Strides: A Trail Running Podcast

Aimee Warnke's ultrarunning resume, this year alone, is impressive: First place at the HURT100 and first place two-peat at the Prickly Pear 50K.That does not account for all of her accomplishments in 2025, including a finish at the Leadville 100.The 2025 Prickly Pear was the event that put Aimee on my radar, not long before Strides dropped its first episode. Aimee's commitment to the sport is infectious, and it shows in the work she puts in.In this conversation, we discuss Aimee's appreciation for trail running in Hawaii, what the San Antonio running culture means to her, and how she plans to seek adventure in her pursuit of the Triple Crown of 200s. Also, it feels appropriate to say this, but Strides is written, produced, and edited 100% free of AI. We care about human-focused projects here. Follow Aimee on Instagram and StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Jimmy Segura's mindset for running is rooted in routine, with a sprinkle of zeal. Jimmy sat down with me not long after completing a 100-miler at Rocky Raccoon in January—his first completion at the coveted distance.However, Jimmy is always looking for bigger challenges. In this conversation, we discuss how he was first introduced to running and how proximity to his favorite trail spot in San Antonio influenced his training. Then, we dive into the special nuances of how Jimmy trains for his races. We cap off the conversation with an ode to the San Antonio running community. As always, I hope you enjoy.Follow Jimmy on Instagram and StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Less than a year ago, on this podcast, Edgar Navarrete made up his mind: He was going to run the Black Canyon 100K. Edgar and 1,000 other runners will tee off on Black Canyon's point-to-point course through the Arizona desert this weekend. I've wanted to return to this part of our July 2025 conversation since Edgar laid the groundwork. Edgar is coming off a finish in the 55K at the Big Bend Ultra last month, a "midterm race," as he described.  From creative runs in San Antonio to recover forgotten keys, and a portfolio of success, Edgar is looking to have fun in Arizona. Black Canyon is an esteemed race, and Edgar is sure to make San Antonio proud.I hope you enjoy our conversation.Note: This interview was recorded in late January.Follow Edgar on Strava and InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

A face behind Southwest Elixirs and the Extra Credit crew, Madison Ortega is shaping her running journey surrounded by community. You could say running "runs in the family," as the sport dots the lives of many of Madison's family figures. Now, alongside her husband and friend of the show, Santiago, Madison channels that history into her running.In this conversation, we discuss how unexpected injuries last year affected her race calendar, how nutrition affects movement, and her race plans for 2026.We recorded this podcast days before Madison ran the Big Bend Ultra, even shaving time off her previous race. Follow Madison on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Roy Gallegos returns to the race that started it all, and graduates to the 50K distance in the process. In his second time at Bandera, Roy is preparing to toe the 50K start line, having knocked out a stellar 2025, which included a 50K finish at Sky Island in September. In this conversation, we touch on Roy's processes for the effort and what he hopes to pursue post-Bandera. Follow Roy on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Two is the recurring number for Cait Gomez: It's her second time running at Bandera, and her second 50K.Cait is coming into this weekend's race having spent physical time on the course alongside her coach and other Bandera runners. Coupled with focused training and some homemade nutrition, Cait is confident in crossing the finish line, even if the effort will be long. Follow Cait on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Erick Rendon is coming into this year's Bandera trail race, nearing his tenth time in some distance at the esteemed Hill Country race.For his third attempt at the 100K distance, Erick is not scared of the distance; for him, it is more of a mental battle. Erick is confident his cross-training on the bike will help him cross the finish line this weekend.Follow Erick on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyGot a topic idea? Want to leave a review? Shoot me an email with any feedback to [email protected].

Santiago Ortega is coming into this year's Bandera trail race with back-to-back-to-back efforts planned. Not only is Santiago looking to check the Bandera 25K off his list, but he is also planning to race the 20K at the Big Bend Ultra not long after. He will cap it off with another 50K at the Rocky 50 in February.Hear how Santiago is planning for all of the efforts, and his plans to stay on top of nutrition and hydration at Bandera.Follow Santiago on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Katie Glasheen is coming into her time at Bandera calm, cool, and calculated. Running the 50K distance for the second time, Katie is confident that her training block and composition of strength training and physio will pay off. In this conversation, hear how Katie sprinkled in some fun during her 15-week training block and what she plans to pack for nutrition and hydration.Follow Katie on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Shaun Jones is coming into this year's HOKA Bandera trail race with redemption and first-time experiences on his mind.Despite this being his first attempt at any distance at Bandera, Shaun is eyeing a finish following an unfortunate DNF at Cactus Rose last year. Nonetheless, Shaun is expecting his focused training to help him cross the finish line.Follow Shaun on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

