Turn Downhill for What?  The 2024 Crater Rim Ultra – Dirt Church Radio 299. Kia ora e te whanāu. This week we bring you some of the action from the Crater Rim Ultra. A Grass Roots race with Champagne Hills. We speak with Dwight Grieve, Emma Timmis, Vicky Havill, Grant Guise, Chris Pike, Rocky Walker and Rebecca Short about this super challenging race.  Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running Crater Rim Ultra DCR Live Show Tickets! October 29!Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!

Kia ora e te whānau! In this episode of the AidStation Eugene and Matt are both huge Steve Magness fans, and are super excited about his new book Win The Inside Game, so naturally they talk through tips, tricks, and strategies that they both use when the going gets rough on the trails was on the cards. The big news of the episode is that Eugene has announced his departure from DCR after 6 years and 300 episodes, you’ll read more about this in his announcement. Enjoy! Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running. Sign up to the DCR AidStation SQUADRUNDirt Church Live show with Inia Raumati!Dirt Church Merch!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whanāu. This week, Matt is joined by Stephen Parker, the author of “There Is No Finish – The Backyard Ultramarathon Story”. Compelled to write a book whilst being inspired by a speaker at a conference, Stephen chose to focus on the story of the niche of ultrarunning that he loves the most, the Backyard. Nearly a year later, that book is here and ready to be read.  For those unfamiliar, the Backyard format is 6.76km on the hour, every hour, until there is one person standing. This format seems as old as time itself and also sits at the forefront of the sport in today’s context. Both a gateway to longer distances and a crucible in which human suffering is quantified, the Backyard faces many challenges if it is to grow and stay relevant in today’s culture. Matt discusses all of this, and more with Stephen in this engaging and enjoyable conversation. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running Running Forever Home There Is No Finish Instagram There Is No Finish Facebook Buy The Book DCR Live Show Tickets! October 29!Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! On this episode of the DCR AidStation we are back with two of our favourite coaches and the brains behind SQUADRUN, Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter. The famous saying “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” rings true with running. In fact, one could argue that 99% of our races have an element of the uncontrollable, but we are not going to talk about this. We are going to focus when we’ve become our own Mike Tyson, and punched ourselves in the face. We rip through the gamut of bugger-ups, from the structural to digital, and how once you’ve dug the hole, jumped in, and covered yourself with dirt, how to drag yourself back out. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running. Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:SQUADRUNDirt Church Live show with Inia Raumati!Dirt Church Merch!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia Ora e te whānau! Simply put, Daniel Jones is heaps good at running, so good that at the start of the year he transitioned from being an elite runner supported by a brand to being a professional athlete on an international team. Matt spoke to Dan from his home in Lower Hutt, off the back of his first USA and European season as part of the Adidas Terrex team. We discuss Western States, CCC, just how fast the OCC is, the surprises and challenges of being a professional runner, and his deep and abiding relationship with Hayden Hawks. We also discuss Dan’s newsletter, and the arc of the professional career. Dan Jones rules! And so does this conversation. Best Enjoyed Running. Daniel Jones on Instagram Lessons from The Long Run Adidas Terrex Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whānau! Where were you when you first heard about the big orange S? On this episode of the DCR AidStation podcast, Eugene and Matt dive deep into the good, the bad, and the (very) ugly that is Strava. Our heroes discuss what they love and love less about the social fitness platform and the positive and less positive impacts it has had on their lives. What brought this topic up was the dawning incredulity that people are hiring Strava Mules to run things fast for them for the purpose of kudos and followers. Oh, and we checked the date and it isn’t April 1st. Minds. Blown. Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:SQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia Ora e te whānau! If, as we posited last week, the collective noun for a group of Fire Fighters is a Calendar then in this episode we’ve got most of the months ticked off!!! First off, we’ve got all the action from day 2 of the Firies Climb for MND. Then in the second part of our show  Matt had the pleasure of sitting down at home with Helen Waterworth and Chris Newsome from His & Hers Endurance Events KITS when they swung through from Whangarei on their way to The Great Naseby.We love these people, they are inspiring, down-to-earth legends who have devoted most of their adult life to serving the community as members of the New Zealand fire service, and now are serving the trail running community with their business, which is essentially to act as your running event concierges, and as event directors, not only with Kings Backyard- where the record for most laps on NZ soil was broken this year, and with Whangārei five one two challenge. What’s more, they are no slouches at endurance events themselves, with Chris having won the River run backyard in its inaugural year and Helen just back from a PB of 32 laps at Clint Eastwood in Australia. Best Enjoyed Running Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!His&Hers Endurance Event KITZ Firies Furber Stairs Climb Jenny Hirst’s 60km for 60 ChallengeNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Curranz.co.nz Curranz.co.nz Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whānau! We are not going to lie to you, this is a heavy episode, however it is absolutely one that you need to hear. Matt and Ali Pottinger ventured to Scenic World in Katoomba to facilitate this discussion for the Firies Furber Stairs Climb. We spoke to the original Firies Climb Organiser, Matt Pridham, about his personal experience with MND and how this drove him to start an event which raised millions of dollars, We spoke to Professor Dominic Rowe of Macqurie University. A consultant neurologist with a fury to find a cure, and who singley handidly inspired everyone in the room listening, gave pause around how we live our lives, and shattered the F bomb record on DCR. We spoke with Jane Simpson, host of MND Talks, a podcast for those families and people living with MND. Jane is the chair of the MND research collective and shared the loss of her husband to MND. Lastly, we speak to Blue Mountains local, ultramarathon runner, and on-call fire fighter Gavin Clifton, about taking up the torch as the firies climb organiser, and the purpose this brings him, and the mammoth task awaiting him to smash out 24 hours on the Furber Stairs. . Enjoy!!Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:SQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!Jenny Hirst’s 60km for 60 ChallengeFiries Climb for Motor Neurone Disease.Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Curranz.co.nz Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia Ora e te whānau! This week on the pod, Eugene and Matt settle in for a good old chat about Matt’s upcoming 100 mile event and Matt gets the opportunity to chat to one of his running idols (Eugene, and yes, we are leaving that in) about his process and engagement with the distance. Following on from last week’s AidStation when we spoke to coach Kerry and Ali from SQUADRUN, we discuss the where, the what, and most importantly the why around an event that has bludgeoned itself into the running discourse and is more popular than ever. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Firies Furber Stairs Climb Jenny Hirst’s 60km for 60 ChallengeNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whānau! The great questions of our age answered by two of the greatest minds (and Matt and Eugene)!! When it comes to training, how much is too much? Or too little? And do we go by time or distance? And how will we know?!?! The answer? It depends … sort of ... This is a great discussion with SQUADRUN coaches Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger around the quantitative and qualitative approach to training for your next big event. Matt reminds us how context is everything, Ali refuses to be judged for completionism, and Eugene and Kerry stack big numbers to the sky. Enjoy!!Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:SQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!Jenny Hirst’s 60km for 60 ChallengeNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whanau! This week Matt has the distinct privilege of speaking to Lee Grabarek. Lee (they/them) is a non-binary person who has been ripping it up on the trails and roads of Aotearoa for the last ten years, after travelling from Connecticut, where they enjoyed a very outdoorsy existence. Matt spoke to Lee about their life growing up, their initial foray into trail running and the sweet, sweet, sweet, transgression of wearing road shoes on the trail. We discuss Lee’s attendance at Out Trails, a trail running retreat for queer and trans people, and the massive impact that this had on their life. Lee, who puts it elegantly, does not “think about my gender every second of every day” so what this conversation is mostly about is running, how unifying this is, and what work there is to do in the space. Lee is here to, in their words, “Send it” and will be competing at this year's Crater Rim 30km. This is a truly interesting conversation with a super-interesting runner. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running. Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Lee Grabarek- Stronger Than You Think Trail Society Podcast with Lee GrabarekOut Trails Firies Furber Stairs Climb NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This week we’re joined by DCR favourite guest Gareth Morris as he recounts to us how he knocked off a run he first dreamed of more than a decade ago when he read the DCR favourite book, Feet in the Clouds, by Richard Askwith. The famous Bob Graham Round, a fell running loop in the English Lake District, challenges runners to tackle 42 peaks over a 66 mile course in less than 24 hours. (Bob Graham was the first person to go under that mark, in 1932). Gareth talks all about the history of this famous route, the camaraderie and sacrifice of those who helped him, and how he used the powerful words of legendary runner Nicky Spinks to get him to the end. Even if you’ve never heard of the BGR, or have any intention of running it, you’ll come away from this episode inspired (and with new knowledge about unique English cuisine …) Best enjoyed running!Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:Westie Runner on YouTubeSQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!Maree Leith Pledge Me for Finding Her Stride NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whanau! David Hellard has had a long and varied history with running. From hashing with his army dad, to reclaiming fitness in his 20’s obstacle racing, adventure racing, a love of city exploration, running everywhere, ultras, to founding the long-running and wildly popular Bad Boy Running podcast. David has run many of the world’s greatest marathons and has a passion for a life on two feet. Lately pivoting to creating Caffeine Bullet, a chewable caffeine source that packs a mean punch. Proving the old adage that the degree of separation between New Zealand and the rest of the world is two degrees, David and Matt find out that they have a mutual friend (via Afghanistan!) and both being chatty and distractible embark on a conversation that can only be described as two anthropomorphic spaniels chasing a butterfly around a garden. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running. Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Bad Boy Running Podcast David Hellard Home Caffeine Bullet Firies Furber Stairs Climb NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! We’ve had the pleasure of some salubrious recording locales with Mr Andrew McDowall and this time is no different. Fresh off a DCMF he’s hit the Forestry Road Subaru Studios with Eugene and Matt for a full rundown of his Western States experience. We even got to stroke the buckle. *Spoiler Alert* That’s a pretty flash buckle, alright. Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:Andrew McDowall’s blogSQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

In its nine-year history the WUU2K has kicked many a runner in the ass. This year it kicked Matt in the head. Antecedently to the unfolding malarky, Eugene and Matt caught up with NZ trail legend Jenny Hirst, WUU2K race director and founder Gareth Thomas, and long-time collaborator Brent Robinson. You’ll get all the action from the start line, and Matt out on course,  alongside Eugene’s interviews with Tailwind NZ’s Mark Drew, Carly Webber from Runners NZ and many more. Best Enjoyed Running.WUU2kSign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Trail Running NZ Home NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, DigicakecurraNZ.co.nz

Kia ora e te whānau! On this episode, Eugene and Matt are joined by the brains trust of SQUADRUN Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter for a play-along-at-home adventure around the start of planning for a big adventure or event, in this case, Matt’s build up to the Tarawera Ultra Trail. As usual with these conversations, Kerry and Ali are wise beyond years, and a font of incredible knowledge. Not to be missed. Dan Jones also checks in after his remarkable fourth-place run at Western States last weekend, and we debate the merits of standing in the way of Ruth Croft at UTMB (spoiler alert: Don’t).Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:SQUADRUNDirt Church Merch!Maree Leith Pledge Me for Finding Her Stride NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicakethespectacle.co.nz curraNZ.co.nz

Kia ora e te whānau!“At least I don’t have to listen to my own voice”. So goes the bio of Bradley Houghton, the maestro behind Trail Running NZ, the newsletter that has taken the scene by storm. Breaking his own rule, Bradley sits down with Eugene and Matt to discuss his own history with trail running, and the motivation to start Trail Running NZ. Bradley, like most of us who start something creative, juggles a full time job, family, and a love of running to bring you a weekly dose of trail running goodness. Whilst we had such a wealth of knowledge on the line we took a deep dive into the WUU2K (the Wellington Urban Ultra) a standout race in the Aotearoa running calendar since 2016, running through the courses, the history of the race and the stacked fields in this year's event. Best Enjoyed Running.Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterDirt Church Merch!The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!Trail Running NZ Home NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicakethespectacle.co.nzFit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whānau!Our mate Andrew McDowall is quite good at running. Eugene calls him (inexplicably) the fifth Beatle of DCR, which is absolutely true if not numerically suspect. Andrew has been trying to get into Western States for what has felt like 100 years, but is actually 9 years. Which can feel like 100 years, I’m sure. He only went and bloody got in this year, and we speak to him about what this means for him, his training, and what he is most excited about. We also crack into a game of Over and Under about the most over rated, and most underrated aspects of race preparation. Baller. Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:Dirt Church Merch!Maree Leith Pledge Me for Finding Her Stride NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicakethespectacle.co.nzFit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Kia ora e te whānau! Anthony Kerr-Taylor – Ant K-T – couldn’t tell you what got him out onto the Riverhead trails during the country’s first Covid lockdown, but that first run four years ago has lead to a string of incredible results including an 8th place at this year’s Tarawera Ultra Trail 100 mile and a couple weeks ago Ant ran 348kms (or 52 laps) at Kings Backyard to take the record for the farthest run at a backyard on New Zealand soil. Ant talks us through “going down the rabbit hole” in this amazing conversation. Honest, inspiring, and assured, Ant K-T is one to watch. Best Enjoyed RunningSign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterAnthony Kerr-Taylor Instagram Tina Buch’s LEA and REDs ResearchNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandMusic by Andrew McDowall, Digicakethespectacle.co.nz

Kia ora e te whānau. This week we speak to the returning champion and guest on DCR episode 102 Coach Maree Leith of GoRunGirls. We talk to Maree about her efforts in writing and publishing her first book, Finding Her Stride, a compilation of 19 New Zealand woman runners and their stories. We also discuss our top tips for hitting the streets in the midst of winter, nerd out about headlamps (well, Matt does). We announce our new competition with The Spectacle, Aotearoa’s newest running festival, taking place December 13th-15th in Whakatū/Nelson. Sign up to the DCR AidStation Episode links:Maree Leith Pledge Me for Finding Her Stride NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicakethespectacle.co.nz

Kia ora e te whānau! This week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking to the incredible Caitlin Fielder. In her third year as a professional athlete for Salomon, Caitlin continues to go from strength-to-strength on the European trail circuit. With many strings to her bow, Caitlin discusses mindset, training, her fine art business, what it’s like to room with Courtney Dauwalter and are the Salomon camps as cool as they look on Instagram? Spoiler- Yes. Yes they are. Best Enjoyed Running.Sign up to the DCR AidStation newsletterCaitlin Fielder Home Caitlin Fielder Instagram Salomon Running NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This episode of the pod finds Matt returning to The Blue Mountains for the UTA running festival. With 7000 athletes over 4 days this is a one-of-a-kind spectacle in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Down to one wing, the ever dependable Ali Pottinger of SQUADRUN fame jumped into the fray, along with Ben Berriman and Dave Stewart to recap each day’s event. Ali and Matt also handled the elite Q&A, with Lucy Bartholomew, Charlie Hamilton, and Michael Dimunates. Matt and Ali discussed the Women in Trail Panel and the topic of equality and equity in the elite field. Best Enjoyed Running.Ultra Trail Australia Ultra Trail Australia Facebook SQUADRUNNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This week, Eugene and Matt have got the band back together! We have the distinct pleasure of being joined by the brains behind SQUADRUN, Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter to preview the 2024 edition of  Ultra Trail Australia. Ali and Kerry are two people who know this race intimately, they share their favourite parts of the course and memories with us before giving us an incredible run down of the elite list across the 100km and 50 km distances for what is sure to be some very tasty racing. Best Enjoyed Running.Ultra Trail Australia Ultra Trail Australia Facebook SQUADRUNChris Martin GRE Spotify Link NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Further Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This week we’ve got something different for you. Eugene and Matt take a trip to Ōtautahi/Christchurch for our first ever live show at Further Faster. We were joined by the epic Jess Campbell and Michael Mitchell as we ran through some stories from the past six years. We rounded the evening off by challenging the audience to a rousing round of Rock, Paper, Scissors for a Crater Rim entry and finally found the answer to the oft-asked question, “What is worse, being bitten by a shark or doing The Revenant?”. Then, our heroes travelled to Island Hills in North Canterbury for the Skedaddle Trail Race, which is bound to become a litmus test in terms of toughness over the marathon distance, and Matt certainly found that out in spades. Episode links:Her International NGO (courtesy of Jess Campbell)NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This episode we catch up with Jenny and Jeff Vierling, the founders of Tailwind. They were in Aotearoa for the Faultline Ultra on the weekend, and right about now they’ll be riding the Old Ghost Road. They live in the mountain town of Durango, Colorado, where they have made a deliberate decision to grow and keep their business. We talk about life in a small town and why it’s important to them to be part of the community,  the origins of Tailwind, which is a bit of a famous story about Jeff having a bad time at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. We also talk about the science of race nutrition, the best and worst flavours, and that time Jeff almost had the whole of Chicago Airport shut down because of the bunch of white powder he was carrying. They were delightful and sweet – not too sweet, just right, like a chocolate-flavoured Tailwind Recovery. Subscribe to the DCR Newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastTailwind NutritionZeroTwenty2 SportsCoNickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This week, Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure to speak to Greig Hamilton and let us tell you this has been a long time coming! In case you don’t know, Greig Hamilton became the first Kiwi finisher of the Barkley Marathons. It was his third crack, having knocked off fun runs in 2019 and 2022. This year there were five finishers, including the first female finisher, Jasmine Paris. Barkley is a five-loop course in the Frozen Head National Park in Tennessee. Greig is from Christchurch, he’s a two-time world champion in the Rogaine, and, by all accounts, one of the most self-effacing human beings around. However with the help of our sources we managed to crack the nut for a wonderful conversation – five years after we first asked him. We talk about Greig’s beginnings in sport, how he was “abysmal” at running (then got better), adventure racing, the burden of an endeavour like Barkley on loved ones, the difference between suffering and enjoyment, and some details about the race itself. This one was worth the wait. - Best Enjoyed Running.Subscribe to the DCR Newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastHorleys Intelligent Sports  Nutrition NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Furber Steps are an iconic part of the UTA course in the Blue Mountains, more than 900 stairs that make up the only path to the finish line. This year, NSW Firefighters are going to climb it for 24 hours raising money for Motor Neuron Disease. And everyone is invited along, so Matt and Eugene and going to be there. We speak with the brainchild of this quad-shredding challenge, Gavin Clifton, about the event, the special nature of the steps, and how he came up with the idea. We also catch up with him about how the UTA course is holding up after recent torrential rain. Best enjoyed running!Firies Climb for MNDCurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! This week on the podcast Eugene speaks to returning champion and one of the most impressive human beings we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with, the one and only Roger Robinson. Roger is an age group world champion runner, an emeritus professor at Victoria University where he was in the English Department, he is a world-leading writer on running, a delightful, engaging teller of stories and commentator, and shares his time between Wellington and New York, with his wife, the celebrated women’s running pioneer, Kathrine Switzer. He has a new book out titled “Running Throughout Time: The Greatest Running Stories Ever Told”. The book is full of fascinating research and discoveries, from chapters about Atlanta, the heroic woman runner of ancient Greece, to Allison Roe, the New Zealander who won the New York Marathon. In his research, Roger arguably discovered the true roots of trail running in a ditch, and most definitely busts some myths about some of our sport’s most famous stories. Roger was a guest on DCR episode 37 which you should have a listen to if you missed it, with Kathrine on DCR episode 45. Also on show, we celebrate Riverhead Rampage’s 10th year, catch up with Dr Inia Raumati about his quest to run 8 ultras on 8 continents, and bring you a Kiwi for Greatest Run Ever – as in, an actual Kiwi, Best Enjoyed Running.Roger Robinson Home Running Through Time: The Greatest Running Stories Ever Told NickrunsAustralia.org.nz Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireIrunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! Enjoy this cheeky little bijou podcastette from this year’s Northburn 100. Llaingholm’s favourite son, Episode 33 alumni, and Commonwealth Games Medallist Gareth Morris went to Northburn to document the action (okay, so he was supposed to be running, but he was injured so we asked him for a favour …). Acting as our intrepid Mainland Correspondent Gareth captured conversations with Race Director Terry Davis, six-time winner Jean Beaumont, and 11 time finisher and ultrarunning legend Glenn Sutton. Don’t forget to click the link below to get a ticket to our live show in Christchurch on April 25th!!!  Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastDirt Church Radio Further Faster Live Show!!! Gareth Morris’ (Westie Runner) on YoutubeNorthburn 100CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandMusic by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kia ora e te whānau! WOOOOO some weekends in the calendar just stack up don’t they? This weekend certainly didn’t disappoint with the fourth running of Aotearoa’s original Backyard Ultramarathon, the Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra, the Northburn 100 mile, one of the  most challenging 100 mile events in the country, and the Barkley Marathons, the Monster of Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. This week, Eugene and Matt do their best to pinball between all three places, with Matt enjoying the delights of the ReLaps and fifth Beatle Andrew McDowall taking on the Northburn 100, we’ve looped in a gaggle of guests for your listening pleasure, with Shaun Collins, Madeleine Collins, Chris Macdonald from Runners With Beards, Lola Rayment, Andrew McDowall, and some field recording of one half of a podcasting duo being put through a wringer. The post-race weekend blues are going to be epic. Best Enjoyed Running.Riverhead ReLaps Northburn 100 Gareth Morris Westie Runner on YouTubeCurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Kiwi Sandy Barwick ran 549 miles in six days back in 1990, establishing a world record that stood for 34 years, until Camille Herron broke it, running 560 miles last week. How did Sandy do it, and what does she think of Camille’s run? Lockerroom founding editor Suzanne McFadden interviewed Sandy to find out. We caught up with Suzanne in this chat first released in our DCR AidStation podcast for paid subscribers released on Wednesday. If you want to hear the rest of the episode, or our other episodes, sign up via the link below!Sign up to the DCR AidStationLockerroom interview with Sandy Barwick

Kia ora e te whānau! Our friend, fellow MC, and DCR away game co-host Ali Pottinger sent us a message wanting to talk about what the trail running community could do better (and is doing better) to support women in trail running. When Ali talks, we listen. So please enjoy this thought-provoking and engaging discussion with Ali Pottinger around the good, the bad, and the way forward for our trail running sisters, from one of our trail running sisters. Also, Eve (of the dolphin-rescue Greatest Run Ever fame) comes through with ANOTHER animal encounter GRE, would you believe it! Best Enjoyed Running.Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastAli Pottinger on Instagram ITRA SQUADRUN For The Gals RC CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Just before Tarawera we caught up with Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger from Squadrun for our annual pre-race preview. Days later, as he told us, he was going in for surgery to help get some mobility back after his big crash two years ago.We knew you'd all be keen to hear how it went, and to get his views on the racing at Tarawera, since he's been involved since day one - so, here you go!This is part of our DCR AidStation podcast for paid subscribers that was released on Wednesday. If you're keen to listen to the whole episode each and every fortnight, sign up! Nau mai, haere mai!Sign up to the DCR AidStation 

Kia ora e te whānau! She’s 90 lbs soaking wet and with a personality 150 feet tall: Polly Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. A  guide in the Marlborough Sounds, past Northburn 100 mile winner, and someone who could talk the iron legs off a stove, Polly is someone who exemplifies that maximum growth occurs on the cusp of support  and challenge. In 2019, with her ultramarathon dreams about to come true, she was hit by a car. What follows is a tale of heart ache, tragedy, loss, gratitude, triumph and redemption. Eugene and Matt spoke to Polly as she toe’d the line at the Tarawera Ultra Trail 100 miler in the hopes of making her way back to Chamonix to have the chance to compete at UTMB after being run down on a pedestrian crossing cruelly robbed her of the chance four years ago.  What unfolds will leave you cheering loudly – for her, and for your own best life. Also in this episode – a rundown of the race we missed out on, Old Ghost Ultra, including a report on the ground from special correspondent Conrad Langridge. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastPolly Taylor on Instagram La Sportiva NZ James Kuegler Coaching Tarawera Ultra Trail CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

We went to Tarawera Ultra-Trail in 2024 and it was incredible. Moments so surreal you question reality. Simple pleasures, mundanity, joy, filth, pride, and noble stupidity (and this was just the car trip down). Please enjoy this episode of the DCR AidStation, recorded at some aid stations, among other places, and featuring Sam Harvey, Coach Eric Orton, Jenny Hirst, Ben Fraser and others, our reflections on the event, and a plethora of special guests and incredible conversations. Sign up to the DCR AidStation CrewTarawera Ultra Trail CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandMusic by Andrew McDowall, Digicake.

Kia ora e te whānau!! Holy Hecka ... the four-day three-ring circus that is Tarawera Ultra-Trail has rolled into town for 2024, and we couldn’t wait to get this out to you all as a wee bonus treat. First off, for your entertainment we have the 2024 Elite Q & A live show, featuring Ruth Croft, Daniel Jones, Kate Avery and an amazing conversation with Tim Day, the Tarawera Ultra-Trail Course Director. Next up we have a truly uplifting conversation with Troy Sachs and Zach Friedley, both adaptive athletes, both alumni of DCR, and both competing at Tarawera. Troy, who, not content with being a member of the Australian Sports Hall of Fame, and Paralympian, was setting out to set an adaptive record in the 50km. Zach Friedley, professional trail runner for On running, and founder of Born to Adapt, was in the 21km, supporting his friend Matt Bryson, an adaptive athlete also completing the 21km.  Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastRuth Croft on InstagramDaniel Jones Lessons from the Long Run  Kate Avery on Instagram Tarawera Ultra Trail CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!

Kia ora e te whānau. Throughout this episode, Robyn Lesh talks about puzzles. From working out how not to drop a single point in her community college maths class, to graduating MIT whilst figuring out the ideal point of balance on her Olympic class foiling sailboat, to the ideal weight distribution for America’s Cup challenger American Magic, Robyn approaches life as a series of problems (in the truest sense of the word) to be solved. Trading her feet in the water for her feet in the dirt, Robyn set her sights on a life on the trails and in the mountains. For someone who was convinced that they couldn't run, to qualifying as the second-fastest woman in North America on the Golden Trail Series, Robyn continues to put the puzzle pieces into place as a professional trail runner for Vibram, whilst being a capo in the South Island-based  Katie Wright Mafia. Eugene and Matt talk to Robyn about all this, lining up at the Tarawera Ultra-Trail 50km, and more on this episode of Dirt Church Radio.  Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastRobyn Lesh on Instagram Robyn Lesh BlogModel Sailboat BusinessRobyn Run Coach ProfileMark Ford - Stroke Foundation of NZ CurranzSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook CieleFurther Faster New ZealandSit Back and Enjoy!

Kia ora e te whānau. The Big Friendly is rushing up again and Eugene and Matt have the privilege of being joined by their fellow MC’s, friends, and the Squadrun brains trust Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger.  Kerry and Ali continue to be a driving force in coaching in Australasia, as they coach and support thousands. We run down the shiny diamonds in the field, and dig into the weeds in a preview. Kerry and Ali also share their wisdom of the do’s and don’t of the day, and drop some science on the reasons it’s best not to be too scientific. We discuss the UTMB furore and the dopamine rush that binary outrage brings and, more importantly, spend an hour yarning with some of our favourite people. If you are doing the Tarawera Ultra Trail, and are packing it because it’s taper time, you’ve got this. We believe in you, you are going to be fine. Best Enjoyed Running.DCR AidStation podcast and newsletterSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

AidStation 001 – Insert Something Cliche About Processes. A special taste for DCR listeners of our new subscriber-only AidStation podcast. We didn’t know this, but the second Friday in January is known as “Quitter’s Day”. This is the day that statistically, most people abandon their New Year’s Resolutions. Are you a resolution person? Or a Goal guy? Or someone who loves a good old intentional process? And why can’t we have all three? On the first episode of our brand-new, subscriber-only AidStation podcast (but free for January), Eugene and Matt sit down to discuss if they are on the resolution bus or not, what goals and processes they have in place for the year, and if, just, maybe, talking about something you are about to do on a podcast makes your more or less likely to achieve that thing. We also tackle the tricky question of what to do when your coaches (Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger) fight publicly over your training in front of you. Spoiler* Matt went and waited in the car. Sign up to the DCR AidStation 

