PODCAST · sports
The Stubborn Tortoise
by Donna Pazdera
People often ask me why I love trail running. It's all about the stories. You meet a different kind of person on the trails: connects with nature, doesn't mind slowing down if someone is in need, says, "Good job, runner." Trail runners are competitive, for sure. But it's also egalitarian. Seldom will you find the elites separated from the regular folk. Everyone gets lost at some point. Everyone falls. These are our badges of passage. This is my take on trail culture.Logo: Kevin StichMusic: "Our Sky," by Overland (via Free Music Archive)Contact
Episodes
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Poco a Poco (Little by Little)
I finally tried to run a little yesterday over at one of my favorite parks. I mainly hiked, but on these little flat stretches, I picked up the pace. I did not die. I did not fall. I think that is a very welcome development. Hoping to continue the run-walk thing. The great part is it felt good....
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Wading Back Into It
I signed up for a race! A 10K. It's Nov. 14, so I have a bit of time to prepare. The plan is to power hike the course. Maybe a little bit of running. I haven't tried it since the surgery, so I'm a little nervous. But things are feeling good these days, so I am grateful. Plus, a couple of…
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Getting the Good News
I was given clearance to travel, row and -- drum roll -- run, as of last week. Don't worry: I'm not crazy enough to try running at 6 weeks post op, but I may try a run-walk soonish. I'm also eyeing either the 5K or 10K on Nov. 14 at El Taco Loco -- hiking, or maybe a tiny bit of running. My...
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The Road Away From Chardonnay
Sept. 20 marks 14 months without alcohol. After the pandemic, my desire to drink more accelerated. I tried taking off a set number of days, but that didn't seem to help. Tried drinking on certain days. Nope. I was tired of how I felt and looked and didn't want to live the rest of my life relying…
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Pre-surgery intel and other stories
I figured I should outline how I got to the part about the hip replacement without you having to listen to three years' worth of podcasts. I also slide in a tale about a bad neighbor and the death of one of our beloved community cats, Negrita. Gonna try to do these weekly again.
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Hip, Hip, Hooray
Corny headline, I know. I'm back. I got a new hip while I was gone. It's adjusting well, despite having to sleep on my back. But I was walking without an assistive device four days post-op. I've definitely been pushing it, but you know me: I'm not a happy sit-still kind of person. There were a...
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I Have Seen My Future and I Didn't Predict This Stuff
We all wax romantic about how we will age gracefully and actively...until the day comes when stuff unexpectedly goes wrong. You diligently grind through workouts, attempting to eat right and all that jazz, and then, suddenly, your gene pool says, "Not so fast." How I'm coming to terms with a few...
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It's All in the Hip
Well, the hip arthritis has progressed and I may have to consider replacement. Waiting to find out. Plus, going hangry at a suburban conference, a little political frustration and a movie I walked out of. Photo: Actual X-ray of my severe osteoarthritic left hip.
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Don't Skip Leg Day and Other Stories
When you're training for and doing ultramarathons, there aren't enough hours in the day to strength train. So, like a lot of people, I skipped it. I did some cursory stuff, but, as I am now finding out, it wasn't enough. I'm back at physical therapy once again, doing millions of squats…
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Things going awry all at once
Trying not to have a first-world pity party, but I've had a few major setbacks. Fold in my already-dark mood surrounding my birthday and you get a sort of saddish tale. Appliance failure, plumbing gone wrong, I DNF'd a 10K, no one really helped me celebrate a Big Birthday, and just the…
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The Flu as a Parting Gift
It's no one's fault but mine, but I managed to get the flu over Christmas. Coughing, nose-blowing, feeling crappy. It's the first time that I can remember having this as an adult. I'm improving, but relieved to not be doing Snowdrop this year, because of this. Looking back and ahead a little....
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Two, count 'em, two, adventures
I saw an acupuncturist who gave me some stern advice that I'm not sure about, but her work was good and I will see her again. I also did the Wild Hare 10K, which went well, save for me wiping out before mile 2. I finished within my second goal time, because I missed the first one. Contemplated my...
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I Have Become Fran
I hit a sad realization over the weekend: my arthritic hip won't let me attempt a half-marathon next month. After I ran-hiked an 8K on Saturday, the hip yelled at me all day and night, and I knew if I tried doing 13.1 miles on pavement, I would destroy what's left of it. So, I did what I…
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Rekindling the Love
It's been a few weeks, people. I know. Had a couple of eps ready to go and I changed my mind because I wasn't happy with them. In the past few weeks, I have rekindled my love of running, but also adjusted my plans for a couple of upcoming races out of an abundance of caution -- or pride. And one…
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"We Don't Have to Feel Alone as Runners."
Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she...
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Returning to Big Boy Races
Saturday marked the first time I've done what I call "Big Boy" trail races since last November. I was not especially trained for the hilly terrain, but gave it a shot. It was embarrassingly slow, included a downhill tumble, and I considered quitting a couple of times. Mind you, it was "only" a...
