The Trailhead

• Katie Schide Is All In at Hardrock

  UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan catch up with Katie ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut to talk about how she’s evolved as a competitor, why she used to downplay her ambitions, and what’s changed in both the sport and herself since her eighth-place finish at UTMB back in 2021.  They dig into why UTMB might just be the “Goldilocks” race of the sport, how Katie and her partner are spending the summer training in Colorado’s San Juans, and how her background in geology shapes the way she sees, and runs through, the landscape. Katie also shares her take on the term “sub-ultra” and why she thinks we’ve maybe overcomplicated what’s just... running.  Plus, Buzz Burrell drops in for a TrailCon Hall of Fame recap, a preview of a potential Katie vs. Courtney showdown at UTMB, and a quick nod to the real MVPs: New England moms on Facebook. This episode is brought to you by SIDAS, makers of high-performance insoles, socks, and footbeds specifically designed for trail running. Whether you're grinding out vert or trying to keep your feet happy past hour six, SIDAS gear is built to handle the unpredictable trail, so your feet don't have to. Check them out at sidas.us and give your feet the upgrade they deserve. And if you’re dreaming of a trail experience that’s less race and more wild adventure, don’t miss our featured adventure: Ruta de los Arrieros, a three-day expedition run through Colombia’s ancient gold routes. Expect big climbs, river crossings, waterfall rappels, jungle villages, and about as much trail magic as you can handle. It’s capped at just 10 runners this year and kicks off September 14, so if you’re into chasing moments instead of PRs, this one’s for you. Registration closes August 20 at UltraSignup.

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• Kofuzi on Being Non-Elite and How Filming Makes Running More Fun

  This week on The Trailhead, we’re joined by the one and only Kofuzi, a self-proclaimed non-elite YouTube runner who’s built a global following by filming marathons, gear reviews, and everyday runs with heart, humor, and a handheld camera. Zoë and Brendan chat with him about the leap from roads to trails, what it really takes to make running content, and why being “exceptionally average” might be a superpower. Whether you’re here for the shoe talk, the trail stoke, or the shared love of goofy long runs, this one’s for you.  Follow Kofuzi: YouTube & Instagram: @kofuzi Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting the Trailhead! Check them out for all your gear, apparel and nutriton needs. 

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• Abigail West on Making Art That Moves

  This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who’s showing us what it means to run with purpose. Based in the lush foothills of Southern Appalachia, Abigail blends endurance and artistry, carving out time (and linoleum) to tell stories about wild places, climate, and community. We dive into everything from FKTs in the Georgia mountains to why training for ultras is a terrible match with art fair season. Abigail shares how she captures the emotional texture of landscapes through printmaking, why she’s obsessed with spiderweb-filled singletrack, and what it means to be an entrepreneurial artist-athlete in a world that doesn’t quite know what to do with either. Plus: the problem with art world algorithms, the reality of life in a construction zone, and a full-throated defense of Waffle House. Grab your gravy and your gaiters, this one goes deep. The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas! The company that supports your feet so that they can support you!  

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• Steve Magness on Real Toughness and Why Running Shouldn’t Suck

  This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan are joined by performance scientist, coach, and author Steve Magness for a deep dive into the messy, meaningful side of mental toughness. Known for calling BS on outdated notions of grit, Steve shares insights from his latest book, Win the Inside Game, and challenges the idea that suffering is the only path to success. Instead, he makes the case for curiosity, flexibility, and joy as essential ingredients for growth, not just in running, but in life. Together, they explore how identity, external validation, and over-optimization can get in the way of real performance. Steve explains why some of the fastest runners he’s coached only started thriving once they let go of the pressure to be a runner, and how elite athletes like Sara Hall have learned to recalibrate their goals to preserve their peace of mind. He makes the case for ditching the data when it stops serving us, and why meaningful community—not metrics—is what actually makes us better. They also unpack what running has to teach us about feeling deeply, building connection, and making space for the full human experience. Whether it’s the emotional highs of crewing a friend at 2 a.m., the quiet power of a watchless workout, or the absurd relief of pushing an empty jogging stroller just to feel fast again—this conversation is a funny, honest, and refreshing reminder that running doesn’t have to be a grind. It can be recess. And maybe that’s the whole point. Up your hydration game LMNT Lemonade and get a sample pack on us! Register for Run for the Ages 10k!

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• Alex Hutchinson on Why Doing Things the Hard Way Feels So Good

  Check out the Cloud Cap Marathon here! Thanks to Running Warehouse for supporting The Trailhead. Check out their great selection of everything from shoes to sun hoodies, with free two-day shipping.  This week on The Trailhead, we're joined by one of the most thoughtful voices in endurance sports writing: Alex Hutchinson. You might know him from his Outside column, Sweat Science, or his bestselling book Endure. But today, we’re talking about his newest work—The Explorer’s Gene—and what it reveals about why we push into the unknown, whether we’re climbing literal mountains or trying the weirdest thing on a menu. In this wide-ranging and unexpectedly hilarious conversation, we dig into: The "explore vs. exploit" dilemma, and how it shows up in our running, routines, and lives Why inefficiency is essential to joy and creativity How kids (and ultrarunners) are wired for uncertainty The effort paradox: why hard things feel more meaningful What AI, IKEA furniture, and running have in common Alex also shares how becoming a parent and moving beyond his “Endurance Science Guy” brand shaped his perspective on curiosity, comfort zones, and career detours. Whether you’re stuck in a rut, planning your next big adventure, or wondering if it's time to zag instead of zig, this one’s for you.

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