Kia ora e te whānau. When David Haunschmidt was racing his brothers over the beaches of Westray in the Orkney Islands, he never dreamed that his life would one day take him to New Zealand and near to the top of his sport. Starting trail running in 2018 as a means of expediency (I mean, hey you can still see all the things, but just in less time) David has proven himself to be one of the most consistently high performing trail athletes we have, with a slew of wins and podiums to his name. Notably the Tarawera Ultra Trail 50km course record, and being the current European Full Distance Xterra champion.  Most notably though, David is super nice. Engaging, humble, and has a refreshingly simple (which, we note is different from easy) approach to training and wellbeing. David also serves his community as an emergency medicine specialist. Eugene and Matt speak to David about all this, how he manages to juggle a busy work and training life, and the little 1%’ers  on the latest episode of Dirt Church Radio.  Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcastDavid Haunschmidt on Instagram CurranzRun Wild For Joe Facebook Group On Running SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. For our first podcast of 2024 Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking with Zachary Friedley and Eric Orton. Zach is a returning Champion on DCR, having spoken to Matt on episode 202, and also being part of our Tarawera live pod in 2023.  Eric Orton is a first time caller but he will be no stranger to many of you. Together, they are coming down to New Zealand with 2 x Leadville Champ Adrian MacDonald to hold a Born to Adapt clinic and trail race in Rotorua on February 9th and 10th.  Born to Adapt was formed by Zach in 2021 to expand awareness around disabilities and foster spaces where everyone can have access to the transformative power of movement. He’s one of the only professional, above-knee blade runners  or “trail bladers”in the world. Zachary currently races as part of the On Trail Team, participating internationally in ultra and sub-ultra races including UTMB MCC, UTMB Tarawera 21k. Zach and Eric met during the creation of Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide, and have been working together since. Eric of course, best known for his is experience documented in the New York Times best selling book Born to Run and his own book of training philosophy, The Cool Impossible. Eric is the former Director of Fitness at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Dirt Church Radio. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Born To Adapt New Zealand RegistrationBorn to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide Eric Orton - The Cool Impossible Run Wild For Joe Registration Run Wild For Joe Facebook Group On Running SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Gosh, it’s been a year, right? Do they get shorter and  longer as we get older or is that just us. Fresh from Coviduszko, Thredbro, and Taipei, our heroes reunite with man-about-town Andrew McDowall to bring you the annual DCR Christmas Special!! Except this time, we head along to the Fridge and Flagon and the Beer Jerk Running Club at their clubhouse/headquarters. We talk through our top performances of the year … the good, the truly amazing, the wondrous and madness of this sport we love.  Matt gets misanthropic then pivots, Andrew lists his big old year of getting after it and Eugene brings a rare sense of elegance and formality to the event that has been sadly lacking. We would like to thank all of you for your continued support, and wish you a festive season of love, good company, and miles of great single track. Dirt Church Radio. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Beer Jerk Auckland City MissionHuntaway Run CoRunners with BeardsSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. *We acknowledge the Monero Ngarigo people, the traditional custodians of the land that this podcast was recorded on, and pay respect to their elders past, present, and emerging*. STONE THE FLAMING CROWS! No, literally. They are terrifying. Join Eugene and Matt on this very special episode of DCR when our heroes travel to Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains for the second edition of Ultra-Trail Kosciusko by UTMB.  This sophomore edition of the event threw everything at the 2750 brave souls who toe’d the line across the 27, 50, 100km,  and 100 mile distances - hail, lightening storms, burning heat, driving rain. The works! Joined by special guest presenter Ali Pottinger from SQUADRUN, hear the triumphs and challenges of the weeked from the KCC (Kiwi Commentary Collective) as we run down the four days. Also listen in for bonus interviews with IRONMAN Marketing Manager Devon Beckman about what goes into making a trail event truly special, and 50km men’s winner Tuomas Kari of Finland. Dirt Church Radio. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Running is often seen as a solitary endevour, however we are always buoyed up by those around us. For those of us who attempt feats that many would consider impossible, or at best improbable, family are essential. Which leads us to our tale about the Appalachian Trail and the Captain. The Captain, ably abetted by Gun Section and The Iceman set out to conquer the southbound FKT (or Fastest Known Time) and conquer it they did, travelling 2189 miles in 45 days, 4 hours, and 27 minutes to cinch the supported record. What follows is a fantastic conversation with Kristian Morgan, a British ultramarathon runner and coach and the only person to do both a north bound and south bound in under 90 days in two consecutive seasons. The lore of the trail is rich, and we talk about trail names, preparation, animals, and mindset in this week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Kristian Morgan Home Kristian Morgan Instagram FKT of the year SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Some of running’s biggest truisms are also the most tried and tested clichēs. And if you think about it, they are cliche for a reason. Because they are true. What’s your why? Have you thought about it? Like, really thought about why you run? Carly Webber and her husband Lee spent three years travelling in a camper-van with their three children before settling in Te Anau 18 months ago. Carly started running six years ago to have control over her life and to spend time investing in herself and her relationships. Keen to share a story and very keen on capturing people’s portraits, Carly started Runners NZ in the vein of Humans of New York. People captured in their running gear, and their why. Carly is 150ft tall and this conversation covers multiple topics from Carly’s history with running, mental health, to living in Te Anau and being on the Kepler Committee. What is most obvious, apart from the fact that old mate has legendary chat, is Carly’s deep love of connection to the trails and the people who run them. A messenger more concerned with the message itself, this is a wee ripper of a yarn with a really good sort. If you love the trails, and the people who love them, then you’ll enjoy this. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links RunnersNZ ProjectRunnersNZ Community and websiteRunners NZ Instagram Freshchoice Kepler Challenge SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. The phrase “from out of nowhere” is overused, and largely inaccurate in the sense that everyone, and indeed everything,came from somewhere. Everything (and indeed everyone) has a beginning, a middle, and an end. If this most pummeled term of art was applied to any individual correctly in the context of the Aotearoa trail and ultramarathon scene it would apply to Scott Bougen. From a personal best at a local backyard race in 2021 to lining up at Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc as an elite after his 6th place finish at the Tarawera 100 miler in 2022, Scott is going from strength to strength, someone who is passionate about community and engaging in all facets of the trail running experience. Eugene and Matt sit down to discuss Scott’s beginnings, his middle act, and what lies ahead for him in the coming months. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Scott Bougen Instagram Southern ApproachInov8 NZ Black Diamond Equipment  NZSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Amy Whitehead’s Auntie Joan had dementia. And it killed her. Like most illnesses that effect the brain and function, the seriousness of dementia is little understood and often mischaracterised. Grateful for the support that Dementia Canterbury gave her family, Amy (who may blame others for the idea) decided that she would take on the charmingly named “Pipeline of Pain” in the Port Hills of Christchurch, which snakes its way over 486m of elevation gain in it’s five kilometer length. Once, in January, Twice in February… and you get the gist. It’s nearly November and Amy will be lining up for her penultimate day of 11 loops of the pipeline, in the hopes of raising money for Dementia Canterbury and bringing people together to share in the challenge. We discuss Amy’s beginnings in running, hailing from Kepler Royalty, and her work in conservation. Matt goes after the provinces, and the animal encounters keep on coming  . Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Adventure for Dementia HomeAdventure for Dementia GivealitteAmy Whitehead Instagram SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Sarah Pendergrass has changed. I mean, we all do, right? But Sarah’s journey has taken her from being a self-confessed “pom at bondi” to being an ultramarathon runner, podcaster, bike-packer, successful illustrator and all round adventurer. Sarah joined Eugene and Matt to discuss her epic run across Scotland, her history with running and cycling, and all the other cool stuff she does, and her close up encounters with the multitude of horrifying beasties that call Australia home. Apart from cementing our phobia of lurking Atractaspididae, this is an uplifting and engaging conversation with someone who has moved from wanting to find the nearest hurt locker and jump headfirst into it, to moving with joy and engagement in nature and the community. Faced with such and epic guest we ask the hard questions, like “Can snakes clap?” and other gems. Strap in. Plus we bring you our first ever trailhead links and a GRE for the ages.  Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links All The Gear Nae Idea All the Gear IllustratedFree To Run Film Into The Wee Hours Podcast Run Sam Run Speed Freaks Volunteer Evening SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This year, Matt was back at it at the Blue Lake for (what was supposed to be) 24 hours of challenge and excitement in the best worst kept secret on the Aotearoa trail running calendar. Toe’ing the line in the 100km distance, and amongst 700 other hardy souls across multiple levels of challenge from “Casual” to “The Claw” this event has it’s emphasis firmly set on self reliance, and this year the self reliance was put to the test when the stormiest year in the race’s history got a vote in and turned the course into a quagmire and the participants into golems lurching through the technical single track around the lake shore and slip/sliding down the hill on the way home. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know that the organisers (who take their safety briefing of “don’t die!” seriously) made the difficult decision to call the race after 15 hours. That didn’t diminish the drama or suffering or triumph one bit. Eugene joins Matt as he breaks down the weekend, plus brings us conversations with Gareth Morris, race organisers Chris Townley, Kurt Matthews, and 100km finisher Meg Collins puts her Beast foot forward. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge Gavin Clifton takes on the Furber StepsSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Cath Wallis lost herself in the midst of a career and the focus of raising family. Standing at the threshold of middle age, Cath honestly didn’t know who she was anymore, and felt “invisible”. Growing up not-sporty, Cath felt that her foray into the world of ultra endurance events may be short lived, but six years, 9 ultramarathons, an intercontinental swim, and countless adventures later, Cath has proved herself wrong. This week, Matt spoke with Cath, who as well as all this is an Athletics Australia accredited coach and leader of Find Your Adventure,  a community for people who want to find themselves through adventure. We talk about Cath’s history and beginnings,  the several multi-day desert adventures Cath has engaged in, and how a self-described “ordinary”* person can complete some extremely extraordinary things. Plus, for your listening pleasure we’ve got Daniel Jones calling in from Chamonix to run down his incredible 12th place at UTMB following his 5th place at Western States. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Cath Wallis Instagram Find Your AdventureDaniel Jones on Instagram  Gavin Clifton takes on the Furber StepsSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week we feature the great, the good, and the not so good from the Great Naseby Water Race. This event has been an Aotearoa trail running institution and has been on the bucket list for us for ages, so it was a privilege to get down to Central Otago and experience the trails and community of this special event.  We catch up with one of the race founders and surely one of the community’s kindest souls, Aileen Sinclair, with 200 mile winners Shannon-Leigh Litt (with a course record to boot!) and Brandon Purdue, 100 mile winner John Bayne, and the pride of Wānaka, Brook van Reenen. Also, Matt counsels Eugene as he reflects on the lessons he learned from his 100 mile DNF - that’s right, sometimes those buckets on your list have holes in them. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Great Naseby Water RaceSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Matt has the pleasure of speaking to Andy Carruthers, Wellington adventure lover, runner, and creator of the Tararua S-K movie. The S-K, or Schorman- Kaitoki, is a tramping route in the Tararua Range with a distance of approximately 80km and with 6800m of elevation gain. Conceived as a weekend challenge in the 1960’s by the four main tramping clubs in Wellington as to who could do it in a single weekend, the desire for people to travel faster and lighter has only grown in the preceding 60 years. Matt speaks to Andy about his love affair with the S-K, his history with the route, his successes and challenges, and his decision to document the route and the people who have informed this most legendary of mountain journeys . Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Tararua S-K Movie SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week by popular demand Eugene and Matt speak to Ash Bartholomew, who triggered a worldwide explosion of  “it’s suddenly being very dusty in here” as he rolled into the Placer Track at the end of the Western States Endurance Run two minutes over the 30 hour cut off accompanied by his daughter, Lucy (yes, that Lucy). Ash had started strong but a wrong turn in the final stages cost him dearly . We talk to Ash about his life spent running, and how what started off as a self-described “selfish” hobby has led to an incredible relationship and many miles shared with Lucy over the years and a ringside seat to her journey as a global ultramarathon star. Ash speaks with fondness how his boys Josh, and now Thomas, have also picked up the running bug, with Josh smashing a 13 hour Ultra Trail Australia, and Thomas soon to undertake his first marathon. Honest, reflective, and humble, this is one conversation that you won't want to miss.  Best Enjoyed Running.

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt have the extreme pleasure of speaking to returning champion Dan Jones about his incredible 5th place finish at the 2023 Western States Endurance Run. When last we spoke to Dan on DCR he’d journeyed to Kenya to hone his craft with the hope of representing New Zealand at the marathon. What was supposed to be a relatively short trip ended up being months when the world shut down due to covid. This is when Dan first went down the Western States rabbit hole. Fast forward a couple of years and with a golden ticket entry under his belt after the Tarawera Ultramarathon 102km win Dan was ready to go. With his trademark enthusiasm and complete lack of pretense Dan talks to us about his build up, his efforts to get the final 1%, his training in the States with his close friend Hayden Hawks, and the race itself. We both had sore faces from smiling so much. This episode is a wee ripper. PLUS Dan tells us about what he’s up to next, you heard it here first. Best Enjoyed Running.Episode Links Daniel Jones on Instagram CurranzAsics NZ ClifbarSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt sit down to speak with Sam Harvey fresh off his return from Dead Cow Gully. Sam was competing at the Australian Backyard Masters and managed a world record equalling 101 laps over four days and 677-odd kilometres. We talk to Sam about being (in his words) unreasonable, and what he felt going in, versus what he learned going out. Sam is (again, by his own admission) a fighter, and we talk about this desire to scrap with literally everyone and everything with his burgeoning sense of development of self and transcendence through days and days of pain and connection on a deeper level with others on the course. Sam discusses what made him stop, and why it’s eating him. We hear of his excitement at the upcoming Big’s Backyard in Tennessee and we (in our most avuncular manner) attempt to dissuade Sam from competing in the Krazie K’s backyard a week after Dead Cow Gully. *Spoiler Alert* the little bastard went and won it with 42 laps. Best Enjoyed Running.

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt speak to UTA 100 Champion George Murray. Originally from the South Island town of Blenheim, George has taken a circuitous journey  to be at the beginning of an amazing journey, from his first love of mountain biking, pivoting through to road marathons, then onto the trails. George’s approach to training could be considered unconventional due to his week-on-week-off schedule working in the mines. George talks us through the race, his mindset going in, and the simplicity with which he approached the day, and the result that spoke for itself. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links Ultra-trail Australia Home George Murray on Instagram SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene and Matt speak with Alex Bezzina who has completed the FKT for the northbound Te Araroa Trail – 3000km in 60 days travelling from Bluff to Cape Reinga. Alex fell in love with running during lockdown and was Inspired by hearing the story of Brooke Thomas’ Te Araroa Southbound FKT. The added impetus for Alex was that he is a massive LOTR fan and therefore is rather enamoured by the topography of the central North Island, so Northbound it was. Having convinced his dad (who, to be fair didn’t need much) and embarking on a training regime with Adam Keen of Aerobic Edge  Alex was off on his journey. There was also the small matter of attempting to raise $30,000 for NZ Forest and Bird whilst he was at it. This is an amazing conversation recounting an incredible journey. Alex remains curious, and full of gratitude, which makes his achievement all the more righteous. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links The Lost Hobbit on Instagram Givealittle for NZ birds SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene speaks with Sophie Power. Sophie is an ultrarunner who has recently been announced in the Great Britain team for the world 24 hour champs, after setting a lifetime best of 235.739 km. Sophie shot to global fame after the 2018 UTMB when she was photographed breastfeeding her 3 month old at an aid station. The photo went viral and Sophie started speaking out - she had only lined up for the race because, at the time, UTMB wouldn’t allow for a deferral because of pregnancy* … although it would for some injuries. Sophie has set up SheRaces, an organization that fights to change the way that women are viewed and treated in racing, and they are getting results. She’s now got three children and has been very open about her postpartum returns to running. Eugene  talks to Sophie all about this, as well as how she fits training into her busy life, and her favourite races including Spartathlon. Best enjoyed whilst running. *This policy has now been changed. Episode Links SheracesUltra Sophie Instagram Ultra Sophie Home SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. *We acknowledge the Gundungarra people, the traditional custodians of the land that this podcast was recorded on, and pay respect to their elders past, present, and emerging*. Stop what you are doing and go run in the Blue Mountains … it’s really just that good … and what follows is a blast of a podcast detailing the epicness of the 15th running of UTA. Matt and special guest host Ali Pottinger break down the four days of the festival from some very scenic locations (ha!), the traditional DCR running of all the things before our 12-hour night shift takes place and we also bring to you the UTA elite Q&A featuring Scotty Hawker, Troy Sachs, Charlie Hamilton, and Lucy Bartholomew. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links Ultra trail Australia by UTMB SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Running a marathon is difficult, be it a PR, a grind, a failure, or in training, 42.2km is a distance the demands respect. Imagine running one, then another, then another, then another 147 back-to-back, mainly off road, in some of the wildest country in one of the wildest places on earth. This is what we talk to Guiness world record holder (pending), nutritionist and author Erchana Murray-Bartlett about in this episode of Dirt Church Radio. We cover the why, where, and how of this amazing endevour, discover that maybe a chance meeting on a mountain can lead to beautiful things, that the ideal ratio of icecream scoops when running 150 marathons  is n+1  and to never get between a wild bull and your e-bike riding mum. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links Erchana Murray-Bartlett Instagram tip to toe 2022Tip to toe gofundmeSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Mal Law is one of the best known names in the Aotearoa trail running. Mal has raised just shy of a million dollars for charity with his many multi-day adventures. Mal and his wife Sally are also known as the founders of Wild Things, the on-line trail running community beloved to many. Inspired by a fastpacking mission around the iconic Hardrock course, Mal came up with the concept for The Wild. Of course, an events company called Fusion Events which had been brought in to run the event went into liquidation in September last year, owing plenty of people plenty of money - that of course meant the race was off. Mal has now taken back the vision and operation of The Wild. Eugene and Matt have a frank and open conversation all about the trials and tribulations of the collapse of his - and many other people’s - dream last year, as well as the resurrection of the race, which will debut this December. We also talk to him about his next adventure - heading off to take on his second attempt at a sub-24 hour Bob Graham Round in the UK. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links The Wild Mal Law Instagram The Wild Instagram SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Out the gate with a bonus episode recorded with Lazarus Lake and Shaun Collins on the last night of Laz’s stay. Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell is a self described “Hillbilly from Tennessee” who for the better part of 40 years has been quietly putting on the most difficult foot races on the planet. On good form and ready to wax lyrical about the fellowship of miles, the peculiarity of regional dialects, the importance of the collective, and the intrinsic worth of every athlete, this is a great conversation that we couldn’t wait to bring you. Best enjoyed whilst running. Episode Links Riverhead Relaps SCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.Majell Backhausen is many things to many people. To Eugene and Matt Maj is, was, and always will be the 13th person ever to come on Dirt Church Radio. Speaking to Majell is always such a pleasure, like that time we bumped into him just below Wentworth Falls at UTA, all suffused in golden light, or that time we ran into him and Martin Gaffuri at the Redwoods (again, suffused in golden light..there is a theme) Majell has an energy about him, and a love of the trails and our world that is both inspiring and encouraging. Majell talks to us about his new role at Patagonia, encourages you to cheat on us with other podcasts (we’ll allow it) and discusses his new project An End to An End, about the efforts to stop logging in the Great Forest outside of Melbourne.As with most of our conversations with Majell he is warm, engaged, and attentive, dropping knowledge from a position of deep love of our sport.  As with most of our episodes this is a conversation with an incredible runner about everything but running, whilst at the same time being all about running. How’s THAT for an emancipatory praxis?  Enjoy.Episode Links Majell Backhausen on Instagram End to an End on Youtube The Great Forest Campaign Yvon Chouinard on surfer’s journalSCOTT Running Julbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. You can learn a bit about a person from standing on a finish line with them through the night, and we were super lucky to have had that experience at TUM with Martin Gaffuri.  We are so unbelievably stoked to bring you this conversation. It’s been a minute in the making and is well worth the wait. We spoke to Martin on the shore of Lake Hāwea, in the cradle of the mountains, with a man who is a veteran of our sport on both sides of the tape, being intimately involved in the highest echelons of trail running in performance and business. We learn about Martin’s history, the intricacies of just what it takes to put on a little race like UTMB, how Martin lost and found his love of the sport, the mental game of ultrarunning both from the performance and contractual side, with a side bonus of what his old mate R. Croft of Stillwater, West Coast, is up to. Uplifting, wise, and informative, Martin is the real deal. Enjoy.Episode Links Martin Gaffuri Instagram Martin Gaffuri TwitterVert.Run  SCOTT Running Summit CoffeeOUT TRAILSJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Not to gush, but if Eugene and Matt did ever start a DCR book club, the first book in the curriculum would be Feet In The Clouds by Richard Askwith. For years we discussed inviting Richard on, but never had the courage to do so, until by happy chance we were prompted by a DCR listener. As well as being an author, Richard is a runner, journalist, and writer. He’s most famous for Feet in the Clouds, a gorgeous book about the fell-running scene in the United Kingdom, but he’s published so much brilliant writing on running - Today We Die a Little about Zatopek is one of Eugene’s favourite books of all time. His latest book is The Race Against Time, about ageing and running. Eugene and Matt caught up with him at his home where he was quite bemused about the fact a trail running podcast down here would want to chat with him.   Enjoy.Episode Links Richard Askwith SCOTT Running Summit CoffeeOUT TRAILSJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Last time Eugene and Matt spoke to Nancy Jiang was way back in 2018 on DCR #16. Way back then Nancy was beginning her trail running story, having just carved it up at the CCC and coming 15th at the world mountain running champs. Fast forward five years and we find the 2023 Tarawera 102km champion finally in a place where she’s not continuously hungry, and her feet aren’t throbbing, having just taken it home at the big dance and punched her Golden Ticket for the Western States Endurance Run. We speak to a human being who is standing in her power, training effectively, consistently, and coming off the big red ‘S’ to focus more time getting after it with solid intention. We talk about being busted by her coach (his lordship Jono Wyatt) mid-run, to her strategy and approach to Tarawera and how finally her parents have come around to the fact that maybe Chinese people can run.  Enjoy.Episode Links Nancy Jiang on Instagram La Sportiva NZLet’s Get Nancy Jiang to WSER!!!SCOTT Running Summit CoffeeOUT TRAILSJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Eugene and Matt had the privilege of speaking with Ryan Montgomery from Park City, Utah, whilst he was at the Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB 102km. Born and raised in the misty Pacific Northwest, Ryan is a lover of outdoor spaces. Ryan ran his first marathon at 15 years old and was immediately inspired by long-distance running. Since his debut ultra marathon in 2016, he has run races such as the Wasatch Front 100, Badwater 135, and Tahoe 200. He placed 2nd at the 100-mile USATF National Championships in 2019, qualified for 24-Hour Team USA in 2020, and received a Golden Ticket for Western States at the Javelina Jundred in 2021. As a queer, gay runner, Ryan is passionate about creating community for LGBTQ+ athletes out on the trails. Ryan is the co-founder of Out Trails, an opportunity to bring queer together in outdoor places. This is an amazing conversation with an amazing human being at the height of his athletic prowess who is flying the flag (literally and figuratively) for true inclusion for all in the outdoor space. In addition to our conversation with Ryan we offer our aroha to the community so badly affected by the recent cyclone and share with you a remarkable Greatest Run Ever.  Enjoy.Episode Links Ryan Montgomery on Instagram Altra RunningUltimate Direction SuuntoGnarly NutritionSCOTT Running Summit CoffeeOUT TRAILSJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. HOLY HECKA we’ve got a stacked show for you this week. From the shores of Lake Okataina (literally) to the village green where we interviewed a galaxy of this sport’s brightest stars, Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB always brings the goods and this year was no different. Eugene and Matt were on MC duties from Saturday evening until Sunday morning, and in between they managed to catch up with 10000 people, record a podcast, go for some sweet runs, share the stories and emotions with a tonne of athletes and sit down to talk with Hayden Hawks, Caitlin Fielder, Ryan Montgomery, Zach Friedley, Troy Sachs, Lucy Bartholomew, and Zach Miller. You can thank us later, we’re off to bed.  Enjoy.Episode Links Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMBHayden Hawks on Instagram Caitlin Fielder on Instagram Ryan Montgomery on Instagram Zach Friedley on InstagramTroy Sachs on Instagram Lucy Bartholomew on Instagram Zach Miller on Instagram SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. An elite mindset is transferable across all ventures. Just ask Daniele Danesin. This week, Eugene and Matt sit down to talk with the five-time world champion rower and Olympian about his transition to running trails, his love of endurance, his background growing up in Italy, and what drove him to put down his football boots and pick up an oar. This conversation is an incredible insight into what makes an athlete elite, delivered in one of the most engaging, pleasant, and humble manners. Daniele is not only the current Crater Rim champion, and runner up at Old Ghost Ultra, he is also an award winning brewer with Cassels Brewing Co. We talk about Daniele’s lessons learned, his approach to training, and racing, why it’s better to not be like an apple tree, and how he’d rather run 100 miles than ever use a rowing machine again. Enjoy.Episode Links Hayden Hawks on DCR Caitlin Fielder on DCR Zachary Friedly on DCR Lucy Bartholomew on DCR #1Lucy Bartholomew on DCR #2Cassels Brewing CoSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

This is a DCR special bonus repeat episode. Back in Episode 126 we caught up with Dr Tom Reynolds, part of the medical team at the Tarawera Ultra. Now, in that episode, as well as talking to him about his own incredible endurance feats, we spoke to him about the top tips he has for athletes undertaking trail races of all distances - the things to do and to avoid to make it back home safely. Now, these are tips that apply to all races, but with Tarawera just about upon on us, we wanted to share this conversation with you again because it’s important stuff and it’s worth repeating.Episode linksTarawera Ultramarathon  The five things to help you during Tarawera (and other races)SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s fair to say that Eugene and Matt are  getting super excited about Tarawera coming up. And this week, they are super grateful to be able to catch up with their MC amigos Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter. Two absolute legends and the folk behind Squadrun, the coaching and running community phenomena. Ali and Kerry are the chief cheerleaders of trail running in Aotearoa and Australia, they coach and support thousands of people, and you’ll often find them on the mic at races around the country. Kerry was one of the first people associated with Tarawera when Paul Charteris founded it, and he had an extraordinary running career of his own until an awful mountain bike accident last year left him with serious injuries. In this week’s episode the gang engages in a  full preview of the races and Kerry and Ali share some of their incredible knowledge about how to take on the Tarawera course. And there are plenty of laughs along the way. Enjoy.Episode Links SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. We’re BACK!! This week Eugene and Matt speak to Matt Bixley, a South Island trail running legend. Matt went from the couch to 18 Keplers, and a bunch of Rogaines and Barkley Marathons, in fact, Matt is the International Rogaining Association president. He was a Salomon athlete for a bit there too, and what he doesn’t know about the Kepler Challenge and the lord of the race ain’t worth knowing. Matt is well known for his opinions and his straight- talking style. This is a brilliant conversation with a very wise human, who is incidentally quite good at running for ages. Enjoy.Episode Links SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Welcome to the third and final week of the 2023 DCR Summer Editions. And what a way to finish up. Dr Stacy Sims is a powerhouse of empowerment and agency for the female athlete, her books, Roar, and Next Level have been hugely popular. The statement that women are not just smaller men sounds QED, however it is one that has been largely ignored by the academic and sporting establishment. Stacy aims to turn that on its head. Episode Links Dr Stacy Sims Women Aren’t Small Men TEDxSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Welcome to the second week of the 2022/23 DCR Summer Editions. This week we bring you the amazing conversation we had with New York Times Best Selling Author, Christopher McDougall. Matt really wanted this one replayed as he was so riddled with Covid at the time it still feels like a fever dream. This is also the episode where one Lola Rayment was launched into the trail running podcast consciousness, and where we learned about  Born to Run II - Enjoy!Episode Links Christopher McDougall Home SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. We’re taking some time off as 2022 has been a whole mood (as the youth say). So for the next few weeks we’ve got our annual summer editions. This week we have a colab! This  is an interview that the one and only Ruth Croft did with the team at the Between Two Beers podcast late last year. We heard it and thought, as many times as we’ve had Ruth on DCR this is something DCR listeners would love to hear! There’s plenty we learned about Ruth, including her trucking days. And she knows some shade our way too, so that’s always good. And, look a huge thanks to our mates at Between Two Beers, Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten. If you haven’t heard it before, we’d encourage you to take a listen - they do some really great deep-dive interviews with some really interesting people - enjoy!Episode Links Ruth Croft Between Two Beers Podcast The ACCSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Matt and Eugene make the trek from Nor’ Westland  into the wilds of the wilds of suburbia to join the Dwight to our Taupin, the Ridgeley to our Michael, The Afanasieff to our Carey, the indomitable Andrew McDowall, to look back with the beginnings of fondness (or at least a sense of thank fond that’s over) at the year that we didn’t need, nor indeed want … 2022. The highs, the lows, the excitement of looking forward to races not being canceled, maybe. It’s been a trip. Ruth Croft bestrode the world like a laconic Atlanta, and some other people had a pretty good year in running too. We discuss our Greatest Runs Ever of 2022, then change into our penguin suits for the Dirt Church Radio Awards (the awards ceremony with neither awards nor ceremony) and engage in a bloody good chat about the sport and the culture we love … running. This is the final “proper” DCR of 2022, and we want to thank you all more than ever for the engagement, encouragement, and the aroha that you have shown us this year. We feel a distinct privilege to do what we do, and can’t wait to come back refreshed for 2023. Meri Kirihimete and please, enjoy!Episode Links Digicake StudioSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Eugene speaks to Total Sport General Manager Dave Franks about his 17 years with one of the biggest event companies in Aotearoa. Dave came to the role as an internship during his degree and never left. Having all that experience across the endurance, trail and ultramarathon space, as well as being a passionate runner and outdoors person, this really is a fantastic discussion around the drive, discipline, and passion involved in putting on events in the endurance world. We also run down the WAI2k and (not the ) Wild on the weekend, as well as the mighty Westcoaster.  Enjoy.Episode Links Total Sport NZ SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Eugene and Matt head to Te Anau for our fourth live show from the iconic Fiordland Lobster Room at the Te Anau Events Centre to be joined by (the-then) 4 x Kepler winner and Auckland Marathon winner AND Queenstown Marathon Winner Dan Jones, Sophie Grant fresh from her Tor Des Geants 4th place, and Brodie Kane of being on the tele and podcasts and being good at dancing and things fame. We were also joined by race director and all round good bugger Steve Norris for a rip-roaring good time. Eugene and Matt also dissect their races, and reflect on the kindness, stewardship, and challenge that makes this race and sport just so special. Enjoy.Episode Links Freshchoice Kepler Challenge Dan Jones Instagram Sophie Grant Instagram Brodie Kane Instagram CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking to the legendary Ben St. Lawrence. Ben is one of the greats of Australian distance running, a former Australian record holder of the 10,000 metre distance and Olympic and Commonwealth Games representative for his country. We speak to Ben about his longevity in running, his journey from talented youth, to university party boy, to Olympian. Ben is not shy about the challenges along the way and his struggles with RED-S and what that has taught him.  We break down his most recent victory at the Ultra Trail Australia 50 kilometre race (*spolier alert* EPIC DING-DONG) and discuss his love of coaching, being a co founder of the Sydney based Run Crew. This is an honest, funny, and engaging conversation with an athlete who has continued to search for joy, reflect on the process, and engage in the discipline of this sport we love so much. Enjoy.Episode Links Ben St Lawrence on Instagram Run Brew Coffee Run Crew Ben St Lawrence on StravaCurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt speak to Anna McKenna, the 2022 Ultra Trail Australia 100km champion. This is a brilliant conversation about making your way back to running and finding the joy in fellowship and the company that a running club can bring. We talk racing, surviving the pandemic as an employee of a major airline and the fact that whilst, yes, Katoomba is pretty ace, Chamonix is acer. Possibly this is due to the relative amounts of Courtney Dauwalter in Cham vz. The ‘toomba. Triumphant and full of gratitude, and unflinching when discussing challenges, Anna McKenna truly is a champion. We also run down an epic Stuff You Should know and a massive shout out to the little race that probably shouldn’t: Crush the Cargill. Well played, men. Well played. Enjoy.Episode Links Anna McKenna on Instagram 2XU Australia Run Crew CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. The first time we engaged with Australian running legend Vlad Shatrov was way back at Dirt Church Radio number 91. Matt caught up with Vlad after Australia and the world had gone to hell in a handbasket grappling with COVID-19. This time we got the opportunity to sit down with the man himself before he toed the line in the Ultra Trail Australia 100km in October this year. If you’d listened to that episode, or know that man, you’ll know that Vlad has done it all, track racing, professional triathlon, marathon, now for several successful years, ultramarathon. At the time of our conversation we discussed the changes that Vlad was making to his coaching business to shift to a virtual platform and what his hopes for the future were, including a shot at the Western States Endurance Run. Fast forward two years and we find Vlad in a reflective space, positive that things are on the up again, his ongoing love of running and his recent victory at The Brisbane Trail Ultra 100. This is a brilliant conversation with an elite athlete primed to compete at a very high level. Resilience, determination, finding happiness in a seemingly increasingly mad world, and a sincere, enduring love of running. Enjoy.Episode Links Vlad Shatrov on Instagram RUNLABSalomon AustraliaCurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene has an epic conversation with Mel Brandon. Mel is a runner, WUU2K record holder, and road marathon speedster. This year she has accumulated a bunch of impressive PBs, and has gone from strength to strength. In this conversation we talk about hanging tough when the going gets tough, how she balances training with a busy corporate life working at Wētā Workshop and being a single mum of three, we talk about what running has meant to her at various stages of her life, and of being part of the formidable Wellington Scottish Club. We cover off the New York and Rotorua Marathons, and, of course, do a deep dive on her impressive 6.31.37 record at WUU2K this year. Enjoy. Episode Links Wellington Scottish CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt take a sweet as tiki tour into the backblocks when we jump on a waka rererangi (airplane) and head over to the seriously epic and epically beautiful Blue Mountains for the 14th Ultra Trail Australia. In addition to being privileged enough to be part of the commentary team with local boys Ben Berriman and Dave Stewart we got a ton of good running in, became involved with several standoffs with Katoomba’s most aggressive fauna (everything), ran out of superlatives for the utter majesty of the place and generally felt like we were at a trail running summer camp. We’ve got all the race results, run down’s of the days, and  speak to a bunch of runners including women’s 100km winner Anna McKenna. To finish off we speak with Katoomba local Pia Storey, who took on the 50km to raise money for Lifeline after the death of her brother, who had lived with struggle in regards to his mental health. Enjoy. Episode Links Ultra Trail Australia Pia Storey Fundraising Page CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandMusic: Chances with WolvesEditing assistance: Kieran BinghamSit Back and Enjoy!

