Episodes
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 crew, the many guests, the Herd members who have shared their stories and their "why's".  To Coach Greg and Coach Melody for sharing their...
Published 02/12/24
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 YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More content on IG @big_ass_runner We recommend Trail Shorts Liners and Socks from XOSkin, discount...
Published 02/05/24
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_runner We recommend Trail Shorts Liners and Socks from XOSkin, discount code "BAR" for 10% off We recommend Trail apparel and Rain jackets...
Published 01/29/24
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 marathon. New YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More content on IG @big_ass_runner We recommend Trail Shorts Liners and Socks from...
Published 01/22/24
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 like many of us, he discovered later in life.  It's an episode you don't want to miss! New YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More...
Published 01/15/24
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 both on Episode 185 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running Podcast.   New YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More content on IG...
Published 01/08/24
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 today, gone tomorrow.   If you're looking to get 2024 off to a great start, take a listen! New YouTube channel...
Published 01/01/24
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 what he learning through this amazing adventure. You won't want to miss it! New YouTube channel ->YouTube BigAssRunner.com More content on IG...
Published 12/18/23
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 probably just laugh. All that and more on Episode 182 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running podcast.   New YouTube channel...
Published 12/11/23
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 to get our legs ready for the vert.  We share three ways to build strength and prepare to tackle those ups and downs of our races.  Here's...
Published 12/04/23
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 love his perspective on this new season, and why he follows the manta, "find your trail"! Plus, Jeff shares the things he is thankful for in...
Published 11/27/23
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 put on by Blaze Trails.   Plus, Jeff shares a very special message to the Big Ass Runner Herd.  All that and more on episode 179 of the Big...
Published 11/20/23
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 Jeff's story, we aim for this episode to serve as a source of encouragement for those facing their own tribulations. May it be a guiding light...
Published 11/13/23
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 differences between a triathlon and a trail race.   All that and more on Episode 177 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running Podcast. New YouTube...
Published 10/30/23
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 experience.   All that and more on Episode 176 of the Big Ass Runner. Steven's New Ass Stuff: Pill tackle box  Biolite Head Lamp Sweaty Stuff...
Published 10/23/23
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 control. And, our friend Mike SanFillippo poses a question for the Big Ass Runner Herd.  What would you do in Mike's situation? All that and more...
Published 10/16/23
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 in time for the Halloween season.  You'll hear from the great Ashley Durstine in this first installment.  She shares something you definitely...
Published 10/09/23
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 with your responses?  And Jeff shares a big encouragement to the Big Ass Runner Herd.  All that and more on Episode 173 of the Big Ass Runner...
Published 10/02/23
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 Ass Runner Herd and they serve up wisdom nuggets galore!  You'll learn some great tips to overcome the doldrums that sometimes training...
Published 09/25/23
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 preview and wonder how many you should order for the Holidays this year. All that and more on Episode 171 of the Big Ass Runner Trail Running...
Published 09/18/23
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.  Plus, we hit on the results of the UTMB.  We talk goats and mountains.  Don't miss it.   New YouTube channel...
Published 09/11/23
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 artists are overrated, what's going on with overlanding, and what races are on the fall calendar in this segment. Plus, do you tape your...
Published 09/04/23
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.  You'll enjoy hearing the pros and cons and how being attentive helps make it work.   All that a more on Episode 168 of the Big Ass Runner Trail...
Published 08/28/23
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 back to answer your questions. As always, it's fun and funny and the variety of topics - from uterus slings to Beth Dutton - will put a big...
Published 08/21/23