The Terra Girls Podcast

Brittany and Tiff kickoff season 5 by looking back on their summers, as well as all the exciting updates that happened Terra over the past few months. They also offer some Terra Girls commentary on the Olympics, discuss cereal, and come up with the warm-up questions for the rest of the season in real-time. Listen in for a good time!

Would you rather be hot forever or cold forever? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction and why? If you had to delete one food from existing in the universe what would you delete? Brittany and Tiff go over their own answers to their warm up questions, look back over some of Season 4's most memorable answers, and recount some behind the scenes happening. Plus Tiff grapples with the fact that she has no memory of running a race that her Athlinks profile says she did. Don't miss this hilarious wrap-up to Season 4 of the Terra Girls Podcast!

On April 27, 2024, Lea Mulligan set the Women's Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Smokies Challenge Adventure Run - S.C.A.R. - a 72-mile segment on the Appalachian Trail that runs from Tennessee to North Carolina through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though S.C.A.R. is a brutal route with 18,660 feet of elevation gain, Lea beat the previous record by 2 hours, finishing in 15 hours, 22 minutes, and 32 seconds. But despite the impressive outcome, the lead-up to the race was anything but pretty. A challenging training block, a foot injury, wedding planning, and a horrible night of "sleep" before her FKT attempt, Lea was reminded that sometimes choosing to follow through is harder than the actual task itself.  Listen to this episode to learn more about Lea, her experience on S.C.A.R., her tips for nutrition and downhill training, and more all on this episode of the Terra Girls Podcast. Read more about Lea's experience at LaSportivaUSA.com  Follow Lea on Instagram

Though still in her early 20s, Jordan Chance has been working in the running industry for over 7 years. A runner through and through, Jordan works for Altra Running, owns a Chronotrack race timing company, and, along with her husband, is one of the founders of the Cedar City Run Club in Lebanon, Tennessee. In this episode, find out how Jordan got into running, if Tech Reps across brands are friends, and what her best life advice is (even if she can't tell you a joke). 

A native of western North Carolina, Chad Wykle, didn't originally plan to work in the outdoor industry, but a love of rock climbing brought him to the Chattanooga area and into a career working for the outdoor retailer Rock Creek. After many years at Rock Creek, Chad and his family decided that it was time to move back to the mountains of western North Carolina at the same time a new opportunity with the brand La Sportiva opened up. Listen in to this episode to learn how Chad went from rock climber to runner, how he we was able to overcome a severely broken calcaneus to be able to run at all, and to learn more about La Sportiva and their shoes.

Jen Vega never planned on being a business owner. Originally a teacher, she and her husband Martin got started on their business ventures by selling Martin's truck for some start up funds. One thing led to another, and eventually Jen and Martin found themselves buying the local running store in their town of Midland, Texas. 7 years later, Midland Athletic Company has grown to include a running store, a bike shop, a holistic health center, and a race timing and event business. Listen in to this episode to learn more about Jen, how she balances her time between being a business owner and a mom of 3 boys, and what it's like to build an active community in the heat of Texas.  Listeners can check out Midland Athletic Company online at: https://midlandathleticcompany.com/

Growing up in the Florida heat, Blake Riley used to hate running. But growing up in a turkey trot family and having a natural love of being active eventually turned Blake into a runner. Fast forward a few years, and Blake found himself from one extreme to the other: immersed in the running world, working in a run specialty shop, and running in college, to burnt out on the sport and injured. But one thing led to the next, and those old running connections brought him back to the running world to work for his favorite brand: On. Listen in to hear more about Blake, as well as On, in this episode of the Terra Girls. 

Though he hasn't always been a runner, George Destin Bell has always been entrepreneurial. From his early days as a kid selling candy bars to classmates, to more official ventures as a university student, being business-minded has always come easy. But no amount of business acumen could shield Destin from the circumstances of graduating college in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Opportunities were lost, job offers rescinded, and life seemingly put on hold. Listen to this episode to learn how Destin went from being jobless and broke to creating a successful new running app - Card.io - with no upfront funding, no official industry connections, and no app development experience.   

Caroline Daniel still remembers the magic of her first pair of Brooks Ghosts. A middle schooler at the time, she had no idea that she would one day work for Brooks as a Guru Field Representative, helping other people fall in love with running one pair of Brooks shoes at a time. But roads rarely run in a straight line, and for Caroline, the path from middle schooler to professional in the running industry wasn't always smooth. Listen in to this episode to learn more about how Caroline went from soccer player, to college runner, to law school student, to embracing the joy of working in the run specialty industry for one of the most respected brands out there. 