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking to returning champion (and actual champion) Damian Hall about his new book We Can’t Run Away From This, which talks about the climate crisis we are now very much facing. We also speak about Tour De Geants, being a sponsored activist, just what makes Damian a self professed “climate hypocrite” and the ways that as we can contribute in a more effective way to increase sustainability in a sport that is known for its consumerism, and ways in which we can take a personal stand to contribute to a fitter planet. Enjoy. Episode Links Damian Hall Instagram The Green Runners We Can’t Run Away From This Inov-8Tina Buch Trail Nutrition SurveyCurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking with Dr Inia Raumati (Taranaki) . Inia works in emergency medicine at Auckland City Hospital and is the only person from Aotearoa/New Zealand to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, completing multi-day “raids” across the Sahara, Gobi, Atacama, and the Antarctic. Inia came to medicine after graduating as a physiotherapist, and has spent time working in anesthetics, on rescue helicopters, and deployed as part of the New Zealand Defence Force to Iraq. We kōrero with Inia about his life, his medical whakapapa, and his love of running for the deeper connection that it fostered between him and his father. Enjoy. Episode Links Inia Raumati Instagram Opus Fresh Apparel Co.Manuka PerformanceOld Mates Doug and Jasper Tina Buch Trail Nutrition SurveyCurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Matt speaks to triathlete, strength and conditioning coach, and endurance athlete Simon Cochrane about his epic 34 laps at the 24 hours Blue Lake to win The Claw, in an impressive 22 hours for 202km, a feat that had never been accomplished. We discuss his history in endurance sport, how one prepares for such a task and his mindset as he traveled just one lap further.  We have a chocka block Stuff You Should Know with a preview of this weeks’ satellite Backyard Worlds Event at Puhinui from Lactic Turkey empresario and original Running Beast Shaun Collins. We have an update on The Wild, all the action from this weekend’s races and finally, FINALLY one of our furry buddies steps up to put paw to paper for this week’s Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy. Episode Links Athletic Peak Simon Cochrane Instagram  Backyard Ultra World Team Championships Tina Buch Trail Nutrition SurveyCurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene and Matt talk to The North Face Australia and NZ athlete, doctor, physiologist, coach, and elite runner Andrius Ramonas about growing up playing in the outdoors of Lithuania, his love of movement, and the science and joy behind elite athletes. We also discuss Andrius’ research around nutrition and his recent line of nut butters, Roam Energy . In addition we discuss the recent cancellation of The WILD, and have a cracking Greatest Run Ever for the books.  Enjoy. Episode Links Andrius Ramonas Instagram The North Face NZ and Australia RunArt Coaching Roam Energy CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Matt runs down the odyssey that was the 2022 Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge, The atmosphere of this race is like nothing else. The brilliant thing about Blue Lake is that is an individual journey amongst friends. No timing chips, no distance limits or targets (if you want) and no expectations, the onus is most definitely on you. Show up, throw down. Get rad, challenge yourself, feel the love, have fun. With conversations with Andrew McDowall, Allan Ure, Lola Rayment, and the race organisers Chris and Kurt.  Enjoy. Episode Links Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene and Matt talk to Charlotte Milne of Custom Made Fitness about the importance of strength training and how it really is about training smarter, not necessarily harder that makes the difference. We also rip through all the news, a run down of our respective marathon pacing and race directing at the weekend, and a Greatest Run Ever that highlights the importance of family over everything.  Enjoy. Episode Links Custom Made Fitness Charlotte Milne Instagram CurraNZSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. David Kilgore loves running on the trails in and around New York City. In 15 minutes he can move from The Bronx, where he lives, to the Hudson River Trails. David is the Trail and Ultramarathon Athlete Manager for On Running, a 4 x Florida state track and cross country champion and All-American runner. He’s also been a member of the USA Trail and Ultrarunning team. Fresh from having most recently had the most fun ever at CCC and en route to Tarawera 102 km in February, David shares his love of running, life, race directing and the spectacular wildlife encounters that only someone who grew up in Florida could have.  Enjoy. Episode Links David Kilgore Instagram Run the Empire StateHudson River 50 CurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Matt sits down with Scotty Hawker to discuss his 2022 UTMB campaign. From 3rd place in 2019 to 2nd place at CCC last year, Scotty came into this year's race in the form and fitness of his life. We talk about his race, the lessons learnt and the positives that whilst hard-earned, made Scotty the better athlete. We have a rundown of the week’s racing and receive a dispatch from Lactic Turkey’s Madeleine Collins about the junior trail camp that was run at the weekend.   Enjoy. Episode Links Scotty Hawker Instagram Vibram Trail Running KailasCamelBakCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Chris Lucas owned a successful business. He worked very hard. Faced with the prospect of endless grinding because that’s what you do, and the anxiety of knowing deep down that every new thing that he attained, be it a car, or other fancy toy, would become obsolete and then need replacing, Chris walked away from it all to live in a bus, travel, and run with his partner, Charlotte. This idea morphed into an on-line fitness coaching business which ran headlong into the pandemic and failure. From those ashes rose Custom Made Fitness, a running and strength training endeavor which has attracted a diverse and committed stable of athletes. Chris talks about his lessons learned, his 15 years of sobriety, and the challenges of battling through ongoing auto-immune illness to continue to be the best person he can be. As well as this epic conversation, this week we run down all the racing on the weekend (which to be fair, was more than you could shake a stick at) the KJ show aka UTMB, and hear from adaptive athlete and DCR 202 guest Zach Friedley about his experiences at the 40km MCC. Enjoy. Episode Links Custom Made Fitness: HomeChris Lucas Instagram trailgirlcharlotte InstagramLactic Turkey Junior Trail CampCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene and Matt take a deep dive into the life lived in movement with Andrew Heyden. Andrew is the current age group holder of the 50km distance with a whopping 3:05:53. Andrew has been on the Australian 100km team for multiple years and has also completed the grueling Coast to Kosci 240km. This is an incredible conversation with a self professed regular dad who believes deeply that we are meant to move and that running throughout our lifespan is something that we are fundamentally meant to do. Funny, disarming, and wise, this is an engaging deep-dive into the mind of a highly performing athlete, who also happens to be the current world record holder for the fastest marathon dressed as a monk. Which was his second choice for apparel, but you’ll have to listen to the pod to hear about what his first was. Enjoy. Episode Links Lactic Turkey Junior Trail CampCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.Tessa Chesser charges. An athlete from a super competitive background playing soccer to now a top-flight trail runner who had a huge 2021 placing in the top 10 at Canyons 100k and taking out third at Javelina Jundred Mile to earn a Golden Ticket to the 2022 Western States. A foot injury laid her low for the big dance even though she lined up at Olympic Valley. This conversation is a cracker, with insights on performance, mindset, and how we can put ourselves next to the most highly disciplined human athletes, but we pale in comparison to the stoke and pure get-after-it-ness of a two-year-old chocolate labrador. Refreshing, candid, and wise, Tessa Chesser is one trail running human being to keep an eye on in the coming years. Enjoy. Episode Links Tessa Chesser Instagram Craft Sportswear Buff Spring Energy Dry MaxLekiLactic Turkey Junior Trail CampCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Dougal Allan is inspired to compete. A professional endurance coach and athlete with victories in road-based events such as Challenge Wanaka as well as the off-road formats such as the famous Coast to Coast and Xterra triathlon, Dougal is the epitome of someone who lives a life in movement. We discuss Dougal’s history in endurance sport, from his days as a student in Dunedin where $5 would get you a weeknight multisport event and all the sausage and bread you could handle, to becoming a two-time Coast to Coast champion. We also discuss his drive as he moves through his life, and the obvious, tragic pitfalls of wearing white lycra during an adventure race. Enjoy. Episode Links Dougal Allan Instagram Dougal Allan home Kings Electrical Bivouac Outdoor Duncan NZ VenisonPrecision HydrationRecovery Systems NZLactic Turkey Junior Trail CampCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s only bloody well Brodie Kane!!! From territorial soldier to journalist to broadcaster to this season’s Dancing With The Stars runner-up, two things Brodie has always enjoyed is a run and a good yarn. We talk to Brodie about her life growing up in a sporting family (don’t even get us started about her mother, Jo, who swam the Cook Strait) to marathons and the mighty Coast to Coast. Jeepers this is a good ‘un. We go from car chases (true) to marathons to professional podcasting - which is unlike what we do - to moving from being a public figure to being a PUBLIC figure on Dancing With The Stars. Brodie Kane rules, and so does this conversation. Enjoy. Episode Links Brodie Kane on Instagram Brodie Kane Home Lactic Turkey Junior Trail CampCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. In 2017, Nick Ashill was completing an endeavour that he had long dreamed about. He was running across Route 66 in the United States of America to raise money for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. It’s often said that a journey like this will change you forever. In Nick’s case it’s true in the most serious of ways, when he was critically injured in a hit-and-run outside of Columbus, Ohio. What followed were five years of surgery, rehabilitation, and massive challenges to his physical, psychological, and emotional being. We spoke to Nick recently after his return to the USA to complete the run he started in 2017 from the spot he was struck. This is an informative, emotional, and deeply heartfelt conversation with a man whose achievement has literally changed the course of his life. Enjoy. Episode Links Nick Runs AmericaCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Zachary Friedley has been on a hero’s journey. From his childhood wrestling, to his attempts to gain Paralympic track glory, to living what he thought was the American dream, Zachary always felt he was searching for something. Here follows a journey from Kansas City to the electric lettuce farms of Humboldt County to the beaches and Redwoods of Mendocino California, Zachary found himself, his love of running, and his passion for engaging others with disability on the trails and open spaces. Zachary is now a professional trail runner for On Running, competing at races around the world, including our own Tarawera in 2023. Zachary is featured in Christopher McDougall’s upcoming Born to Run 2, and is also the founder of Mendocino Movement and the Born to Adapt trail events. We also have the big rundowns on Wuu2K, HardRock 100, and a spectacular GRE. Enjoy. Episode Links Zachary Friedley on Instagram On RunningGo Sleeves Mendocino Movement Born to Adapt Ruth Croft in LockerRoomWill Bell’s Wuu2k tripleCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Ruth Croft, the Western States Endurance Run champ for 2022. Straight outta the mighty West Coast, Ruth of course is no stranger to Dirt Church Radio, having appeared on episodes 021,078,124, 150, and 173!!!. Ruth went on a US College running scholarship as a promising junior but  fell out of love with running, moved to Taiwan, fell back in love with running, discovered she was incredible at trail running and began an astonishing career that we are lucky to bear witness to. After success at marathon-ish distance trail races, last year she ran her first 100 mile race, at Western States, no less, coming second behind Beth Pascall. This year, she lined up again for her second 100 miler and she went and won it. She also now has the third and sixth fastest women’s times in history. You’ll hear that her build-up did not exactly go smoothly this time - she had an achilles problem, two twisted ankles, and Covid when she got to the US, just five weeks out from the race. But it was that string of bumps in the road which made her turn to some help with the mental side and it brought about a new attitude and a real joy for running - which manifested itself in her being joined by dinosaur costume-clad crew members at the finish line. Eugene talks about all this and more with Ruth on this episode of Dirt Church Radio. Also! We give away our last Tarawera entry to a very special Greatest Run Ever . Enjoy. Episode Links Ruth Croft on Instagram Adidas Terrex Garmin NZClaire Whittle’s Speed Freaks SausagesCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Four years has simply flown by. We both feel such privilege to be part of this community and experience the wonder of how great running can be and the amazing things that this community can accomplish. We loaded in to Hallertau Brewery with the GOAT Andrew McDowall for a celebration of DCR in front of a live audience. We were joined by two people who, whilst being vastly more academically qualified than us, could also smash us in a race, Katie Wright and Will Hayward. We spoke about their running, Big’s Backyard, Hong Kong being Wellington on steroids for running, and the general madness of the last couple years. We then turned the argon bite of questioning on ourselves with a listener mail bag which included OUR Greatest Runs Ever.  We also got to give away some awesome race entries to Tarawera Ultramarathon, Kepler Challenge, and Hallertau Riverhead Rampage and some sweet Ciele kit. Honestly, this gig is the best. Thank you all for listening and here's to many more years. Enjoy. Episode Links Katie Wright on InstagramWill Hayward on Instagram CurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s rare that at 16, you could be considered a veteran of the trail and ultra-marathon scene, but that’s certainly the case with Sebastian Salsbury. Sebastian took to the trails with his father and sister as a wee young fella at the Born to Run Marathons and cracked out his first 100km at the Black Canyons at the ripe age of 13.  Since then, Sebastian has done a bunch more, including his Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon accompanied by none other than Max King. This is a runner with his head screwed on, coached by Hayden Hawks, and someone you get the sense is really going somewhere. No matter how old - or young - you are, you’ll get something out of this conversation for sure. One thing that Eugene and Matt have ALWAYS SAID is that the West Coast is the Best Coast, and Ms R Croft of Stillwater, Greymouth, has proved that by only bloody well going and winning Western States!! That tasty little tidbit is just the tip of the iceberg as we run down all the amazing racing action, bang out a most grateful Greatest Run Ever and desperately try to give away another TWO Tarawera entries via the medium of coming to our live show and/or submitting a Greatest Run Ever. Why not?!?!? Enjoy. Episode Links Sebastian Salsbury SalomonNaked Sports InnovationsSquirrels Nut ButterCurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. Eugene and Matt spoke to New York Times Best Selling Author Christopher McDougall, and it ruled. Far from a traditional conversation, this one veered all over the map, with McDougall just having returned from a run to the hardware store for things to pack up his house pending his imminent move to Hawaii.  We discuss the impetus for writing the follow-up to Born to Run with coach Eric Orton. In a fever Matt offers violence, Christopher talked about drinking one’s own urine, and Eugene put it out there  that whilst not everyone might, he certainly always has a little bit of mule inside him*. There is a cameo from Lola, Matt’s 15-year-old daughter, and a general trove of amazing conversation about movement, the search for authenticity, and just the remarkable fact that we were all coping in such whacky times from the man who brought us Born to Run, Natural Born Heroes, and Running With Sherman. This conversation is at once funny, disarming, poignant, and surreal. Also this week on the show we give away ONE of our Tarawera entries, encourage you all to submit a Greatest Run Ever to win ANOTHER entry and run down the news, races, and details about our 200th episode live show. Enjoy. *Perhaps as a Patronus? We’ll never know. Episode Links Christopher McDougall Home CurraNZSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Eugene and Matt speak with Jo Ryder and Sarah Haerewa from Trailblazers Aotearoa. Trailblazers is a volunteer-led initiative that uses activity and trail running as a vehicle for young people to overcome the impact of adversity. Jo founded Trailblazers after having significant interactions with young people in schools through her work as a police officer. Jo realized that the positive effects of physical activity and trail running in particular had tangible benefits to the rangatahi in this country. The programme curriculum is designed based on neurobiology and traumatology. The focus of Trailblazers is on healing, and you will hear that throughout our conversation with these two inspirational runners. Trailblazers Aotearoa now has programmes in Christchurch and Porirua and is looking to spread further afield. Both Jo and Sarah are avid trail runners and lining up this year at Taupo 100. We dive into their background in sports and the impetus for taking on this challenge. You will love this conversation and be inspired in ways that you may not expect. We also announce details of our Tarawera Ultra giveaways – yes, plural – and the Greatest Run Ever is a gem. Enjoy! Episode Links Trailblazers Aotearoa SOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. The statement that women are not just smaller men sounds QED, however it is one that has been largely ignored by the academic and sporting establishment. This week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr Stacy Sims. Stacy is an exercise physiologist and nutritionist, someone who is a world leader in pushing the boundaries - and the boundaries of knowledge - for women in sport and life. She’s also an author - she published Roar about three years ago and has a new book called Next Level. Stacy has been a highly competitive rower, hockey player, Ironman athlete and ultra marathon runner,  she has a Ted Talk entitled Women Are Not Small Men and has appeared on numerous podcasts and television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show. This is a fact-filled, fun-filled conversation with an awesome human being.  We also bring you another cracker GRE, mind-blowing results from Sydney featuring Beatles chat, and a guest appearance from Daniel Jones with a quick update on his epic US racing and training mission. Enjoy!Episode Links Dr Stacy Sims Women Aren’t Small Men TEDxKerry Suter and Ali Pottinger on SundaySOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. With his mental health in tatters and at his lowest point, Jake Malby stood literally on the crossroads of life and death. Intuition and timely action by his brother, Australian ultrarunner Ben Malby, contributed to Jake making the choice to continue in this existence and to move towards healing. Proof that our trauma can inform us, not define us, Jake has moved from his first 25 kilometre race into a running machine committed to the miles, his wellbeing, and creating a space where others can heal and share as well. Undertaking 31 marathons in 31 days and building towards an 850km trip from the Sydney Opera House to Burleigh Hill, Jake continues to raise awareness, advocate, and embrace a life of wellbeing assisted by running. This is a raw, honest, and beautiful conversation with a human being who has endured and overcome some powerful struggles. We also offer you a challenge this week to listen to this week’s Greatest Run Ever and not suddenly find that there must be dust in the room or something. #Jetthebordercollie Enjoy!Episode Links Jake’s Kidsline Challenge Jake Malby on Instagram Hoka AustraliaCoros Australia Spring Energy Australia Salty Backs Balancing Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger on SundaySOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCiele

Kia ora e te whānau.This week Matt has the privilege and pleasure of sitting down over a cup of (virtual) tea for a conversation with the mighty Marty Lukes. The term “legend” gets bandied about a fair bit these days, but Marty more than qualifies for this criteria. This is a deep dive into the history of Aotearoa trail and road ultramarathon running with one of the true leaders of our sport. Marty has a three-peat at Kepler from 2007 to 2009, 6th at the 100km world championship in 2006 plus a slew of other accolades. But this conversation is more than running down Marty’s achievements, it’s a glimpse into the golden age of trail running in Aotearoa and a cast of epic characters and incredible races. Marty looks back on lessons learned, and brings it right back to the beginning, when he came down from the mountains for love. Enjoy!Episode Links The SK BSR CanterburyThe Bob Graham RoundThe Craigieburn RoundThe Speed Freaks Odyssey HouseSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week on the podcast Matt and Eugene call California to catch up with Marcus Rentie … a resident of LA where he grew up loving all sorts of sports including stunt roller-blading - yes, that is a thing - and started running, then found the trails and hasn’t looked back. One of the reasons we wanted to talk to Marcus was about the non-profit organisation he has founded called Trail Folx which aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged and underserved youth in Los Angeles. The goal is to increase representation in outdoor sports. We talk to him all about this, as well as the weekly trail runs he hosts in the Los Angeles hills, how spreadsheets and the running scene in LA intersect, and this trail dog named Batman! We also cover off some of the weekend’s racing including course records Down South. Enjoy!Episode Links Trailfolx websiteTralifolx on InstagramMarcus Rentie on InstagramBatman on InstagramSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt speak with ultramarathon runner, physiotherapist, and PhD candidate Emma O’Loughlin about her groundbreaking study into periodizing recovery around, well, women’s periods. We also discuss Emma’s history of Gaelic Football, why women are more prone to ACL injury, The Race Across America, and why if you work with your hands it’s better to injure yourself skiing not snowboarding. We cover Emma’s love of trail running, the WUU2k, strength work and so much more in this epic conversation. Enjoy!Episode Links Emma’s ACL Recovery Study Emma on Instagram Emma on TwitterLocker Room StoryOtago Publications Page SOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau..This week on the podcast Eugene speaks with Hayden Hawks. Hayden is  a professional runner based in Utah who famously won the first trail ultra he entered, the Speed Goat 50km in 2016. For those that know, this is not just any race. Hayden has a clutch of other races including JFK 50 Mile in a course record in 2020, Black Canyon 2020, UTMB CCC in 2017 in a course record. He recently won the Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica too. Apart from life as a professional athlete, Hayden is an exercise science graduate, loves to go on riding adventures, and is a father and husband. Eugene had a deep dive into his training methods - and, importantly, recovery - we talked about the idea that US male athletes seem to have a thing about UTMB, which Hayden pushes back on quite strongly. Importantly, too, (for Matt) they discuss whether Hayden will be rocking his mustache when he lines up at Western States in June to get some revenge for last year when he was running in second until mile 92 until things went south. Enjoy!--- --- --- Episode Links Hayden Hawks Home Hayden Hawks Instagram Hoka Coros UnivedSOS HydrationSCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week’s podcast features returning champion Sam McCutcheon. If you don’t know Sam, he is one of Wellington Scottish’s finest. Last time we talked to him was way back in episode 64, where he had just moved to Edinburgh and was looking forward to hitting some of the best races that Europe had to offer in 2020. Despite his plans being changed somewhat, Sam continued to get after it, started a family, and eventually moved home to Wellington. This is a great conversation about priorities, enjoying the whole of where you are, and how pour-over coffee is the best coffee (fight us). For the racing heads out there, we dip fully into that world also as Sam has won The Kepler Challenge twice, set the Wuu2k course record, and clinched third place at the Tarawera 102km. Sam has represented New Zealand at the world trail running championships, placed 7th at the CCC, 3rd at Laverdo, has a 1:08:45 half marathon PB and was 6th place at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail last year. Enjoy!Episode Links Sam McCutcheon Instagram SCOTT Running Coros NZJulbo Eyewear UltrAspireirunfarGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New Zealand

Kia ora e te whānau. This week Eugene and Matt are joined from a hotel in Taipei by the incredible Jono Lester. Jono is a third-generation race car driver who specialises in the GT format. Jono is also a formidable runner, plant-based athlete, and ambassador for the SPCA. Please enjoy this immensely good chat about the rigours and grind of being a professional athlete, the challenges of having a career ripped away overnight (looking at you, COVID) and the  challenges of training like Carl Read … With Carl Read. This is a ripping yarn, full of adventures on the trails, the red mist of competition, and also the beauty, grace, and peace that Jono experiences from running on trails. Enjoy! Episode Links Jono Lester Home  Jono Lester InstagramJono Lester TikTok Jono Lester Facebook Givealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. When Troy Sachs was inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame, he was one of just a few disabled athletes to have had the honour bestowed upon them. After playing wheelchair basketball professionally for 20 years, attending 5 Paralympics and winning two gold and one silver medal, Troy felt that he could finally be heralled as “just” Troy. He was there because of his sporting achievements, not because of his disability. This thought-provoking insight is just one of many in this excellent conversation. Troy turned his laser focus to running a few years ago, and since then has completed several ultra distance runs including the Oxfam trailwalker, a 310 kilometre “jog” from Canberra to Sydney and an attempt at the 2021 Ultra Trail Australia. For the ablest of us, running, especially long distances is not simply a matter of “lacing up the running shoes” Troy talks about the challenge of stump care, manufacturing his own carbon blades and having to run with tools for an on-the-go fix. Recovery, advocacy, and a general desire to send it,  this conversation with Troy Sachs is a true blue ripper. Enjoy! Episode Links Troy Sachs on InstagramTeam Sachs  Givealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. Put 77 people on a start line with the only caveat that they need to do one 6.7km loop an hour and stir. Continue to stir until the last person is standing.  Add in beautiful conditions, challenging terrain, beer, moon dust, mind games, and non-stop banging tunes and you have the 2022 Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultramarathon, the race that nearly wasn’t. We spent the whole weekend in the forest and are pleased to bring you a rundown of the event alongside interviews with Shaun Collins, Wyatt Stevens, Katie Wright, Dougie Kyle, and more. .. Enjoy! --- --- --- Episode Links Lactic Turkey Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultramaraton on Instagram Givealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. Katie Wright has done a lot of cool stuff, probably the coolest thing we think she’s done is being on DCR the most out of anyone. Ok, she’s done cooler stuff, but not much. You could fit this year’s trip to the infamous Barkley Marathons as being in the more-cooler-than-DCR column, same with being the current Tarawera 100 mile champ, oh, and in the final four at Big’s Backyard AND that time she was the first woman in the world to win a Last Person Standing Event. Anyway … This conversation focuses on the Barkley Marathons and we take a deep dive with Katie into what makes this race so special, so difficult, and also (refreshingly) so much like any other race you’d do. We assert the fact that no-one wins in a Marmite war, and lament that Katie’s $1.60 entry fee to the Barkey is still lost in the post.  Warm, engaging, funny,  and effortlessly wise, Katie is one of our favourite human beings to talk to and this time is no different. Set the stoke levels to high and strap in for a right banger of a conversation about the limits of endurance, mindset, and preparation. Enjoy! Episode Links Katie Wright (@do_your_impossible) • Instagram photos and videosSpeedy Spike’s mission for the coastlinesGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. Exactly 160 episodes ago, when Anna Frost (or Frosty as she is known) came on our show, we gushed in the bio. Oh, how we GUSHED. And why not?  Anna is, like, 100% one of the most successful trail and ultra running exports from Aotearoa. She burst onto the scene in what was the first wave of the professional ultra athlete, running for the mighty Salomon team. Going from spending weeks travelling around Europe partying and sleeping in the back of a station wagon to pulling on the white strip and racing for a European giant, Anna was catapulted into the media at the same time as other famous names such as Anton Krupicka, Scott Jurek,Geoff Roes, Kilian Jornet, and Tina Forsberg. Wait, we’re gushing again. It’s been a few years and we find Anna back in Dunedin with partner Braz and their daughter Skylar – enjoying the challenges of life, and reflecting openly on the privilege that whilst yes, things are tough at the moment (especially when you own a trail running tour company) at least bombs aren’t raining down outside. We talk to Anna about the inevitable changes that parenthood brings and take a deep dive into coaching, training with little humans, and The Wild, the epic 100 mile race taking place in Queenstown in December.  Anna Frost rules, ok? Enjoy! Episode Links Anna Frost on Instagram Anna Frost CoachingTrail Run Adventures The Wild Givealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. How do you do something that many have considered impossible? And does your thinking change over time from just what is impossible to possible? For Michael Stuart it was the competitiveness between siblings that ignited his passion for running. Squaring off in a half marathon against his older sister, Michael probably never considered that one day he would be completing an undertaking that has been described as “very very close to the most amazing,, audacious feat of endurance … ever”. Specifically, this audacious feat was a continuous run of the three S-K routes in the Tararua ranges, the Main Range, Tarn, and Valleys routes. Roughly 80 km each way with a combined elevation of 16,000 vertical meters for the three, this was an undertaking that very few thought was doable. About 87 hours and 240 km later, Michael triumphed. Hear about “no sleep ‘till Kaitoke”, trail angels, sore feet, hallucinations, and the impetus to complete such a legendary journey on this week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy! --- --- --- Episode Links Michael Stuart on Instagram Stuff Story on Michael’s Triple S-KGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. Last week Eugene found himself on a call with Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter discussing the long, slow, and painful road out of the hell that they had found themselves in after the MTB crash which left Kerry paralyzed. Honest, raw, painful, this conversation is likely to get many of you in the feels. Accepting the whole experience, and as is typical with Kerry, the conversation is also life affirming, wry, and humorous. We make no apologies for the emotion in this conversation, we do however make apologies for the sound quality, and give our thanks to Andrew MacDowall for his stellar work as always. It’s an uncertain and unpleasant time of late, and whilst it’s hard at times to focus on how things could be better it’s certainly useful to reflect on the ways that things could be worse. So give thanks for what you have, and please … enjoy! Episode Links SQUADRUNGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Whakarewarewa Forest's First Aid ResponseDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Charles Amoamo (Whakatōhea) finished his first ultra in November, a 50 km – 11 hours and 22 minutes at the Valley Ultra. And, yeah, it was tough - rain, cold, some decent hills. But you know what, he’s tougher than all of that put together. At one point, Charles was 182 kg, experienced anxiety and had four toes amputated after a work accident, so, yeah, he’s been on a journey. Why did he do it? Well, in Charles’ own words, he did it “for mental health, for suicide awareness, for health and well-being, to be a Māori role model for our next generation, to inspire people to go climb their maunga (mountain), to not go to the grave with their song unsung. Adventure awaits you, all you need is a little courage to take that first step. Believe me, it is so worth it!” Believe us, too, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Also this week, we encourage everyone to get in behind Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger as they embark on a steep climb themselves after Kerry’s MTB accident, and we have a pertinent Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy! Episode Links Charles Amoamo on InstagramTailwind NZZeroTwenty SportsAerobic EdgeGivealitle for Kerry’s Rehab Whakarewarewa Forest's First Aid ResponseDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. Sam Harvey stood toe-to-toe with Chris Bisley in the coral at the 2021 Riverhead ReLaps knowing he was running for true love and therefore he could not be beaten. He was running with the knowledge that the golden ticket was *literally* his golden ticket back to his fiance in Nashville. Having entered the race three weeks before, Sam had enjoyed the comradeship of the wider group and relay runners until he found himself running through the night  beside Bisley in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Sam’s day was ended with bio-mechanical issues after 248 kilometers and Bisley took the day. We speak to Sam after his victory at the inaugural Pigs Backyard Ultramarathon in Dunedin about fighting, coaching rugby in Nashville, Ultramarathon running, tenacity, drive, and how the tall poppy syndrome can go jump in the lake . . . Enjoy! --- --- --- Episode Links Pigs Backyard Ultramaraton Sam Harvey on Instagram Duval Group on instagram BASE PizzaNutrient RescueThe Crank House Bicycle Studio - HomeDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. As a young man Rob Hutchings found joy in the suffering of triathlon. A manner to escape an increasingly unhappy and violent upbringing. Choosing his own suffering, on his terms, relishing the pain that it caused him, and reveling in the savagery of competition. Years later, Rob had an epiphany after a spectacular feat of self destruction during an ultramarathon. His love of suffering during competition was an attempt to control the pain he was experiencing in his other life, in this case, a fruitless and frustrating journey to adopt children. So Rob stepped away from the suffering of organized events and into the wild outdoors. We speak to Rob about his love of massive adventures, from swimming the 256km Clutha River, to multi-day, multi-sport events which take in a combination of trail running, swimming, and cycling. We discuss his book, Downriver Nomad: A Triathlete's Adventures and Adversities into the Rapids, which details his life of adventure, discovery, and heartbreak. Rob’s story is full of twists and turns, like any good adventure, and right to the end is filled with surprises. This is a worthwhile conversation for trying times with a singular individual . Enjoy! Episode Links Buy Downriver NomadRob Hutchings on Instagram How to Swim Down Rapids Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia ora e te whānau. For those who may be unfamiliar, Wild Things is the popular and successful trail community started by Malcolm and Sally Law in 2016. The group grew (and grew) to now number in the tens of thousands, the initial interest no doubt spurred by Malcolm’s huge following. In September of 2021 there was the shock news that Malcolm and Sally were stepping away from Wild Things and Rob Bathgate was taking over the reigns. We speak to Rob about his arrival in Aotearoa, his re-discovery of running and his love of the Kaimai Ranges. Rob has faced a real challenge in the last few years in regards to his health and doesn’t shy away from this discussion. We talk about the massive undertaking that is Wild Things, and the challenges of engaging with such an enthusiastic community after the founder stepped away. We look to the future with Rob and his vision for the next stage in the continued evolution of Wild Things and the community. As per the regular we’ve got news, race results and a cracking Greatest Run Ever to get you going.  Enjoy! Episode Links Wild Things Rewards and Discounts Wild Things Trail DirectoryWild Things Peak Directory Wild Things Facebook GroupRob Bathgate on Wild Things  Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia Ora e te whānau. This week Matt has the pleasure of another conversation with returning guest Lucy Bartholomew. We last spoke with Lucy in 2018, after she’d placed third at Western States. Lucy was full of passion for running, the outdoors, and eating plant-based food. It feels weird to be calling someone “an old head” at 25, but Lucy has been running endurance events since she was 15 and has the perspective to back this up. The last three years have surely pushed up some challenges - some global and some personal. Lucy discusses her evolving relationship with social media, and the place it plays in the culture. We discuss how the pandemic has enabled Lucy to take a well-earned break from a punishing travel schedule, and take some time to show people that there is a human being behind the instagram posts. The love of epic missions, plant-based food, and the community is so evident in this wonderful conversation. Enjoy! Episode Links Lucy Bartholomew Home Lucy Bartholomew Instagram Salomon Running Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

Kia Ora e te whānau. When you need wisdom, you don’t always find it in a yurt on the shores of Lake Hawea. But sometimes you do, and in this episode Eugene and Matt certainly did. Aerobic Edge head honcho Adam Keen interrupts a much-needed holiday to drop wisdom about coaching Brooke Thomas and Emma Timmis, managing yourself in the summer heat, the appropriate mindset for training, and life. Adam talks us through the epic adventures he has had over the summer and hammers home the point repeatedly that ‘staying savage’ (just, you know, google him) doesn’t equate to ‘being stupid’. With the uncertainty that we are all facing at the moment with Omicron rearing its ugly head and many big races looking dicey at best, Adam’s simple and stoic advice is just the tonic you need. For those of you last week who suggested an Adam Keen drinking game it’s time to pour yourself a cold one.  Enjoy! Episode Links Aerobic Edge Home Aerobic Edge on Instagram Aerobic Edge on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running 

This Week On The Podcast we talk with Emma Timmis about just what it takes to come back from an injury that lasts years and run the length of New Zealand in a record time - Interesting Conversations with Interesting Runners.