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I Guess I Should Train, Eh?
I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running. Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that…
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Season 7, People!
I arbitrarily decided to start the seventh season of the podcast because...why not? This week, I give some pro tips to beginners, share the experience of running my first trail race all year and why I think my two listeners (/s) like what I do here.
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It's about time.
I did my first race of the year on Saturday. Wasn't great but wasn't awful. Emboldened, I've signed up for a few more races in the upcoming months. It's about time. Plus, a raccoon update and watch the video below for me doing "push ups" at Camp Eagle in 2016. **photo shot in 2017 at Mission…
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Lots of DRAMA
Geez, Louise, it's been a wild few days. My car began vibrating like it did last year when the front control arm/bushing (listen to me talking like I know what I'm talking about) cracked. I fear that the rear version is faulty and did not feel great about driving up to Killeen for last night's…
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Giving Back
The Kerrville flood remains a horrific piece of Texas/national history. I have signed up for a couple of races to help give back to that community. I even kicked in some extra at HEB's fancy Central Market to help. I also signed up for a race in San Antonio next month called Poker 5K. I...
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The Dark
I have been gutted all weekend by the news of the floods in Hill Country, my playground. I weep for the families of lost children and my former police-reporter sensibilities kicked in this morning when I thought of all of the funerals and small caskets. It's a little too much. There are a lot of...
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I'm Still Here
I feel like I'm stepping into the confessional: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last podcast was two months ago." Ha ha. I haven't really been running. Hiking, sure. I'm beginning to wonder if this is what my future holds. I'm determined to try running again. I signed up for a half...
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Life Goes On
I've been making concerted efforts to return to running and volunteering, but sometimes life gets in the way. That said, I am determined to do the inaugural half marathon in December at the San Antonio Marathon. I also take a little time to get political, if you will. Not sorry. I am honestly...
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Extraordinary People: Tia Banks
Tia Banks is a former professional flag football and basketball player. Injuries caused her to switch gears. She took up hiking and in 2021, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in six days. She was sick with an unknown illness but persevered. She has translated that experience into a career as a…
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Back to Square One, part ????
It's been a frustrating six or so weeks. Weather and arthritis in my hip and lower back are creating havoc for my return to running. In the last week, I managed to hike 2 miles until my hip yelled at me to stop. Later last week, I returned to the ol' walk-run format. It's a start, but not what I...
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Found objects and other stories
A dozen years ago I happened upon a book in the middle of a dirt road surrounding a cotton field. It was a Bible. In Spanish. I still wonder why someone who had likely carried it with them across the US-Mexico border suddenly dropped it and left it behind. Were they being chased by border patrol…
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Three Events, Two Cancelations and One Great Experience
A longish story about why I did not volunteer on Sunday at the Bandera trail race, plus some history. Also, why I won't be running Big Bend this weekend. But the real story involves a terrific indoor rowing event at my favorite workout spot, overcoming mental obstacles and treating it like an...
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Snowdrop Relay Experience
I was reacquainted with some old friends from the RGV and made new ones during the Snowdrop 55-hour relay last week. It was a great experience and I made new friends and supported a great cause. Photo: l-r: Janelle Uroff, Silvia Garza, me, Shanty Rodriguez, Vicki Allen, Norma Lozano
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Spilling the Tea and Other Stories
Hey, it's New Year's Eve, and I am looking back a little on the year. This episode gives you a very brief peek at Snowdrop, but more importantly, a look at some creeps from this past year. The last of which I skillfully avoided at Snowdrop. He does not deserve my time or attention, but here I am,...
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Reminiscing, Recommitting and Resilience
As I ready to embark on the Snowdrop 55-hour relay event at the end of the month, I spent some time looking back at times when I needed to muster up my own resilience to help others reach their goals. It is a well I need to rely on for the coming year.
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Some Inconvenient Truths
I ran my first race in almost six months. It went well, except for the men who decided not to alert me that they were passing me, or who scared the hell out of me when they passed, or who almost ran me over on the course. I am a 12-year veteran of trail races. I am accustomed to the "on your…
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Some Political and Personal Stuff, But Some News!
Essentially what the headline says. You may not like the first half because of my personal views. But, I encourage you to stick around.
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Reflecting on my Past and Looking Ahead
I'm baaaack! Running/strong hiking is my new thing, which demonstrates that I am improving after a long hiatus. Happy to be back.
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Deepak Shukla: 100 Miles Isn't Enough
Deepak Shukla has been a runner since he was a teenager. The sport comes easily to him, although he has had his share of finishes and DNFs. The 38-year-old digital marketing manager did the Chicago Marathon, his first, in 4:40. From there, he crossed over to the dark side: ultras. Rather than...