If you are a Hoka fan in Tennessee, there is a good chance that you have met this episode's guest, Melanie Harsha. Melanie is the Hoka Field Representative for the state of Tennessee (and Mississippi and a smidge of Virginia!) which means there is a good chance that you have met her at a Hoka demo run, a Hoka-sponsored race, or just out and about at general running events. What you might not know about Melanie is that, besides being a runner, she is an incredibly accomplished hiker, having completed the "Triple Crown of Hiking," that is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Listen to this episode to learn more about Melanie's experiences on the trail, her job with Hoka, and what it is like to leave your life for a season to accomplish your dreams. 

The Terra Girls are back and interviewing with their new friend Heather Trainor! Though Heather is unassuming, she is an incredibly accomplished runner, having completed well over 130 marathons and counting. Heather has not only run a marathon in every US state, she has also run a marathon on all 7 continents (yes, Antartica included)! Her new goal? Run 150 marathons by her 50th birthday. Listen in to learn a bit more about Heather, her job as the official "Maker of Friends and Purveyor of Fun" at Big Peach Running Company in Marietta, Georgia, and laugh along with Brittany and Tiffany as they kick off Season 4!

With their signature hilarity and chaotic energy, Brittany and Tiff put a bow on Season 3 by asking each other the Warm-Up Questions, reflecting on their favorite moments from the season, and looking ahead with their answers to the Final Lap Question. 

A runner long before his two years working at Terra Running Company, Brennan reflects on how the sport he loves fits in with the big life changes he has recently experienced. From starting a career to getting married, life looks different than it did a few months ago. In this long-anticipated episode, Brennan joins Brittany and Tiff in the podcast studio to share with listeners how he is balancing the new season he finds himself in. 

In running, as in life, injuries and setbacks are inevitable. Our best preparation can't anticipate a torn muscle, a twisted ankle... or a worldwide pandemic. So what do we do when our running goals get derailed? In this episode, Brittany and Tiffany talk about their running setbacks and mindsets that have helped them come back after longer periods away from the activity that they love. 

Like many of us, Cameron Fisher got his start running as an adult. But what began as a simple way to connect with friends turned into a personal quest to run a half marathon in all 50 states -- which he just finished this year. If that weren't enough, Cameron's love of running has had the chance to impact hundreds of thousands of people through his service as the Chairman of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway Board of Directors. From all over the country to right here at home, Cameron's story is a testament to the power running has to enrich lives.

Activity requires energy. And though we all know this in principle, when it comes to our workouts -- especially our longer workouts -- we often forget this fact. Not to mention, it can all be so confusing! What should you eat and when? How much should you eat? And what about hydration? Join the Terra Girls as they share their nutrition mishaps and mistakes while they dive into the wonderful, confusing world of running nutrition.

Though she's never been a stranger to running, Bradley County native Charlcie Norris hasn't always loved it the way she does now. In fact, she might tell you that she used to loathe it. But what used to be viewed simply as a dreaded workout for basketball, turned into an outlet for adventure, activity, and quality time with her dog Mickey -- especially once she discovered trail running. Learn how Charlcie managed to fit in training for (her first!) two ultra races this past year, how strength training factors into her workouts, and what it is like to work grueling hours at a hospital while attempting to keep exercise and health a priority.

As runners, sometimes it can seem that we love our tech more than we love the act of running. Whether feeling like runs don't count if they aren't uploaded for followers to see or being beholden to our smartwatches' diagnoses, when it comes to our mental state, at times, our technology can do more harm than good. Are social media and technology ruining our ability to enjoy running for running? Are our smartwatches keeping us from actually being in tune with our bodies? Join the Terra Girls as they discuss their own experiences with the shadow side of running tech.

In this episode, Brittany and Tiff interview their friend, former Terra Running Co. colleague, and NCAA track and cross country runner Olivia McLain! Finding her way to competitive running after seeing other family members excel in the sport, Olivia ran for Lee University's track and field team during all four years of her undergraduate experience. Now a grad student, Olivia continues to compete but in a new state and at a new school: West Texas A&M. Listen in to learn more about what it is like to be an NCAA runner, how running in Texas compares to running in Tennessee, and what some of her favorite moments have been as a student-athlete.  Listeners can follow along with Olivia and West Texas A&M's season here!

Join Brittany and Tiff as they discuss the sport of running! Whether it's track and field, marathons, or ultramarathons, for some, running isn't just a hobby, it's a profession. But for those of us who didn't grow up racing laps around the track in school, the vastness that is the world running can feel overwhelming. That's where the Terra Girls come in! Whether you're new to the sport and afraid to tell anyone you aren't sure what distance 400 meters is, or you're a lifelong running fan - you're sure to be entertained by this episode. 