Kia Ora e te whānau. It’s hot, eh? This week we’ve got another greatest hit for you. In fact, not that we really pay attention to the numbers, but we have our most popular episode on DCR ever, Number 83 with the legendary Scotty Stevenson. It was hot the night that we recorded the podcast. Scotty walked into Eugene’s lounge dressed up to the nines in full TV makeup (having just left the tele to come do the pod) and proceeded to lay down one of the most engaging, honest, and entertaining hours that we ever recorded.Scotty StevensonA broadcaster and journalist best known for his rugby commentary and reporting which makes him automatically one of the most well-known New Zealand TV personalities. He’s a sports journalist with TVNZ, and also works with Spark Sport and Radio Hauraki, commentating on cricket and the America’s Cup. He’s also a sports writer, has ghost-written and written a string of some of the best sports books, from Straight 8 about Kieran Read, to Kiwi Pair about Eric Murray and Hamish Bond. Scotty has been previously known by his childhood nickname “Sumo” as, by his own account he was the “fat kid in speedos” at surf lifesaving. But things have changed. If you were to Google Scotty Stevenson, the number one thing that pops up on auto-search is “Scotty Stevenson weight loss”. It’s because Stevenson has changed. Markedly. He has noticeably shrunk. And for those who’ve been watching closely, he started running. He’s kept very quiet about it, but goodness me, the man is well and truly hooked. Three years ago, he couldn’t run 85m. In 2019, he ran 85km, no less, through backcountry New Zealand in the Old Ghost Ultra in just over 12 hours. For those who saw the TVNZ report he did on the event, you’ll know that he found it an extremely emotional experience. We talked to Scotty about that race, his life leading up to running, what sparked his decision to lace up, and the myriad of changes that this has had on his life.Enjoy!Episode LinksScotty Stevenson on InstagramScotty Stevenson on TwitterDirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on TwitterDirt Church Radio on FacebookDirt Church Radio on PatreonCieleFurther Faster New ZealandUltraspire NZSpring Energy NZSCOTT Running

So we were out on a run on the weekend thinking about how best to kick off 2022. We’ve both got a bit on for the next couple of weeks, with some cool adventures and family holidays planned. We were going back over the catalog and remembered that we’ve had some cool guests over the years that a bunch of you might not have heard. So for the next two weeks we are going to be replaying three of those interviews as sort of a greatest hits collection. We plan to be back up to full speed January 19th. This week we are going to give you a sweet double header. We’ll take waaay back to our 7th ever episode for a conversation with ultra running legend Dean Karnazes. Then we’ll head on over to episode 14 and our discussion with Australian powerhouse Lucy Bartholemew. Dean Karnazes Over a 25 year career Dean has run more ultramarathons that one can count, set various endurance records, gained 11 one day buckles at Western States Endurance Run and has been a previous Badwater winner. Dean is a best-selling author, having written five books detailing his life and adventures whilst running, including his epic 50/50 - which detailed Dean running 50 Marathons in 50 states of the USA in 50 days and The Road To Sparta, which details his odyssey leading up to and including the Spartathlon in Greece. His latest book, A Runner’s High, covers Dean’s return to Western States after a long absence. Perhaps what Dean is best known for is his unrelenting positivity, advocacy, and love of running, activity and inspiring others to move and challenge what they thought possible.  Lucy Bartholemew What were you up to when you were 22? Possibly (probably) not coming third at Western States Endurance Run and travelling the world exploring, running for Salomon, and espousing your passion for a plant-based diet like Lucy Bartholomew. Lucy joined us for a wide ranging conversation about her history with the sport, her ongoing successes and her beliefs that truly social and positive media can enhance experience, enjoyment and connection for young women rather than take away from it. Enjoy!

Matt, Eugene and Andrew McDowall sit in Andrew’s super fancy studio and run down the year that was. The highs and the lows, the struggles and triumph and all the amazing races and performances that happened in the 100 Year War that was 2021. We speak to the returning champion and actual champion Ruth Croft, all the way from the Best Coast about her massive year, and how whilst some things changed, most (thankfully) didn’t. We go through your nominations for performance of the year (Rhymes with Youth Loft) race of the year, and FKT of the year, we announce the winner of our Zero2Twenty sports co silent auction, with all proceeds going to Women’s Refuge and reflect on our highlights of what was a very memorable 12 months. We will be taking a well-deserved break and aiming to be back to you all mid January 2022. We want to thank you all for your fellowship and support and wish you and yours a festive season filled with love, happiness, and muddy ankles.  Enjoy!

This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt speak to triathlete, ultra runner, podcast host, and nutritionist Dr Mikki Williden. This is Mikki’s second go ‘round on the old DCR and this time we really wanted to get into the weeds about some specific nutrition topics around the silly season, including how do we enjoy ourselves and not go off the rails (too much)? What’s the latest thinking around race nutrition and how does one go about dialling that in? Tips for finding out what works for you, and also a discussion around the topic of RED-S, or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Mikki is encyclopedic (Mikkipedic?) in her knowledge and delivers said knowledge in an engaging and entertaining manner. We also touch on Mikki’s training and preparation for the upcoming Kepler and Tarawera 100km races. Matt gets trapped in a parking garage (not a euphemism) and we run down all the race results, a cracking GRE and discuss our upcoming end of year extravaganza. Enjoy!

This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt speak to New Zealand representative orienteer, teacher, race director, and all-round legend Madeleine Collins. Madeleine is one half of Lactic Turkey events and tells us of the ongoing challenges of running an events company in the midst of a global pandemic. We also discuss her five year recovery from a traumatic brain injury, the adventures that the Collins whanau have had along the way, WUU2K, training for The Revenant, and the mighty Karamatura Accumulation Challenge (or, KAC) . This is an exceptional conversation with an exceptional human being and we hope you love it as much as we did.  Enjoy!

This week on the podcast Eugene is again ganged up on with he and Matt speaking to the incredible Matt Fenn. Matt is an athlete who focuses on running as a means to spark conversation, unite, and inspire. In March 2021 Matt ran 654km, one kilometre for every Kiwi who lost their life to suicide in the last year, breaking the New Zealand distance running record in the process. Not content with this, on the first of  December Matt will begin running and won’t stop until there has been 1 million comments on a single social media post. Matt has committed to running a minimum of 1000 kilometres and will do so within the parameters that Guiness have set in an attempt to break a world record. Matt has a passion for storytelling and speaking to the immense impact resilience, alongside love and support can have on enabling us to achieve anything, including conquering inner battles. Matt shares his beginnings in high level sport, his struggles once he achieved what he thought were his goals, and the manner and methods by which he lives his life and looks to engage others around wellbeing, mental health, and connectedness. Enjoy!Episode Links Matt Fenn instagram Matt Fenn Facebook I Am Hope Dirt Church Radio on Twitter Dirt Church Radio on Facebook Dirt Church Radio on Patreon

Matt and Eugene speak to the legendary Tattoo Runner, Mat Grills. This conversation is a wee rip-snorter: From uber-jacked frontman in a Christian Hardcore band  to running his first marathon with his dad, to brain surgery, to the police, to ultramarathons, approximately 10000 tattoos to now being the proud co-owner of two cafes and having just come off the back of 50 days of consecutive marathons (with 10 x 50kms thrown in there), Mat’s story is incredible. Inspiring, positive, and rather epic if we do say so ourselves. Why would you do 50 days of marathon distance whilst trying to also have a normal working life? If you were training to run across Australia you might, which is what Mat is planning in 2022. All this and the usual Stuff You Should Know, race results and a love letter Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy!

Keeping up with the theme of returning legends on DCR this week Eugene and Matt are joined by Katie Wright. For those of you perhaps unfamiliar, Katie was the first woman in the world to win a Last Person Standing event at the inaugural Riverhead Relaps in 2019. From there Katie found herself at Big’s Backyard where she was one of the final four, romping to a massive 50 yards, or 332.8km. Last year, Katie won the 2020 Tarawera 100 mile race in ding-dong fashion ahead of Fiona Hayvice (and, oh yeah, Katie snatched second in 2019 behind Camille Herron). This time, heading to Big’s Backyard had a different feel to it, having been sidelined with a netball injury for most of the year and achieving a peak running week total of 35km.  We speak to Katie about her year, her return to Big’s, how to Sous Vide Tofu in an MIQ kettle, and the strangeness of travel amidst a pandemic. We’ve got races (YES!) A Greatest Run Ever, and Eugene and Jaime and Andrew did a thing . Enjoy!

This week Matt and Eugene are reunited with returning guest, ultrarunning legend and all-round legend Camille Herron!! This really does warrant two exclamation marks as Camille lays down the challenges that she has overcome in the last while in the lead up to her course record performance at the Javelina Jundred two weeks ago. Holding several world records (I mean, she’s honestly lost count) Camille talks to us how a very specific metabolic condition left her scratching her head after a string of fatigue-plagued performances and leaving her (and others) wondering if her days of high performance were behind her. Happily, this is absolutely not the case and Camille is now back, stronger and fitter than ever, and absolutely raring to go add some more world records to her bag. We dare you to listen to this conversation and not be completely inspired and stoked. Enjoy!

This week we catch up with the remarkable Harita Davies, fresh from her national record-breaking performance at the famous Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race in New York (50 days, 13 hours, 23 minutes and 14 seconds). We learn the surprising things about recovering from such a long run, what you eat and drink when you’re in the middle of such an assault on the body (watch out for baking soda’s move into the world of ultra-running!), and the important things Harita learned in the build-up to the race, lessons which changed her perspective. Harita also talks about her spiritual journey, finding her way to Sri Chinmoy, how sport helped her with depression as a child, and how endometriosis stopped her from running for years. We also run through the news, including the new date for Kepler, Ruth Croft’s great win in France, and the results from Mission Mt Somers. Enjoy!

This week, the amazing Hazel Harrison. From an 800m-running army nurse to Marathon des Sables completing ultra runner (5th in her age group!), Hazel’s journey has been incredible. Navigating Covid, surviving cancer, and then actually getting to the race itself are just the beginnings of this epic tale. Hazel had to endure extreme conditions, the death of a fellow competitor, and major insults to her physical system to complete this amazing race. We also run through all the news from Big’s Backyard, a phenomenal Greatest Run Ever and consider changing the name of the podcast to Hair Church Radio because gosh, we need to get to the barbers. Enjoy!

Matt and Eugene are joined by a true legend of our sport, Andy Jones-Wilkins. AJW (as he is known) began running ultramarathons in 1996 as a way to maintain fitness in between transcontinental cycling trips with his wife, Shelly. AJW was a stalwart top-ten finisher at Western States in the early 2000’s, finishing in the top ten seven consecutive times with a career-best second place to the mighty Scott Jurek in 2005. Andy has just celebrated ten years of his column “AJW’s Taproom” on iRunfar, and is a frequent contributor to the grandpappy of all trail podcasts Trail Runner Nation. Andy’s professional  life has been in education and this shines through in this incredible conversation. We talk about his history in the sport, how he feels after 30 years in the sport, his first 12 hour race, his greatest beer ever, and his encyclopedic knowledge of the Western States Endurance Run course. Enthusiastic, affable, and so knowledgeable, this conversation was such a tonic and we hope you love it too. Enjoy!

Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Robbie Britton back to Dirt Church Radio. Robbie first guested on episode 99 when we talked about representing Great Britain at the world 24 hour champs, being a coach, his master’s degree in science, and his absolute love of adventure. Robbie has now added the title “author” to his repertoire, with the imminent release of his book 1001 Running Tips - The Essential Runner’s Guide. Robbie is fresh from his first ultra distance running event in two years, full of a cold, and in excellent form. This is an engaging and energetic conversation which covers the evolution of coaching knowledge, athletic life in the new normal, the importance of academic rigour and also why you should keep your scabby paws out of the communal nuts at the aid station, ya filthy animals.  Enjoy!

Pat Davies served in the Gulf Wars and conflict zones such as Afghanistan and the Falklands during his military career. Starting off as a 17-year-old in the RAF, he eventually ended up moving with his family to New Zealand and joining the RNZAF, and now works for Defence. Along the way, it’s fair to say, he’s seen some things people shouldn’t have to. And those experiences take their toll. In this conversation, Pat talks candidly and openly about the mental health impacts of serving in those environments and how there was a time when it was not the done thing to talk about what you were going through and, instead, to self-medicate with alcohol (for some) or take a stiff upper lip approach (for others). These days, he knows how important it is to seek help, and it’s a message he wants to spread. He also knows that, for him, running makes a difference. He started running when he first joined the Air Force and he’s barely stopped, along the way running in some pretty amazing places, from having to carry a firearm to protect himself from wild dogs in Kuwait, to the stunning Coromandel in one of his favourite ultras, the Kauri Run, to running with the Night Ninjas. Our GRE this week is a throw-back to 30 years ago, and we round up some of the races and adventures over the weekend, some more revealing than others (looking at you, Dougie …). Enjoy!

Guyon Espiner is a legend of New Zealand journalism. From his time in the Press Gallery, to his work as TVNZ’s political editor, to the host of Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report, to his current work as an investigative reporter producing impactful podcasts such as The Service and Red Line. What you might not know about Guyon is that he has completed over 20 marathons, several ultramarathons and many epic adventures around the world. Of late, Guyon has faced a new challenge, with his diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, however he is rising to the challenge and continues to run. This is a rip-roaring discussion taking in Guyon’s running history, his journalism, his love and advocacy of te reo Māori, and all points in between. We have a seriously epic GRE, all the results for Tor Des Geants and an awesome running-related kīwaha from the man himself: Kei te pēhea koe? Kua pau te hau, e hoa, kua pau te hau. How are you? I’m stuffed, mate!  Enjoy! 

It’s uncertain times, right? And certainly at the moment it feels like we are all faced with multiple challenges. Climate change and extreme weather events seem to be playing a major part in that uncertainty. What can we, as trail runners who engage with the outdoors so regularly, do about this? Eugene and Matt speak to Maz Krogh, runner, physiotherapist, ski instructor, and lead advocate for Protect Our Winters Aotearoa. Protect Our Winters Aotearoa connects passionate outdoor enthusiasts and everyone who loves and needs winter to generate positive climate outcomes. PoW focuses on educational initiatives and community-based empowerment to preserve New Zealand’s alpine playground. This conversation covers the difference between climate change and weather, how we as trail runners can engage in positive environmental outcomes, how to engage with other people about climate effectively (and whilst being cool about it). We also talk Maz’s first summer in nine years, how difficult ski mountaineering is, the joy of running in the mountains, and how Maz went from growing up on a dairy farm in Dannevirke to the slopes of Whistler. As usual, we’ve a brilliant Greatest Run Ever, news of a massive FKT attempt on the Colorado trail and a celebration of kupu (words) that relate to trail running  as it’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Ka Rawe! 

Returning champions Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger from Squadrun are back at it to drop the knowledge bombs and provide the necessary lockdown inspiration for the people! With Eugene and Matt’s live show with the dynamic duo scuppered because, well…reasons, we thought that it was no better time to tap into the huge knowledge base that the two founding coaches of Squadrun bring to the table. An almost incomprehensibly tired Matt (road running is hard, ok) and Eugene discuss how to set goals when there is no consistency in modern life, how to enliven flat training, and prepare for a race that may not be. We cover just how different 100 mile training can be to a regular old hundie and break down some fundamental facets of a successful miler training plan. On top of our main conversation we’ve got all the regular DCR goodness with a brilliant Greatest Run Ever and all the news from the ongoing Golden Trail series plus an update on Aleksandr Sorokin’s amazing world 24 Hour record. Enjoy. 

Barefoot Ted McDonald is a shaman. In 2009 he became a central character in Christopher McDougall’s best selling book about natural  running and movement, Born To Run. Ted was initially portrayed (perhaps unfairly) as the quintessential ugly American, a brash, larger than life counterpoint to the retiring Tarahumara, the legendary distance runners whom McDougall’s party had ventured to the Copper Canyons of Northern Mexico to engage with. Ted’s arc formed the emotional pivot of the book when McDougall described the bond between Ted and Manuel Luna, a Tarahumara man whose son had been brutally murdered by a drug cartel. Since the book’s publication  Barefoot Ted (as he is now widely known) has become synonymous with barefoot running and an advocate for us investigating our atavistic potential for natural movement. Ted’s call that running should be a state of play; joyful and unhindered. First with Five Fingers and now with his own company Luna Sandals, Ted sells footwear that at periods in our history were ubiquitous, however now are considered iconoclastic or niche. The son of an LAPD detective, who grew up ensconced in the surf and skateboard culture of 1970’s California, Ted’s curiosity for what propels us has changed the course of his life - and arguably many others. Ted beamed in with us from the Republic of California in a sun drenched ray of pure joy. Answering our questions before they were asked, and riffing mighty on the microdosing of movement, how play is vital to life,  and the holism of community. Ted talked about his recent adventures at Leadville, his evolution from pioneer to elder and all points in between. What is so evident is Ted’s love of life, and those strange critters that are human beings. At the end of our conversation, Ted hooted “LIVE JAZZ” and he’s not wrong ... This is the conversational equivalent of Sun Ra’s Space is the Place.  Enjoy. 

This week Eugene and Matt come charging out of Level Four (well, figuratively) for an excellent conversation with Scotty Hawker.  If you’d asked Scotty if he would have been in Europe 8 months ago, lining up for the 100km CCC, you probably would have gotten laughed at. In the last kilometre of his last run of 2020, Scotty sustained a potentially career-ending ankle injury. Further to this, and more importantly, Scotty was facing some personal issues which made the injury “the least of my problems”. As with other conversations we’ve had with Scotty you’ll hear through this how he has built himself back, with discipline, seeking wisdom, and connection with others. Kinda feels like the conversation we needed to have at the moment, right? We have a beautiful Greatest Run Ever and holy moly it’s 2014 all over again with Anton Krupicka running 100 miles. Who would’ve thought? Enjoy. 

This week Eugene and Matt have the privilege and pleasure to speak with Aotearoa/New Zealand Para swimmer Mary Fisher! Prior to her retirement from the structure, rigor, and scrutiny of high performance sport in 2018, Mary won Gold at the London and Rio Paralympics in world-record times. After that, Mary chose to do something relaxing, like run the Tarawera 87 km. Eugene and Matt speak to Mary after her recent running of the (completely heckers) WUU2K, which Mary finished with her guide, Carrie Buckmaster. We speak to Mary about her love of the trails, advocacy and inclusion in sport, and how trail running can become more accessible. This conversation transcends “inspiration”, rather being a conversation with a person who enjoys trail running and has the mindset of an elite athlete who happens to have a visual impairment. And a bunch of gold medals.We have a great Greatest Run Ever and Matt rants a bit about how good late 90’s Swedish power-pop is. Enjoy.

We have a first on this week’s Dirt Church Radio. We’ve never spoken to an actual (literal) shepherd before. Let alone a shepherd who goes after it as hard as Ryan Carr does. Rocketing onto the trail running scene in 2017, Ryan has enjoyed a string of victories and podiums at Aotearoa/New Zealand’s hardest races including the Luxmore Grunt, The Tongariro Goat, and Mt Difficulty half. Eugene and Matt were able to put this together after Ryan got snowed in on the West Coast of the South Island after his win at the Resilience Ultra 62 km. We hear about Ryan’s love of being in the outdoors, and his many adventures in Europe, cycling between Sky Races in the European circuit and an impromptu S-K Main Range attempt which saw him miss the solo FKT by 30 seconds after CYCLING from Amberlea where he lives, to Tongariro to race the Goat and come second. We talk all this, fell running (including how long it takes to break in a pair of Walsh’s, the famous Northern fell shoe), bumbags, midnight dips in Lake Te Anau and just how full-on a Spanish ultra crowd can be. Enjoy.

This week Eugene and Matt head back to the Mountain Time Zone for an amazing conversation with iRunFar editor-in-chief Bryon Powell. We talk recovery from Hardrock, how good it is to be back at it racing post COVID, and how 2020, whilst very challenging, did allow a chance for a reset. Matt has a legitimate fanboy moment and shows Bryon his dog-eared copy of Relentless Forward Progress that Powell signed in 2014.  Bryon’s passion for the sport and knowledge of the culture is legend, and this discussion touches on a lot of it, from Bryon’s athletic beginnings and the start of iRunFar, to what the future holds - both of the sport in general and for iRunFar.  We also discuss how running can remain part of your life without being the defining part of your life. Once a runner, always a runner. As usual, we’ve got results, Stuff You Should Know, Greatest Run Ever and all the racing results you need. Enjoy.

Seven years ago on a trip to Brazil Chloe Wickman noticed the overwhelming explosion of body positivity and vibrancy which saw all shapes and sizes embrace colour and celebration. Wanting to capture the joy and confidence of the mulit-coloured clothing she had experienced Chloe started Zeenya Clothing. If you’ve stood on the start line of any trail run or major ultramarathon in the last few years in Aotearoa you will have seen a woman rocking Zeenya tights. Even more recently, the brand has experienced a huge lift thanks to the enthusiasm of the Zeenya community and ambassadors. We speak to Chloe about her own running journey,  body positivity, community, engagement, and her experiences working in Para sport and even volunteering at the 2016 Olympics. We also draw our Crater Rim competition winner, drill down through our mailbox (including a link to an exciting virtual race) smash through the race and FKT news, and the most lyric GRE we’ve ever had. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. Some would say that Gareth Thomas has enjoyed a magic run of weather in the four years that WUU2K (Wellington Urban Ultramarathon) has been run. We all hoped that 2021 would be an extension of that great weather however it was sadly not to be. Faced with difficult choices everywhere he turned, Gareth ultimately had the choice made for him by the Meteorological Service. So the whole field ended up battling the 21km course in the teeth of the most challenging conditions many had experienced. The episode starts at registration, with Eugene and Matt catching up with Gareth and Volunteer Manager, Cate Shave. We also have a catch up with Spike and Fiona  Hayvice at the finish line on top of a freezing Mt Victoria. We reconvene the conversation the next day in far-drier environs (thanks, Rydges Wellington!!) to run down the race, go through results, Hardrock weekend, and all the good stuff. We also have a post-race catch-up with race director Gareth, who it would be fair to say has been through his share of professional and personal challenges over the past 12 months. Thanks Wellington for being O for Oarsome and thanks to all who shouted out on the course!!  Enjoy.

Stephen Redfern decided to run a half marathon in 2014. It went well. He then ran 100km a few months later. FIVE WEEKS after that Stephen completed his first 100 mile race. From there … well. World 24 hour champs, Western States, UTMB … Stephen is the secretary of the Australian Ultra Running Association, and race director of the Unreasonable East 200 mile and Sydney 24 hour. Gosh. That’s a lot, right? Hong Kong Four Trails? You betcha. Smashing Andrew McDowall in a personal vendetta which we don’t really understand? Yup. Plus an amazing Greatest Run Ever from the TUM men’s champ. This episode is killer. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. 150 episodes!!! That’s like three years of Dirt Church Radio! Everything comes up gold with this one, as Matt and Eugene speak with Western States runner-up and all round LEDGUND Ruth Croft. This is an incredible conversation with an amazing human being. Ruth takes us on a deep dive into the preparation, performance, and atmosphere of Western States and talks us through her (very well deserved) recovery. We also get the chance to do our shortest Greatest Run Ever, Announce the winners (yup, you read right) of our Tarawera Ultramarathon competition, the mailbag, in which we unwittingly fire the shots in an inter-island vert war, Speed Freaks, racing, Matariki … gosh, there is a lot.  To you dear listener we offer our most heartfelt thanks that you have allowed us onto the trails with you. We love what we do and being part of this incredible community only makes it all the more sweeter. See you on the trails. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. This week Eugene speaks to Caitlin Fielder about her long road back from serious injury to her course record at Tarawera 50km, her burgeoning shoe painting business, the insanity of European race courses, cheering Ruth Croft on from afar, and how cycling really is a beneficial form of cross training. We cover the big dance (Hallertau Riverhead Rampage), the OTHER big dance (Western States), take a deep dive in the awesomeness that happened in Auburn, announce our Tarawera winner (sort of) and come through with another epic Greatest Run Ever.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. This week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Martin “Rocky” Walker of Further Faster. Rocky has been a force to be reckoned with in the outdoors scene for the last 30-plus years, making his way to Aotearoa, and setting up his outdoors store Further Faster. We have a great chat with him about his love of the outdoors, dogs, gear, racing, snow, doom metal, and beer on this episode of Dirt Church Radio. We’ve also got all the racing results you need, we look forward to Western States and we’ve got a GRE which is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. Fall down twice, get up three times... That's how it goes isn’t it? This week on the pod Eugene talks to former professional Ironman and Ultraman champion Carl Read about his road to redemption and the fundamental  changes he’s made to his training in the hope that he will be successful in his third attempt at the Tarawera 100 mile race. And the importance of being yourself. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. “For our first episode of Dirt Church Radio we are privileged to sit down with Paul Charteris, the founder of Tarawera Ultramarathon …” That was three years and 145 episodes ago. Things have changed a bit in the intervening years, but having Paul Charteris back on the podcast was even more rewarding, interesting, and engaging than the first time. We speak of life post Tarawera, the transition from trail daddy to regular dad of two children, his work with the Kawerau District Douncil on a new trail network, owning a farm cottage retreat,  and his ongoing involvement in the race that took up over a decade of his life. We discuss the worldwide scene post-pandemic, the UltraTrail World Tour, UTMB, IRONMAN, a wonderful GRE and bonus Colin.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. Lots of people say that they have run all their lives but by the time Te Anau’s Mark Green was 12 years old he had run 20 half marathons. Mark really HAS been running for nearly his whole life. After training as a physiotherapist, Mark went on to spend several years in London and Sydney working with runners to make them stronger and faster. Wanting to give their children the outdoors-based life that they had enjoyed, Mark and his wife, Kylie, moved to Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, 400m from the trails that make up the UTA. Mark gets after it in a big way, having come 4th at this year’s UTA 50km, and with podiums at the Six Foot Track Marathon and Kepler Challenge, Mark embodies a love of running with a mindset to continue to strengthen and improve one’s well being. This conversation is incredible, Mark lays down the knowledge on so many levels from performance, the importance of strength training, and the downlow on some of Australia’s best races. Mark’s talk makes sense, and above that we’ve seen the fruits of Mark’s methodology up close as he trains Eugene for WUU2K. All that, and the usual Stuff You Should Know, including our very special Tarawera Ultramarathon giveaway.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. There is trail running and then there is getting after it in the wild places. The places where no matter what, your pack will be kinda heavy, you will have a beacon with you and there will be parts of that place which could be considered “mildly terrifying” (Wright, 2021). This is where Elly Arnst thrives. From a road running background, Elly then turned to tramping in the ranges around Whanganui, seeing how far she could push herself in an allotted time limit. A fortuitous meeting with Katie Wright led to many huge adventures, including two of the three SK completions, being the first people to send the Ruahine ranges, and pacing Katie to her 2021 Tarawera victory. Not content with that, Elly just smashed the course record at Old Forest Hanmer 100. This woman has chops. As if this isn’t enough Elly also volunteers for Lansar. This is a great conversation about the joy of moving in the big country and how much fun it can be...if you take a little care.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. Runners love routine, right? The overriding wisdom for most of us is consistency consistency consistency. Habit is an absolute strength, however habits can become just that, habit. Kay (pronounced “Kai”)  Bretz moved from what he described as hobby running to the marathon relatively quickly, and stayed there for the next 15 years, always chasing his PB, consistency, control, and habit was key. The outcome was the focus, not the process. Gradually, the process became the focus, and with the aid of his coach, “mystery runs” were employed. A mystery run was just that, Kay would follow another runner with no idea of the length, speed, route of their run. One day, Kay followed his friend on a mystery run out his door and did something that he had never done before, he turned right out of his gate instead of turning left. This simple 180 degree maneuver had a profound impact on Kay’s professional, personal, and athletic life. Fast forward to the present and Kay is the author of Turn Right, his first book about his running journey. Kay has run the furthest by any Australian at a 24 hour world championship (259.67km), has raced (and won) a few multi day stage races, and is now cracking through 200 mile endurance runs in the wilds of Australia. This is an engaging conversation with a very interesting human being about the power of persistence, taking chances, and seeking your limits.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau.This week we have a chock full podcast for you. We run through the plethora of running events around the country, we run (ha!) through the UTMB-IRONMAN announcement, have a repeat GRE offender and for the main event have an amazing conversation with the wonderful Jaime Stevenson. Jaime is a self-confessed roadie who is dipping her toe into the trail scene. Jaime won the 2019 Alps 2 Ocean, has completed the Marathon Des Sables and was the only woman from Australasia chosen for the 2020 Spartathlon before, well … you know … put the kibosh on everything. We talk about mud, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and reflection, coping with challenges, the importance of re-framing as it relates to experience. We discuss Jaime’s literal and figurative journey through running and the massive benefits it has for her mental and physical well being. Jaime is a qualified coach, and talks us through some of the secrets to multi-day events, we also learn how there is always more you give, soft sand can be fun, and light you can see from space doesn’t always equate with a massive crowd at the finish. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau.This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt bring you our DCR X Sportslab live show. We had the pleasure of speaking with Loren Abel, Vaughan Craddock, and Luke McCallum from Sportslab at Hallertau Tap Haus about all things preventative. This is a wide ranging discussion touching on injury prevention, the importance of recovery, and how small habits factored into our active lives can do so much to improve our long term wellbeing and running enjoyment. We discuss the importance of running on all surfaces, and how this can make us into a better runner. Being DCR we also  have talk of aqua jogging, cease and desist letters, and  how ‘light touch’ may get you through those final stages of an ultramarathon. Hot tips, audience Q & A and us explaining to some puzzled bar punters that whilst yes, it does say Church, it’s not actually,...well, you know.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau.This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt have a conversation with the indefatigable Fran McEwen. Where to start with Fran? She’s someone who gets things done. She’s an ultramarathon runner, but if you’d said that to her teenage self, she’d have laughed at you. After a self-described idyllic kiwi childhood in Lower Hutt,  she experienced what many teenagers did, drifted away from school, activity, and home life. But she found her way back, and she not only lives out what she would once never have dreamed of, she helps others achieve that too, especially young women. She’s the founder of the Shift Foundation, a globally-recognised organisation dedicated to helping young women, she works at Sport NZ in the Active Recreative team, and she’s a Blake Leader and an inspiration to many. Like Eugene, Fran loves XC racing, and just about any form of running you could mention. As for trail runs, amongst others, Fran has run the Old Ghost Road and the underwhelmingly named Oman Desert Marathon. In addition to this wonderful conversation we have the results of the great slew of racing that happened in the weekend, We discuss Glenn Sutton’s incredible new adventure for Hospice NZ , the 100 mile records fall, we have hope for our US trail friends, and an incredible Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau.This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off after the love-in/mud pit /festival that was the 2021 Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultramarathon and Relay. This episode has the record for most people interviewed in one show, with Shaun Collins, Brooke Thomas, Adam Keen, Mike White, Andrew McDowell, and Chris Bisley. We also have additional bonus audio with Olympic marathon runner Deena Kastor discussing her transition to marathon running (courtesy of Anna Hughes and Books That Work). Also ice cream, house music, and did we mention results? Yep, we got results. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau.This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt jump in for a sweet little chat with running legend Dawn Tuffery. We talk about her stellar 2021 of racing, including 3rd place at the Tarawera 100 miles, the IAU 6 hour solidarity run, and 3rd at the Coastal Ultra just last weekend.  We romp through the bumper crop of results from the weekend’s racing,go through the details of our upcoming live show, knock out a scenic Greatest Run Ever, receive more evidence that the pukeko is indeed a shifty murder chicken, and Matt continues the great hot cross insurrection of ‘21 . Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whānau. This week on the podcast we have our first Father-Son double header! Eugene speaks to Ben and Yonni Kepes. Ben and Yonni are an ultra trail running father and son from Canterbury. They are both volunteer firefighters, both involved in the family business which Ben co-founded, Cactus Outdoors, and both involved with the organisation Speed Freaks. Ben has also been recognised for his leadership by the Sir Peter Blake Trust, he’s a technology expert, a business advisor and entrepreneur. Yonni celebrated his 21st by running the Northburn 50 km recently, and then crewed home his dad and others. He was the youngest person known to have run a 100 km and a 100 mile race. This is an inspiring and emotional chat about family, commitment, and love of our sport. We also have a Goggins-inspired Greatest Run Ever, we run down the ways Matt hates Hot Cross Buns (lame, gross) Matt offends Scotland (we take it week about) and Eugene preps to pace the Rotorua Marathon. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whānau.This week on the podcast, Eugene and Matt have an engaging conversation with New Plymouth’s Matt Girvan. Matt lives in Edinburgh these days and managed to time the back half of his OE with spending nearly a year indoors. Frustrated by this and wanting to experience the wild spaces of Scotland, Matt put in place an FKT attempt on the Scottish National Trail - 864km and 20,000 metres of vertical gain. We talk to Matt about the challenges and joys, the literal (and figurative) ups and downs of such an attempt. We talk through the challenge of documenting the attempt in a short film.  We discuss what really matters during these things and how his FKT finish at the Cape Wrath Lighthouse qualifies doubly as the most New Zealand AND most Scottish finish ever. It also appears that all of Aotearoa was racing on the weekend so we run that down (ha!), and give a shout out to those out there doing things to promote mental wellbeing. There may or may not be Dad Jokes. Why the long face? Enjoy. 

