The Maine Shakeout

Send a textToday, we’re joined by one of Maine’s most accomplished and respected ultrarunners, Jason Begonia. Jason has built a reputation not just for racing long — but for chasing the edges of what’s possible. From grueling 200 mile efforts to ambitious  backyard record attempts across some of the toughest terrain in the Northeast, he represents a unique blend of grit, strategy, and mental durability. In a sport where success often comes down to patience, precision, and the ability to suffer well, Jason has consistently shown what it means to endure. How does he reach these wild distances?... it's simple. When it gets hard he just tells himself, "One. more. loop." Great shakeout with another local legend. 

Send a textMike Wilcox, the owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Bangor & Brunswick, chats with us about body movement.  Mike has over 20 years of experience training people of all ages and abilities to help them move “better” - whatever that “better” may be for them. Anecdotally, Andrea would say at least 50% of local runners over the age of 40 have at one time or another walked into the doors of Wilcox…many with the same story. “I was talking to so and so runner, and they said their running has just improved immensely since they started coming to Wilcox.” Andrea  was one of those people, she has been training at Wilcox since 2012. Join us as we talk about moving better to live better with Mike Wilcox.

Send a textGreg Legier, better known as @runningtomaine on social media, or "Dude" on the trails, is an ultra-runner, marathoner, FKT chaser, and an all-around endurance machine. He has logged everything from backyard ultras to 100-mile races — all while balancing work, life, and training right here in Maine. What we love about Greg is that he doesn't just share the highlight reels- he talks about the tough days, the DNFs, the mental battles, and what it really takes to keep pushing your limits year after year. A great shakeout with a great guy. 

Send a textHappy New Year and welcome back to "The Maine Shakeout.” Officially heading into year 3 of "shaking it out." We have chatted with incredible athletes – pros, high school champs, ridiculous ultra runners, race directors of international races, sports experts…all these Maine folks are next level achievers. But most of us, we are normal. We aren’t achieving super human results or breaking records. We are just asking ourselves to get to that next workout, whatever and however it might look like. And today, we are talked to women just like that. Morgan Mazzei and Tracy King are members of the Sweaty Mamas running group in Bangor. And yes, that’s exactly what they are. Moms who run. We talk about the importance of belonging and they let us into why they believe that everyone needs a running group. 

Send a text Today, we dove into the cutting-edge world of motion science with the owners of Maine Athletic Health Center. If you're a runner and tired of guesswork in your training or rehab, this is for you—we explored how precise measurements can transform your stride, prevent injuries, and boost performance. Pat and Ethan, owner and operators of Maine Athletic Health Center leave us with the best quote, "Without data, you're just another person with an opinion."

Send a textToday, we are chatted with Anna Connors, arguably the most decorated track athlete to graduate Bangor High School. She is a multiple state champion in the 100m, 200, and 400, she set state records in the 55m and 200m, and competed at New Balance Nationals where she won the Rising Stars 400m. She was named Gatorade Girls Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year in Maine. She now competes at UConn, where she didn’t just quietly join the team. She has already set a school record in the 300m! Anna is an absolute rock star of a human. It's her MaineTality that fuels her to find continued success in the sprinting world. Another phenomenal shakeout where we learned about the sprinting world. 

Send a textMeet Glendon, aka Buck, Rand. He is a true ambassador of the sport. A local Brewer/Orrington native, he has spent the majority of his life running. Like most of us do, he found track and cross country on accident. Getting "cut" from that basketball team changed Glendon's life. From the first track practice, running 11 miles in basketball shoes - to creating the local running group SUB5. Glendon is definitely the heart of our local running community. Whether it was representing his "orange wave" pride by setting school records, inspiring his teammates to find that next gear, or creating events like Festival of Champions to foster the future of youth running in our state, Glendon has done it all. He left us inspired to give back to the running community. Cheers to another great episode. As the wise Glendon Rand says, "Let the coaches coach. Let the kids be kids." Keep running fun.

Send a textToday, we are chat with Alyssa Elliot, a rockstar multi-sport athlete at UConn. Alyssa is a Bangor high school graduate, where she was a particularly dominant force in the long and triple jump. She has set school, facility, and conference records. She is a state Champion and hold the title “Performer of the Meet” by winning three individual events. She has gone on to compete in both the Heptathlon and Pentathlon at UConn. She was the 2023 Big East Indoor Pentathlon champion and the 2024 Outdoor Heptathlon champion. Today, we are going to delve into how a high school athlete decides to compete in multi-sport, how that transition occurred, her success at UConn, and her process in overcoming a broken foot last year- another great shakeout!

