Presented By

Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm team up to bring you a lively mix of trail topics, stories, and real runner questions. Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner or “trail curious” and just getting started in the sport, start your run with UltraSignupand meet us at The Trailhead!

In Partnership With

Season 3, Episode 5: Community Racing, and the low down on run coaching with CTS’s Jason Koop

Race season is upon us, and Buzz and Corrine chat about how races are the cornerstone of the trail running community and they touch on some of the “closer to home” races they plan to be at this year. Let us know where you are racing this year at trailhead@ultrasignup.com or @ultrasignup on Instagram.

Corrine talks with CTS coach Jason Koop about how to find and get the most out of a trail running coach. Jason has been around the sport for a long time, as an athlete and a coach for every level of runner. Jason touches on two important factors that make runners “most coachable.” Find out more about coaching with CTS.

Buzz answers Sidhar’s questions about stretching. Bruce won his first 50k and is looking for entry advice into some bigger races.

This episode we’re partnering with LMNT. Grab a free LMNT Sample Pack, when you go to drinkLMNT.com/UltraSignup.

Listen to Episode

Season 3 Episode 4: Shoes, Strava Legend Larissa Rivers, and All Age Running

Buzz and Corrine chat about their favorite shoes and how you can find your perfect pair.

Corrine talks with Strava’s Larissa Rivers about community, segments and her local legend status.

And Buzz chats with listeners. Christopher asks about training through life changes: new job and becoming a parent. Matt started running in his 30s and is wondering if he is too late to the sport.

This episode is brought to you by Running Warehouse. Running Warehouse offers the best brands and widest selection of running gear. Their in-house experts make it easy to find the right shoes and apparel with thousands of reviews, product deep dives, how-tos, and more. Plus, with free shipping and fast delivery, ordering is simple.

Listen to Episode

Season 3 Episode 3: Mental Health and Ultras with Drew Petersen and KTRW Award Winners

Corrine and Buzz talk all about gear! What you need and what you can leave at home.

Corrine interviews professional skier and lifelong runner Drew Petersen. In the most human of ways, Drew shares how he rediscovered running in the wake of a serious accident and his journey with mental health. Together, Corrine and Drew explore the parallels between running ultras and getting through life’s hardest moments. Drew’s latest movie, Feel It All, comes out this spring.

Plus, Buzz talks to more of our #KeepTrailRunningWeird award winners including Amy McDowell (Best Race Fail), Chris Morrison (Best Pacer), Jeremy McCoubrey aka Chad Ultra (Favorite Trail Weirdo), Eric Durrett (Most Tenacious), and the one and only Andrew Glaze (Most Inspirational).

Listen to Episode

Season 3 Episode 2: Winter Training, Callie Vinson and KTRW Award Winners

Buzz and Corrine discuss how they use the dreadmill and maintain motivation during the winter months. For more information about Up For Air, check out the website: https://upforairseries.org/

Corrine talks with Callie Vinson about how she conquered her first FKT in November 2024. You can follow Callie on Instagram @callievinsonn.

Buzz talks with two Keep Trail Running Weird Award winners!  Best Dressed: Charlotte Corriher and Most Miles and Most Hours Raced: Eric McGee

Listen to Episode

Season 3 Episode 1: The Joy of Midwest Trail Running & Questions from Semi-Rad

We’re back! Welcome to Season 3 of The Trailhead. Buzz and Corrine come clean for 2024. There were lots of surprises at the end of 2023.

Corrine speaks with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing about the joys of Midwest trail running. Get all the info about Ornery Mule Racing at www.ornerymuleracing.com.

Buzz answers Semi-Rad’s, Brendan Leonard, most pressing questions. You can see all Brendan’s monthly drawings for UltraSignup on news.ultrasignup.com and the rest of his work on his website: semi-rad.com.

This episode is brought to you by the Devil’s Gulch Race in Washington State, happening on July 13-14th, 2024. Get all the info here: www.evergreentrailruns.com/devils-gulch/

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 19: Where Buzz’s Been, Sacred Stoke, and a Doomed Runner

Buzz has just returned home after a successful trip to the Master’s Trail World Championships. He and Corrine talk about what “World Championship” means in trail running right now and they discuss the athlete and spectator turnout in Madeira.