The Bandera course is something of a homecoming for Courtney Rouse, a local legend in San Antonio's trail scene. It was the first course she ran when she moved to San Antonio, and one she has continually returned to. Courtney is coming into this year's 50K race looking to have fun and improve on her 5-hour time last year, albeit on a last-minute course change. Follow Courtney on StravaFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

In September, ahead of the Sky Island trail race, Will Rocha famously said he was going to "f**k around and find out." I suppose you could say it paid off—Rocha took the top spot on the 25K, finishing the race in just under two-and-a-half hours.An impressive finish, especially considering it was Rocha's first trail race. However, Rocha is no stranger to the endurance chase.In our conversation, we discuss how running came to Rocha by way of an interest in cycling and mobility, his marathon plans, where his next trail race is set to take place, and how that cycling history influenced his team's routing for the UNRTD Austin to San Antonio relay race.Follow Will on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Jordan Gracey may be an average runner, but his itch for the heart of running and creating is palpable.Gracey is one of three behind "AVRG," a DIY-zine tailored for all runners. Check out Issue 001 from AVRG.We recorded this episode back in September.While we do touch on running and AVRG in this conversation, Jordan graciously shared in my meanderings about trail shoes, the beauty and complexities of Kogonada’s film Columbus, and Gracey’s roots in the music scene.Follow Jordan on InstagramFollow AVRG on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Heading into this year's Sky Island, third time is the charm for Cale Williams.Cale Williams has stuck to what he knows in his preparation for Sky Island -- hill repeats and long trail runs, especially at the Babcock Powerlines in San Antonio. As for nutrition, Cale is looking toward gummy bears. And some Huma gels, of course. But for Cale, he is eyeing a chill ride on the 25K and looking forward to crushing his enemies at the same time.Follow Cale on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

In his first 50k, Roy Gallegos is not letting Sky Island's distance get to his head.Roy Gallegos' mindset is one rooted in a humble mentality; a devotee to the endurance experience. From 5:00 a.m. training runs to acclimating to the necessary elevation gains, Roy is prepared for the experience of a lifetime. At the end, one thing awaits: finishing as an ultramarathoner. What's next? Bigger and better things, he would say. Follow Roy on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

West Texas has come calling again for Joe Sierra, who is looking for the finish in his second trail race of the year at Sky Island. Joe Sierra is coming off a Big Bend Ultra 50-mile finish from earlier this year, though he is also battling a bad shin splint. Despite that, however, Joe describes how prioritizing recovery and cross-training on the bike has prepared him for the longevity of the Sky Island 50k. Low and slow is Joe's mindset, especially to tackle the elevation gains in the race.Follow Joe on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

In his first trail race, Will Rocha is going to fuck around and find out in his home away from home.There is a beauty in coming into an endurance feat with the intent to find out one's limits. For Will Rocha, the Sky Island 25k will be a test of mental fortitude. Listen to find out how Will is coping with injury, approaching the start with patience, and how he landed racing at Sky Island.Follow Will on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Running with her dad and husband by her side, Madison Ortega is ready for the magic of Sky Island and West Texas.In this episode, Madison Ortega describes her mentality coming into her second trail race. Fitting that it is another West Texas race, as she did the 20k at the Big Bend Ultra earlier this year. Trading frigid temperatures for the blazing sun, Madison discusses her training post-injury, the importance of nutrition and hydration, and how she feels running the race alongside her dad and husband.Follow Madison on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

The heart of the athlete shines with Javian Quinones, a faithful devotee to the endurance chase. Quinones, who is rehabbing and rebuilding from his third knee surgery, has chased endurance on two wheels and two feet. A seeker of the ultra distance, Quinones has big goals and bigger miles. We chat about what brought him into running and how that evolved to cycling, the importance of optimism when dealing with injury, and what it means to chase the miles.Follow Javian on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Santiago Ortega is eyeing the finish line on his first 50k and preparing to fill that experience with joy.In this episode, hear how Santiago is mentally preparing for the effort, what fuel sources he plans to utilize–including the underrated (gluten-free) peanut butter and jelly sandwich—and how a trip to Mexico City earlier this year is affecting his mindset going into the race.Follow Santiago on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Hey everybody!I’m happy to introduce this project: Strides’ pre-race coverage of the Sky Island trail race. The race, one of West Texas’ finest, is in its ninth year. Boasting views of Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatories, and the skies of Texas, the race is much-loved — and it's calling the name of some badass runners.For this coverage, I sat down with nine runners from San Antonio who are running the 25k and 50k races. While Borderlands’ Western States interviews inspired this, this was also a chance to live vicariously through the endurance chase. I would love to run this race at some point. I will run this race at some point.Each of the interviews followed the same formula, but each person also brought their own character into the mix. There are some familiar faces and some new ones in these episodes, and I have even gotten to share a few miles with several of them over the past few weeks.From now up to race day, you will hear from these runners:Santiago Ortega - 50kMadison Ortega - 25kWill Rocha - 25kJoe Sierra - 50kRoy Gallegos - 50kCale Williams - 25kCourtney Rouse - 25kJulia Hargesheimer - 50kJuan Pina - 50kConsider following them on Instagram. Stoked to see them finish, and eager to have them all back on to debrief.Follow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

