What happens when gymnastic prowess meets mountain trails? Professional HOKA athlete Jess Brazeau takes us on her remarkable journey from the gymnastics mat to conquering technical downhills.

Whether you're fascinated by athletic crossover skills, mountain racing strategy, or the cutting edge of endurance nutrition, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone performing at the highest levels while maintaining remarkable humility about her achievements.

Ready to elevate your trail running knowledge? Listen now and discover what makes elite athletes like Jess tick.

When two premium carbon-plated trail shoes battle for supremacy, which one truly deserves your hard-earned dollars? We dive deep into the $220 Adidas Terex Agravic Speed Ultra and $275 Hoka Tecton X3 to discover their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

The Adidas delivers a responsive, race-ready feel that mimics road super shoes but raises stability concerns. Meanwhile, the Tecton X3 provides confidence-inspiring stability on technical terrain but disappoints with its durability relative to its premium price point.

We tackle the questions that matter most to trail runners: Do these shoes justify their $200+ price tags? Which one performs better for different distances and terrain types? How do factors like foot strike pattern and fit preferences influence performance? And most importantly, will either shoe actually make you faster on the trails?

Whether you're considering these specific models or simply trying to navigate the increasingly expensive world of premium trail shoes, this episode provides the honest insights you need. Subscribe, share your own experiences with these shoes, and let us know which trail shoes you'd like us to review next!

In this captivating conversation, seven-time Emmy-nominated sound engineer Brian Parker returns to share his LA Marathon journey, complete with all the triumphs and challenges that followed.

Brian takes us through his training, including how California wildfires disrupted crucial long runs and how he encountered "the wall" at mile 16 during preparation. "I had a hard time walking in a straight line and my brain did not feel good," he reveals, describing that moment of glycogen depletion that every marathoner fears. His candid discussion of fueling mistakes offers invaluable wisdom for anyone attempting long-distance running!

Beyond the running talk, we explore Brian's work as supervising sound editor on the hit medical show "The Pitt" and dive into the subtle artistry behind creating realistic soundscapes that viewers often don't consciously notice.

Whether you're training for your first marathon, curious about sound design in television, or just enjoy authentic conversations with passionate people, this episode delivers with humor, insight, and entertaining detours.

What happens when you blend elite-level racing with coaching dozens of athletes? Rachel Tomajczyk knows a thing or two about this balancing act. Fresh off her victory at the Ventura Half Marathon, Rachel joins us to discuss her first road race in nearly four years while sharing how she maintains her competitive edge on the trails.

The conversation takes us deep into the world of professional trail running as Rachel reveals her ambitious plans for this years Golden Trail Series, with races spanning from China to Austria.

As a coach with Wild Strides (co-founded with fellow elite runners Grayson Murphy and Courtney Coppinger), Rachel brings valuable perspective to athlete development. She treasures the deep connections formed with long-term athletes, viewing coaching as a collaborative partnership rather than a directive relationship.

Strap on your shoes and join us for a discussion with Matt Trappe, a creative director and founder of Auteur Sportif. In a world where trail running is transcending its traditional boundaries, we explore how athletes are evolving into brand creators, harnessing the power of storytelling to build their identities within the running community.

With the sport witnessing an influx of new talent and a growing appreciation from mainstream culture, Matt shares his insights on the dynamic landscape of trail running, including its relationship with branding, diversity, and personalities in competition.

During our conversation, we delve into the unique opportunities athletes have to amplify their narratives, the importance of telling authentic stories, and how emerging trends are reshaping the industry's engagement with fans. We discuss the need for a more inclusive community and the potential impact of character-building rivalries on attracting wider audiences.

Discover the remarkable journey of Grayson Murphy, affectionately known as Racin Grayson, as she navigates her path from a collegiate soccer player to a renowned professional runner for Saucony. With accolades including five-time US champion and two-time world champion, Grayson's story is a testament to resilience and reinvention.

Our conversation takes you through the realm of mountain trail running and its growing influence, as we discuss the prospects of such races becoming an Olympic sport. Grayson provides her unique perspective on the potential benefits and challenges of Olympic inclusion. The episode also highlights how the sport's integrity can be preserved through increased drug testing, ensuring a level playing field for a diverse array of athletes.

Grayson offers valuable reflections on maintaining consistency and avoiding injury, under the guidance of coach David Roche, who champions joy as an essential element of training. We wrap up by exploring Grayson's entrepreneurial journey with Wild Strides Paper Co., a venture born from her love for running and need for a tailored training log.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jason Fitzgerald, the mastermind behind Strength Running and the voice of the Strength Running Podcast. With a marathon personal record of 2:39 and a USATF coaching certification, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Unlock the secrets to balancing strength training and running performance as we tackle the intricacies of integrating weightlifting into a runner’s routine.

Discover how dynamic warm-ups and unconventional exercises like jumping rope can transform your training regimen. By weaving these elements into your routine, you'll enhance your running economy and reduce injury risks while boosting overall performance. From personal anecdotes to expert advice, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to elevate your running game and achieve your personal bests.

Join us as we look back on a year filled with unforgettable moments on the Hobby Jogger podcast. We also shine a light on the dynamic figures who enriched our podcast with their passion and resilience. As we wrap up the year, we're reminded of the camaraderie and friendships that make the Hobby Jogger podcast not just a platform, but a passionate community.