Kia Ora Whānau.Jamie Hawker ran his first 100km at 18 years of age. He waited 40 years to do his second. This week, Eugene and Matt have their hearts lifted and their minds blown with this amazing conversation with Jamie Hawker. Jamie is a local legend. He’s turned to engagement in the community to supplement his running buzz. From his involvement in the Port Hills Athletic Club in Christchurch, to guiding low vision and blind runners with the Achilles Foundation and coaching the Speed Freaks running group via Odyssey House, Jamie exemplifies the line “proud of a life where to give means more than to take”. Did we mention that he is the Crater Rim Ultra race director, which is Aotearoa/New Zealand Trail Running Championships and one of the toughest 50 kms in the country? His son, Scotty, we understand is also quite good at running. We also speak with Andrew McDowall and have the question answered “what in the world can rub the polish off this man?”. *Spoiler Alert* It is a second place finish at the mighty Northburn 100 mile. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. One of the most enjoyable things about spending such a long time on the mic with Squadrun founders Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger at Tarawera ultramarathon was the off-mic talk about training, race craft, and physiology. They were dropping science like Galileo dropped the orange (Yauch Diamond & Horowitz 1989). We thought it would be an excellent idea to get the pair back onDirt Church Radio for a deep dive into some coaching knowledge. What follows is a wonderfully informative discussion around training plans, specificity, Why your watch sucks, strength training, are junk miles real, and what separates a “good” runner from a “great” runner. We also have a Greatest Run Ever with family honour and money on the line, Stuff you Should Know when we cover some of the amazing racing that are happening in Aotearoa and Australia and why it’s unlikely that Matt and Eugene will ever score a Six Foot Track plate. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Charles Williams (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi) is a walking anti-stereotype machine. This conversation is incredible, covering his journey from a young man making street art “in the shadows” (as he describes it) to a 20-year partnership with his wife, Janine, making the most incredible urban art possible. Charles is a bird nerd, you’ll see why when you take so much as one look at the amazing Tui that adorn walls around the country. Charles is an ultramarathon runner, linking the planning, dedication, and patience of long distance running directly into the application of his art. Charles recently finished the 102km Tarawera Ultramarathon, and discusses this, how he attended to changing his physical wellbeing, and the utter madness of running the New York Marathon. Inspiring, perspicacious, humble, and deeply funny, Charles Williams rules. Also, Matt and Eugene (or Eugene and Matt) catch up with Mal Law about The Wild, we’ve run down what’s going on with racing (or lack thereof) and we have a returning Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Lockdown Larries ride again!!! Back once again, just where you left us. Dismayed as we were that our holidays were interpreted by the squawking of our cell phones instructing us to take our toys and go home, and that we needed to re-jiggle things to fit this week’s lockdownapalooza we remain unbowed and ever-optimistic (sort of). This week, we discuss the raft of changes that the current restrictions are having on the event industry, people’s wellbeing, and planning for the future. We’ve got a Greatest Run Ever, and a special Stuff You Should Know where we run through the recent race results and also catch up with some very special guests. Fresh from a tiring weekend blowing people’s minds (and quads) is Jason Cameron, Race Director of legendary event The Goat. We talk to him about the event’s history, and challenges, and the triumph of completing an event mere hours before lockdown was announced. Dr Katie Wright, joins us on her birthday from the Cardrona pub after 4 days spent fast packing The Wild adventure run course. We chat to Katie about her recent Tarawera victory, the 48 hour track event she and Fiona Hayvice are planning, and just how come it appears that two weeks after winning Tarawera she can run downhill that fast. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. From atop a small wardrobe in Riverhead, and a campervan in Bannockburn, Matt and Eugene bring you Dirt Church Radio Episode 131. Matt Urbanski. That’s right folks, we are across the miles yet again this week, separated by the tyranny of holiday and NOT pandemic. Take that, COVID. We crack through the rundown of whatever else the rest of the country was doing whilst Auckland was in level 2, including the Shotover Moonlight Marathon and the mighty Old Ghost Ultramarathon. For our conversation this week, Eugene had the distinct pleasure to speak to the 2021 Tarawera 100 mile winner, Matt Urbanski. Indeed when Eugene spoke to Matt he and his whanau had meant to have left the country but the pandemic intervened again. You’ll hear it in the telling, but Matt is a running coach from the USA, who has completed numerous events, including 15 100 mile races. Matt and his wife Julie and their kids have been on the road for a few years, and they headed down to Aotearoa to do Tarawera last year. As we said on the show last week, he ended up DNF’ing and thought he’d never get down to do the race again. The whanau were due to fly out to Japan, but … the lockdown arrived and they ended up having their flights cancelled and getting stuck in Aotearoa, so they ended up staying...yadda yadda yadda Matt is crowned the 100 mile champ. Eugene and Matt had a great chat about his travelling lifestyle, how he introduced some new stuff to his training to target Tarawera, how he approached race day, his nutrition, his coaching business, Team RunRun, and what his whanau plans are for the future. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.We were somewhere around Ohinemutu on the edge of the lake  when the gels began to take hold. I remember saying something like ``I feel a bit lightheaded; maybe you should take a turn on the mic....'' And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge Pukeko, all swooping and screeching and diving around us. We felt like we were going about a hundred miles an hour with the top down to Tokorangi pa. And a voice was screaming: ``Holy Jesus! What are these goddamn animals?''Then it was quiet again. Eugene had taken his shirt off and was rubbing Spring Energy on his chest, to facilitate the tanning process. ``What the hell are you yelling about?'' he muttered, staring up at the sun with his eyes closed and covered with Julbo sunglasses. ``Never mind,'' I said. ``It's your turn on the mic.'' I hit the On button, handed it to him and wobbled off to find some shade by the Croucher Beer Tent.. No point mentioning those Pukeko, I thought. The poor bastard will see them soon enough…...Thus follows the breakdown of our incredibly epic, sleep deprived, emotionally exhausting, triumphant, and completely amazing experience of the 2021 Tarawera Ultramarathon encompassing the highs, lows, results, starts, finishes, everything. Buy the ticket, take the ride. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.Andrew Robinson stood looking at the sign halfway between Mangatepōpō road and Soda Springs which encourages travellers to complete the Northern Circuit if the sky is blue and clear and to turn back if the path is shrouded in cloud. Knowing that he and his team had gambled with the weather on their first day Robinson stood contemplating whether to continue or not in his quest to be the first person to complete the 10 great walks of New Zealand in 10 days. Initially wanting to make the circuit, commonsense won out and the team turned back have been set against the teeth of the storm for some time. Resigning himself to having been stopped at the first hurdle by the ele ents, Andrew and his crew set off to kayak the Whanganui river, disappointed, but vowing to get as much done as they possibly could.  It was a little into the 93km first day that Andrew came up with a plan to get this epic endeavour back on track. This plan involved Jean Beaumount, An Audi, Vegan pies from the BP in Taihape, and a whole lot of hustling. Eugene and Matt talk with Andrew about his First Known Time on New Zealand’s Great Walks, Tough Mudders, Even Tougher Mudders, Eddie Vedder (not that one), and how far you can bend someone’s offer of  “a smoothie and a shower” all on this week’s Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Falling behind the schedule that she’d set for herself, suffering the effects of low iron, arguing with her support crew who were imploring her to stop and seek medical attention Brooke Thomas lost control during her Te Araroa attempt. Or rather, she gave up control, attended to what she could attend to, and focussed on enjoying the process and journey. In doing so, Brooke collected a lifetime of amazing experiences, new friendships, and found depths of strength that even the former competitive rower and Registered Nurse didn’t know she had. In giving up control, Brooke touched people across the country, as she was raising money for Heart Kids Aotearoa. Brooke raised $22,000 at last count, which is no small feat. In giving up control and enjoying the process, Brooke also set a new supported FKT of 57 days, 12 hours 16 minutes, but as you’ll hear her say again and again during this wonderful conversation, this was almost incidental to the experience. In addition to this grand discussion,Eugene and Matt run down the week’s events, Greatest Run Ever, Stuff You Should Know and a truly remarkable achievement by Leo, a member of the Speed Freaks Running Club. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Ian Evans loves games, literally any type of game - Monopoly, Cluedo, football, croquet, The Revenant. One of these things is not like the others, right? Not the way Ian approaches it. This week Matt and Eugene have the distinct pleasure of speaking to Ian Evans about his love of the mountains, process, play and his refreshing approach to training. Ian, who has a background in outdoor education and sports physiology, moved to Wanaka four years ago after spending years abroad from his native Birmingham. Ian had planned to just swing through on his plan to spend a 12 month working holiday in Aotearoa however was instantly captivated by the scenery and scene of the famous Otago town. Accompanied by his partner, Jane, and their dog, Poppy, Ian recently was the only finisher at the 190km Mountain Odyssey that is The Revenant. We talk about this, his strong showing at the Riverhead Backyard Relaps, impending parenthood, priorities, and sleep deprivation on this week's episode. As ever we have all the results you need, Stuff You Should Know and a very virtual Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.We’re close to bursting with excitement about the plethora of amazing late summer racing coming up, and we know you are too. There are tonnes of you who have done the mahi over the months, investing time, energy, thought, and resources into it. You’ve dialled your training, dialled your gear and now it’s time for the traditional three-week-out-taper-madness-will-it-won’t-it-0300-fever-dream echo chamber of the big ultra group chat on social media...The place where we fall over ourselves with second guessing, last minute oopsies, and the generalised dread of anticipation... Nutrition? Analgesia? Gear? WEATHER? So much stuff to worry about, right?  FEAR NOT, listener. We have just the sauce for you. Very literally, the doctor is in: Dr Tom Reynolds to be precise. Tom is no slouch in the endurance realm, having represented New Zealand six times at the orienteering world championships (as a junior and elite), former age group XC mountain bike champion, elite adventure racer, trail and ultramarathon runner. He has a wealth of experience providing acute medical support in numerous events and is the Medical Director of Tarawera Ultramarathon. Eugene had the pleasure of speaking to Tom for a story that he wrote about the death of an ultramarathon athlete and came away talking about the five key points that Tom shared with him to enhance our wellbeing and reduce the chances of anything going awry on the trails. Tom has generously shared his time with us (before a night shift as well - legend!) going through his five top tips, discussing his love of events and competition, and how we can enjoy ourselves before, during, and after our events. As per, we’ve got a Greatest Run Ever and Stuff You Should Know where we run down The Revenant and Ian Evans’ mighty push to the finish of that awesome event. Enjoy. 

Kia Ora Whanau. We are BACK and we are RUSTY, and Sarah Douglas is awesome … so it all washes out. Sarah has been involved with DCR from the jump, designing our logo prior to our first episode. Sarah grew up in Christchurch, fell in love with the structure and competition of running and moved to the USA on a collegiate scholarship. Returning to Aotearoa with a Degree in Fine Arts and her love of trail running firmly in place thanks to spending time in Colorado.  Sarah has run for New Zealand at the World Mountain Running championships, came third in the 5000m at the national champs in 2020 and has absolutely dominated The Luxmore Grunt at Kepler the last few years, culminating in a 5th place overall finish at last year's event. With possibly the sweetest snoring dog ever in her lap, Sarah talks about the challenges of dealing with ongoing injury, her love of mountain running and we take a deep dive on some tips for running efficiently uphill. We crack back in with a preview of the hot season of racing ahead. It’s super good to be back.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. For our last show of the year we can only say “Gosh, that escalated quickly”. For the first (and probably last) time we come to you live from the salubrious environs of Digicake studios with the wonderful Andrew McDowall. We bring you a live cross from iso-queen Ruth Croft, who talks about racing in Europe, her 0430 car park half marathons and why it’s defo better to boil an egg in a kettle than poach it. Our main conversation is with Dan Jones, 3 x Kepler Winner, Olympic hopeful and all round legend. Dan tells us about how his 5 week training camp in Kenya turned into a 5 month adventure, the joys of multisport and his background as a product of the US collegiate circuit. Interspersed throughout is our year in review, we break down FKTs, pick apart our highlights of the past year in DCR, answer a bumper listener mailbag, and generally have a grand old time - because at the end of a hectic 2020 it just felt like the right thing to do. From us to you, we wish you a holiday season full of love, light, and wellbeing. We hope you get muddy ankles, and we’ll see you back in the first couple weeks in 2021. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. For our second-to-last show of the year Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of bringing you a conversation with Sarah Bouckoms. This episode is a first for a couple reasons: It’s the first time that we’ve ever recorded a podcast in a hotel lobby (Distinction Te Anau, no less), and it’s the first time that we’ve ever had an astro-physicist on the podcast. Do you know what an Ice Cube Neutrino Detector is? Neither did we. Sarah, in addition to being an astro-physicist, also has a Post Graduate Degree in Antarctica Studies and has done field work in Antarctica, the Arctic, and Alaska. She spent 5 years as a high school science teacher in Connecticut working at an all-girls boarding school, and became a qualified wilderness EMT in the US, but has recently returned to New Zealand, the home of her father. She and her family had a horrific car accident when she was a child. Sarah was told in the hospital that she would never walk again: Fast forward a couple decades and we’re catching up with Sarah, the day before the longest run she’s undertaken, and it’s no exaggeration to say we were blown away by this conversation, as you’ll hear. Enjoy.

 Kia Ora Whanau. The 2020 Kepler Challenge may not have been the race we wanted - what with the alternative course being in play for a second year on the trot - but it was certainly the race we needed. 2020 has been a challenge in itself. Challenge, heck, that’s a bit anodyne.. 2020 has been a hot mess - full of dread, anxiety, anger, the global spectre of narcissism being the new black and the endless grind of living within a world beset with a pandemic. For the organising committee and all that made it down were sure on a number of occasions this year that the event would not go ahead. But it did,  and it was incredible, and we are forever thankful. Te Anau - a town that even before the pandemic stopped the town’s lifeblood of tourism, had been hit by flooding, certainly needed the support, and by gosh it was amazing to hang out for the weekend with 700 plus of your closest friends at what was essentially a mountain running summer camp, with pizza. We wanted to document the weekend in the best way we could, so here it is - the 2020 Kepler Challenge Special, including a breakdown of the weekend, results, some recording in the field, and our 2020 Kepler live show which featured Steve Norris, Scotty Hawker, and Fiona Love. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week is powerful. Eugene has the distinct pleasure of speaking with Hanny Allston. Hanny is based in Tasmania and is a high performance coach, owner of Find Your Feet Outdoors, former junior and senior world champion orienteer - elite trail runner and now the author of Finding My Feet, a powerful memoir which delves into a lot of topics including body image, mental health, and bullying, which we don’t often talk about in the trail running space, but we definitely should. We talk taper madness (a thing) run-down the Kepler big shots, and have an important Stuff You Should Know and a beautiful Greatest Run Ever. Also, what’s in a name? If you are coming to Kepler, hope to see you there for our live show! Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Matt sits down for a conversation with author and runner Markus Torgeby. Torgeby was 20 years old, a talented, and deeply unhappy runner when he decided to live in the the woods near the arctic circle, to hone down his life to what was important to him. Moving with the rhythm of seasons and his surroundings, Markus learnt to truly hear his body on his long daily runs. Markus spent four years living in the woods by himself in a tent and during that time found freedom, joy, pain, and fear. All of these emotions were ultimately beneficial to him as he learnt that he was only able to control his own self, and actions, and worrying about what he could not control was unhelpful. This sense of peace continues to inform Markus to this day and shapes the way that he continues to live, and how running fits into his life, and that of his family. Markus is an international best selling author of two books, “The Runner” and “Under the Open Skies”, and lives with his wife, Frida, and three children in Jamtland, Sweden. As per the regular we run down the week’s racing action, Stuff You Should Know, and a Greatest Run Ever which *completely co incidentally* references Swedish punk legends Refused. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt sit down with the one and only Kunal Kumar to talk about his love of photography and trail running. Kunal is well-known in New Zealand for his beautiful documentation of our landscapes and trail running events. An avid trail runner himself, Kunal explains how photography and running are intrinsically linked for him. We also press Kunal on just what makes the ideal running shot, and how to do it. Also, how does one take a selfie good? SPOILER ALERT: it’s easier than you think. There is also our usual Stuff You Should Know, A Greatest Run Ever where discretion really is the better part of valour, and the usual news, views, and ravings that make up an episode of Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy.

This week Eugene speaks to Zoë Rom. Zoë Rom is an Associate Editor of Trail Runner magazine in the US, and host of the DNF Podcast, a podcast about failure. Which is actually awesome. If you were going to cheat on us with another podcast, well... we’d still be upset, but we’d understand. In addition to being a journalist, Zoë is a trail runner, having set a couple of FKTs this summer, including on Colorado’s 14er Capitol Peak, a section of which has had multiple fatalities. Zoë talks about failure, and whether the ability to not give up should actually be considered a talent just as much as being fast is, and about what sled dog racing can teach trail runners. We also have a Greatest Run Ever with conditions, all the racing news you need to hear, Eugene puts forth a bold strategy to amend his ultrasignup percentile, and Matt tells you about birds he loves beginning with the letter K. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt are stoked to get to speak with Glenn Sutton. We tried last week, however Glenn was out supporting his mates on a 91km push from Geraldine to Tekapo and whilst up for a chat, the reception wasn’t. Golly, this is worth the wait. We talk about Big’s Backyard, and how the man who is the only New Zealander to finish Badwater 135 three times (!!!) considers himself a “beginner” at the format, because … of course he does. This is a great yarn, Glenn, in his understated way lays out his philosophy on endurance and resilience, and whilst we ... you know ... don’t advocate doing either Northburn or Badwater with a fractured pelvis; we also understand that everyone has their own limit. Glenn talks hot boxing (not THAT type), running in the extremes of climate, and how above all else, family. We also bring you Eugene Ulysses Bingham’s Auckland Half Marathon Odyssey, results (whereby it seems like every doctor in New Zealand won something running-related this weekend) Stuff You Should Know, and an excellent Greatest Run Ever (from a doctor, of course). Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. One of the things that people say to us a lot is that they listen to DCR on their long run, because our shows are … long. This week we're bringing you an episode that you can listen to on a run around the block. Anything in the creative space involves thinking on your feet (pardon, the pun) we’d planned on catching up with someone who has engaged in some amazing adventures over the years, and they were on an adventure when we spoke to them. Realising that the conditions for making good podcast were lacking and quickly rescheduling we were faced with either missing a week or banging out a bijou Dirt Church-ette. Considering that through all of 2020 we’ve missed one week we weren’t going to give up now! So here you are, a mini-DCR to tide you over until next week full of the Big’s Backyard results, news, Stuff You Should Know and an incredible Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau.This week...this week... gosh, it’s been a lot. It’s been a lot for many reasons, but concerning the casting of the pod, it’s mainly been about the Aotearoa/New Zealand iteration of Big Dog’s Backyard Ultramarathon, or Satan’s Zoom call ( if you will). Matt, Rebecca, and Rigby went on an overnight adventure to capture the start of Big’s and get some conversations with the participants. It was magic. The next day, they came back armed with a picnic, minus Rigby and plus Eugene and continued to document the amazing spectacle, including running a loop ourselves, being challenged on our work ethic, and a massive heckling self-own. We’ve also got allll the race results from another bumper weekend of getting after it - including our Big’s, and a wee announcement by Mr Malcolm Law about something very cool that is coming down the pike, and a Greatest Run Ever to rival them all. Enjoy!

HEY! THERE’S BEEN RACES ON THIS WEEK!!! WOOOOOOOO. Matt and Eugene get amongst it with all the action from the Taupo ultramarathon, Three Peaks Plus 1, The Abel Tasman Coastal Classic and the Wairarapa Country Marathon..There’s also an excellent Greatest Run Ever and don’t even get us started about Amy Sproston. Oh, go on then… Amy is an elite trail and ultra marathon athlete based in Jordan. Amongst many amazing feats Amy has four top ten Western States finishes under her belt (finishing 2nd in 2016), a TDG finish and a IAU 100km world championship title. Generous, and considered, Amy speaks about her FKT on the Jordan trail, and how that had the added importance for the country in the current context of their international tourism being shut down due to the pandemic, we spoke about Amy’s life as an elite ultramarathoner, and how this changed in focus due to injury, we spoke about travel, development work, gender issues, and how indeed a Cheeseburger from McDonalds might just be the perfect sports food. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt speak to Meghan Hicks. Meghan is the managing editor of iRunFar, until very recently,( like, the Friday we spoke to her) the holder of a new woman’s supported FKT on the Nolan’s 14 line, a link-up of two trailheads and 14 mountains taller than 14,000 feet in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.94.5 miles long and had roughly 45,000 feet of climb in 50 hours and 32 minutes. Meghan is also the previous winner of MDS, author of Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running. Meghan is one of the handful of American athletes that have completed a Bob Graham Round. Meghan speaks about her passion for the Sawatch mountains, her motivations behind her Nolan’s attempt, the people who have gone before, and also about the changes that our current situation has had on irunfar and the world of competitive ultramarathons in general. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt speak to Phil Rossiter,Old Ghost Ultramarathon Race Director and Chairman of the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry trust. In an often-heard tale of people who travel to the West Coast, in 2005 Phil pitched up to undertake a one-year contract as an environmental scientist. Fifteen years later, he’s still there, having fallen in love with the people and the landscape of this remote and hardy place. To cut a long story short, Phil and his mates set about connecting two pieces of track that were carved out of the bush to connect Mokihinui to Lyell as a through-track during the gold rush years, but then weren’t connected due to the “rush” moving to other parts of the South Island. The Old Ghost Road has become one of the most loved running/hiking/cycling tracks in the country and is also the site of the iconic Old Ghost Ultra. The Ultra sold out in 23 minutes this year, and is renowned internationally for its beauty and brutality, not to mention the care and aroha that the volunteers and race crew bestow on the competitors. That’s without mentioning the legendary race briefings...which we did mention. Then there is the race itself, which will truly break your heart, no matter who you are. If you think this conversation is a stock standard breakdown of a race, think again. We talk about the transformative nature of the outdoors, the history of the area, and the process of completing the track, gender issues and how the Old Ghost has made strides from the start to address these. Like every episode of DCR when we’ve talked to someone from the coast we’ve come away inspired, enriched, and educated, and we hope you will too. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week on the podcast, Matt and Eugene take a deep dive with coach extraordinaire Craig Kirkwood. Craig has been a life-long student of running, immersing himself in the works of Arthur Lydiard when Craig was in his early teens in Timaru. From there Craig went to Oklahoma on a college track scholarship, then to London to work with Olympic runners to further hone his coaching skills. As an elite athlete himself Craig has competed many times on the world stage at the highest level. Craig launched himself full time into coaching in 2013 after being made redundant, and hasn’t looked back since. We explore Craig’s love of running and coaching, his approach to coaching, and why flexibility is important both in your mindset and hips. Craig is honest about how his preparation for the highest level of the sport cost him his future in the sport, and why it’s important to focus on the whole experience, not just the good bits … Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week on the podcast, Matt and Eugene have another returning champion on the show. Mel Aitken. There was a time last year when it seemed like every couple of weeks we’d be talking about what Mel had won or podiumed next. Dominant across roads and trails, Mel was the 2018 Oceania half marathon champion, represented New Zealand at the World Trail Running Champs, and has won the Queenstown Marathon and won her age group at the Gold Coast Marathon. But this feels like the episode of Seinfeld right? Mel was dominant….Yadda yadda yadda..Covid. We talk to Mel about her recent solo 6 hour (unofficial) record, how moving from the front lines of policing to being in charge of the police’s wellbeing has been a massive challenge, and how, despite our current global situation being what it is, Mel is happy and healthy and radiating wellbeing. And yes...Mel still has plenty of racing lined up this year, restrictions allowing. Amongst other musings, we have Stuff You Should Know, (but Eugene’s cool because it’s about a different Island), and a bunch of FKT and racing news. In a fit of bravado Matt and Eugene challenge each other, then Mel (did we?) to the Police Physical Competency Test. Stay tuned for that one...Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. This week on the podcast, Matt talks to one of Dirt Church Radio’s original guests, Brad Dixon. Brad is a coach, runner, triathlete, coach, physiotherapist, father, husband, and now… author. For years, Brad has contributed to Kiwi Trail Runner Magazine and other publications around wellbeing and performance. Over the last few years Brad began to chip away at compiling his wisdom and that has led to his first book, Holistic Human - Enhancing Habits for Expansive Wellness. This feels like a conversation for our times. Brad’s focus on wellbeing is explicitly holistic: The sum of the system is more than the sum of its parts. Brad is hopeful, direct, and encouraging on the many things that can impact on our wellbeing and performance, our relationships with our bodies, our whanau, and the planet. As per the usual, Eugene and Matt run through some news, views, Stuff You Should Know and an excellent Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. This week on the podcast, Eugene talks to returning guest Damian Hall about his Fastest Known Bimble of the 431 km Pennine Way. Damian set out on his meticulously-planned attempt a week after his friend, John Kelly, broke the 31-year-old record of 2 days, 17 hours, and 20 minutes by 40 minutes. Damian lowered the record to 2 days, 13 hours, and 34 seconds. If you’ve heard Damian on Dirt Church Radio (episode 067) you’ll know that he is committed to addressing climate change and limiting the impact that we have on this planet. Damian set out to make his attempt as impact neutral as possible. This is a rip-roarer of a discussion between Eugene and Damian that goes between the attempt itself, climate, Brit-pop, the history of the trail itself and Damian’s history with the trail. As per usual we delve into some news, Stuff You Should Know, the results of the NZ IAU virtual 6-hour event, a Greatest Run Ever and Matt’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. Kate Southern is known in her home of Palmerston North as “The Running Lady”. Not necessarily because she is out in all weather clocking up ridiculous weekly totals, or racing constantly, but because Kate is fundamentally involved with the administration of organised running events around town. Kate is a community advocate, an organiser, and participant with The Manawatu Striders athletic club, Palmerston North Parkrun, and “Madame President” of 261Fearless in New Zealand. Kate, like many others in this time, had her plans scuppered as the Hawkes Bay Marathon has just been cancelled. After months of training Kate discussed that she “had a little cry” when she found out. Will this stop her doing a marathon? Hardly. We talk to Kate about her love of running and why it “stuck” for her, her love of community, engagement, and how we put the “social” back in social media. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.We are back at it. Remote podcasting as the Lockdown Level III Larry’s that we are. This week Eugene has a banger of a conversation about that most contentious of topics, NUTRITION. The nutritionist in question is Dr Mikki Williden, a registered nutritionist, podcaster with the spectacularly successful Ironman focused Fitter Radio, and amazing runner, and proponent of whole foods.Mikki studied for a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Phys Ed from Otago, got an MSc in Human nutrition with first class honours, then obtained her PhD with her thesis as health and productivity in the New Zealand workforce. She privately consults clients, and has appeared in documentaries including with Nigel Latta and Simon Gault. And somehow she’s finding time to train for the Taupo Ultra. We also have a breakdown of the breakdown of the Riverhead Relaps, talk about Naseby, FKTs, GRE, SYSK and all the other TLA that make DCR what it is. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. New Zealand’s Jono Wyatt is a legend. The most decorated mountain runner in history with 6 world mountain running championships under his belt as well as 8 world mountain running grand prix series wins. Which in itself is a lot to take in, right? Add into the mix a final of the 5000m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, 6th place in the men’s marathon at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, and you are looking at an immense career. What about the time Wyatt ran the marathon in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and ONE WEEK LATER won the world mountain running champs...pardon me? Yep, you read it right. There are records left, right, and centre, time at Salomon..taking a young chap named Killian out on his first trial run for the brand. More recently, Jono has moved into coaching, product development for La Sportiva, and parenthood. This conversation is a real treat with a man whose mountain running dominance is unmatched. We talk about where his love for the mountains came from, existing as a professional athlete in the dawn of social media and self promotion, his love of competition, coaching, and his new reality living and working in Italy with his wife, Winter Olympian Antonella Confortola. We also bring you all the regular bits and bobs that make up Dirt Church Radio as well as a preview of the field for this year's Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultramarathon and Relay. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Sometimes you get an opportunity that is too good to pass up - like when Will Hayward messages you at 4pm on a Friday with the idea to set up a Zoom call between Hong Kong, Colorado, Alberta, and Palmerston North to reunite the top four Big’s Backyard finishers before the Riverhead Backyard Relaps... And hey, did you guys want to jump on too? One expletive laden outburst (Matt) and heaps of negotiation (Eugene and Will) later and we had the immense pleasure to sit with returning champions Maggie Guterl, Will Hayward, Dave Proctor, and Katie Wright for their first catch up since Big’s and a wonderful conversation about community, the future of the LPS format and how we can virtually connect the world. Apart from Matt and Eugene pinching themselves the whole time there was also talk about a certain 500 mile FKT attempt,how ultra distance runners can empower positive change, operant conditioning as a force for good, and is Lazarus Lake, amongst other things, related to one of the founding fathers of the Grunge scene? Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Matt was never as happy as when he woke up at 0130 for the chance to speak to the most wonderful Mirna Valerio. Mirna, now residing in Vermont, is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator, cross-country coach, ultrarunner, obstacle course enthusiast, and author of the recently published memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress. Although she began running in high school, she recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008. It was then that her love for running and all its attendant benefits were reignited. She soon started her blog Fatgirlrunning, about her experiences as a larger woman in a world of thinner athletes. Mirna's athletic story was featured in the WSJ, Runner’s World, on the NBC Nightly News, CNN, on the CW Network, and in the viral REI-produced documentary short, The Mirnavator. Her writing has been featured in Women’s Running Magazine, Self Magazine Online, Outside Online, and Runner's World Magazine. And she was chosen as a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. I mean, that’s a lot right? This felt like an incredible conversation for the times that we are living in. Insightful, authentic, challenging, and brilliant all at the same time. Whilst we’re at it Eugene and Matt discuss how sometimes discretion is the better part of valour, the season of the FKT, what constitutes a one dog zoomie riot and the great Garmin debacle of the roaring twenties. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.This week Matt flies solo on the main interview and has the privilege to speak to Maree Leith, founder of Go Run Girls. Like many people who start to run, Maree was looking for a change. Unlike many who start to run, Maree’s start came from a place of great sadness and loss. Six years ago, Maree gave birth to a daughter, however this joy was preceded by years of heartache. In the years prior Maree had two stillborn babies and a newborn who passed away at six weeks old. Maree states that after this time and due to the years of absolute devastation and losses she had gained weight and felt that she was lost. Wanting to turn her life around Maree knew the only way to do it was find something truly life-changing, and what she found was running. Maree taught herself to lamp post run and from there on built up to doing her first 6km and the rest was history. Maree is a Personal Trainer, Running coach, Event Reviewer, Interviewer, Pilates instructor, Event owner and Manager, Blogger, Mother, Wife, Ultra runner and Entrepreneur. Maree has turned her blogging about her running journey into Go Run Girls, a collective which helps women (and a few men) find their strength, community, and inspiration through running and each other. As a bonus also in this episode we bring you some audio and a quick interview we got with Shaun Collins on his 200 mile circumnavigation of the Auckland isthmus and all the other usual results, news, and stuff you should know. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. Into our second century we are straight back to the mountains of Italy to speak to Sophie Grant. Sophie lived in the South Island until launching her OE in 2004 with her husband. Fast forward 16 years and Sophie has podiumed at Transgrancanaria, came fourth at Marathon des Sables, won the Lakes Sky Ultra and represented Great Britain at the world trail running championships. If this wasn’t enough, Sophie and George gave up their London home and have spent the last few years chasing adventure and the mountains in Europe. Sophie talks to us about her journey from her first half marathon to elite trail runner, her stance on gender equality, and increased representation in the sport, pulling exactly no punches. We discuss the impact that the pandemic has had on racing, training, and life - and how her focus is now even more firmly on adventure. Heck, Sophie was off to climb a mountain (like, a proper one) after our conversation with her coach Robbie Britton. Enjoy