Corrine interviews Lakota runner Connor Ryan about his connection to the mountains, how he found running, and why inclusion is so important in ultrarunning. You can read the article “The need for Indigenous Inclusion in Ultrarunning” over at news.ultrasignup.com.

Real Runner Questions: Buzz the chats with David about how runners stay strong through the decides.  Orly asks how to get off the injured list.

You can get more information about Natives Outdoors at natives-outdoors.org

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 18: Walmsley & Dauwalter Rule UTMB, Semi-Rad and Baked Beans

In this episode, Buzz and Corrine marvel over Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, and Zach Miller’s performances at UTMB.

Then, Corrine talks with artist Brendan Leonard (often known as Semi-Rad) about his ultimate trail race. It includes Dropbag Jeff and all the French toast. You can see Brendan’s illustrations on UltraSignup.

Buzz chats with two callers. First, he speaks with Mark from Minnesota. They agree that baked beans are not ideal running fuel. Buzz makes the case for sugar.

Buzz and Laura from Portland talk about ultrarunning after cancer treatment.

Listen to Episode
Line drawing with a poster of Dirt Circus Bentonville on a blue-yellow gradient background

Season 2 Episode 17: UTMB, Soft Rocking, and Racing a 50k

Buzz and Corrine are in Chamonix. UTMB is all anyone is talking about. They discuss who to watch and try to make sense of the “stones” qualification system.

Corrine talks with UltraSignup’s Rob Goyen about Dirt Circus trail party happening this fall.

Buzz talks to Justin about “Soft Rocking” and Leave No Trace principles while trail running. And Maddie wants not just to finish a 50k, but to race it. She and Buzz come up with a training and pacing plan for Red Rock.

Listen to Episode
a photo of the book

Season 2 Episode 16: Zoë Rom, Tina Muir, and Buzz’s Skyrace

Buzz and Corrine chat about Buzz’s skyrace experience in Norway. Then Corrine interviews Zoë Rom and Tina Muir about their new book, Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet (Find it on Amazon).

“A healthy planet depends on your thriving and your community’s thriving. Your running depends on a healthy planet and a healthy community. A healthy community depends on healthy individuals and a healthy planet to exist,” said Zoë.

And Buzz answers questions from Scott on pickle juice and mustard and talks to race director Samuel Hartman about why ultrarunning is not in the Olympics.

Listen to Episode
Katie Schide is running uphill on a rocky ledge. She's wearing black running shorts, a gray shirt, and has her brown hair in a ponytail. There is a male runner behind her in a white shirt, green shorts, and a black and white hydration pack. He has brown hair and sunglasses on. Behind them is a snow covered alpine landscape.

Season 2 Episode 15: The Leans, Otter Pops, and Goldfish Memory

After Corrine placed 3rd at the Cascade Crest 100, Buzz and Corrine discuss whether running 100 miles is fun or just hard? And we learn how useful “goldfish memory” can be.

Corrine then interviews last year’s UTMB winner, Katie Schide, about her life in a remote French village and our profile of her, “We Have Nothing, but We Have Everything.”

And Buzz answers Joni’s question about “The Leans” and Luke’s on alternative training schedules.

Listen to Episode
Map of the Elks Traverse in Colorado

Season 2 Episode 14: Pacing Style, Elk Traverse, and Advice for Young Runners

After Courtney Dauwalter set a new record at Western States without a pacer, Buzz and Corrine discuss the pros and cons of having someone run with you.

Corrine interviews Michael Wirth about his full moon Elk Traverse FKT (54 miles, 23,500 feet of uphill). You can check out the gear he used for this adventure here. Then, Buzz chats with Kaitlyn about how to approach training as a young athlete (hint: run like the Norwegians). And he gives Snehal a confidence boost and urges him to trust the training.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas, your foot company. Use promo code TRAILHEAD20 for 20% off your entire purchase at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode
Managing Taper Madness

Season 2 Episode 13: Courtney’s Run for Office, Salt, and Rattlesnakes

“Courtney wasn’t running out of her mind,” said Corrine in this week’s episode, “but her running was making us lose our minds.”