Send a textIn this episode we chat with Bangor High School legend, Daniel McCarthy. He is currently a senior at Georgetown University. The McCarthy family has 3 children, all of whom ran for Bangor High. Dan is a powerhouse runner once in high school and now in college. He provides insight of how to manage running at an elite level through several injuries, he is really a gem. Another great shakeout with one of our favorite Bangor graduates! 

Send a textJennifer Britz is, simply put, a badass. She’s the 2022 world snow shoe champion, multiple ultra trail running podium finisher, MDI XC coach, mom of three — and uses the mountains of Acadia as her training ground. For perspective, she climbs, on average, 750,000 ft per year — just from her trail runs. She also holds the fastest known time (FKT) for the Acadia Round, which is a 35 mile trail run over every peak in Acadia. Jenn will make you want to ditch work, throw on your running shoes, and head for the mountains. Another inspiring shakeout! 

Send a textKelton Cullenberg, a Doctor of Physical Therapy since 2017, is a dedicated leader in Maine’s running community. He founded Steady State Health in 2020, a runner-focused physical therapy and coaching clinic, and launched Find Your Steady State in 2024, a training and data platform for runners and coaches. In 2025, he created the Maine Distance Project to provide post-college athletes with the supportive training environment he wished he’d had. Another great shakeout!

Send a textJoin us as we talk about our most recent adventure... The Ironman Lake Placid. We signed up for this thing nearly a year ago and have barely talked about it as if it were some basic 5K, mostly because we didn't really want people knowing what we were up to in case it didn't unfold as planned. We share about our training, our "why" we signed up and how the day went. Another great episode full of laughs and all things running. 

Send a textToday, we’re thrilled to sit down with William Cobb, the trailblazing force behind Back 40 Events. From the iconic Pineland Farms Trail Festival to gritty backyard ultras like Last Man Standing, Will has built a legacy of unforgettable trail races that showcase Maine’s stunning landscapes and vibrant running community. Join us as we explore his journey, the passion fueling Back 40, and what it takes to create epic running experiences in the Pine Tree State. Wonderful shakeout with Will. 

Send a textIn this episode we sit down with two local powerhouses from Hampden Academy, Timmy and Charlie Collins. Charlie is now tearing it up at the University of Maine while his brother Timmy is making waves in his last year at Hampden Academy. These two have found success through consistency and will be running together again at UMaine, next year. From breaking course records to chasing state titles, these two are redefining Maine running. So, join us as we shakeout with the Collins brothers. 

Send a textJoin us for our 1 year anniversary episode as we shakeout with Orono graduate, Hannah Kershman. Hannah entered her first ever road race last year- she skipped  the 5k and went straight for the marathon distance, entering The Great Bangor Marathon. She won the marathon and just completed Boston in sub 3. Two races and she’s just getting started. Hannah is a future legend that we will forever be talking about.

Send a textJoin us as we shakeout with 2024 Cape Elizabeth grad, Emma Young. Emma was known well for her running talent in high school but she was and still is SO much more than a runner. Emma was a 2024 National STEM Champion where she reported her research on RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome) in High School Cross Country Athletes. She currently attends and runs cross country and track at Rice University. We took the time in this episode to talk to Emma about her research on RED-S. Her passion is clear and so is her message to high school athletes, especially young women. In her words, "Having a strong old lady body down the road is SO much cooler than being fast in high school." Another educational and lovely shakeout. 

Send a textIn this podcast episode, the Bangor Boys Cross Country team showcases their gritty and determined spirit. The episode highlights their collective strength, emphasizing that there’s no single standout runner—instead, every member shines and contributes to the team’s success. They share their favorite aspects of being part of the squad, from the camaraderie to the shared drive that fuels their achievements. Looking ahead, they discuss their hopes for the future, focusing on conquering big goals together as a united front. Another great shakeout with some local XC runners! 

Send a textDereck Treadwell, better known as Tread, is a multifaceted figure in the world of endurance sports. He is known for his great accomplishments as a runner, mountain biker, and coach. This guy loves the grind of a good challenge. A graduate from the University of Maine, Tread was a standout Cross Country and Track stud, earning All-American honors whils wining multiple conference titles and holding strong competitive school records. Transitioning to cycling, he became a notable triathlete- winning events like Newton's Revenge, climbing up Mount Washington and competing  as a licensed professional triathlete. Tread now Coaches the Orono Track and Field team and boy are they lucky to have him. Join us as we shakeout with this running legend who just LOVES to go uphill. 