Welcome to our 100th episode live show direct from the Barrel Room at Hallertau Brewery, Riverhead. We go down the rabbit hole (briefly) on the history of Dirt Church Radio, our highlights, favourites, and standout shows. We speak with Queen of Riverhead Tina White, and Scotty Stevenson in what was a wonderful way to notch up 100 episodes. Thank you so much for tuning in, we really appreciate it. Here’s to the next 100. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. Joining us this week from the mountains of Italy is Robbie Britton. Robbie loves pushing himself, from constantly running around playing sport as a child, to completing master’s degrees, to coming third at the world 24 hour champs in 2015 and helping his GB team take the gold. Robbie, whose run at Turin clocks in as a DCR first at being two guest’s Greatest Run Ever, radiates enthusiasm and good cheer as he discusses his love of finishing races fast, how he kept the boredom of injury away by signing up for 1000km cycle races, and how he’s coped switching from being an athlete that does a bit of coaching, to a coach who does a bit of athlet’ing. We take a pause to consider Majell Backhausen carrying Robbie’s frozen form across Lake Baikal, and whether Majell looked down at Robbie in a comforting and beatific manner (SPOILER* He TOTALLY would have), as well as Robbie’s FKT in Jordan with the least stoked crew member ever.  We also discuss Yiannos Kurous’es bananna regime, Eugene outs Matt’s bizarre animal phobia, Greatest Run Ever, Stuff You Should Know, and whole lot of excitement  about next week’s 100th episode live show. Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. What do you say about Adam Keen? Adam and Katie Wright were the last two people at the Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra Marathon and relay. Adam did 17 laps of Mt Cargill in December in 24 hour for the standing record (if Crush the Cargill does records). Adam had a job running the Routeburn track, was in the army for a bit, enjoyed banditing the odd marathon or two, is one of the cabal behind the iconoclastic Crush The Cargill podcast. Adam takes a view on life that wants us to enjoy the process rather than tick tasks off one-by-one. Above all, Adam wants us to be more savage. Which at first pass sounds a lot, right? If you consider it you’ll find out that Adam means that living a sedentary, civilized life certainly isn't the best for you. Move your body in every way and your body will reward you. We discuss his approach to racing, life, coaching, training, and why laying down a 46 minute hot lap 166km into a last person standing event is a most excellent idea. Trust him, your legs will thank you.  Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. Best laid plans go awry, right? And we’ve certainly found that out more than often of late, but we’ve had a great run, so we aren’t going to complain. Tonight we turn to our saviour Andrew McDowall to discuss his Everesting attempt at Mt Te Aroha in the Waikato. Andrew, Tom Hunt, and Dirty Geoff along for the ride as entertainment/crew chief. This is a ripper of a yarn which highlights how essential adventure is in our lives, how other people can make a seemingly arbitrary task mightily enjoyable, and how fulfilling it is to complete a task where you believe that your aid station chief may indeed need aid. We’ve also got the Greatest Run Ever, Stuffs You Should Know and we find out just how much one Kelpie can disgrace himself on one run. Spoiler Alert - a lot. Enjoy

This week on Dirt Church Radio Eugene speaks to fellow South Auckland kid and Ultraman champion Carl Read. Coming from a rugby and cricket background, Carl decided to try his hand at Triathlon in 2007 to make some healthy change in his life. Unlike most people who make healthy changes in their life, by 2012 Carl was a professional triathlete who competed in multiple Ironman (Ironmen?) triathlons around the world. Doing his darndest to run into the biggest fire he could, Carl turned his sights to Ultraman, a hellish three day event which encompasses a 10km swim, 421km bike and an 84km run on the last day. Carl dug deep and won the event in 2018 and 2019 and then turned his sights to ultramarathon (having set the record on the run leg of Ultraman), winning his first 100km race in 8.27 and then having a tilt at the Tarawera 100 miler. You could say that Carl well and truly has the bit between his teeth. Honest about his struggles, infectious in his enthusiasm for the sport he loves, tattoos (he’s got loads) and that mighty flying mullet, this chat with Carl is a ripper.

Kia Ora Whanau. Together at last. After two months of lockdown, Matt and Eugene are finally able to record in the same room. There’s even a high five. And with just cause. Because this episode includes a remarkable conversation. Matt had the chance to speak to the one and only Dave Proctor, the relentless Canadian ultramarathoner. This is a conversation about running, yes, but it’s mostly about love, determination, how he would run to the end of the Earth for his son. Dave became known to listeners as Fast Dave-Canadian Dave at the after the incredible Big’s Backyard Ultra at Lazarus Lake’s race in Tennessee last year. Talking to him completes the set of the top four, with Maggie Guterl, Will Hayward, and Katie Wright having already featured on DCR. We’ve also got one of the most touching Greatest Runs Ever (with a follow-up email), and tales of hitting the dirt, literally.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. No longer Lockdown Larrys, but Level 2 Larrys, Eugene and Matt remain FOILED by Matt’s sore throat in their quest to podcast in the same room, let alone suburb. But if you had to do it remotely, you couldn’t find a more engaging fellow than two-time Australian Mountain Running Champion Ben Duffus. This conversation goes all over the place from race walking to quantum physics, climate change to Kawerau. Ben discusses his start in the sport, his love of the King of The Mountain race in said Kawerau, coaching, data, why not to burn down cell phone towers, and we ponder if we can all go inside for COVID, how is climate change so hard? We’ve also got TWO greatest runs ever (one from our youngest ever contributor), we implore people not to be a racist on Stuff You Should Know (seems funny to have to say it out loud but here we are) and we also get to report on a real live WORLD RECORD! All this and more on a freewheeling DCR. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we bring you a delightful conversation with Auckland Art Gallery’s Principal Conservator and ultra marathon runner Sarah Hillary. Sarah talks about her love of running the hills of the Waitakere Ranges and the trail that has her family name. We talk about art, ultramarathons, a life steeped in adventure and, her indelible links to Nepal (and Piha while we are at it) and how hopefully, when we emerge from being a nation in lockdown we can continue our (in some cases newfound) affinity for the outdoors. We ask what her father, Sir Edmund, would have made of ultra marathon running and how the spaces that he ventured first have temporarily been returned to their uncrowded best. As per, Eugene and Matt bring you news about races (or lack thereof) and an amazing Greatest Run Ever. And for those of us who are from overseas and not from the village of New Zealand, yes, THAT Hillary. Enjoy.

From our bedrooms to your bubbles, we bring you Dirt Church Radio in lockdown. Welcome. This week Eugene and Matt speak to Chris Hope, the founder of Running Calendar, Australasia’s most exhaustive resource for events. We discuss the history of Running Calendar, the current challenges faced by the racing community, plus a deep dive into running trends, just how niche is too niche, and Chris’ own history of running, his love of trail and ultramarathon running, and where he sees the trail community going post-pandemic. As per the regular, we have news, views, Stuff You Should Know, and a Greatest Run Ever. We are also announcing our partnership with Vert.Run as they launch their new Ruth Croft training program. Will Matt win the Mont Blanc Marathon after doing this plan? Prolly not, but it will be fun to find out how he goes with some structured training.  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau.We’ve been waiting for this one for a while. No, silly! Not Level 3. Vlad Shatrov!!! Initially we began engaging with Vlad around the time when Australasia went to heck in a handbasket grappling with COVID-19. It’s taken a couple weeks to get our respective water fowl lined up and boy was it worth the wait! Matt and Vlad engage in a wide-ranging discussion around Vlad’s upbringing, philosophy of racing, training, life,and everything in between. Vlad has done it all, track racing, professional triathlon, marathon, now ultramarathon. We discuss how Vlad has had to flex to shift his coaching business from a group-based to virtual-based platform (for now) and his new venture, Trailrunner Pro. We also talk about THAT 100 mile victory at Tarawera in February, his hopes for the future, and where he sees international racing heading in the medium term. In addition to this Eugene and Matt bring you all the hits as usual including Greatest Run Ever, a rundown of the racing that has been happening (ahem) and Stuff You Should Know. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week from our bedrooms we are joined by journalist and broadcaster Rachel Smalley. One day, as a means of dealing with the stress of deadlines Rachel rummaged through her wardrobe looking for an old pair of trainers to lace up and headed out the door for a run. The rest, as they say, is history. Or indeed herstory, and Rachel’s story highlights her sheer determination, tenacity, and passion for journalism and running, and her engagement with the people whose stories and experiences have impacted on Rachel in so many ways. From Beirut to Brooklyn we veer all over the map with Rachel in this wonderful and very meaningful conversation. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau .Week Three of lockdown and this week we bring you race director extraordinaire Terry Davis. This is a ripping yarn from one of the stalwarts of the Aotearoa trail and ultramarathon community. Northburn 100 bills itself as a race that you don’t complete, you survive, one that despite being so fiendishly, awfully, difficult draws people back year after year. Terry talks about his love of adventure. And how adventure can turn our lives around. Adventure can ignite us, embolden us, and take us to the edge of what we believe that we can accomplish. Now, that sounds cliche, right? Not how Terry tells it. We learn about the best kept secret in Aotearoa trail running, and consider that if a race director hates his own race, why should you even bother doing it? We challenge anyone to listen to this conversation and not come away even a little bit fizzing. We talk about Terry’s beginnings, his struggles with being a “sad arse” (his words) as a young man to finding adventure racing, meaning, and purpose. Terry also drops what Matt perhaps controversially considers the single best piece of advice ever heard on DCR. Taken literally, or metaphorically, it confirms what many people thought: Terry Davis is a prophet. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. We’re all going through stuff at the moment, right? Distress, ennui, anger, denial, shock. All of these emotions and more as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and our nation being in lockdown. This week, we have an incandescently good conversation with Vibram athlete, 3rd place finisher at the 2019 UTMB and Christchurch native Scotty Hawker. This conversation is notable for a couple reasons: 1) Scotty discusses in depth and with frank openness how he is navigating being locked down and how this has changed his approach to running and how he is meeting these challenges; 2) this is the first ever DCR/Hawker Skype call where we’ve all be in the same timezone and got it sorted first time! We also discuss Scotty’s desire to “swap places” with his good friend Pau Capell at next year’s UTMB and also we talk about the Run At Home, Run Together event that Scotty and his wife Elizabeth are organising for Anzac Day. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. We’ve just weathered our first weekend in New Zealand in lockdown and we are joined by Dr Katie Wright, fresh from her first shift at Blenheim Hospital to talk about her year, how things have changed thanks to COVID-19 (or not) and the etiquette, benefit, and perhaps pitfalls of exercise during a pandemic. We keep it comforting with a Greatest Run Ever, and a Stuff You Should Know. As a bonus you’ll have all the trials and travails of two men, who after living in each other’s pockets for the last year and a half, have not seen each other for ten days. Flying blind!  Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Andy Good is the New Zealand Mountain Running Champion. And the world has gone mad. New Zealand is in lockdown, and we are bringing this to you from isolation. This week on DCR Eugene speaks to Andy Good, New Zealand Mountain Running Champion. Andy came late to running, and took to it like a duck to water, going from “a couple of runs a week” to representing New Zealand at the world mountain running championships, where he felt a bit of his pelvis break off...um, ewwww. Eugene talks to Andy about his journey back from injury, his love of running, and his life post military. Also ebikes. We also cover That Fecking Virus, seeking consent when using people’s balconies to run marathons, and how soon is too soon to say running is contagious? ...Enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau. A week ago when we were speaking to John Ellis about caronavirus in Hong Kong it was in an abstract manner, this week it seems that people worldwide are feeling the effects of travel restrictions and enforced isolation. Here in Aotearoa, we implemented strict travel guidelines regarding self-isolation, which has made journeying to races for many people who live overseas impossible. The guest that we initially had lined up had to postpone due to having to attend to COVID related issues with their business, it just seems ubiquitous at the moment, right?  So what are we to do? We keep going, that’s what (from a safe distance, mind). All it took was one slightly panicked cluster of messages sent from a bus stop for Coach James Kuegler to throw himself into the breach, laying it down for us in regards to a simple and commonsense approach to maximising your wellbeing. We also discuss the raft of cancellations (including our Evening with Lazarus Lake live event) and bring you an exceptional Greatest Run Ever, Stuff You Should Know, all the race results you need and more on this week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. John Ellis moved to Hong Kong in 2010 and found himself unexpectedly drawn from the roads onto the city’s expansive network of trails.Since moving from road to dirt, John has stacked up a bunch of wins throughout Asia including Moontrekker, Lantau 70, Green Power and MSIG Hong Kong. He has top 20 finishes at HK100, UTMF and Ultra Trail Australia, as well as winning the China Skyrunning Ultra Series 2016/17 and finishing top 50 at the Ultra Trail World Tour in 2015 and 2016. With his life changing tack somewhat due to parenthood,  John still found time in 2019 to win the Asia Trail Masters series. Not content with merely running and being a stalwart of the Hong Kong scene, John is also a founder of the running brand T8 and the owner of Gone Running, a brick-and-mortar running store in Hong Kong. In this episode we discuss running in times of social unrest and during the uncertainty of Covid-19, the joy of running trails in an urban metropolis, what the Nine Dragons are and which  level of typhoon is too much to run in. We also get the lowdown on the Hallertau Riverhead Rampage 21km winner Tom Hunt’s race, and his buildup to the Tahoe 200 Wowzers. ..Enjoy!

Scotty Stevenson is a broadcaster and journalist best known for his rugby commentary and reporting which makes him automatically one of the most well-known New Zealand TV personalities. He’s a sports journalist with TVNZ, and also works with Spark Sport and Radio Hauraki. He’s also a sports writer, has ghost-written and written a string of some of the best sports books, from Straight 8 about Kieran Read, to Kiwi Pair about Eric Murray and Hamish Bond. Scotty has been previously known by his childhood nickname “Sumo” as, by his own account he was the “fat kid in speedos” at surf lifesaving. But things have changed. If you were to Google Scotty Stevenson, the number one thing that pops up on auto-search is “Scotty Stevenson weight loss”.  It’s because Stevenson has changed. Markedly. He has noticeably shrunk. And for those who’ve been watching closely, he started running. He’s kept very quiet about it, but goodness me, the man is well and truly hooked. Two years ago, he couldn’t run 85m. A couple of weeks ago, he ran 85km, no less, through backcountry New Zealand in the Old Ghost Ultra in just over 12 hours. For those who saw the TVNZ report he did on the event, you’ll know that he found it an extremely emotional experience. We talked to Scotty about that race, his life leading up to running, what sparked his decision to lace up, and the myriad of changes that this has had on his life. Honest, engaging, and unalloyed, this is a fantastic conversation with a broadcasting legend that we are so thrilled to bring you.. Enjoy!

This week, Eugene and Matt get the band back together and engage in our first joint conversation of 2020 with the wonderful Lucy Clark. Lucy spent 66 days 7 hours and 8 minutes setting a new female supported FKT on the Te Araroa trail, which runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Literally, like, the WHOLE of Aotearoa. Lucy was looking for a challenge and when the idea arose to shoot for the FKT she embraced it, training for 12 months without missing a single session  (let that sink in) and undertaking the journey with her husband, Tommy, a camper van, and a whole lot of best laid plans, which quickly went out the window or underwent major revision. This conversation is an amazing recounting of the challenge, fortitude, joy, fear, adjustment, amazement, and engagement that it took to complete the FKT, and, in the process, carving out a new record by 11 days. We talk about Lucy’s background in running, her readjustment to life post Te Araroa, and just how habit-forming a large block of Whittaker’s chocolate a night can be.

Kia Ora Whanau. It’s another packed show this week, and one which touches on the losses that inevitably affect all of us in this life. We start by remembering the runner who passed away after his 100 mile attempt, and also South Auckland’s own Naomi McCrae, who was tragically killed in an accident last week. Embracing life, as those two surely did, we drop the news that we will be doing a once-in-a-lifetime live show with the one and only Lazarus Lake on Thursday April 3rd as he makes his way down for the Riverhead Backyard Relaps. We then go through the results of the Shotover Moonlight Marathon (held confusingly in the day) and the Tarawera 21km results. We have a double interview this week, with Eugene continuing to bring the heat with two more brilliant conversations he had at Tarawera, this week, with Adam Kimble and Francesca Canepa. Adam Kimble...Won Gobi March (China) stage race and Desert Ultra (Namibia) stage race, taking 13th overall at Western States in 2018, and finishing 3rd at the Vermont 100-Miler. But he also takes on huge (er?)  adventures,running across America in 2015, and running with his friend Kris King the length of Great Britain from John o’ Groats in Scotland to Lands End in England. The two became the first people to complete a self-supported run the length of Scotland, Wales and England, while summiting the highest peak (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon) in each country along the way. He also appeared in a Discovery Channel Show, The Wheel, where contestants had to survive in the South American wilds for 60 days. Francesca Canepa is a former top-level snowboarder, and experimental psychologist, who started running at 40.  Francesca was second at UTMB in 2012, and won it in 2018. She won the Oman by UTMB race in 2019. And she’s twice won the Tor des Geants. In 2014 she was falsely accused by another runner of accepting a ride in the TDG. She took the accuser to court and he was late last year found guilty of defaming her. So the moral of the story is...don’t ever cross an Italian psychologist during a 330km mountain race... Or maybe, don’t accuse someone of cheating when they didn’t….Either way, Francesca Canepa RULES!!. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. To bastardise a Lao Tzu quote, A journey of 100 miles begins with one step, and this week on Dirt Church Radio Eugene and Matt sit down to deconstruct Eugene’s 100 mile success at the 2020 Tarawera Ultramarathon. Talking about himself does not come easily for Eugene, in fact, he hates it so much Matt had to surprise him with an interview at the pair’s one year live show. Despite this, and with his usual humility, reflection, and generosity, Eugene breaks his endeavour down into step-size chunks so that we could fully appreciate the magnitude of what he and others had achieved. It does not stop there, Eugene took our new portable recorder (THANKS PATREON PATRONS!) to Tarawera and like the proud member of the Fourth Estate that he is, held it down after the powhiri capturing interviews with world 100 mile record holder Zach Bitter, Lucy Bartholemew, Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger of Squadrun, Caitlin Fielder and Paul Charteris himself. This show feels like a lot because it is a lot, it’s the culmination of over 13 weeks of effort for Eugene, his family, and friends. To have him complete the event with such determination, and to have him share this with us on the show this week, is truly special. We know that 3000 of you out there lined up at the big dance this year, and to you, your families, significant others, and supporters, we say Ka mou te wehi!!!  Enjoy!

This week Eugene sits down to talk with film maker Aaron Smart about Chasing Pounamu, his stunning film about one man’s quest to finish the Tarawera 100 miler. Matt and Eugene also run down a full Tarawera preview, scooching through our hot takes on who’s in to win, the history of the event, just how Eugene will manage his cheese n’ pickle cravings and how many Spring Energy Gels is too much? We also have a musical treat, Stuff You Should Know about the bushfire relief effort and an amazing Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we come bolting out of the gate with a Dirt Church Radio mega-special of incredibleniscity. Matt and Eugene are reunited in the same hemisphere and same room to run down the plethora of news, Greatest Runs Ever, Stuff You Should Know and also RUTH. FREAKING. CROFT. Matt spoke to Ruth about her triumphant 2019, the importance of looking after yourself and having periods of calm, hiking in Nepal (and unforeseen effects that altitude has on the *ahem* body), and the trifles of coming second at the world trail running champs and qualifying for the world athletics championships with a 2:35:15 Seoul Marathon, and that’s just for starters. As a bonus, and because we all need more Running Beast in our lives, we sneak in a bijou interview-ette with Shaun Collins about finishing the Revenant, his recovery, and how much hallucinating is too much hallucinating... . Enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau. Whilst down in Te Anau for the Kepler Challenge in December Eugene and Matt had the pleasure of sitting down at Dwight Grieve’s dining room table for a proper Southland yarn. You see, about ten years ago, Dwight was a painter-decorator living in Invercargill, overweight, a bit unhappy, and  wanting to make changes in his life. As you’ll hear from our discussion, he certainly has: Dwight is now one of the local Te Anau Police, has represented New Zealand at the World Mountain Running Championships, and has a 5:29 Kepler PB that he was itching to put to bed last year. Alas, the weather had other ideas, but you’ll hear a brilliant chat about change, motivation, drive, fitting training in around a very busy life as a public servant and in a DCR first you’ll hear a man transcend the sound barrier on live podcast space imitating a large mythical herbivore. Enjoy.

Kia ora whanau! Eugene and Matt speak to nine-time Formula One Grand Prix winner and all round  legend Mark Webber about his career, a performance mindset, his love of the outdoors, and his new company-Aussie Grit. It’s fair to say that neither Eugene or Matt are racing aficionados so it was a special treat to speak to Mark, who true to his reputation of being “a regular Aussie bloke”, was down-to-earth and generous with our naive questions about what it is like to be strapped into a rocket and drive it around a track at over 300 kph. This conversation is an education about controlling what you can control, the importance of having good people in your corner, and just how important and fulfilling being outdoors can be. We talk to Mark about his love of the trails, be that on foot or two wheels, the Tasmania Challenge adventure race, and the care, dedication, and understatement that goes into every Aussie Grit garment. I mean, apparently we disagree on just what is an appropriate seam length for a running short, with Matt and Eugene both being adherents to the “classique” 3” but we found an oasis of common ground during this wonderful conversation.  Enjoy.

This week on the podcast Eugene and Matt speak to Matt Rayment...huh? Yes, that’s right. Eugene finally gets revenge on Matt, who, having cruelly ambushed Eugene at the live show last year (in cahoots with Shaun “The Integrator” Collins), was never going to get away without being a guest on the podcast. What unfolds is a conversation much like what you would have heard if you’d ever been on the trails with them - but with less puffing. Matt, mental health nurse, accomplished musician (eg playing with The Sneaks at Big Day Out), former editor of KTR, and, most importantly, husband and father of three delightful kids - yes, Rigby, and an Australian Kelpie - opens up about how running saved his life. He generously talks very candidly about how illness as a child afflicted him, the impact that had, and how he found comfort in hanging out with people who are out of step, just as he feels out of step with the world. The story of his path to running ultra-marathons (beginning with a 200m gravel stretch of driveway) is inspirational. Enjoy.

Kia ora Whanau. This is the first Dirt Church Radio for 2020 and THE DECADE!!!!! 2019 was been a lot..Matt and Eugene find themselves scattered to the four winds this week and phone it in (literally, not figuratively) to run through their best of’s, highs and, well, more highs. We discuss some of the amazing athletes that we’ve spoken to this year and also bring you two interviews this show with Will Hayward, he of second place at Big’s Back Yard Ultra, and Mal Law, Head Wild Thing and who, amongst many other things, is running 1 million feet for mental health. Enjoy.

Kia ora Whanau. This week, we speak with chef Billy White about his debut cookbook Eat, Run, Enjoy. The book combines two of Billy’s biggest passions, trail running and delicious food and features such trail running stars as Courtney Dauwalter, Zach Miller, Ricky Lightfoot, Emily Forsberg, Ida Nilsson and Mimmi Kotka. Billy White was born in York and has been a chef for over 20 years. Initially buying into the hard living hospitality lifestyle wholesale. Billy worked in the kitchens of various Michelin star and world-renowned restaurants, including St John in London, and then later Fäviken and Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren, in Sweden. Now Billy works as  the head chef at the cafe/restaurant at Rosendals trädgård in Stockholm, a biodynamic commercial garden and cafe.  Billy initially started running for a challenge, completing a half marathon, then accompanied a friend on a multi day adventure through forests and trails across the coast to coast in the UK. Billy recounted that whilst on this multi day run he started eating standard service station fare, but by the end of the week was eating lighter, fresher food.  Billy found himself moving to Stockholm to be with his now-wife over ten years ago and fell into the trail and ultra running scene in one of the most beautiful and challenging environments in the world. This discussion with Billy is brilliant, discussing his journey to running, living , working, and cooking in such a profoundly seasonal environment such as Stockholm. We discuss his good fortune spending time with some of the best trail and mountain runners in the world, hearing their nutritional advice and tips, and how these differ from runner to runner. Does Courtney Dauwalter indeed have a bowl of candy on every flat surface in her house and many burritos will Zach Miller eat when he hikes down from Barr Camp?  We also discuss Billy’s own nutrition strategies, how food should be more than just fuel, Matt brings up Refused (of course) and also we highlight that as a non nordic skiing native, just how jarring it can be to witness Swedes zooming about on giant elongated roller blades. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. What a weekend that was! This show was recorded live at the Fiordland Lobster Company meeting room (true story) during registration at the 32nd annual Fresh Choice Kepler Challenge. Parts of it were also recorded in room 212 of the Distinction Hotel (true story) and a small part of this was recorded in Eugene’s bedroom (true story) because as per, we were giddy and fatigued during the intro and forgot stuff. We speak to Steve Norris, the Kepler Challenge race director about the conditions that necessitated the change to the alternative course for the 3rd time in 32 years. We speak to Nancy Jiang, back to defend her women’s victory last year about her year of racing in Europe and the challenges she has faced from injury and crashing her mountain bike (the bike was fine, don’t worry). Three time winner Vajin Armstrong talks to us about his experiences in Africa, including training in Iten and running Comrades ultramarathon, and we bring it on home with Grant Guise, who shares with us his lifelong fascination with Kepler, and his favourite anecdotes from the race’s history. We also share our race experiences and lots more on this bumper Kepler special. Enjoy!

Kia ora Whanau. Imagine being able to run because someone told you that was something that you were allowed to do. That running was something that you could do, but only at a specific time, and never with company. The degree of freedom that running would give you would take on a whole new meaning. For many of us, running is a privilege that we take for granted but for Tanya Bottomley, this was her reality. Tanya was in a controlling, violent marriage, at this time, and her journey to where she is now had begun when she completed the Auckland Marathon at the encouragement of her sister in 2012. It would be so convenient, if life were a movie, to say that Tanya found running, quit smoking, over came depression, and ended the relationship with a snap of the fingers, but life is more nuanced and complicated than that. Tanya’s story is incredible, and whilst yes, all that has happened, the journey to get there was an ultra, not a sprint. We speak to Tanya from her new home of Nelson, at the top of the South Island. Tanya is the first woman aiming to finish the Southern Seasons Miler Challenge, having completed Great Nasbey, Hamner, and Krazie K’s. Tanya now has her sights set on Northburn 100 in March. This conversation with Tanya was such a privilege. We discuss her life now, her training, the journey to trail running, and how you train to run four 100 mile ultramarathons in a year whilst also having a “normal” life . Tanya is also fundraising for SHINE (Safer Homes In New Zealand Every day) whilst completing the challenge. Link is below. Enjoy.

This week, we speak with Dave Beeche, Managing Director of IRONMAN Oceania. Why IRONMAN, you ask? Because IRONMAN now owns two of the biggest races in our neck of the woods, UTA in Australia, and Tarawera here in New Zealand. IRONMAN are open that they have designs on expanding their trail portfolio. So we thought it would be good to go to the horse’s mouth. This is a no holds barred conversation about Ironman’s intentions in the world of trail, about their own perception, and his insight into where the sport is going. In addition to being the head of IRONMAN in Oceania, Dave’s pedigree in sports administration and management is incredible. Dave is the former honcho of the Queenstown and Hawkes Bay Marathons, past CEO of Triathlon NZ, he headed the ITU world triathlon final when it was New Zealand, and the FIFA Under 20 World Cup. Dave is also a keen trail and ultra marathon runner himself,completing a bunch of marathons, Kepler, UTA, and the CCC at UTMB festival. To top this off Dave’s Greatest Run Ever is an epic you want to hang around for. Enjoy.