This week, Buzz and Corrine talk Western States 2023, and contextualize Courtney Dauwalter rewriting the record books.

“You’re my hero,” Jeff Colt told her, “Run for office.”

Then, Corrine interviews USN writer Heather Balogh Rochfort about her article, “Managing taper madness,” on how to stay sane in the days leading up to your big race. “Have a backup plan for your backup plan for your backup plan,” she says.

And Buzz answers questions about salt pills and running in rattlesnake country.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode
Broken Arrow

Season 2 Episode 12: Broken Arrow recap, UTMB history, and Buzz’s Ember

Our podcast hosts, Buzz Burrell and Corrine Malcolm, discuss all the action that took place at the Broken Arrow Skyraces. (Buzz won his age group and the age group below in the VK race!)

Corrine speaks to Doug Mayer about his new book, “The Race that Changed Running: The Inside Story of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.” Is the iconic race around Mont Blanc a window or a door?

Then, Buzz answers a runner’s question about his own longevity, and how to avoid black toenails from running downhill.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas, your foot company. Use promo code TRAILHEAD20 for 20% off your entire purchase at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode
Broken Arrow

Season 2 Episode 11: Broken Arrow, Skyraces, Via Ferratas, and Race the Cog

In this episode, Corrine chats with Brendan Madigan and Scott Rokis about the Broken Arrow Skyrace and UltraSignup’s live coverage of the event starting June 16.

Then Buzz and Jamil Coury unpack Aravaipa Running’s recent partnership with White Mountain Endurance. The two of them also answer listener questions about putting on exceptional trail races, altitude training, and how to deliver what you promised.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.

 

Listen to Episode
100M DNF

Season 2 Episode 10: Drop Bags, DNFs, and Barefoot Shoes on Techy Terrain

On this week’s episode of The Trailhead, Corrine and Buzz ask a tricky question: Who’s the most important runner in the sport? 

Then, we hear from Heather Balogh Rochfort about handling the highs and lows of ultrarunning. See more of how to put your best foot forward in Heather’s article, “How to not DNF a 100-miler.”

Then, Buzz answers real runner questions about knowing when you are ready for an ultramarathon and whether your shoe choice is slowing you down over technical terrain.

Finally, we want to know why YOU are passionate about running trails. Email trailhead@ultrasignup.com with your why for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas, your foot company. Use promo code TRAILHEAD20 for 20% off your entire purchase at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode
Going the distance with your dog

Season 2 Episode 9: Livestreams, Running with Dogs, and Birthday Run Projects

Race season is here! And with live events, comes live streaming. Corrine and Buzz go over the latest news in livestreams from UTMB, Golden Trail Series, and UltraSignup’s very own foray.

Then, Jen Sotolongo is back, talking to Corrine about the best practices for running with your dog. You can read more tips from Jen on UltraSignup News.

Later, Buzz interviews two callers, and gives some insight into training for a birthday run project and how much focus to give certain data points.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode
women who fkt

Season 2 Episode 8: Women Who FKT, Mandatory Gear, & leaping from 100K to 100 Miles

On this episode of The Trailhead, Corrine and Buzz dive into safety and mandatory gear lists. They may seem overwhelming, especially depending on the country you’re racing in, but will you ever regret following them? Then, Corrine talks to Jen Sotolongo and Marta Fisher about the Women Who FKT project, which has inspired and encouraged more runners to set out on their own fastest known time adventures. You can read Jen’s piece and some real FKT-er’s stories on UltraSignup News. Then, Buzz speaks to Jacob about an upcoming journey run that John Muir would be proud of, and to Laura about making the leap from 100K to 100M. The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas, your foot company. Use promo code “BOGOSOCKS” to get two pairs of running socks for the price of one at us.Sidas.com. Listen to Episode
Hellah Sidibe Holding Sign

Season 2 Episode 7: Snowpack, Hellah Run Streaks, and Base Building

As we creep towards peak race season, Corrine and Buzz discuss how record snowfall this year could affect this summer’s events.