Send a textToday you'll hear our conversation with Alison St. Peter, who graduated from Bangor High School in 2024. She was a four-year runner who loves the sport, but was challenged with mental health issues for her entire high school career, actually her entire life. She is SO relatable and speaks honestly about her challenges. If you know anyone going through similar struggles- please forward this episode to them. And remember, you are never alone. A wonderful shakeout with the wise Alison St. Peter. 

Send a textLocal area power couple, Jason and Meaghan Geroux sit down with us to tell us all about their ultra life. Both full time, working as a dietician and epoxy flooring expert, Meaghan and Jason have a packed daily schedule. They train, literally, in the middle of the night while most of us are fast asleep and they don't overdo the mileage. They have both run several 100 milers and have an unwavering dedication to the sport. They are really just getting started. Help spread the word as they are about to take on their biggest challenge yet, a 100-miler in Nepal this March. Join us for another great shakeout. 

Send a textKatrina is a local middle school art teacher who was bit by the running bug later in life. She loves fitness and living a healthy active life. If she isn't teaching or running, you can find her at Wilcox Fitness or smoking her peers at the pickleball court. She  has been the ambassador for her favorite race, the Maine Marathon and in the last few years has really changed her outlook on life as she battles breast cancer. She has been running with stage four breast cancer for years now. She has had multiple surgeries as the cancers has spread to her bones and yet she still shows up, every day, doing what she loves, to run. She is dancing on her dash like no other. "Whether you think you can or think you can't- you're right." Enjoy this shakeout with an extraordinary woman who will definitely leave you feeling inspired. 

Send a textBob Dunfey is the volunteer race director for the Maine Marathon and sits on the board of directors for the TD Beach to Beacon Road Race. Bob is an accomplished runner, rower and cyclist, having turned to running after his life insurance agent noted his uninvited weight gain! Since then, he has become a member of the "Quarter Century Club" for the Boston Marathon- running it 34 consecutive years in a row. He has a lengthy list of inspiring accomplishments. The Maine Marathon has given back over 8 million dollars to local charities, it is simply a race that everyone should experience. Enjoy this shakeout with Bob Dunfey.

Send a textIn this shakeout we chat with Hank Pfeifle. An incredibly accomplished runner turned cyclist. Three time Maine Runner of the Year and a 2022 inductee into the Maine Running Hall of Fame. At 73 years young, Hank is still a ball of energy. As his competitors and friends say, "I'm not quitting until Pfeifle quits." Which won't be anytime soon. Enjoy this conversation with another remarkable Maine legend. 

Send a textHAPPY NEW YEAR! We start season 2 of this hobby podcast with a very special guest,Scott Heidemann. Scott says he's just your every day guy but that couldn't be further from the truth. Scott has struggled with alcoholism for many years, but turned his life around and says running has been a gift from sobriety. Scott's story has a dark side, it's a little messy, but it will inspire you to be a better person. 

Send a textWe wrap up our first podcast year with the one and only Dave McGillivray. Dave empowers us all to dream big and finish strong. He is a running legend and has increased the self esteem of everyone he meets. He has a never-ending list of athletic feats including his trek across the United States to benefit the Jimmy fund and completing the last 50+ years of the Boston Marathon most times starting after the last racer has finished. He has directed over 1,400 events throughout the world including the Boston Marathon, the Olympic Games, and our very own Beach to Beacon. We should all live by Dave's words, nobody can stop you. "It's my race. My rules." Another great shakeout with an extraordinary man. 

Send a textWe recorded live in Millinocket this weekend to shed light on how amazing this race is. A day full of hilarious stories and even better people. Join us as we shakeout with the runners of Milly.

Send a textRiley Masters, secret Swiftie, was born and raised in Bangor, ME. Once baseball player turned track star, Riley found running after most of his competition. He started running competitively in high school where he learned the sport alongside his peers and distance coaches, Jamie Jarvis and Ray Cooke. Riley tells his story of how he found success as a young distance runner and how that transformed into a very successful professional running career with both Brooks and Nike.. It was a wonderful shakeout with another extraordinary local legend. Enjoy this shakeout with Riley. 

Send a textWe caught up with Bangor High School legend, Gordon Doore. This episode was recorded a few weeks ago, right after the Chicago Marathon, so of course we have to touch on that! Gordon was a standout runner in high school and continues to set the bar high as he enters another year running for Colby College. He talks about the importance of goal setting, his personal goal of breaking the 4 minute mile barrier, the evolution of his training and how he believes that every high school runner should leave their ego behind. Another great shakeout with a wonderful human. 