Eugene and Matt talk to Chris Bisley about his Southern Seasons Miler campaign. That is four 100 mile races in the South Island in a calendar year. Those races are Northburn 100, Hanmer 100, Great Naseby Water Race 100 and the Krazie Kapers 100. Chis had, at our conversation won Northburn, Hanmer, and Naseby, and was just tapering to tackle Krazie K’s. Intensely competitive, Chris was chasing the win. We talk to Chris about his days as a high level triathlete (Kona qualifier, anyone?) and the move to ultramarathons after family became a priority. We talk in depth about Chris’ training, his early starts, what drives him, how to come back from the brink of despair during long races, how much Cargill he indeed crushed. We feature our usual news, chat, some talking over each other, a brilliant Greatest Run Ever and a special Stuff You Should Know from Eugene about his documentary Life and Limb, which he recently filmed in Afghanistan. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Run 6.66666667 km within an hour. Then do it again. And again. Every hour. Do it 60 times until you are the last person standing at Big’s Backyard Ultramarathon in Tennessee. Maggie Guterl is that last person standing and the first woman to win at Lazarus Lake’s infamous event. As with our other Big’s conversations, we’ll keep it short here and let the quality of the conversation and what Maggie brings to the table speaks for itself, although some spoilers: We do ask Maggie about the aftermath of Big’s and the media attention, how having understanding colleagues is really important after running for 60 hours and that even though you like Tailwind, like, to the max like Tailwind, after awhile it all just tastes the same. But then wouldn’t everything? Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Most of us, at a certain time in our lives will undergo what noted developmental theorist Erik Erikson described as a psychosocial crisis. These happen for us at different stages of our life’s journey however for Damian Hall, it was between the stages of Integrity vs. Role Confusion and Generativity vs. Stagnation. This is commonly referred to as an (ahem) mid-life crisis. Like most people who undergo such a crisis, Damian looked for a change or challenge. In Hall’s case, the journalist trained for and completed a half marathon. I mean, you could construct a very common narrative around that, right? Hiker and football enthusiast trains for half marathon, does well, enjoys self, gets fitter. What is not so common in this story is that from there Hall went on to represent Great Britain at the Trail Running World Championships, completed UTMB four times (placing fifth in 2018) and has numerous FKTs to his name, including the Paddy Buckley round. We discuss Damian’s start in running, how hiking the Kepler fist gave him an insight into ultra distance racing, the contrast between the big European races and more laconic British affairs. We unpick the innocuous word “bimble”, and how whilst sounding like the gerund that one uses to describe how a hamster walks, may actually consist of tearing hither and yon around the moors and mountains. If this isn’t enough we also tackle climate change and how to navigate using your voice as a well known sports person to highlight issues your care about and also how to weather the accusations of hypocrisy having the temerity to fly to overseas races rather than kayak. Finally, and most importantly, we touch on why, and how in so many ways, Blur are a far superior band than Oasis. Shots fired. Enjoy.

Kia Ora whanau. Strap yourselves in for the biggest episode of Dirt Church Radio yet. We go all in with a double episode, two full conversations with Katie Wright and Will Hayward, two of the final four left standing at Big’s Backyard Ultra, recently held in Tennessee. This race is the brainchild of Lazarus Lake, the man behind the infernal Barkley Marathons, and is a Last Person Standing event, whereby the competitors take on a 6.7km loop every hour until one person is left standing. Everyone else records a DNF. Both Katie and Will qualified for Big’s by winning a golden ticket entry. Will in Hong Kong at Big Boar’s Backyard and Katie here at home in the Riverhead Backyard Relaps. Both arrived at Big’s Backyard wanting to find and test their limits and it appears both certainly did. Spoiler Alert: Katie and Will were two of the four final competitors, Katie being halted by injury on lap 50 and Will spectacularly timing out on loop 59, thus giving the only other person on course (Maggie Guterl) the victory. What these athletes have undertaken is phenomenal, however what is also phenomenal is the honesty, humility, grace, and insight with which they recount their adventures to us. We’ll let them do the talking. Enjoy.

This week Matt has the pleasure of speaking to Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger, founders of the coach lead running community SQUADRUN. The pair discuss their inspiration for starting SQUADRUN, and how it has transformed not just the lives of thousands of people, but their own. It’s clear that this is more than a job for Kerry and Ali, who talk openly about the challenges that come with providing a service like SQUADRUN. Far from frustration, it is obvious in talking with them, Kerry and Ali relish the challenges and the community of runners means as much to them as it does to their clients. We discuss Kerry and Ali’s running history, the importance of adventure, what the future holds and, as always, their Greatest Runs Ever. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking to Wellington stalwart Sam McCutcheon. Sam loves running, and, whilst Sam would cringe to hear you say it, he is very good at it. Sam has won The Kepler Challenge twice, set the Wuu2k course record, and clinched third place at the Tarawera 102km. Sam has represented New Zealand at the world trail running championships, placed 7th at the CCC, and most recently banged out a 1:08:45 half marathon PB. And whilst, yes, this is all very impressive, Sam’s conversation with us highlights so much more about his world view, and love of travel, the decision to move to Edinburgh with his wife Sarah to work and seek new experiences, throwing himself headlong into the urban trail races in Edinborough, trying his hand at the odd fell race, and of course, we touch on Scottish property law and Eugene cops to a reality tv show dependence. This conversation is excellent, and to be honest, Matt and Eugene were both a bit nervous at the start. Did we tell you Sam was third at Laverado this year? Enjoy!

This week, Matt has the pleasure of speaking to Dr Tim Day, the race director of Tarawera Ultramarathon. It took us a while to complete the set, with Tim’s partner Paul Charteris being our first ever guest on DCR, but boy was this worth the wait! Tim is a private person, who would prefer to let Paul do the talking about the race that they both love, so we thank Tim for his generosity in speaking to us.Matt talks with Tim about his journey from participant, to his role in the infamous 2014 Cyclone Lusi race, to where he sits today. We talk about the changes and challenges of putting on one of the most well-known ultramarathon races in the world, and the recent changes that the race has undergone, including Tarawera being recently sold to Ironman. We discuss how Tim is deeply passionate about the outdoors, and blending recreation with conservation in a way that is beneficial for ourselves as individuals as well as our environment. Spending weeks in the bush engaged in conservation projects and racking up incredible amounts of vertical metres at the same time. This is a brilliant conversation with a well known, but little heard voice in the international trail running community and we hope you enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. Fiona Hayvice was the second-ever guest on this-here podcast and this week Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking to her again! Fiona has been busy since we spoke to her last time, coming fourth at the IAU Asia and Oceania 24 hour championships, fourth at the Tarawera 100 miler, fourth at the Tarawera 100km, Ultra Trail Australia 100km and recently setting a course record at the 50km North Range Trio. In addition to these amazing results, Fiona is heading back to the cauldron of 24 hour racing as a member of the New Zealand team taking on the world championships in Albi, France next month. We talk to Fiona about just how one trains to run for 24 hours around a track, the atmosphere of the events and how moving towards 24 hour racing, and 10 km road races, is a new and exciting facet in her journey as an elite runner. For our Wellington whanau, You can Help Fi Fly by attending her movie event on Saturday October 13th a the Penthouse Cinema in Brooklyn. Fi will be giving a talk beforehand, there will be prizes from YOYO Design by Kiwis, Tailwind, Crampfix, and Spring Energy. Link to the event in your show notes! Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt speak with Lisa Tamati about love, loss, change, and whanau. Lisa’s list of accomplishments is well known, having completed over 140 ultra marathons and being the first Kiwi woman to finish the Badwater 135. Lisa has raced the Sahara and Gobi deserts as well as the Australian outback the himalayas, as well as running the length of New Zealand for Curekids and CanTeen. Lisa is an author, motivational speaker, coach, trainer, and entrepreneur, as well as hosting her own podcast, Pushing The Limits. Oh, yes. Lisa is also the author of three books. And that’s why she joins us this week. To discuss her new book, Relentless, which documents Lisa’s efforts to rehabilitate her mother, after a devastating medical event. Raw, honest, funny, driven, and tenacious, this conversation really pinpoints what is truly important in this world, that it doesn’t matter how far you can run if you don’t have anything to come home to, and that you must always, always, have hope. Lisa Tamati is the Wahine Toa of ultramarathon running and we were so honoured to have her as a guest on the podcast. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week, Eugene has the distinct pleasure of welcoming back to the show Scotty Hawker. Scotty had unfinished business with UTMB this year, after having to pull the pin with 30 miles to go in 2018 in fifth place. Scotty did what elite athletes do, and went back to work, addressing the issues that had ended his 2018 race and built towards 2019 and what would be the standout performance of his career (so far).Eugene and Scotty talk about the race, the lead up, his struggles, and how he overcame them.As per the regular, Eugene and Matt discuss the news, Stuff You Should Know, Greatest Run Ever and we catch up with Brook Van Reenen, who is currently in the 09 on his Te Araroa Adventure. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. Under the umbrella of mental health, substance dependence has a place that is most often misunderstood, reviled, largely silent. There are judgements, myths, and a largely held view that somehow, substance dependence is a moral failing of the user. These views have been shown to be uninformed, unhelpful, and demonstrably false and ignore the simple fact that trauma, familial dislocation, isolation, socio-economic stress and the effects of post traumatic stress and mental ill health lie as the antecedents to dependence. Odyssey House’s Otautahi (Christchurch) men’s programme provides residential rehabilitation for those who are struggling with substance dependence. The community has begun a novel approach to enhance recovery and well being, a running group, The Speed Freaks, that trains together (with staff) and competes together. Jamie Hawker (Scotty’s dad) gives up his time to volunteer as a coach for the group and the men have taken on several events in Otautahi and are working towards their first trail running event, the Crater Rim 21km. We speak to Stephanie Schnoor, Odyssey House team leader, and Ray, one of the residents, about the programme, how it has benefited the well-being of not just the residents, but the staff, their backgrounds (ultra marathon and track and field respectively) and the challenges and rewards that living a life in recovery entails. Brave, real, insightful, this conversation was a privilege and we are beyond excited to bring it to you. We also issue a call to arms to consider mental health as a wider issue than just “Mental Health”, the way we act and think on many issues can impact on the wellbeing of ourselves and others. It’s beholden on all of us to educate ourselves in how the systems that we operate within can make a positive or negative change to people’s (and our own) mental health. It’s Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori, we celebrate that, the racing results, GRE, a cheeky Stuff You Should Know and of course, a Brook Van Reenen update for the people. This episode of the pod cements that running, at its best, is pro-social, gratification-delaying, peaceful mass participation, and can play such a major role in people’s recovery and well-being. How good is that? Enjoy

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the utter pleasure and privilege to speak with Nikki Kimball. Nikki is a legend in ultra running, and one of the pioneers of the modern age of the sport. In the 2000’s and early 2010’s Nikki was arguably the greatest female ultra runner in the world, a three time winner of Western States Endurance Run and winner of Run Rabbit Run, Speedgoat, The Bear 100, UTMB, Tahoe 100 and Marathon Des Sables...To name but a few. In this energetic, warm, and unalloyed conversation, Nikki talks about her return from long term rehabilitation, her background of skiing, how this lead to running, and her place as a trailblazer in women’s ultra marathon and the joy and deep frustration that this brings. We also tackled gender equality and how some race directors in attempting to level the field may perpetuate further inequality. Honest, raw, and deeply entertaining, we had as much fun speaking to Nikki as you will have listening to it. Also, Chris McDougall, if you’re reading… The Physios thank you. Enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. Last time Matt spoke to Dr John Onate, they were sitting in Matt’s lounge in the heat, luxuriating after a beautiful trail run and drinking a cold beer. This time, Dr John is calling in from a sweltering Sacramento and Eugene and Matt are shivering in the Auckland rain. This episode of Dirt Church Radio covers the topics of running and depression. Mental health is an increasingly important topic in both the trail and ultra running world and the world in general, but how much do we really know about depression? and how can running affect it and what are the advantages and challenges of such an approach? Does running really work as well as an antidepressant? And if so, why doesn’t everybody run? This conversation is important and we are very thankful for Dr John for making time to speak with us before he jets off the the UTMB festival to have a crack at the CCC. As Dr John has already been on the show we forgo the Greatest Run Ever for the “Greatest example of you helping someone at Devil’s Thumb during Western States when you were aid station captain”. Just roollls off the tounge doesn’t it? As a bonus, we also speak to Brook Van Reenen just before he sets off for his Te Araroa attempt which we wish him every success with. Brook is also raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation during his endevor. A warning, this podcast does deal with the topic of suicide. Please be aware, and take care of yourself. Thank you and enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking to Rod Dixon. Rod is a legend in the sport of running - his highlight reel is simply incredible. Rod won an Olympic bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics in the 1500m and his incredible win at the New York Marathon in 1983 is a masterclass in running your own race, process, tenacity, and geometry. Rod also ran what was then the fifth-fastest 1500m of all time (3:33.89) in 1974 at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games (one of the best track races of all time); came a heart-breaking fourth in the 5000m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, behind the unmatchable Lasse Viren; took 3rd place at the world cross country champs in 1982; and was a break-out star when road running began to take hold in the United States in the early 80s. Rod was at the vanguard of the move away from the amateur era, advocating for prize money for elite athletes on the circuit. Rod has often been named the world’s most versatile athlete. However, above all the shining light in Rod’s life is the KidsMarathon movement,which he leads with palpable joy. This is an exceptional conversation with an exceptional New Zealander. We talk about how motivating children through running a mile a day has massive flow on effects, we talk about Rod’s Ed Hillary moment, why his Olympic medal doesn’t look like everyone else’s, and that marathon victory. Enjoy.

In 2012 Executive chef Pat Bowring was at the top of his game in the hospitality industry, running several restaurants, and living the relentless and hedonistic lifestyle of a professional chef. It was at this point that he realised that he needed to make, in his own words, some significant changes in his life. So, as most of us do, or have done at one point in our lives, Pat started running. Run by run, Pat found his focus increasing, along with his well being. Fast forward 7 years and Pat is a Salomon and Ciele sponsored athlete, a coach, and an enthusiastic advocate for a life spent moving in the outdoors. Pat still works as an executive chef, however balances this with his family and training commitments. Matt spoke to Pat about all this and more, there were plenty of laughs, ripping yarns, and thoughtful insights into what it means to move, the joy of ultra marathon running and a life spent connecting with others on this week’s Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy.

Kia ora Whanau. This week, Eugene speaks to Fiona Love, Women’s winner of the 2019 WUU2k 63km. That’s right. The mighty DCR robot had to split into its component flannel shirts for this episode, with Matt on whanau duties Eugene had to bring it on home solo with the mighty Fiona Love. Fiona is relatively new to the ultra marathon scene, heck, WUU2k was her FIRST ONE (for those of you who’ve not run WUU2k forgive the emotion of capital letters, for those of you who have...right???). Fiona and Eugene discuss fitting running around life and not the other way ‘round, Fiona’s peak km’s leading up to WUU2k were around 45 a week with an occasional longer run thrown in. Fiona, who was born in Italy to British parents found her first love in triathlon, rising to the top levels of the sport with a qualification to race Ironman Kona in Hawaii. Fiona came to New Zealand for the Ironman and loved it so much she stayed. Fiona talks about her love of running on all surfaces, her goals for this next stage of racing, including UTMB, and just what Gordon Ramsay (Yes, that Gordon Ramsay) said to her when she blatted by him in a race. As well as this, Eugene and Matt will be bringing you news, results, digression, Stuff you Should Know and Greatest Run Ever. Dirt Church Radio is For the People! Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Kia ora Whanau. This week, Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking to Jason Koop, the Director of Coaching for Carmichael Training Systems. Jason is one of the premiere coaches in the ultramaraton world, and has coached many professional athletes to high levels of success within the sport. Koop’s roster has included such names as Kaci Lickteig, Dylan Bowman, Mike Foote, Timothy Olson, Jen Benna, Larisa Dannis, Dakota Jones, Missy Gosney, Alex Varner, Ford Smith...Gosh, the list goes on. Jason is known for his ability to convey quantitative data into a qualitative framework, which is especially important when working with athletes that may very quickly get into the weeds when the raw data and technical terms are rolled out (Stand up, Matt Rayment). Jason got his start coaching youth in track whilst himself a teen. Jason not only talks the talk, his personal ultrarunning resume includes two top-10 finishes at the Leadville Trail 100 Run and finishes at some of ultrarunning’s most formidable events, including the Western States Endurance Run, the Badwater 135, the Wasatch 100, and the Hardrock 100. Currently Jason is preparing for Tor de Geants, a 330-plus kilometre self-supported race in Italy’s Aosta Valley. In this conversation we discuss Koop’s upcoming TDG attempt, Relative Perceived Effort, The Hierarchy of Needs for Ultramarathon Runners and the joy of running with dogs. We coined the term “Rigby Perceived Effort” and also discuss food, cycling, and why the state of mental grit is as important as cardiovascular health. As well as Jason’s excellent conversation, this episode sees Matt and Eugene excitedly back together behind the mic, wondering, after two weeks of tours and live shows, why there is no applause. We have all the regular goodness, Stuff You Should Know, Greatest Run Ever and Queen Ruth Croft’s continued domination of Europe. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Kia ora Whanau. We would like to thank you for being with us for the first year of Dirt Church Radio. What follows is the live recording of our special at Hallertau Brewery. Eugene, Matt, and a barrell room full of enthusiastic trail runners reflect on the year that was, highlights, more highlights, and an enduring love of sharing interesting conversations with interesting runners. We speak to Andrew McDowall about backing up in the silver fern for the 24 world championships and moving his family to France for 3 months so that he can tackle UTMB. What follows after this is a betrayal of Shakespearean proportions, Matt and Shaun Collins (the problematic step father of trail running and Lactic Turkey head honcho) turn the mic onto Eugene Bingham in a DCR ambush. As you will hear, Eugene is reticent to a fault, and far more comfortable telling other people’s stories rather than his own, and at the risk of him editing this part out as he loads it (DON’T BRO!!!) Eugene has been running for as long as he can remember and spends his life telling important stories. Eugene currently works for as an investigations and special projects journalist for Stuff. His career in journalism has spanned over 25 years in which he has covered a number of roles including producer, editor, and writer. Eugene lives with his wife Suzanne, herself an incredibly talented journalist and broadcaster and our editor Kieran, (which sounds weird until you consider that Keiren is the couple’s son).Eugene has been running for most of his life and I couldn’t list the number of races that he has taken part of (not that he would tell you). I will tell you this though, his marathon PB is 2:43:46 which he set as part of the gold medal winning team at the national champs. And he still goes under 20 for a five km. We also talk to Dr Katie Wright about her pending Big’s Backyard trip, there are stories, a live Greatest Run Ever, prizes, games, and more. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

It’s our birthday!! So we are giving you the present of A) Jared Hazen and B) the correct way to say Coconino (COKE-A-NINO). Jared Hazen is the second-fastest person ever to run the Western States Endurance Run, with a time of 14:26:46. Eugene and Matt attempted to do the math on Hazen’s average pace at kilometer 61 of the WUU2k last week and failed miserably, BUT, the man is fast. Bested only by his training partner, and fellow Coconino Cowboy, Jim Walmsley. Jared, at 24, has had a career that many older athletes could only dream of, this being his third WSER. Jared started running ultra marathons at 17 and has dedicated a significant portion of the last 7 years to the study of the sport which he is “head over heels” with. This is a beautiful conversation with a wonderful man..of course we touch on the WSER, but we also go back to the start, and discuss Jared’s early years, the support and challenges he experienced being so young in the sport, and his bond with Walmsley, which in the end, was instrumental in Jared moving to Flagstaff and becoming a cowboy. We couldn’t sit on this banger of an episode any longer and had to get it out. Thanks for helping line it up for us, Logan Austin! Legend! And Happy birthday to us. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Kia Ora whanau!! For our second-ever race special Eugene and Matt took a tilt at the (if-not-by-now) soon-to-be-iconic WUU2K - The Wellington Urban Ultramarathon. The race is the brainchild of Wellington’s Gareth Thomas, a dyed-in-the-wool creative who decided that the trails he and his friends ran in the hills surrounding Wellington would make a pretty decent race if you strung them together and whaddayaknow? Four years ago the WUU2K was born. I mean, gosh…. This race is as brutal as it is beautiful and we had a blast. Eugene and Matt had the best adventure with their multicultural crew of Aukilagi dandies, aaaand got served up the best gut-busting climbs and life affirming descents that the 04 had to offer. It was Triumphal. Epochal. Meeeeean as.We dive deep into the race, going over the winners and detailing our experiences. Of course we had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Thompson, the New Zealand Trail Running Champion, about his race at the World Champs in Portugal. We talk to Alex Futterman, who was at the WUU2K from the USA on a writer’s grant, interviewing participants about why they do what they do. We also speak to Gareth Thomas about his life of creativity and running. With Matt having to dip on the prize giving to catch a flight back to The People’s Utopia of Riverhead Eugene spoke to Mel Atiken about her course record in the team race, a destroyed (but happy) Gareth, and Thee Dave Jack, Florida Gentleman, Insta-Dave, and a person who decided that the WUU2K would make a perfect first ever ultra. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Kia Ora whanau!! This week we speak to Rachel Grunwell. Rachel is an award-winning journalist, a runner, a yoga instructor, and wellness expert. A long time investigative journalist, she had her head turned by a fitness challenge that she was undertaking for a story and transitioned from (in her words) being an “unfit mum to a multi-marathoner”. Rachel is an ambassador for the Achilles Foundation, guiding runners in New Zealand, and at the New York Marathon. Rachel is a qualified coach and has been instrumental in the change in the Rotorua Marathon’s half marathon course now having a trail component. Rachel has written a book called Balance in which she interviews 30 global experts about health and happiness and we talk about the book, her running journey and so much more on this week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy!! P.S. OF COURSE we go off on one about the phenomenal racing that happened this weekend...We nerd out big time. RUTH CROFT for a million years!!!

Kia Ora whanau!! Say Yes To Adventure is not just the title of the magazine that Hollie Woodhouse put out, it is a defining character trait. The term “Adventurer” gets bandied about a bit these days, anyone with a social media account and a penchant for camera angles can put a claim in but Hollie Woodhouse is the real deal. After growing up in the rambunctious outdoorsy way that is typical for many in the rural South Island, Hollie left the life behind for some years, until sitting by herself on the solo bivouac section of an Outward Bound experience at 28, Hollie wrote herself a letter stating that she would do something that truly challenged her every year. Fast forward 5 or so years and Hollie has completed the Marathon Des Sables, run 240km through the Peruvian Amazon, completed both the 1 and 2 day Coast to Coast events, and Nordic skied 560km across Greenland’s polar ice cap with the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Running remains a part of Hollie’s daily life, and we discuss this and many more things in this brilliant conversation. Disarmingly candid, funny, and down-to-earth, Hollie was an intensely enjoyable pick-me-up at the end of a long weekend. An adventurer and motivational speaker with a full time job? Sign us up. We don’t know if you’ve seen a theme here with our guests, but it appears that good things happen when you just turn up, and Hollie is no exception to this...Perhaps saying yes is the new black?We’ve packed in the goodness with our other features this week, we discuss Luke McCallum’s post of Low Energy Availability, ramble on about Anna Frost’s new movie, Matt calls Andrew McDowall Andrew McDonald and then walks away in disgust. All this and more on this week’s Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau!! These days with running it can feel that is not just about running, you know? There is always someone around the corner saying that we need to do this, that, and the other thing to maximise our enjoyment of the thing we love the most. Can it be that to enjoy more of what we love, especially as we get older, we need to do other things? Well. Yes. If we take the view that running and movement is something that we  are designed to do and our ancestors did it all the time and were fine, we also need to consider that our ancestors lived an active lifestyle. The notion of running for a strictly pleasurable activity is a relatively new concept, the notion of expecting that an hour a day of activity surrounded by a sedentary existence would be even more of a head scratcher. We need to do things to keep us running well and maximise our running lives. That’s why this week Matt speaks to Mathieu Doré, a strength and conditioning coach based in Albury New South Wales. Originally from Montréal, Mathieu spent some time in Australia before moving back home for a few years and then, as you do, finding his way back down under thanks to the love of a good woman. We discuss Mathieu’s journey from an Ice Hockey player who ran with his twin brother in the off season to a bone fide track runner to adventure racer, ultra marathoner, and everything in between, not to mention is whirlwind Boston 2:45/Marriage/Travel episode...Regardless of the distance and surface that Mathieu is running on, strength training plays a major part in his training and strategy for wellbeing. This is an excellent conversation which focuses on how taking a wider approach to your running wellbeing can enhance and promote your running wellbeing. You also get, for your listening pleasure, Eugene and Matt falling over themselves with excitement at being reunited. You’ll get bonus digression, secret codes, fake news (alleged), Greatest Run Ever, Stuff You Should Know..DIGRESSION, and just who the hell is Glenn Kirby?  Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau. Josh Komen grew up on the West Coast of the South Island and spent most of his younger years outside with the sky and ridges as boundaries. Josh loved movement and physicality- playing rugby league and running with past and future legends Ruth Croft, Eddie Gray, and Boston Marathon winner Dave McKenzie. Josh, as many people on The Coast do, equated being busy with being happy. So Josh would wake up every morning, put in a 10 hour shift maintaining  the high power lines that link the West Coast of the South Island to the grid, then chop and collect firewood, then he would run. Fast. Josh was one New Zealand’s brightest track talents, heading to the next Commonwealth Games in the 800m when his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. What follows is the most unalloyed and powerful conversation we have ever had on Dirt Church Radio. We talk about Josh’s journey through two cancer diagnoses, a stem cell transplant, and how in trying to save his life, it was nearly ended.  Josh discusses his darkest times with a disarming frankness and ultimately, this is a conversation about how fear, rage, and despair can be bested by acceptance, connection, and love. It is clear to hear Josh tell it, that these hard learned lessons are absolutely applicable in everyday life. And despite all that Josh has lost, Josh continues to live his life by these values. We are so privileged to have been able to speak with Josh, and are delighted to share our conversation with you. Enjoy.

Kia Ora whanau!! When Kathrine Switzer laced up her trainers on the morning of April 19th, 1967, there is no way she could have anticipated the seismic shift in world history that she would trigger. Kathrine was the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon, which was a male-only event. Kathrine could not have known that one simple act of defiance from a 20-year-old would begin a career which has spanned the last five decades and taken women’s running from something taboo (because, uteruses) to the forefront of mainstream consciousness. But look, we’re gushing, and rightly so. Kathrine Switzer is a legend, and if you are not familiar with her story read on... Kathrine is an iconic athlete, author, Emmy-award winning broadcaster and advocate for sports and social causes, during her Boston Marathon, she was attacked in the race by an angry official who tried to rip off her bib number (#261) and throw her out of the race because she was a woman. She finished the 26.2 mile distance anyway and went on win the 1974 New York City Marathon and to champion women in the sport globally, most notably leading the drive to make the women's marathon an official Olympic event in 1984. To illustrate the importance of this, currently 58% of all runners in the USA are women. To celebrate this social revolution, and to support another on active aging, Switzer ran the Boston Marathon again, at age 70, on the 50th anniversary of her iconic run, finishing only 24 minutes slower than she did when she was 20. This run launched her non-profit '261 Fearless' --named after that famous bib number--which empowers women globally though running. She has been honored widely for her achievements including being inducted into the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame which recognized her for creating positive social change throughout her storied career. And, he’s brilliant. We dare you not to be inspired, empowered, and to catch Kathrine’s contagious joy of running during this fantastic conversation. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau!! This week on the podcast we speak with professional ultramarathon runner Coree Woltering. Coree loves to run, and notes that he will race any distance or any surface. From his start racing 200 and 400 metres at high school Coree then took up swimming and cycling to manage injury and before-you-know-it had qualified twice for the world 70.3 Ironman championships, all the while running on his college 4x400m relay team. Coree’s head was turned to trails when he found himself pacing his friend at the iconic Leadville 100 and universally loved the experience. Fast forward a few years and Coree is now sponsored by The North Face and experiencing life as a full time athlete. Of note, Coree ran a 5:30:15 50-mile PR at the Tunnel Hill 50 Miler, in 2016, which was the 2nd fastest American 50 mile time that year. Coree also has a 2:26 Marathon and podium finishes at the American River 50 and Quicksilver 50K among many notable finishes.This conversation, as with every DCR episode, veers all over the map...from Coree’s experience at UTMF, where the race was cancelled due to storms and it was so cold that in Coree’s own words “I had to wear pants”. We also discuss the factors he’s learnt to manage and cope with whilst travelling as an athlete, to his love of Colorado, and how even though Coree loves going fast (he is fast) his love of the engagement and interaction at 100 mile event is what makes the sport incredibly special to him. We also discuss the importance of stating your goals, no matter if it makes you nervous. We are firmly Team Coree and can’t wait to see how he goes with a stacked summer of racing. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau!! This week on the podcast we speak with Peter Maksimow. Peter is an invo8 athlete, a mountain runner who has represented the USA, a connoisseur of fine beer, and the Partnership and Outreach Specialist for the American Trail Running Association, a non-profit organisation that seeks greater engagement, organisation, advocacy, and education around what trail running is and the myriad benefits. Peter’s role sees him engaging with the populations that traditionally are not overly-represented in the majority of trail races. As Killer Mike says, it’s a good thing to hang out with people who don’t look like like you. This is an exceptional conversation, that is at turns funny, poignant, educational, heartfelt, and very honest. It was edifying to sit with a man who has been injured for some time, and struggling to deal with this, whilst existing in a country where big issues like diversity and inclusivity are sensitive to say the least. Peter is the man. And this is great. We are stoked to have him on the show and we hope you love it. This episode is sweet and heavy. Enjoy.

Kia Ora whanau!! After  just missing out on a spot in the New Zealand Junior Development Squad for orienteering Andrew Thompson’s life steered away from running into university and a love of Drum & Bass, frequenting the amazing scene in Wellington in the early 2000’s and quickly becoming a DJ, VJ, and successful promoter and curator of Bass Drop, a popular NZ Drum & Bass forum. It wasn’t until years later, when by chance Andrew found himself out on a trail run with Evan Short of Concord Dawn that the spark for trail running was reunited. Fast forward some impressive results, a harriers club, massive growth as a runner and taking on board a coach and Andrew found himself out in front with 12 kilometers to go in the 2018 trail running champs at the Crater Rim Ultra. Andrew dug in, crossed the line in first with his daughters alongside him and became the Aotearoa/New Zealand and Oceania Trail Running Champion for 2018. Andrew is off to Portugal with the rest of the New Zealand team and is fundraising hard to fund his trip. What!?? I hear you ask. That’s right. The bro has to get himself there. We’d like to do what we can and have included a link below to Andrew’s Givealittle page, anything you could spare would really help. This is a wonderful conversation with an impressive running talent and interesting, grounded, and very choice human being. Thanks for coming on, Andrew!!  A warning though... We hit peak Wellington about 5 minutes in. Hacky Sack anyone?? Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau!! In 2018 Dr Katie Wright quietly moved to New Zealand. She’d quietly run around the coast of Wales and had quietly completed an Ironman as well as several road marathons. Katie quietly ran her first ultra marathon in October last year, the Taupo 100km, and what better way to back that up than to quietly place second this year behind Camille Herron at the Tarawera 100 mile run in February. Heck, might as well quietly back that up with a fourth at Northburn before quietly winning the 2019 Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra Marathon, becoming the first woman in the world to win a Last Person Standing event and gaining a golden ticket entry into Lazarus Lake’s Big’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee. Katie banged out 201 Km and 5190m of vertical gain to take the title and looked like she could have kept on going. This conversation is special for several reasons. Matt was there, in his capacity as the event director and had the privilege of presenting Katie with the ticket as well as being there to witness most of her laps. It’s special because it’s the first time that a woman has won a LPS and it’s special because it happened in our backyard. Katie was gracious enough to speak with us, even though, by own admission, talking about herself is her least favourite thing to do. We also discuss the event itself, with a Dirt Church Radio Relaps special. This is a simply incredible discussion, with Matt making even less sense than usual and Eugene valiantly steering the ship off the rocks a record number of times. Katie, of course, was amazing.  Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau!! The concept of adventure in our culture is one that is generally associated with the most. The most vert, the most trail, the most difficulty, the most. Mostness. Our conversation with Chris Ord certainly covers this facet of adventure, but also challenges us to think that adventure is something that is individual and that we can intertwine with our everyday lives. But hey, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Chris Ord is the editor in chief of TrailRun Magazine. Which documents trails in a more coffee table/ narrative style than just a dirty running tabloid. He is also the director of Tour de Trails, which provides guided running tours through Australia, Europe, and South Asia.In the time that we’ve been doing DCR, Chris has been someone that multiple people have reached out to us to have on the show due to his love of trail running, his involvement in the sport for many years, his perspective as someone who has documented the culture exhaustively and because he tells a ripping good yarn. And it was a ripping good yarn. We talk about Chris’ love of adventure (both big A and little a), his first ever “10 km” trail run with a guy named Dean Karnazes, and the genesis of TrailRun Magazine, amongst many other things such as the future of adventure tourism and his role as a consultant in that field. Chris tells us how purposefully misplacing the car keys can lead to an amazing day out. This is indeed a ripping good yarn and we are very thankful to Chris for speaking to us. Heck, we even let him have TWO Greatest Runs Ever because they were such gems. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora whanau. This week it is Matt’s turn to spread his wings and wobble away from the nest on his solo conversation with the one and only Zach Miller. Exploding onto the ultra scene in 2013 out of nowhere (okay, a cruise ship) with a win at the JFK 50 mile, Zach followed up the next year with a win at Lake Sonoma, has gone on to become the first American man to win CCC and is the 2015 and 2016 The North Face Endurance Challenge champion. Cool. That’s the pro-by-the-numbers part over, as Zach Miller is nothing about Zach that is by-the-numbers. Matt spoke to Zach at Peter Maksimow’s house in Manitou Springs Colorado for an amazing conversation about Zach’s roll at the iconic Barr Camp, life at 10,00 feet, Zach’s love of adventure and the challenges  of training in challenging environments. We discuss managing self imposed pressure, injuries, and a new project that Zach is working on with The North Face that is still under wraps. Oh, and *spoiler alert* Zach’s focus remains on UTMB. This conversation is most excellent and we sincerely hope you like it.  Enjoy!