Then, Corrine interviews Hellah Sidibe, former professional soccer player turned professional runner. They talk about his journey to ultrarunning, his run across America, and how his run streak became bigger than himself. You can read the profile on Hellah at UltraSignup News.

Then, Buzz interviews two real runners, and gives insight into building up for a 50K and what it takes to mentally jump from marathons to ultras.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode
Berkley Marathons

Season 2 Episode 6: Trail Lore: Barkley, Learning Moments, and Racing Culture

Two weeks ago, we were all glued to Keith Dunn’s twitter page refreshing for updates on ultrarunning’s best-known secret. So this week, Corrine and Buzz dive into the Barkley Marathons (also see our beautiful photo piece on the race).

Corrine interviews Eric Sutliff about trail running in the South and the things he’s learned since his first ultra. You can read his piece for Like The Wind magazine about his first 50K on UltraSignup News.

Then, Buzz speaks to a real runner about what to do when another trail runner might need help.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Sidas. Use promo code “BOGOSOCKS” to get 2 pairs of socks for the price of one at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 5: Becoming a Pro, Taming Dragons, & New England Gnar

This week, Corrine and Buzz talk about what it takes to become a sponsored athlete—is it really just follower count?

Corrine interviews Jenn Hughes, former editor-in-chief of UltraSignup News, about her experience facing dragons and searching for joy during the blizzard year of Tor des Géants. You can read Jenn’s article “How to Tame a Dragon” at UltraSignup News.

Then, Buzz interviews Ultimate Direction ultrarunner Jeff Colt, about the difference between New England trails and Colorado trails, seeking balance, and how the pandemic actually helped him get to where he is today.

The Trailhead Podcast is a production from UltraSignup News. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off at Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 4: How to Cope: Injury, Runner’s Low and Racing at Altitude

This week, Buzz and Corrine get real about how they tackle injury and the healing process.

Then, Corrine interviews Emily Halnon about the emotional crash she experienced after running her dream race, the Hardrock 100. Emily first wrote about this in “The Runner’s Low” for UltraSignup News.

Later, Buzz gives Steven from Georgia some tips on training for race day elevation when you don’t live at altitude.

The Trailhead is an UltraSignup production. This episode is presented by Sidas. Use promo code “Trailhead20” for 20% off your purchase at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 3: Pro Runners Unite, Andrew Drummond, and KTRW Award Winners.

This week, Buzz and Corrine talk about the Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA), a non-profit based in Switzerland that Corrine help found.

Corrine interviews Andrew Drummond, from Run the Whites, about our UltraSignup News article “Rock hopping with Run the Whites,” and his ultra-journey from helping Scott Jurek set an FKT to putting the White Mountains back on the map.

Buzz then talks to two of our Keep Trail Running Weird award winners: Mike Melton who won the Most Tenacious and Jen Golbeck who has inspired thousands to start running (at any pace) and won our Most Inspirational. She even inspires Buzz along the way! You can find Jen on Instagram at Jen Runs With Dogs.

The Trailhead is a production from UltraSignUp. This episode is presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode

Season 2 Episode 2: Arlen Glick and our Keep Trail Running Weird Award Winners

This week is a fun one! Buzz and Corrine discuss the best trail runners of 2023. =You can read Buzz’s Top 10 Cliff’s Notes here.

Corrine interviews ultrarunning champion Arlen Glick about his fantastic race season and training in less than idea situations. (You can read our article on him here)

Then, Buzz interviews three of our Keep Trail Running Weird award winners:

Mike Smith—MOST MILES RACED.

Shannon Brandl—BEST RACE DAY FAIL

Joel Gartenberg—FAVORITE TRAIL WEIRDO

Follow and subscribe—help us build our listenership!

Presented by Sidas. Use promo code “Trailhead20” for 20% off at Sidas.com.

Listen to Episode

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1: Year in Review, Predictions Ahead, and Allie Mac!

Buzz and Corrine talk “best of” 2022 and make some predictions for the year ahead. Corrine interviews Allie “Mac” McLaughlin about her spectacular race season and our article, “Sprinting down and flying above the world’s biggest mountains.” And Buzz drops the hard truth on our caller, Nick, who wants to PR in the marathon after running his first 100-miler.