There is an air of calm and creativity to Shaun Jones’ view on running, much of which is often evoked through the camera lens of his phone.Influenced by his interests in street photography, Jones sometimes dedicates runs to finding striking images, all while covering miles on the trails or parts of the San Antonio River Walk from the steps of his front door. In this conversation, we discuss how photography plays into Jones' running, building up his mileage for races, and running as exploration.Follow Shaun on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Roy Gallegos is inspiring, both for his view on running and his commitment to bettering the craft.When not doubling the Babcock power lines on the weekend or battling hill repeats, Gallegos uplifts his small business and spends his life as a husband and a father.We cover running as a spiritual practice, how Gallegos discovered brands such as Satisfy and Alex Zono, and what his race plans look like for the rest of the year. Follow Roy on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Edgar Navarrete brings a special kind of humility and warmth to his story, one of resiliency and centered in the history of two places.In this episode, Edgar and I discuss how his immigration story has impacted his running journey, the importance of movement in that journey, and what coveted race he is eyeing for his 100K debut.Follow Edgar on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Howdy, everyone. Back from a brief hiatus, but ready to get back on track. Let’s hop in.This week, we had Amy Hermes of In The Loop Run Crew on to discuss her journey into running and how she started the group. We also touched on their recent flagship race: the Y’all Means All 5K Pride race.Registration for next year's Y'all Means All race is openFollow In The Loop Run Crew on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Kirsten Mengden is busy in the best way. She and many others built, made way, and put on my most recent trail race, making it a memorable experience that I look forward to next year. In this episode, we discuss her history with running, getting involved with a local running store in San Antonio, and what's to come with an excellent course in the Texas Hill Country. Follow Kirsten on InstagramFollow iRun on Instagram and check out their websiteFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

In this episode, I sit down with Santiago Ortega, a San Antonio runner, run club coordinator, and small business owner.Ortega is doing some great stuff in these spaces, providing a refreshing take on running's art form in the process. I'm stoked this conversation is hitting your ears. We cover the gamut in this podcast.Follow Santiago on InstagramFollow his run club, Extra Credit, on InstagramFollow Strides on Instagram and SubtstackCheck out Strides on Apple Podcast and SpotifyLove it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Garrett Philbrick is more than just a teacher, a dad, and a husband: He’s an ultrarunner on a mission, a comeback tour of his own.With nine ultras under his belt, Philbrick is building out his mileage and time to prepare for a packed calendar of races to close out the year.He sat down with me to discuss his running journey, landing his first sponsorship, and why he chooses to run to heavy metal music.Follow Garrett on Instagram, Strava, and check out his go-to running playlist.Follow the podcast on Instagram and Substack.Check out Strides on Apple Podcasts.Love it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected].

Howdy, and welcome back to Strides!In this episode, I break down my experience running the 20k event this past Saturday during the Desperado Gravel Run & Ruck in Boerne, Texas. This was an incredible event with some gorgeous Hill Country trails, and will surely be a yearly staple for me.Follow the podcast on Instagram and Substack!Love it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave a review and email any feedback to [email protected]

It’s race week, friends!I’m running the 20K Desperado Run this weekend at the Desperado Resort outside Boerne, Texas. Boerne is about 30ish miles outside of San Antonio.The weather this weekend in the area is beginning to tip into scorching heat. The forecast is looking decent in the morning, with higher temperatures later in the day.I'm excited to hit some brand-new trails and immerse myself in the race world again. Will have an episode out after the race, breaking down how it went. Follow Strides on Instagram and Substack!Love it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Leave a review or feel free to email me and give your feedback: [email protected]

Howdy, my name is Mason, and welcome to Strides.This is the podcast and Substack amalgamation for me to explore a sport I am loving more and more: trail running. An opportunity to explore what I love, what I want to learn, and what seems dauntingBut more than that, this venture is a chance to blend some of my other passions—film, urban planning, and storytelling—with a budding interest in trail.I am by no means a professional but rather a devotee of the sport, ready to dive headfirst and not look back.This episode serves as an introduction and a bit about my journey with trail running. I probably missed a couple of things, but hey, we will surely cover going forward.Thanks for listening!Follow Strides on Instagram!Follow Strides on Substack to catch breakdowns of each episode and more.Artwork designed by chloe k designs. Website coming soon.Music sourced from YouTube audio library