Send a textDr. Cameron Trubey, a primary care sports medicine physician, currently practices at Downeast Orthopedics in Bangor. He is also the head physician for both the University of Maine and Husson University teams. Cam is not only a physician, a sub-3 hour marathoner, hockey, fat bike and skiing machine, but also quite the expert on identifying bird calls. Cam is focused on helping all individuals find their healthiest self to achieve happiness- and not just athletes. He also provided us with a great new term..."Netflix and Mill." It was indeed, another great shakeout. 

Send a textWe had the pleasure of getting to know Brian Olsen, founder of MITR, The Marsh Island Trail Runners. Brian refers to them as a trail running group for everyone and every athletic ability. In addition to meeting up weekly for their social runs, MITR hosts a variety of unique running events. These events air on the side of enthusiastically ridiculous. We quickly became HUGE fans of Brian and everything he is creating for the local trail running world. This group is a hidden gem in the community and we are excited to get them a little bit more publicity. Another enjoyable Shakeout. 

Send a textWe had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Ward, current head coach of the Men's/ Women's Cross Country and Track teams at the University of Maine. Adam spent his early coaching years in the south before accepting his current position at UMaine. He was really meant to be a history teacher when he stumbled upon his passion for coaching. Without connections in the elite college coaching community, Adam had to fight his way into the profession. We chat with Adam about his connection with his athletes, the recruiting process, how scholarship money is awarded and his overall coaching beliefs. It was another great shakeout. 

Send a textNo better way to kick off the XC season than shaking out with 2024 graduate, Katie McCarthy. Katie was not only a cross country star, but also a track and field powerhouse. Her youth and foundation was steeped in ice hockey, specifically Men's ice hockey. She envisioned herself as a collegiate hockey stud, following in her fathers foot steps. Things took quite the turn as she became an upperclassman. Her junior year, Title IX impacted her directly. Join us as we chat with the lovely and wise Katie McCarthy. 

Send a textHannah Steelman, Orono High School Grad, takes us through the day in the life as a professional runner. She has spent the last two years sponsored by On and is currently living and training in Flagstaff, Arizona.  If you ask 15 year old Hannah what her future may hold, she probably would have answered that she was headed towards a basketball career. Little did she know, running would be her jam. She spent her last few years of eligibility running for NC State, where she excelled. Hannah is an absolute gem and Maine holds a very special place in her heart. Join us for another great shakeout. 

Send a textBen True achieved his status of an elite runner in an untraditional way. Running for Greely High School, Ben found success early in his running career but that wasn't where his heart was. He really wanted to become a pro skier. The Nordic Ski team was Ben's home and this is exactly how Dartmouth won Ben over. He could compete in both sports at the collegiate level. After competing at the very top, Ben's son was born and changed his perspective entirely. Recently retired, but not done with the sport. He now coaches the next crew of elite runners through his running club, Northwoods Athletics. Based out of the Upper Valley, Ben continues to impact this sport in the most positive way. His story is one about natural talent, unbelievable work ethic, and a deep understanding of the science behind the sport. It was another great shakeout. 

Send a textToday, we shakeout with record breaking University of Maine runner, Luke Marsanskis. Born in Cumberland and a standout runner at Greely High School, Luke was SO much fun to talk to. He just finished his first year of grad school at the University of Maine as a mechanical engineer focusing on oceanic renewable energy. 2023-2024 was Luke's breakout year, shattering both the 5000 and 10,000 meter school records and earning a spot at the NCAA Championships. He's chill, he's funny, he is the guy everyone wants on their team...in his own words, he's ineffable. 

Send a textSarah Mulcahy is what we would call a true BAMR, BadAss Mother Runner. She is up at 3am to get her runs in so that she can conquer her full time life after the sun rises. Sarah is Maine born, lives in northern Maine, teaches high school math, coaches collegiate runners and then chases her two kiddos as they run from one sport to the next. She has completed over 30 marathons and is still chasing PRs. She is definitely not your average mom, she's exceptional in everything she does.  We should all learn from Sarah, you get out whatever you put in. So show up, do the work and reap the benefits. Join us as we shakeout with Maine's local legend, Sarah Mulcahy.