Presented by Ultimate Direction. Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode

Episode 6: Doping up, staying resilient, and starting again.

Illegal drugs are cropping up in the running world again; Buzz and Corrine talk testing and their own performance enhancing strategies.

Then Corrine interviews Anita Cardinal, a Cree activist and lawyer, about running, resilience, and representation. Finally, Buzz and caller Jane brainstorm how to get back to ultra-distances after having a baby – with a focus on letting go of outcome and simply enjoying the journey.

We’ll be back! Season 2 starts in January, so stay tuned for our next release.

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Sidas.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction and “Trailhead20” for 20% off Sidas.

Listen to Episode

Episode 5: World Record DNFs, being a Long Run dad, and when to “just smile”

Corrine and Buzz chat about the recent Backyard World Championships and how it’s possible to set a world record and DNF at the same time?! Corrine talks to elite marathoner Peter Bromka about balancing parenting and the long run, diving into his popular article “The Endurance Dad Dilemma.” Then Buzz talks with runner Brianne about how to stay positive during long races, sharing favorite run-tested mantras that work.

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Sidas.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction and “Trailhead20” for 20% off Sidas.

Listen to Episode

Episode 4: What’s the name of the game?

Corrine and Buzz talk about “crushing” and “dominating” on the trails with writer and pro-athlete Meg Mackenzie who penned the thought provoking article “Annihilate That Course and Obliterate Your Competition.” Does using violent language influence our sport experience? The UltraSignup community had heated reactions to the online article; listen in and add your opinion. Then Buzz helps Matt from Issaquah, WA decide how long to rest after a big ultra-effort. Plus, Buzz’s favorite go-to recovery activity.

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

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Squirrel’s Nut Butter.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction or Squirrel’s Nut Butter.

Listen to Episode

Episode 3: Advice from another planet, the lure of 4.167, and running’s most common injury.

Corrine and Buzz break down Kilian Jornet’s exhaustive new blog recapping his 2022 training with micro-details, including his workouts, nutrition, sleep, stress and more. Are there usable tips for a “normie” runner or is Kilian simply from another planet? Next, Corrine talks to writer and runner Jared Beasley about the quiet, but seductive appeal of the backyard race phenomenon. His piece, “Everyone’s Got A Shot at a Backyard, Right?” looks at the enigmatic format and how an average runner can get (happily?) sucked in. And Buzz talks to Isabella from L.A. about shin splints and offers a range of tips and tricks to help.

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

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from Tailwind Nutrition.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction.

Use promo code “TRAILHEAD10” for 10% off Tailwind all things nutrition!

Listen to Episode

Episode 2: The Growth of Trail Running, Carbon Fiber Shoes and Real Runner Questions about The Bear

In this episode, Corrine and Buzz chat about the expansion of trail running media coverage and how runners can “vote with their feet” to keep the smaller races alive. Then, Corrine talks to shoe guru Brian Metzler about carbon fiber running shoes and why they might not be the holy grail for trail runners. You can read Brian’s article “Don’t get FOMO about the twinkle of carbon finer on the trails” here. And Buzz answers Christian’s “Real Runner Questions” about The Bear.

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

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from InsideTracker.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction.
Use the promo code “ultrasignup” for 20% off of InsideTracker.

Listen to Episode

Episode 1: UTMB Recap, Reimagining the FKT, and a Fast Hike with Jelly Beans

Corrine and Buzz offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into UTMB, revealing a few race hiccups and what it’s like to livestream an event of this magnitude. Then Corrine sits down with Oregon PCT FKT holder Emily Halnon to learn about her unique experience setting the record in partnership with the former fastest time owner. A inspiring conversation that goes deeper on Emily’s story: My friend helped me beat her FKT record. We both won. Finally, Buzz speaks with Caroline from Wisconsin about how to dial in race nutrition as her distances increase. Turns out, chocolate and jelly beans are a strategic choice.

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

Presented by Ultimate Direction and with support this week from On Running.

Use promo code “Trailhead25” for 25% off Ultimate Direction.

Listen to Episode