Welcome to The Trailhead, a new UltraSignup podcast featuring Corrine Malcolm and Buzz Burrell — presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Inside Tracker.

In the episode Corinne and Buzz chat about the expansion of ultra media coverage and its effects on the race scene, both big and small. Corrine chats with Brian Meltzer about his carbon fiber shoe article. And Buzz gives Christian some advice on his upcoming run at the Bear 100.

Have a question about trail or distance running? Send it to news@ultrasignup.com for a chance to chat with Buzz on an upcoming episode.

As the owner and operator of a Chamonix-based running tour company Doug Mayer was living a pretty charmed life. He had a tight group of running friends in a beautiful mountain town and his days were full of long miles on rugged trails. Closed to the idea that he’d ever find that special person to share his life with, he started the 2019 Tor des Géants fit and ready to race — prepared for whatever the notoriously difficult event might throw at him… then he met English Knowles.

Ultimate Direction athlete Anna Frost is a decorated ultrarunning champion who has entered what she considers the toughest part of her career — motherhood. With wins at iconic races like the Hardrock 100, Bear 100, and the Skyrunner World Series, Anna has a wealth of knowledge to share and in this exclusive Ultimate Direction interview she sits down to chat about life, maternity, and trail running gear.

⌚ You Won’t DNF This: Coros brings together two of the greatest mountain athletes of all time, Tommy Caldwell and Kilian Jornet for a wide ranging conversation about inspiration, running vs. climbing, injuries, and whether risk in the mountains is bravery or stupidity.

? Goggins-Effect: Steve Magness writes that a reliance on toughness alone could blind you to long-term goals.

?️ Cantankerous Tib?: Shin splints are a scourge in the running world. Mobility master Kelly Starrett has some advice to help get you back on the trails.
1️⃣ Use compression to evacuate swelling⁠
2️⃣ Load the shin using isometrics

?️ Capitalism Re-Imagined: Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard just stood extractive capitalism on its head in an unprecedented move. He gave Patagonia to a nonprofit organization specially designed to assure it uses the company’s $100 million in yearly profit to combat climate change. “We’re in business to save our home planet. Earth is now our only shareholder.” Wow.

? Tweet of the Week: @UltraRunnerPod poses the question: “Who has had the most impressive rise to fame? What’s the craziest where did this person come from story you’ve ever heard?” The replies are great.

? Video of the Week: Here’s your slap in the face reality check with Laura Green. Take a deep breath and release some of that stress around your next big race.