Well, we've reached the finish line. Episode 190 is the final episode of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running Podcast. In this final episode, we feature the Herd. You get to hear from many of the amazing people that make up this great community. Jefé gives his sincere thanks to all the people that made this podcast so special. From the Big Ass Runner c…

We celebrate our second to last episode by bringing you a very special edition of the show. All four of the original Big Ass Runner Crew share their memories, experiences, and stories from the last four years. Join us as we sit around Jefé's Big Ass Couch and share some laughs and tears on our way to the conclusion of the Big Ass Runner. New YouTub…

We start Episode 188 with a Big Ass Announcement you don't want to miss. And then gather with some of our awesome podcasting friends. What's the Big Ass Announcement and who are our podcasting friends? Find out on Episode 188 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running Podcast! New YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More content on IG @big_ass_runn…

Get the behind-the-scenes recap of the 2024 HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race from the infamous Chapas Aid Station. You'll hear from some of the folks serving at the aid station, as well as a summary of the race itself. And possibly hear exclusive audio from one of the winners. You'll love getting the inside scoop on this awesome trail ultra marath…

We are all about the every day runner, and this week we get to talk to author, coach, race director Sid Garza-Hillman about his new book, Ultra Running for Normal People: Life Lessons Learned On and Off the Trail. We dive into a few of the nine lessons covered in the book. As every day runners, you'll love Sid's perspective on the trails, which lik…

When we come across great films we know the Big Ass Runner Herd would enjoy, we must pass them along. Both films are must-see. The first, a fantastic ultra marathon documentary surrounding one of the top races in our sport. The second, a feature film that is trail running adjacent, but is chalked full of valuable life lessons. Jeff talks about them…

We're back and it's a new year! We start by talking about what was on everyone's trail running Christmas list. And find out it Santa was good to the Big Ass Runner Herd or not? With a New Year comes resolutions, or as we prefer, goals. What are some of the top goals people have, and what are some steps you can take to make sure goals are just here …

Have you considered racing in a Last Man Standing? Curious how they differ from other trail races? We invite Hayden Harrell into the Big Ass Runner studio to get the inside scoop into his first Last Man Standing. You'll learn hear all about his experience - what his pre-race goals and concerns were, what his race strategy, how the race went, and wh…

El Jefé shares the story of his daughter's wedding - did it go over well or was it totally wheels off? And shares five ways weddings are like trail races. See if you agree and hear some secret audio of the big day. And in segment two, we take you back to the very beginning. The very, very beginning. You'll laugh, you might even cry. No, you'll prob…

We asked the Big Ass Runner Herd what their idea morning routine is, and they didn't disappoint. Get inspired by the Herd and getting your day started off right as you try to become the best trail runner you can be. We'll also hear from one of Jeff's favorite marketers who has an awesome take on morning routines. And race season is here and we need…

Do you bio-hack? What does that even mean? Where does sauna fit, what are the benefits, and what does the science say? We dig into this topic, and find out if Jefé made the plunge into sauna. And we talk a lot about different seasons of life. Well Big Ass Runner Herd member Rick Bonam is in a season where he is running toward the trails. You'll lov…

If you're looking to add to your racing calendar in 2024, Jeff shares four great races to consider. Will you join the Big Ass Runner crew at any of them? Which is your favorite? And while Jeff missed the Lake Murray endurance race, he had an awesome correspondent on site. We share some exclusive audio and a race recap of what was another great race…

Jeff opens up about a profound loss within his extended family, delving into the lessons he's gaining from this challenging experience. Life is a journey of peaks and valleys, marked by inevitable losses that touch us all. Navigating these difficult moments and extracting valuable lessons from them is a crucial aspect of personal growth. In sharing…

The Wise Runner, Johnny Wise, gives us his account of his first trail race. This road runner ventures on the trail and shares his perspective on how it went, and what the differences are. And in segment two, we venture to Tempe, Arizona for a Half Ironman. We give you live audio of the event, with some exciting play-by-play, and talk about the diff…

Looking for cool trail running gear ideas - you're in luck! Steven's New Ass Stuff is back with six amazing "stuff" ideas. From $6 to $100 and everything in between. You don't want to miss it. And we bring you a very scary story - a true scary story - you won't believe! See if the hair on your neck stands up as Jeff and Steven face a near death exp…

Steven Pritt joins us for a shocking development and some breaking news. You may be very surprised by this decision. It might get your heart rate going and make you want to try out some new technology. And we continue bringing back some scary stories leading up to Halloween. This tale is about some of Jeff's relatives who got completely out of cont…

The Love Never Ends trail race was last weekend, and Jeff recaps the event with some awesome audio interviews taken from the course. You'll love this sneak peek into the race and feel the power of the trail running community coming together for an amazing cause. And in segment two, we go into the "way back" machine and bring you a Scary Story just …