Mike Murphy didn't always use to be a runner but you wouldn't know that today. A Terra Ambassador, a Nuun Ambassador, a Brooks Running fanatic, a marathoner, and a Terra Trot regular, Mike is more of a running nerd than we are! But it didn't always use to be this way. Back in 2019, Mike knew he needed to change some things if he was going to be around for his family in the way that he wanted to be. That's where running (and walking!) came in. 100+ pounds down and countless races later, Mike is the running success story that everyone hopes for.    Mike featured on Runners World Online: How Running Changed Me

In the entertaining first episode of Season 3, Brittany and Tiff introduce what listeners can expect for Season 3 of the Terra Girls Podcast and recap what's been happening in the world of Terra over the summer. Brittany Featured in Women's Running - How Running Shoes and Coffee Help a Women-Owned Business Build a Sense of Community Terra Running Company Awarded A Best Running Store for 2023 - TRC Nationally Recognized for Third Time; Second Year in a Row

In this episode of the Terra Girls Podcast, Brittany and Tiff have the privilege of chatting with the one and only Martinus Evans! Martinus is the founder and CEO of the Slow AF Run Club, an online community for runners and walker with thousands of members. Martinus is a certified running coach who holds a variety of degrees in exercise science and health; he is an award winning speaker and has been featured in the New York Times, New York Post, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report and Insider, among others. He has also been featured on the cover of Runner's World. He is the podcast host of 300 Pounds and Running, the co-host of The Long Run with Martinus and Latoya Podcast, and is the author of the brand new book Slow AF Run Club – the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run. Listen in to hear how Martinus got into running, why he started the Slow AF Run Club and wrote the book, and what both runners and races can do to open up the sport they love to everyone (and maybe even discover more joy in the process).  Listeners can pick up a copy of Martinus' brand new book, Slow AF Run Club – the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run, at Terra Running Company starting June 6th!

Brittany and Tiffany are flying solo as they officially wrap up season 2 by answering their own "Warm Up Questions" and reflecting on some of their favorite podcast moments over that past few months. 

Asher Johnson started working at Bear Brew Coffee (now known as Cleveland Coffee & Market) as a teenager. Over the years, Asher made his way over to the Terra Running Company side of the business, and in the process became, not just a shoe fitter and a race timer, but an accomplished runner having just recently completed a marathon and a 50k. Listen in to hear more of Asher's running journey and his experience working at Terra Running Company, all on this week's episode!

Hannah White is a local teacher and a familiar face in the Terra and Cleveland community. Though Hannah has been running since her parents had her join the cross-country team in middle school, her relationship with the sport hasn't always been affectionate. Listen in to hear about Hannah's running journey, her stubborn streak, a marathon training debacle, and her advice for running while traveling. 

Cindy Akins is a legend in the ultra running community here in southeast Tennessee. A Cleveland native, Cindy first fell in love with the trails through her experiences mountain biking. One thing led to the next and soon enough Cindy caught, not just the running bug, but the ULTRA running bug. Listen in to this week's episode to hear some of Cindy's adventures, her running wisdom, and what makes the ultra running community so special. 

Though Keisha Parks disavows the idea of running, as the Youth Services Coordinator and supervisor of the Hoyle Sound Lab at the Cleveland Public Library, Keisha has been the honorary "producer" for the Terra Girls Podcast since the very first episode. As a lover of nature, gardening, tea, walking, music, travel, and reading -- among many other things! -- Keisha is one of the coolest people we know. Listen in to this weeks episode of the Terra Girls Podcast and meet our friend Keisha! 

As the founder and CEO of Project Free 2 Fly -- a non-profit that supports, nurtures and empowers women  -- Hailey Johnston is a busy woman. On this week's episode, we chat with Hailey about how she and her family fit wellness into their schedules, what being active together can look like, and... dance parties?    Don't forget to check out Project Free 2 Fly where they are "bridging the gap between past circumstances and a successful future," and "equipping women for sustainability through sewing, mentorship, & life enrichment."   

Determined to take control of her health, Becca Wolfe quit smoking and started yoga. Then, when her dog Trinity needed an outlet for anxiety, Becca decided that they should both try running. Listen in to hear how Becca got to Cleveland from Kansas, how she took control of her health, and how she went from eking out her first Terra Trot 2 mile loop just last year, to doing 10 mile plus long runs on the weekends. 

April Salyer is dedicated. Realizing that the delicious meals and treats her mother-in-law was making for the family every night during the pandemic, needed to be offset with activity, April decided to run. 1,000+ days later April is still running. Listen in to be inspired by April's dedication, not only to running, but to her family and the kids she teaches every day.

