeast trail running scene. We also talk about Aimee's work at Aardvark Sports Shop, a run specialty store in the Lehigh Valley, where she helps runners of all levels find the perfect gear for their adventures. Throughout the episode, we celebrate the vibrant and supportive trail running community in the Northeast, sharing stories, laughs, and insights into why this sport is so much more than just running through the woods.

In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Che Smith, who recently completed her first ultramarathon—a 50K—at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival. Che takes us through her transformative experience training for and conquering her first ultra, sharing both the challenges and triumphs along the way. We also dive into her inspiring story of resilience as a breast cancer survivor. Che opens up about her diagnosis, treatment, and survival, and how therapy and community has been an essential part of her mental and physical recovery. Che's journey doesn't stop at ultramarathons—she's also a member of the Puerto Rican Curling Team! We talk about how this unique opportunity came about and what it's like to compete in a lesser-known but equally exciting sport. In addition to her personal athletic achievements, Che dedicates her time to empowering young girls as a volunteer coach with Girls on the Run. She reflects on the joy and fulfillment she finds in mentoring and encouraging the next generation of strong, confident runners. Lastly, Che shares how the running community has been a cornerstone in her mental health journey, providing her with connection, support, and a sense of purpose.

In this special episode, we're bringing you the recording of the Women of Wild Goose live webinar, held on January 8, 2025. This inspiring panel features incredible women who took part in the 2024 Wild Goose 100 Trail Party. They share their firsthand experiences from the trail and answer questions about tackling ultra-distance challenges.Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, an aspiring ultra athlete, or simply curious about the world of ultra-distance events, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical tips, and stories that will motivate you to hit the trails.What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Learn how gaiters protect your feet on the trails by keeping dirt, rocks, and debris out of your shoes. Whether you're running or hiking, gaiters are a simple tool to help you stay comfortable and focused on your adventure.

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are honored to share Michael Feldman's incredible 200-mile journey. Originally signed up for the Oregon200, Michael pivoted to complete 200 miles when the race was canceled due to wildfires. The first 100 miles took place on the iconic Appalachian Trail, and the second 100 miles were completed on the Wild Goose course. Michael's journey was filled with challenges, grit, and unwavering determination, but the magic truly came from the support of his friends and family. The finish line was nothing short of emotional and unforgettable, making this an inspiring tale you won't want to miss. Registration for the 2025 Wild Goose Trail Festival is now open! Kids 1M, 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M, 36H

Welcome to another episode in our special series, Tales from the Wild Goose! This series highlights the voices, stories, and experiences of runners who joined us at the Wild Goose Trail Festival. Today, we are thrilled to share Allie Backer's race experience at the Wild Goose 50K! This was Allie's very first ultramarathon, and she shares her incredible journey on the trails, the challenges she overcame, and the amazing support she received from her friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or someone who simply loves hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with grit, heart, and the true spirit of trail running. Registration for the 2025 Wild Goose Trail Festival is now open! Kids 1M, 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M, 36H.

In this episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we hear from Carson Hopwood, a nonbinary athlete from Charlottesville, Virginia, who participated in the 36-hour event at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival. Carson achieved an incredible milestone, covering 85 miles—their first time going beyond 50 miles and their first event running through the night. ✨ Tune in to hear: Carson's reflections on the emotional finish, coming up shy of their 100-mile goal but celebrating a huge personal record Their experience navigating the challenges of running overnight for the first time A thrilling encounter with a black bear on the trail (and how they handled it!) What this milestone means for their journey as a trail runner Carson's story is one of resilience, courage, and learning to embrace both triumphs and challenges. Their experience inspires us to keep pushing our limits and savor every step of the journey.

In this inspiring episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we feature Gerry Powers from Park Ridge, NJ. At the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival, Gerry took on not only his first-ever ultramarathon but also his first-ever trail race: the 50-miler. Crossing the finish line in just over 13 hours, Gerry's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community. ✨ Tune in to hear: Gerry's journey from road running to trail running and why he made the switch How he tackled the challenges of his first ultra-distance race A pivotal moment with race medic Thor, who helped him push through with tough love and expert foot care The unforgettable highlight of finishing the race with his two kids by his side Gerry's story is a heartfelt reminder of why we run trails: for the camaraderie, the challenges, and those life-changing moments we'll never forget.

In this special episode of our series, Tales from the Wild Goose, we spotlight Julia Barbour from Audubon, NJ. Julia joined us at the 2024 Wild Goose Trail Festival and accomplished an extraordinary milestone: completing her first 100-mile race! Julia shares her emotional journey to the finish line, where she discovered the magic of inner strength, belonging, and acceptance. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of trail running and the community that supports it. ✨ Tune in to hear: How Julia prepared for this monumental challenge The pivotal moments during her race What crossing the finish line meant to her Reflections on the sense of community and connection at Wild Goose

In this episode, we sit down with Libby Jones, trail race director and owner of The Active Joe, a trail running company based in Texas. Libby is known for her inclusive approach to race directing, creating a welcoming environment for runners of all paces, backgrounds, and identities. From organizing iconic events like the Dinosaur Valley 100 to championing accessibility in trail running, Libby shares her insights on what it takes to build a community that values every participant. Tune in to learn about her journey, her mission to break down barriers in the sport, and her vision for a more inclusive future in trail running.

Join us for this inspirational chat with John and Ann Monroe from Saranac Lake, New York! John was crewed and paced by his wife Ann at the 2023 and 2024 Wild Goose 100. The two events could not have been more different! In 2023, John bowed out at mile 93 after a grueling battle with Tropical Storm Ophelia and the washed out Wawayanda trails. His mantra for the next year carried him to the finish line a year later: "4 MORE IN '24!" Listen in to hear John and Ann's inspirational story of how they got into trail running and how they crossed that Wild Goose finish line together. Oh and by the way, John is 70 years young and Ann paced him for 37 of the 100 miles!

What do you do with all of those feeligs that you're experiencing after a DNF? How do you help a friend who just dropped from a race? Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW is here to help us navigate a DNF! This is the recording from our clinic with Sarah on Thursday October 3, 2024. The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong provides guidance and tools to help understand the complicated waves of emotions that often come with a DNF. Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UESCA certified ultrarunning coach and mom based in the Colorado Front Range.