Steven Pritt joins us to talk about a big, hairy, audacious topic which overwhelms all of us this time of year. Which side of this controversy do you sit on? Find out in segment one. And in segment two, we find out what are the top responses trail and ultra runners get when we tell our non-running friends we are doing an ultra. Does it match up wit…

Big News: Steven Pritt returns to the show to talk about a framework that helps you set a good racing mindset. It's a framework he learned from the great Lucy Bartholomew @Lucy_bartholomew and follows three C's - confident, curious, and calm. We discuss. And when your training motivation drops, which can happen, what do you do? We turned to the Big…

DNF tends to be a four-letter word for trail and ultra runners. But why? And should it be? We dive deep into this topic. Jeff shares his thoughts, and the Big Ass Runner Herd chimes in as well. What are your thoughts on this topic? And we've figured out supply chain issues and the Timmy Time Love Songs CD set is back! You'll love hearing the previe…

One of our favorites segments, Inside the Herd, is back! Get to know Brandon Hurst as he talks about how he found the trails, and what amazing organization he supports to help others around the world. And after over a year away from races, Jeff shares his experience at the Six-O Trail Race and shares five things he learned that you'll find valuable…

What is the Barkley Fall Classic, and how does it differ from the Barkley Marathons? We get the scoop from John Calabrese, who has done the Fall Classic four times and is about to attempt his 5th. What is the race like, and how does John train? And you asked, and the Clydesdale answers. You'll find out the current favorite trail gear, which musical…

One of our most popular segments, Why I Run, is back! Hear Kathryn Hillier talk about her powerful why, and how the trail running community plays such a big role. And in segment two, Herd members and life partners Matt Eby and Erin Barrett talk about how training together has made them better runners, even though both are fairly new to the trial. Y…

Just.One.Mile. We talked about the documentary of the Mid-State mile a few episodes ago, and Asst. Race Director Jon Cox joins us to share how the race got started and what successes and failures he's observed the last four years. You'll be inspired to hear the Why behind the race and how it differs from most ultra marathons. And Marcie Bazor is ba…

We talk a lot about building our aerobic base, and why that is so important, but don't talk as much about hill training. Well in segment one, the coaches dive into that topic and you may be surprised to learn all the benefits of hill training and how to implement it into your programming. And in segment two, the long awaited return of Timmy Time is…

Jeff Goodrich's was unhappy and wasn't sure what to do about it. Then a puppy dog named "Duder" entered his life. Hear how this dog changed the trajectory of Jeff's life and what lessons he has learned along the way. You'll be encouraged and inspired. And it segment two, Jefé shares three interesting things that happened to him on his business trip…

Looking for a race to sign up for? In this week's Coaching Corral we talk about our favorite races to run, crew, and serve. You'll get some new ideas to help you fill out your racing calendar. And in segment two, Jeff shares an awesome trail running documentary you don't want to miss. And, there is a Big Ass Runner tie in! Interested in having a tr…

In this emotionally gripping episode of the Big Ass Runner trail running podcast, we hear the incredibly powerful story of Karen Sparks, whose life was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. With incredible courage, Karen opens up about her painful journey through grief, resilience, and ultimately finding hope after journeying the darkest of times. …

Jake Rastas is a D1 linebacker turned ultra runner. How did he make the transition, and why did he decide trail running was the path for him? What did he learn about the trail running community? And how did the 100 miler go? Find out in segment one. In segment two, Jeff shares what he's been learning from Nutriworks, Inc. about hydration and nutrit…

Do not miss Rusty Smith's heartbreaking, yet inspiring story of his grandson Max. Find out what "#Max's5" is and why it is so powerful. You'll gain a new perspective on how to be thankful in any and all circumstances. And inspired by Rusty's segment, I asked the Big Ass Runner Herd to share your best habits and routines that help you in your person…

Kelsey Lensman has some Big Ass Goals! How did she develop confidence to take them on, and how does she avoid "imposter syndrome" in a time where we can often get caught up in comparison and self-doubt? Find out in segment one. And in segment two, we dissect an interview with iRunFar and Courtney Dauwalter. What is Courtney feeling when she toes th…

Jeff takes you behind the scenes of the 2023 Western States Endurance Race. Strap in for a wild ride as Jeff shares gripping tales of his unforgettable trip, delves into the rich history of this legendary race, introduces you to the extraordinary field of athletes, and treats you to exclusive audio captured right from the finish line. It's a Big As…

Safety on the trail is so important, and in segment one we talk with Jodi Fisher. Jodi created Go Guarded, an amazing company creating products to help runners stay safer on the trails. Find out why she feels so passionately about this topic, and what big risk she took to make it happen. And "Coaching Corral" is back as Coach Melody and Coach Greg …

We share the 5 training principles of the Lydiard Training Method in segment one with Kim Endo-Campbell. Kim returns to the show to update us on how her recents races have gone, and what she and Jefé learned in their Lydiard certification course to help the Big Ass Runner Herd improve their training. It's summer, and we're big Yacht Rock fans. But …