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Master's Edition: Mironda Meyer: Normalizing Menopause
It's something that every woman will experience, yet we're left feeling overwhelmed, demoralized and confused when this life change hits. It is especially challenging when you're an active woman and it feels like overnight you've got a swim ring around your middle and your pants don't fit.…
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Re-pod for a cause
I was fortunate to interview Kenneth Anderlitch in December 2022, shortly after he spent 19 days running 840 miles across Texas to raise almost $57,000 for Pay it Forward SA. This organization provides resources for those in recovery. On Sept. 20, Kenneth embarked on an even bigger challenge: to...
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Discovering Romance Doing What You Love
I read an article about how running clubs in New York City are overrun (ha ha) with singles looking to meet others. The problem is, the subjects said, these clubs are almost as useless as dating apps. It got me thinking about my own experiences. First and foremost, the trail community is my...
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Perspective Pays.
t helps to keep things in perspective when you're beating yourself down. And other stories.
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Recommitting, Part ?
I have been attempting to recommit to running/power hiking for about a year and a half. This time, I am getting serious. I miss spending hours on my feet on weekends. I've been committed to running/hiking a few times per week and at least once on the weekend. I think I just needed the mental break.
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Master's Edition: Courtney Lumpkin Classen
Courtney Lumpkin Classen weighed 334 pounds in 2012. She had gastric bypass surgery and began walking, and then began to run...she has finished multiple marathons and her first 50K in March. She has her sights set on a 50-miler.
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Using an Ultra Mindset and Other Stories
It's been a minute. I recap my trip to Florida. Despite my absolute love for where I used to live, I realized this week I can't go back. But, it will be a nice place to visit. Running on a beach is not what I remembered and it is dang hot. I've signed up for the Big Bend 20K in January, which…
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Still at It.
My return to running is not the stellar triumph I'd imagined, but it's there. And I don't suck as bad as before. Stories about the impending trip to Florida, smoke detector nonsense and the death of a bat. Not proud. But, I hope y'all can forgive me.
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Annnnnd, I'm Back!
After six or so weeks, I am back at the podcasting thing. And the running thing, too. It's been a nice break but I'm glad to be back. I have pretty much restarted running from scratch. (Like, I'm in a 10K walk-run training group.) It's humbling but necessary. I've been dealing with some...
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A Brief Hiatus and Big Plans
I've been doing this thing almost every week for close to five years. Admittedly, I've hit a wall: I'm not running, racing or volunteering like before, and it is getting to be a challenge to find weekly guests. So, I'm going to not force this for a couple of months, or until I have some more...
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The Boston Marathon, Inside-Out with Coach Basilio Mendoza and Orlando "Hundo" Montalvo
This is such a fun chat with two of my RGV friends, Coach and Hundo. They drove 38 hours straight from Mission, Texas to Marlboro, Mass. on April 11. By the 13th, they were setting up 10-foot-long interlocking barricades that weighed up to 30 pounds apiece, alongside 70-something local women. The...
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Master's Edition: Robert Gonzales. No Quitting, Always Aspiring.
Robert Gonzales ran his first 50K about a month ago. He is 74 years old. He had a mishap during that race that later required surgery, but he finished the race in 8:47, well ahead of others much younger. Gonzales tells me about his running journey, with credit to his coach, Christi Myers Faulk…
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Getting Committed
I had Easter lunch with my friend, Jessica. Over the course of our conversation, we agreed to do the Wild Hare 50K in November. We also agreed to hold each other accountable in our respective training plans. Another form of commitment is that I am signing up to be the team captain for The Flying...
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Remix: Trail Foes and Friends
I reached WAAAAAY into the archives and uprooted this old gem from the early days of this podcast. This is about the relationships you make while on the trails. It's fun, short and sweet. Enjoy!
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Master's Edition: Lisa Tuckwood
I have talked to my fair share of gritty runners, but Lisa Tuckwood may be the grittiest. Maybe it's her background in the Army or maybe it's just how she is, but regardless, Lisa is one tough lady. She's always been athletic, but didn't start running races until 2015 -- three months after back...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
People often ask me why I love trail running. It's all about the stories. You meet a different kind of person on the trails: connects with nature, doesn't mind slowing down if someone is in need, says, "Good job, runner." Trail runners are competitive, for sure. But it's also egalitarian. Seldom will you find the elites separated from the regular folk. Everyone gets lost at some point. Everyone falls. These are our badges of passage. This is my take on trail culture.Logo: Kevin StichMusic: "Our Sky," by Overland (via Free Music Archive)Contact
HOSTED BY
Donna Pazdera
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Stubborn Tortoise have?
The Stubborn Tortoise currently has 272 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Stubborn Tortoise about?
People often ask me why I love trail running. It's all about the stories. You meet a different kind of person on the trails: connects with nature, doesn't mind slowing down if someone is in need, says, "Good job, runner." Trail runners are competitive, for sure. But it's also egalitarian. Seldom...
How often does The Stubborn Tortoise release new episodes?
The Stubborn Tortoise publishes regularly with 272 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Stubborn Tortoise?
You can listen to The Stubborn Tortoise on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Stubborn Tortoise?
The Stubborn Tortoise is created and hosted by Donna Pazdera.
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