But also… Trail running podcast

Host Celeste Fong talks with Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about how a chance Meetup listing in 2006 grew into a large running community and 501(c)(3). Rick recounts early runs on the National Mall, expanding to DuPont and trail runs, partnerships with brands and organizers, and fundraising efforts like a Haiti benefit race.
The episode highlights community-building through running, learning the sport as an adult, and how small actions turned into lasting impact, incorporating both trail culture and charitable initiatives by 2009.

We discuss the chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt moments from the Hamster Wheel 30‑hour race in New Boston, NH.
We share stories of 100‑mile finishes, severe cold and hypothermia scares, top‑notch aid‑station food, crew and pacer heroics, costumes and shenanigans, and the strong community support that helped runners hit big goals.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultra runner John Calabrese about trail and ultra racing — the highs, the DNFs, the gear, and the tight-knit (sometimes cult-like) running community.
The conversation also wanders into food and film: pizza and competitive-eating dreams, favorite horror movies like The Blair Witch Project, true-crime and cult anecdotes, and the strange, hilarious moments that happen on and off the trails.

Celeste and Danielle recount a 50th birthday road trip through Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce — full of side‑quests, wildlife encounters, brutal climbs, and nonstop laughter.
They share highlights, mishaps, and practical tips from Emerald Pools to the Narrows and Bryce’s hoodoos, celebrating the freedom of doing epic, unplanned adventures with a great travel buddy.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultrarunner Taylor Verville and her pacer Mike Martineau about Taylor’s recent Devil’s Den 30-hour race in Bradford, Vermont — her course-record performance (about 89 miles), pacing strategies, nutrition, temperature swings, and lessons from a past collapse at Notchview.
The episode explores both runner and pacer perspectives, the race community and charity behind the event, upcoming goals like reaching 100 miles, and the mental approach Taylor uses to stay focused: forward movement, fuel, and hydration.

Host Celeste Fong sits down with Joey Thompson to discuss his transformation through running — from weight loss and coping with his mother’s death to sobriety and pushing to 100 miles at Notchview.They talk honestly about burnout, depression, anxiety, the healing power of community on the trails, and how showing up can help you find your love of running again.Joey also shares his upcoming goal of running Sedona Canyons 125 for charity and how the support of friends and the trail community keeps him moving forward.

Veteran sports reporter Lori Riley sits down with Celeste Fong to share her journey from print newsrooms to the trails, covering UConn, high school sports, and memorable local runners. They discuss how running changed her life, the evolution of women’s sports, and the personal stories that make reporting meaningful.
Listen for candid reflections on locker-room culture, reporting challenges in the digital age, uplifting race day characters, and emotionally charged topics like transgender youth in sports.

Host Celeste Fong records live on the trails at the Notchview Invitational, capturing on-course chaos, cheering, and candid conversations with runners like Anna, Celeste, Newt, Taylor, Claire, Marcus, and Linda.
This episode weaves race memories, origin stories, late-night antics, and the deep sense of community that fuels ultrarunning, all delivered with humor and unfiltered honesty.

Greg Mathai (aka Walter) joins me with a great conversation about how running replaced long-term smoking and drinking, how his wife helped save his life, and how he fell into ultras later in life.

Host Celeste Fong chats with longtime friend Rick Shoup about his running journey, epic Ragnar experiences (including running 12 in a year), creative pandemic-era stadium ultras, and his love for outrageous eating challenges. They reminisce about memorable races, weather curses, and the tight-knit running community that keeps drawing them back.Expect candid, adult conversations with humor, race stories, and plenty of appetite — both for miles and meals.