What are the biggest mistakes runners make in ultra marathon races? We find out from race director Chris Barnwell of Blaze Trails. He share his top five plus perhaps a few bonuses as well. What's number one? Find out in segment number one. In segment two, Marcie Bazor is back to answer questions from the Big Ass Runner Herd. Find out when her first…

We move the Coaching Corral back into the Monday morning podcast, and celebrate with a segment about everyone's favorite topic - gear. Find out what gear Coach Melody, Coach Greg, and Coach Jefé prefer for both training, and for your ultra distances. In segment two, the Bazors are back! We catch up with Marcie and Timmy Time and even have a rap bat…

Michael McKnight was having a rough first day at the 2023 Cocodona 250. In fact, he was in 62nd place and looking to pull out of the race. But something changed around the Whiskey Row aid station. Hear all the amazing details in this candid conversation with one of the best 200-plus mile runners in the world. Was Mike always an athlete? What happen…

Step inside the Coaching Corral and find out why recovery is important and discover our coaches favorite ways to recover. You'll learn from Coach Melody Bateman @pinetreerunner, Coach Greg Sisengrath @ultraninjarunnr, and Coach Jeff Harrell @jeffharrellyo. We often hear messages of "go go go" and "just one more" but recovery is so important in beco…

We celebrate Summer by bringing you an episode that brings the heat! First, we talk about running in the heat. Hear the best advise from the Big Ass Runner Herd as you prepare to hit the hot and humid trails this summer. In segment two, we talk about the best summertime songs. Did the Data Scientists create the best summer songs list, or is Jeff's …

Trail Runners and Ultra Marathoners are pretty good at doing things we don't want to do. But there are still a few things that we tend to procrastinate on. Let's talk about them and hear two stories from El Jefé - see if you relate and uncover some things you need to do but are putting off. In segment two, we sit down with new trail runner, Hayden …

Step inside the Coaching Corral and find out how to deal with blisters, chafing, and sleeping in this Cocodona 250-inspired episode. You'll learn from Coach Melody Bateman @pinetreerunner, Coach Greg Sisengrath @ultraninjarunnr, and Coach Jeff Harrell @jeffharrellyo. Run far enough, and you'll likely deal with blisters. When do you pop them? Do you…

Get inspired by hybrid athlete and long-time Herd member Angila Franklin @iceprincess.franklin. You won't believe what habit she kicked just months before her first race. And don't miss her advice for those struggling to go after their big dreams. And in segment two, we reveal some fun ideas from the Herd to keep our training fun. One idea even inv…

Don't miss getting to know fellow Herd member Elaine Vallie as she describes her athletic background, how she became a Mustang, and what motivates her to hit the trails and go for big goals. You'll resonate with how Elaine balances life and trail running. And in segment two, we find out some of Marcie's favorites. Play along and see how many you ca…

Step inside the Coaching Corral and find out how to incorporate strength training and cross training into your running programming. You'll learn from Coach Melody Bateman @pinetreerunner, Coach Greg Sisengrath @ultraninjarunnr, and Coach Jeff Harrell @jeffharrellyo. We know strength and cross training is important - but how much, how often, and wha…

Hear about van life and big running goals on Inside the Herd with Carissa Bonanza @carissabodanza. Find out what her trail running super power is, and what recent change has put her minutes from some of the most epic trails. And in segment two, we discuss "Gamification" and how fun should be an important ingredient in your trail running recipe. Plu…

Let's talk about run streaks and hear from both Candace Burt and Outside Magazine on their current running streaks. And, is there a Clydesdale streak in the future? Find out in segment one. And in segment two, Marcie Bazor is back and we find out what activities Marcie may dislike more than running. Is that possible? It's a funny, and shocking, seg…

Step inside the Coaching Corral and find out what you need to know about how to plan your yearly race calendar from Coach Melody Bateman @pinetreerunner, Coach Greg Sisengrath @ultraninjarunnr, and Coach Jeff Harrell @jeffharrellyo. We look at "A" races - how many should you have and how much time to prepare? How about "B" races? Where should those…

"Everyone has a story if you take time to read it." On Episode 143 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running Podcast, we talk about why it is important to remember everyone has their own unique story and may be living through a difficult chapter. By understanding someone's story, we can better appreciate the challenges they may be facing and offer approp…

Go "Inside the Herd" with Mike "Moose" Schneider and find out what led him to running and what current steak has him hitting the trails quite often. You'll love getting to know this long-time Herd member. And you likely heard about Camille Herron's incredible 48-hour mileage record. But there's a detail that escaped the Big Ass Runner team that we'…

Step inside the Coaching Corral and find out what you need to know about pacing and crewing from Coach Melody Bateman @pinetreerunner, Coach Greg Sisengrath @ultraninjarunnr, and Coach Jeff Harrell @jeffharrellyo. We tackle tough questions like: what makes a great pacer? Can my spouse pace or crew me? Do I have to be a "rah-rah" person to pace or c…