Send a textOwen J. Logue is Maine's first Deaf Olympian. OJ was born deaf and had very little communication with those around him until later in life. He overcame endless hurdles in life to become the accomplished leader that he is today. He has served as the Executive Director of The Maine Educational Center for The Deaf and Hard of Hearing. He has held positions in higher education at a number of Universities. He is a former Collegiate Track and Cross Country runner turned coach, now coaching MDI High School. He has been inducted into the Maine Running Hall of Fame and he is currently coaching the US Deaf Olympic team. OJ created a sanctuary for distance runners when he founded Acadia Running Camp. He does it all and deeply believes in paying it forward. It was another great shakeout. 

Send a textWhere is part 2 you might wonder? Here it is. Andrea Oldenburg, the co-host of "The Maine Shakeout" becomes the interviewee. Andrea was raised in Connecticut but has embraced her life as a "Mainer," for this has been her home for quite some time. She has spent the last few decades perfecting her craft for endurance sports and life itself. This woman can do it all. She is the real MVP when it comes to toughness which makes her the best training partner.  Join us as we chat about her upbringing and what makes this superwoman tick. 

Send a textIn this episode we get to shakeout with Gary Allen. Gary is a man who has spent his entire life defying conventional standards of what is possible. He is a coach, runner, thrill seeker, race director, handyman, life loving human. He is a self proclaimed "dreamer." He has literally done it all. He not only orchestrates thrilling races but also ignites a fire within others to embrace life to its fullest.  Gary lives to create memories. He displays this with his unwavering dedication to helping himself and others find their own strength and resilience beyond the finishline.  This was such a fun shakeout with the one and only, Gary Allen!

Send a textKatie Norwood, a local personal trainer at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness and another local runner. What a fabulous and informative conversation. She crushes every course she races on, constantly winning her age group and ranking among the top women overall. She has raced everything from a 5k up to the Boston Marathon to the half ironman distance. She has found enormous success throughout her running career and continues to get faster. Join us as we discuss functional pattern training, the method that keeps Katie healthy and running faster as she ages. 

Send a textDeedra Dapice, a Brewer High School science teacher talks with us about her upcoming trip to Boston. Deedra is a committed member of the running club, Sub5 and competes in nearly all of our community road races. She completed her very first Boston Marathon in 2013, crossing the finish line a short 20 minutes before the Boston Marathon bombing. Join us to hear all about Deedra's favorite training plan and how she has managed a 7th trip to Boston this year. She is committed. She is is focused. She always fits her training in, even if it is 7 miles through the halls of Brewer High.  

Send a textWho is Lindsey Hackett? The co-host of "The Maine Shakeout" becomes the interviewee. Andrea interviews Lindsey to learn more about what led to where she is today. Lindsey was born and raised in Bangor and came back to start a family of her own after college. She has spent the last decade educating 5-6 year olds in the classroom and coaching teenagers on the course or at the track.  Join us, as we discuss her upbringing and what has led to the position she is in today. A coach, a mom, a runner, and a wife. 

Send a textHave you ever wondered what it is required to take on the Ultra Distances? Tune in with us as we chat with Roger Huber, another local legend. Bangor High Cross Country and Track Coach, Ironman himself, long distance enthusiast and new Grandpa, Roger tells his story on how he entered the Ultra world and what challenges he tackled along the way. We zoom in on training and discuss everything from the specific requirements to mental health barriers. Roger has done it all and his epic stories just paint a small picture of the incredible man he is. There is no way you won't enjoy this conversation. It's a good one. 

Send a textWe chat with two of the most modest high school athletes you will ever meet, Clara and Ruth White. The reality is, they are running royalty. Ruth, a senior at Orono high school is a 3 time Maine Cross Country Gatorade player of the year winner, 3 time Maine State Champion, 3 time New England Cross Country Champion and continues to break numerous state records like it's nothing.  Clara, the youngest in the family, is a sophomore at Orono. Just a few days ago, Clara won the State title in nordic, freestyle and pursuit skiing. She recently placed 4th at the 2023 State Cross Country Championship and continues to make her mom nervous as she sores over the pole vault bar in outdoor. These two are dream athletes. They show up, they work hard and they eat LOTS of apples. 

Send a textRunning partners, turned close friends, Lindsey and Andrea share their running experience from two different perspectives. Lindsey, an avid runner in her mid 30s, is a local high school track and cross country coach, and has a passion for  nutrition and technical aspects of the sport. Andrea, a mom of three teen athletes, is approaching her 50s, enjoys running and endurance sports even though her body is starting to object a bit more vehemently. Join them as they talk about running, food, local legends and every day athletes of Northern Maine. Laugh with us as we struggle through the podcast world and figure it out one episode at a time.  Lesson number one... mute your mic when you have small children.