Ryan Hall is not only a runner, he is the Director of Operations at Due South Coffee Roasters in Greenville, South Carolina. Ryan and Due South have been the sole provider of coffee for Cleveland Coffee & Market -- Terra's sister business --  since Brittany first added the coffee shop as Bear Brew back in 2018. Since that time Ryan has taken up running, fallen out of love with running, and fallen back in love with it all over again. Listen in to this week's episode to learn a little bit more about Ryan (and coffee!) on the Terra Girls Podcast. 

Dr. Bill Estes has been a key part of helping to create a runner-friendly community in Cleveland for many years. As a city councilman, Dr. Estes has worked to help make the Cleveland Greenway system a reality. As the Dean of Education at Lee University he has served as the race director for Cleveland's longest standing road race, the 65 Roses 5k, since it's beginning 20 years ago; a race that has raised over 1 million dollars in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As a runner he has participated in a variety of races across the country for years. Listen in to hear Dr. Estes' running journey, his favorite running shoe, where the Cleveland Greenway is headed next, and if he calls carbonated beverages soda, pop, or... something else.  

In the first episode of season 2, Brittany and Tiffany sit down with their friend Carter Music, who, by his own admission, "hates running." Find out why Carter still runs and how, even as new parents, he and his wife are able to make time to fit exercise into their busy schedules.

Brooks Running's tagline is "Run Happy," and few people embody that slogan more than Terra Running Company's Brooks Sales Representative, Drew Jones. Drew is ever ready to make new friends and be excited about whatever is going on in your life... especially if it is running (or shoe) related. Besides representing Brooks, Drew is the creator and host of Running the 615, a podcast highlighting runners from around the Nashville area. Listen in to learn more about Drew in the final episode of season 1. 

Jeff Salyer is no stranger to the Cleveland running community. Both a runner and racer, Jeff has finished a variety iconic races from Vol State, to the JFK 50 miler, to most recently the Chicago Marathon. But perhaps more impressive than all of his races are the consistent weekly miles that Jeff logs early in the morning with friends week after week.

Like the rest of the world, in 2020 Team Terra found themselves with more questions than answers. In this environment, Sue Joyner, who worked at Terra Running at the time, helped Brittany create the original Terra Girls show as a way to connect with a disconnected community. True to that original Terra Girls, Sue is still bringing joy and lots of laughter to Terra Girls fans everywhere. Listen in to learn more about Sue, her journey with running, the philosophy of exercise she shares with Carrie Underwood, and some hilarious classic Terra stories.    Terra Girls, circa 2020, featured in Good Morning America

As a busy CEO, Clark Campbell started his running journey primarily as a way to lose weight and get healthier; he never imagined that in just a couple years he would be a founding member and host for Terra Running's group run, creating community and inspiring others to build their own healthy habits.

Born and raised in Cleveland, TN, Dina Dell has been a lover of fitness from a young age. A self proclaimed "party runner," Dina loves to make connections and build relationships over activity, which she has the opportunity to do regularly as a trainer at the YMCA. Beyond fitness, Dina uses her love of movement to inspire and challenge people of all ages and abilities -- like her Rock Steady Boxing class for those with Parkinson's --  to go beyond what they thought their limits were and amaze themselves. 

Born and raised in Cleveland, Olivia Blazer has been a friend of Brittany and Terra Running Company since the store opened in town. Starting her running journey as an adult (after being challenged by her younger brother), Olivia had no idea that running would soon help her through a devastating cancer diagnosis. Listen in to Olivia's story for inspiration and hope! 

Though he has only been running for 4 and a half years, Dusty Elliott has accomplished at lot as a runner! From 5ks to ultramarathons, Dusty's most recent accomplishment was finishing Vol State, a grueling ultramarathon that traverses the entire state of Tennessee. Listen in to find out, not only how and why Dusty got into running, but what it is like to run across the state relying only on the kindness of strangers (and Divinely placed Dollar Generals).

Brittany and Tiff host their first guest on the Terra Girls Podcast, friend and co-worker, Abigail Bly! Though a relatively new runner, Abby has a lot of wisdom to share regarding her experience with running and the need for a view towards overall health. She also has a real superpower and a love of crafting. Oh and did we mention she keeps Cleveland Coffee & Market up and running each week?

The tables have turned for episode 2 as Brittany interviews Tiff about how she found her way to Terra, as well as running, long COVID, and being up for adventure. 

For the very first episode of the Terra Girls Podcast, Tiff interviews the other half of the Terra Girls duo, owner of Terra Running Company, Brittany Katz.