Run the Nation: The Wild West Coast

This Fourth of July, The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind kicks off its Run the Nation series by heading out West — where the freedom to run wild is as big as the coastline itself. From misty coastal boardwalks to rugged mountain trails, the West Coast running scene is all about adventure, grit, and epic scenery that makes you grateful to lace up in the land of the free. Kyle breaks down iconic bucket-list races like Big Sur, Western States 100, and the legendary Hood to Coast Relay. We’ll dig into how the terrain, climate, and laid-back surf-and-trail culture shape a community where ultramarathons, mindful miles, and post-run beers go hand in hand. You’ll hear stories about West Coast running legends like Jim Walmsley, Sally McRae, Ann Trason, and Dean Karnazes — athletes who show what American endurance is all about. Whether you dream of running under the Golden Gate Bridge or climbing mountain passes in the high Sierras, this episode will stoke your wanderlust and remind you that running is one of the best ways to celebrate the freedom we have. So on this Independence Day, let’s hit the road, the trail, and the coast — and honor America, one mile at a time.