Kia ora whanau. In 2015, having ran a marathon whilst dressed as a crayon, Elise Downing decided to set herself a bigger challenge. I mean, if you’ve run 42.2 in crayola cosplay anything else is gravy, right? To cut a long story short, in 2016 Elise ran the entire coast of Britain - London to London. That’s 5000 miles, 301 days, 7 pairs of running shoes, and according to Elise, approximately 987 slices of cake.Undertaking this type of challenge is undoubtedly life-changing and since this, running has become an integral part of Elise’s life. Elise has relayed her experience as a public speaker, motivating other young people to undertake challenges that they may have thought unthinkable. Elise was recently in New Zealand in her role with Breca Swimrun, handling social media and marketing for the company. Flying solo, Eugene met up with Elise in Ponsonby armed with a microphone and ginger slice to talk about Elise’s journey towards running around Britain, how the process has impacted on her wider life, dealing with recognition and how what started as a solitary undertaking exposed Elise to a multitude of people displaying kindness and community. We also ask, because we’ve always wanted too….just what is Swimrun? And how do you have a greatest run ever that isn’t running around a whole country?  Enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau, this week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Roger Robinson. Emeritus professor at Victoria University Wellington, Roger taught English for over 30 years, in that time writing several books both on running and literature. Roger is an acclaimed commentator for TVNZ  and stadium announcer at the Christchurch and Auckland Commonwealth Games. Running is deeply embedded in Roger’s history, present, and future. A runner for both England and New Zealand at world level and a man who, at 44 years old set a master’s record at the Boston Marathon. He splits his time between Wellington and New York State, where he lives with his wife Kathrine Switzer (yes, that Kathrine Switzer). This conversation is a joy. We speak to Roger from New York State, before he and Kathrine head off to the Boston Marathon about his life, from running the skyline trail in Wellington (before it was the skyline trail) to how running truly connects us in times of strife and terror, and a multitude of other topics that we lack the skill to describe here.  You will just have to listen to fully appreciate how special this episode is. We do speak about Roger’s new book, When Running Made History, which is a lovingly documented history of running in the 20th and 21st centuries and a must for any student of running. We regard this conversation as epochal and are very thankful that Roger made time to speak with us. Enjoy!

How often does it seem within our running culture that more is more? And how often has this approach been ruinous to our physiological and psychological wellbeing? Luke McCallum is a man who knows this to be true. A massage therapist employed by Sports Lab (who also has a tidy 70 minute half marathon pb) Luke spent two months on a working holiday in Iten, Kenya. Whilst in Iten Luke worked and trained at the camp run by marathon legend Mary Keitany and gained an insight into what constitutes the life of an elite distance athlete. Now home, Luke sits with us and shares his insights on wellbeing, his own journey towards peak performance and, in how many ways, less is indeed more. Along the way, a shambolic Matt (battling what he is sure is Smallpox) and a calm (if not long-suffering and paint-splattered) Eugene bring you the regular DCR goodness of Greatest Run Ever, Stuff you Should Know and our rapture about a little race that happened in Tennessee. We even manage to draw our Ciele competition, despite confusing a Random Number Generator with a Random Name Generator. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau, this week we have the distinct pleasure of speaking to Holly Page. Holly is far from a regular runner in the sense that she is the current Migu Run Skyrunning World Series champion. Holly very much is a regular runner in that she won said world series with a full time job, no major sponsorship, and perhaps a less than concrete manner of getting from race to race (read: hitch hiking). Holly has a refreshing take on running, where it fits in her life and how she refuses to make it the central thing in her life, at the expense of adventures, spontaneity, and flexibility (in the wider sense, not personal flexibility. as we find out, Holly can’t touch her toes). We speak to Holly from the Canary Islands, where she is attending a training camp for her new sponsor, Adidas. Beer in hand and fresh from an assault on the buffett, Holly regaled us with tales of adventure, why she will never not run up a mountain if she feels like it, and that a clean (ish) sock is a perfectly acceptable means of ensuring one doesn’t miss out on one’s daily coffee. We also talk about sky running (sort of), training (sort of), Holly’s near death experience on Mt Blanc and the exploits of her equally intrepid brother. This is an exceptionally good conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we have the pleasure of speaking to Christchurch’s Sam Manson about his journey from precocious trail running talent to elite multi-sport athlete. Sam, who by his own admission does not come from a sporting background, decided one day that he would win the Coast to Coast multisport race. To this day, he doesn’t know why, however, in classic kiwi style he set about knocking the bastard off. On the way he’s also completed an Xterra trail series championship, Hillary Trail FKT, and a period of time adventure racing in China. With several podium finishes Sam finished Coast to Coast in second place this year and is looking forward to going one better in 2020. Sam talks about his process in journeying from 1B5 toting enthusiast to reluctant elite, how listening to your body is ultimately important for successful training, and how eating a cheese croissant in a kayak is fraught with peril. We also discuss Sam’s imminent return to trail running when he takes on the Routeburn Classic next month. Oh yeah, did we mention that Sam Manson loves Riverhead Forest? He really does, and that’s alright with us. As usual we’ll bring you results, Stuff you Should Know and an epic Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. With Matt out the weekend after Riverhead Rampage, Eugene took the reins and steered the ship into shore (ummm?) with an incredibly interesting conversation with Gareth Morris. Gareth is an elite athlete in his own right, winning a silver medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games in 2018 as part of the Queen’s Prize Pairs rifle event for Team Cymru. Gareth is no slouch on the trails either, completing numerous road and trail marathons and this year coming 14th at the Tarawera 100 mile endurance run with a time of 23:33:49. Can an elite mindset translate from the range to the trails? Gareth and Eugene discuss this and more, including Gareth’s history with both sports, his love of the trails and his approach to  planning, presence, and de-constructing the whole into component parts to achieve success. Gareth fits the bill of interesting runner to a tee and was of the first people we both thought of on our original list of people we wanted to speak to for DCR. Sorry we were so slow off the mark, Gareth! We also break down the weekend’s racing, and as always we’ll have our Greatest Run Ever and Stuff You Should Know segments (now with added sting!). We discover how tired Matt needs to be to suffer amnesia on waking, and just what was making that terrifying noise in the den of awfulness at Riverhead Trig.  Enjoy!

Adharanand Finn is the British author of Running with the Kenyans, Way of the Runner, and his new book Rise of the Ultra Runners: A Journey to the Edge of Human Endurance. Running with the Kenyans was the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year, won Best New Writer at the British Sports Book Awards, and was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book Award. Adharanand is also an editor at the Guardian and a freelance journalist. He is also a former junior cross-country runner and now competes for Torbay AC in Devon, where he and his family usually live. For the first two of his books, Adharanand transported himself to Kenya and Japan to immerse himself and his family within the wider culture that he was documenting. For Rise of the Ultra Runner, Adharanand transformed himself from a traditional marathon runner into an ultra distance athlete, ultimately competing in the UTMB in France. We speak to Adharanand from his home in Totnes, Devon about his journey towards UTMB, the many things that he learnt along the way and just what makes elite athletes like Zach Miller tick. Adharanand has a wealth of knowledge about Kenyan athletes and his discussion on just why top flite Kenyan athletes have been reluctant to compete at ultra distance trail events is fascinating. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. Camille Herron sucks the marrow out of the long bones of life. The Comrades Champion and five-time world record holder ( 50 and 100 miles on the road, 100 miles, 12 hours and 24 hours on the track) was involved in a car accident days before she was to fly down to Aotearoa/New Zealand to compete in the 2019 Tarawera 100 mile endurance run. Emerging from the upside down wreck of her car shaken and bruised, Camille’s determination to live was further enhanced. Good fortune, excellent genes and a resolute attitude saw Camille in Rotorua a matter of days later with her beloved husband Conor where she drank the beer, ate the Burger Fuel, and tore Tarawera to pieces, leading outright until Jeff Browning caught her on the last technical aspects of the 100 mile, as Camille discussed “I’m still learning” about trail running having come from a road background. Heavens-to-betsy what Camille will be like when she feels she’s mastered technical running? And for reference, ask Zach Marrion, who destroyed himself in a vain attempt to chase Camille down. Gosh..where do you start with such a story? After triple shot long blacks, hearts beating like hummingbird’s wings, Eugene and Matt sat down with the joyful and mighty Camille to talk about all this and more; her journey towards track and ultra success honed practicing basketball in the heat till she passed out AT SEVEN YEARS OLD, Just why gender doesn’t matter in terms of competition, how many IPAs is too many in a hundred mile race ( and can you be scientific about it?). Above all, during this most glorious chat Camille reinforced again and again and again that our lives are fleeting, and we have the most wonderfully capable bodies, so do all the things, move a lot, drink all the beers if it works for you (and others), have a taco, and above all else, LIVE. This was a true privilege and even now that the 3SLB has worn off we’re still completely and utterly stoked. Enjoy! And here’s to life.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Matt speaks to Dr John Onate, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the University of California Davis. John is an accomplished ultra runner, speaker at Rob Krar’s trail running camps, the Western States Endurance Run and UTMB. John is also the medical lead at the Devil’s Thumb aid station at Western States. John was in New Zealand to run the Shotover Moonlight Marathon and Matt had the pleasure to host John in the mighty Riverhead Forest and the repair back to Matt’s whare for a beer and a chat. And what a chat it was, it was an absolute pleasure to discuss mental health and running with a mental health professional. We discuss the benefits and challenges of running in regards to our mental health. We discuss John’s journey in both running and medicine and then proceed to veer all over the map touching on topics relating to running and mental health, concierge medicine, and just what makes us tick, in this entertaining and interesting conversation. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio is pretty much the complete package. Big call, we know.. but whakarongo mai whilst we break this down... A little race happened on the weekend, heard of it? Yeah. Tarawera, and by all accounts it slayed, being the biggest and most successful iteration of the race yet. We have a quick catch up with the men’s 100 mile winner Jeff Browning, aka Bronco Billy, aka The Finisher, aka the star of DCR #10 about his win against the indomitable Camille Heron, which included wrong turns and a phenomenal effort from Jeff in the last 40km. As a bonus bonus we speak to Jeff’s over-friendly concierge (Malkmus 1997) Grant Guise, who in addition to having the best tache in the game, placed 3rd overall in the 100 miler and was the second man home. So for the deep dark dank running heads we have the ephemera in spades. You want splits, catch ups, fuelling strategies? We got that for you.Moving to parts that are more philosophical in nature, our main conversation this week is with Kelton Wright. Kelton is an author, trail runner, and cyclist from Topanga California. Kelton is also the Editorial Director of Movement and Sport for Headspace, the mindfulness and meditation app currently taking the world by storm (a calm storm, though). Being present and being able to sit with our thoughts rather than become caught up in them is universally beneficial, both within our lives as runners, and without it. So often our training, approach to competition, the manner we deal with injuries, and the way that our relationships in this community resonate within us can be negatively affected by our attachment to thought. Mindfulness, which, as Kelton points out has been in an out of vogue for at least 3000 years in one form or another, can help us to be the best us we can. We speak with Kelton about her journey with mindful practice, and how this practice can benefit the wider community. We discuss Kelton’s journey with Headspace and the exciting shift in performance based focus towards a more mindful approach. To Eugene’s horror talk shifts to Mountain Lions and we consider just how in the moment you would need to be if you had to strangle one to death if it attacked you. Kelton’s generosity and candor is wonderful and we truly appreciated being able to speak to someone who integrates a mindful approach into performance and a trail runner who, for what feels like a first on DCR, is not training for an ultra marathon. Go Kelton! Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. So often in trail running, the quality of adventure is measured by us stepping outside of our usual surrounds. Somehow, a hill that we’ve not climbed before takes on more meaning than one we have, or a sunrise somewhere else becomes more epic than our own domestic sunshine. Tim Sutton knocks that paradigm on his head with his focus on Adventure as something that you do where you are. We can’t underscore the importance of this message: Adventure where you are, on your own terms. No matter what you do or where you are, you can always push your limits. Tim exemplifies this approach in spades. Hailing from Wellington, Tim spends the majority of his time running local trails and surrounds, heading off on monthly adventures into the Tarawera ranges and has completed multiple iterations of the Schormann- Kaitoke traverse. This 77-82 km traverse with 6800m of elevation was first conceived in 1963 by trampers as a 7 day traverse, now being knocked out several times under 24 hours by Tim and his fellow Tararua adventurers. Having a reputation for being as fast as he is adventurous, Tim was amongst the first group of competitors to take on The Revenant. We discuss this, his journey from multisport to trails, to adventure, to family man, and much much more on this week’s episode of Dirt Church Radio. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week, Weston Hill and the No-Plan-Plan. Eugene and Matt speak with Weston Hill, who tore it up in Europe last season following his nose and the No-Plan-Plan. Weston first came to our attention as the young kiwi ripper who paced Grant Guise at his 2017 Hardrock attempt, then came 13th out of 1900 runners at one of Europe’s premier races. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here..Rewind a couple years and Weston was working as an engineer in Christchurch. He had to make a decision between a stimulating and structured career path vs. taking his chances to follow his dream of racing in Europe. After sage advice from an older head at work, Weston was off to the USA, to tour around in a cheap van, eating scrambled eggs, top and tailing with Majell Backhausen, and running with Ricky Gates on his transamericana run. Oh yeah, Weston then went on to work out a hamstring injury by hiking for 30 days in Nepal on his way to 13th place at the 102 km CCC at the UTMB festival and 3rd at the Leye China 100 in 2018. Weston takes on a  ripping yarn in every sense of the word and we’re certain that this is a young man who has a massive future on the international running scene. Weston embodies the adventurous spirit that we celebrate in our community, and is well and truly grabbing life by the scruff and giving it a good shake. Oh, yeah, the kid can write too…. Bastard. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Matt and Eugene have the privilege and great joy to have a conversation with Vajin Armstrong. Vajin has been consistently at the top of the Aotearoa/New Zealand trail and ultra running standings for the last nine years, with three Kepler Challenge victories, multiple Tarawera Ultra podium finishes (including victory at the 62 km event in 2018) and a slew of impressive results in Europe over the last several seasons. And you know what? Those results are impressive, but they are by no means the reason we wanted to speak with Vajin. After an engaging and enlightening meeting at last year’s Kepler Challenge, Eugene and Matt were very excited to speak to Vajin about his life and journey from a medal obsessed disillusioned track running teen living in Christchurch (which, to be fair, in the 1990’s was not a hub of esoteric spirituality) to a disciple of Sri Chinmoy, music shop owner, and lover of process, connection, and transcendence. Warm, engaging, and knowledgeable, whilst maintaining an air of utter humility, Vajin was a real treat to speak with and this is a most excellent and entertaining conversation. This also happens to be the longest podcast we’ve done to date, and the Greatest Run Ever at the end left both Eugene and Matt speechless. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. Anna Frost is arguably the most successful trail and ultra running export New Zealand has produced and the person Eugene and Matt both had at the top of their “must talk to” lists from day one. Anna burst onto the scene in what was the first wave of the professional ultra athlete, running for the mighty Salomon team. Going from spending weeks travelling around Europe partying and sleeping in the back of a station wagon to pulling on the white strip and racing for a European giant, Anna was catapulted into the media at the same time as other famous names such as Anton Krupicka, Scott Jurek,Geoff Roes and others. International success came however with not an inconsiderable amount of challenge for Anna. Fast forward ten years and Anna is now running for Merrell and co owns Trail Run Adventures with her husband, which brings people to beautiful parts of the world for trail running trips. We spoke to Anna via phone from her home town of Dunedin, where she is enjoying a much welcomed rest and awaiting the arrival of the couple’s first baby. Anna talks candidly, openly, and movingly  about her journey with running, the successes and costs, and her abiding love for the sport. This was a true highlight for us and we are thankful for having the opportunity to speak to one of the legends of our sport. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau, Welcome back!! To paraphrase Run The Jewels, when we started this podcast we didn’t have no arc, no plan, and certainly no expectations. Every week it seems that we are staring over the microphone at each other, shaking our heads at the pearls of wisdom that each person we are privileged enough to speak with drops on us. Courtney Dauwalter is no exception. Although perhaps she is an exception as we were both the most nervous we’ve ever been talking to anyone on DCR. Like, ever.  Last year, Courtney’s performances transcended the niche world of trail and ultra (and ultra ultra ultra) running and burst onto the mainstream. Courtney garnered extensive coverage in the New York Times, and had an intimate chat with Joe Rogan on his podcast (don’t worry, we had to google him too). Courtney is the current 2018 Western States, UTMF, Sean O’Brien 100k, Squamish 50 mile AND Tahoe 200 mile champion (finishing 2nd overall at that race) however is probably best known for her utter domination of the Moab 240 mile in 2017 and finishing 2nd overall at last year’s  Big Backyard Ultra, running 279.168 miles. We talk about all this, sort of, Courtney’s philosophy on competition, distance, and training and much more (including, but not limited to, Fargo, Prince, Nordic Skiing, Funny Accents, Animal Jokes, and, most importantly for Matt, Lord of The Rings) in this wonderful conversation. We are beyond stoked to be back for 2019 and beyond beyond stoked to start off with such an amazing human as Courtney. We must give thanks to Mark from Tailwind NZ for facilitating the conversation. Thanks brother! Lastly, look out for Courtney at the Tarawera 102 km this February, where no doubt Courtney will be in hot contention for the win. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau, Meri Kirihimete and welcome to Dirt Church Radio’s Christmas special, or Dirchmas as we like to call it. It’s been a roller coaster ride for us since we started off waaaaaaay back in July this year and we thought we’d look back with a fond eye on the happenings for the year, the standout performances, the scandals (well, scandal) and also recap with the greatest of our guest greatest runs ever! You’ll hear from Paul Charteris, Fiona Hayvice, Brad Dixon, Dylan Bowman, Majell Backhausen and Lucy Bartholomew.  Oh, yeah, and we officially throw our hats in the ring behind Brook Van Reenan, as he sets out next year to run Te Araroa trail to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation. Recorded in the sweltering main room at Little House of Savages (Matt’s lounge) after an amazing trail run, we rip through our 2018 with a nostalgic eye, whilst keeping the other eye firmly fixed on the horizon. We’re not slacking off through the new year though, so stay tuned. From us though, we wish to express our gratitude to you all for listening and getting in touch, we feel an intense privilege holding this space and can’t wait to keep bringing the heat for you all. We wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with light, love, and joy. We hope foremost that adventures are had, and your ankles all get rather muddy. Thanks again. Aroha Nui and enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau. This week Eugene and Matt speak with Scott Worthington, co race director of The Revenant. This race, which bills itself as an Ultra Adventure Run will be taking place between the 18th-20th of January at Welcome Rock, which is 45 minutes south of Queenstown, Otago, will comprise four loops over 190 km and 16,000m of vertical ascent. A 60 hour cut off time, navigation only by map and compass (no GPS or other timekeeping) and a myriad of other challenges make this race undoubtedly the toughest in New Zealand and one that is even tougher to get into, with an application process and individual engagement of each competitor by the race directors. They want this to be hard, unachievable even. It’s a perfect storm of the worst excess of the North American race directors that are consistently pushing the limits of what is possible and a laconic standpoint that typifies the toughness of the lower South Island of New Zealand. Think of it as Sir Edmund Hillary putting on the Barkley Marathons. This is a fantastic insight into the rationale and care behind an event that Scott does not expect, indeed they would be satisfied if, no one finished. Oh, and also, the definition of a Revenant? Someone who returns from a long absence, presumably from the dead…. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. The year is screaming to an end but still we are bringing you the hits. For our 21st go around the podcast microphone Matt and Eugene find themselves ensconced in the luxurious environs of DCR acres and speaking with the force of nature that is Ruth Croft. West Coast (of the South Island of NZ, not like THE West Coast) native Ruth came to running through family adventure and a competitive drive that saw her undertake tertiary studies in Portland Oregon on a track and XC scholarship that became blighted with injury and a sense of disillusionment. Finding herself in Taipei teaching English, Ruth took a well deserved (and needed) break from running and well, if we let you know what happened, you could just read this and not listen. Spoiler Alert: Ruth is slaying it. Fastest woman at Speedgoat 50 km this year, winning the OCC at UTMB, winner of the Salomon Golden Trail Series, Scott athlete Ruth is making her mark on the international trail running scene. Focusing on shorter (relatively) events #nopoles has further reignited Ruth’s love of competition and we get to talk about all this and more in a wide ranging and generous conversation that we are delighted to share with you. Also in this episode (in no particular order): The difference in Matt and Eugene’s show prep, horse kissing, haiku, and the soul-crushing reality of being passed in a race by a man dressed in a nun suit. This one was super fun and we hope you like it. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. For our 20th installment of DCR we bring you our coverage of the 31st iteration of the FreshChoice Kepler Challenge. Eugene and Matt travelled to beautiful Te Anau, also known as the Chamonix of Fiordland, to take part in the Kepler proceedings. It would be Eugene’s first time competing and Matt’s third. Whilst there we were planning to engage in a live podcast, our second in two weeks and then run the next day. This podcast proves that whilst, yes, we did indeed start a live podcast at race registration,  and whilst, yes, we did indeed both line up on the start line, that sometimes the universe can indeed dictate proceedings. And when that happens you gotta scramble. But here we are, with it smoking in our trembling hands, and despite the trevails and several re-thinks, this week’s episode is a straight up banger. We’ve interviewed Steve Norris, who for 20 years has been involved with the Kepler Challenge and has been race director for the last 12. We speak to Grant Guise of Altra (our first returning guest) about his 6th Kepler, his success in the 2019 Hardrock ballot and his thoughts on the Kepler committee engaging a ballot system for next year’s race. We also speak to Martin Walker of Christchurch’s Further Faster about his first Kepler attempt, and what will from now on go down in Kepler lore as the incident known as “Rocky’s Rocky Point Rebellion”. Finally, it’s down to an exhausted Eugene and Matt recounting their very eventful time on course (and off) during the 2018 race. Safe to say, Matt and Eugene both love Kepler a whole lot, and cannot wait to try their hands in next year’s ballot! Enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau. Something different for you this week (and us, actually)!! Eugene and Matt bring you the first ever DCR live show, from inside Thomson Whisky Distillery at Hallertau Brewery. Nestled in amongst the copper stills were our hosts, an audience, a bunch of tasty beverages, and our guests- Dr James Kuegler and Mr Andrew McDowall.James Kuegler is a well established running coach, under his eponymous brand. James is a Dr of Chiropractic, and has represented New Zealand at the Oceania Trail Running Championships. James has a slew of other top results, being a previous Tarawera 60km winner, having a top ten finish at Kepler, and currently holding the course record at Total Sports brutal West Coaster adventure run. Currently, James has been “hanging out at athletics tracks” with his focus shifting more to junior athletes and his work with Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club. Having been veterans of several James Kuegler talks we were super excited to get James on to share his wisdom. As always, James is engaging, confronting, and entertaining, discussing the challenges and celebrations of the New Zealand trail running scene, how at the end of the day, we’re all just runners, and his favourite New Zealand events.Andrew McDowall went from a man who did the Rotorua Marathon on a whim with friends and subsequently moonwalked the last 10km of the Kepler challenge after demolishing his quadriceps, to being 5th at the Tarawera 100 mile endurance run and 4th at Northburn 100 mile 34 days later. Oh, did we mention that Andrew is just off to Taiwan to represent New Zealand at the Asia/Oceania 24 hour championships. Andrew is not a professional runner however, but a professional musician, having a degree in film score composition, owning his own studio, Digibake, and being a veteran of several bands, including playing trumpet for the globe striding Aotearoa reggae band Katchafire. Oh, and he also set up our live sound. Andrew is, to put it plainly, a good bastard.In fact, both our guest firmly fulfill the “good bastard” criteria, and you’ll be able to hear that as you listen to this freewheeling live conversation - complete with audience interaction, beer being spilled (thanks, Tom and Thee Dave), along with various other diverse alarums and excursions.We’d like to formally thank both Thomson Whisky and Hallertau Brewery for their enthusiasm for the idea and their boundless generosity. We had a blast doing it and we hope you’ll have a blast listening. Enjoy!

Kia Ora whanau. This week, Eugene and Matt have the pleasure to sit with Marianne Elliott, for what really is an interesting conversation with an interesting runner. Like most of us, you won’t find Marianne topping any podiums or with a laundry list of sponsors to fund her globetrotting lifestyle, however Marianne’s story is no less interesting in terms of using running to engage with others, perhaps more so. Marianne is the Author of Zen Under Fire, which details her work as a head of the UN mission in Herat, Afghanistan. In her writing, and wider life, Marianne focuses on narrative to foster engagement. The more we engage with each other, rather than ascribing set presumptions to a viewpoint, the more we see the complexity, subtly, and humanity of the other. This fosters understanding, which can only be a good thing, right? In addition to being an author, Marianne is a human rights lawyer, advocate for mental health, restaurateur, entrepreneur, yogi, and also curates Wilder Running, a series of retreats in the USA that combine writing and running. In addition to Afghanistan, Marianne has worked in Timor Leste and the Gaza Strip. AND, she runs trail, having completed multiple ultramarathons and other trail events. We spoke to Marianne from her home base of the Aro Valley in Wellington in what was an enriching and wide ranging conversation that covered all the things we’ve just written about and more, including how Marianne is training to run her fastest 1600m ever. This conversation truly is a gem, and we’re thrilled to bring it to you.

Kia Ora whanau. We’re back, refreshed after our one week break and storming right out of the gates with the indefatigable Dylan Bowman. Dylan has many fans in Australasia, having won Ultra Trail Australia and being a two-time Tarawera champion (and second fastest finisher of the original course behind Jim Walmsley). Dylan spoke to Eugene and Matt from his home base of Colorado and we went deep into his history with the sport, his current period of rebuilding, how he chooses to engage with others to affect change and of course, his love for German Shorthaired Pointers.We even learned about Lacrosse. We just had to ask which direction he prefers his Tarawera, and also why he has such an affinity for the 100 mile distance. As always, we spring the “”Greatest Run Ever” question on Dylan and are blown away by his answer. We were stoked beyond belief to get to spend time with Dylan, who was generous, engaging and candid. Enjoy!

Kia Ora Whanau. When Nancy Jiang was five, she moved with her parents from China to New Zealand. One of her first memories was noticing the other children in her street and at school tearing about in bare feet. Nancy immediately thought “I want to do that” and quickly adapted to the largely barefoot childhood that many New Zealand children enjoy. Nancy’s burgeoning love of running started at school during PE and cross country, she joined her local Waitakere city athletic club and applied herself diligently to training in her early teenage years. This put Nancy at odds with her grandparents and parents, who perhaps took a more traditional view of the path that a young Chinese woman should take. “Chinese people don’t run” they told her, “what, you think you are going to represent New Zealand?”. Nancy’s family clearly wanted her to focus on academic achievement first, and so she did, giving running away for several years whilst she attended university. Fast forward university and Nancy is living in Hamilton and has started to run socially and completes her first marathon as a bet with a coworker to see who could run it the fastest. Needless to say, Nancy won the bet. Several years of marathons followed this, before Nancy finally found herself in France, nursing a few “niggles” (as she tells it) and curious as to just how one runs up mountains….. It seems off-road running suits Nancy, as he has recently came 5th at the 57 km OCC in France (part of the UTMB festival) and has just returned from Europe where she placed 15th at the world mountain running champs. We have the pleasure of being the first to speak with Nancy regarding her running and it was a total blast.. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. At the end of 2017, Vibram trail athlete and Christchurch boy Scotty Hawker had every right to expect that with continued hard work and focus 2018 would be a year of stellar results. Having come 11th at UTMB and taken the victory at Ultra Trail Cape Town, Scotty was prepped and ready to go. Sometimes though, even the most well thought-out plans do not go exactly how we want and that has certainly been the case for Scotty in 2018. A string of injuries and stomach issues put a serious dent in his racing this year, including having to drop at UTMB with 20 miles to go whilst sitting in 5th place. Scotty and his family are back in his hometown of Christchurch for the next couple of months and we jumped at the opportunity to talk to him about his year and so much more. This is certainly an episode that running heads (and non running heads for that matter) will love as we were stoked as all get out to “go deep” with Scotty on a number of topics including as ever his Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. What were you up to when you were 22? Possibly (probably) not coming third at Western States Endurance Run and travelling the world exploring, running for Salomon, and espousing your passion for a plant-based diet like our guest this week, Lucy Bartholomew. Lucy joins us for a wide ranging conversation about her history with the sport, her ongoing successes and her beliefs that truly social and positive media can enhance experience, enjoyment and connection for young women rather than take away from it. Lucy is candid about her watermelon intake (how much is too much?), her love of running with her Dad (whilst at the same time putting the old boy to the sword), her podium finish at Western States, and her hopes for her future in the sport. At 22, Lucy has a boat-load of experience, running her first 100 km at 15. We are beyond stoked, like to the max, to have the privilege to engage with an athlete of Lucy’s calibre and we were blown away by her knowledge, generosity, and candor. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the pleasure of speaking with Majell Backhausen. Majell is the global content and community manager for Salomon running. Yes, that Salomon. Majell talks to us about his journey, from his beginnings playing Australian rules football in his hometown of Red Hill, in the state of Victoria - to his current base of Chamonix in France, via putting in countless hours learning the craft and discipline of running in the United Kingdom (perhaps a move that puts him at odds with the majority of the Australasian diaspora). Majell tells us about hitting pause on his career as an engineer and project manager to become a sponsored athlete, a switch which has now led him to a role where he has responsibility to shape and influence the culture of trail running. Majell wears his values on his sleeve, and believes deeply in the pursuit of kindness and the authentic expression of enthusiasm. He talks about the running scene in China where he filmed at a race - oh, and about having breakfast with Kilian Jornet. As with all our guests we ask what his Greatest Run Ever has been so far - unlike all our guests, his involves leeches.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the distinct pleasure of our first two-on-two podcast, as we speak to Andrew Glennie and Steve Tripp, the gentlemen behind the Crush The Cargill 24 Challenge. Billed as “the longest 24 hour race in the world”, Crush the Cargill takes place in Dunedin, racing up and down Kapukataumahaka (or Mt Cargill) for 24 hours to benefit the Valley Project, which is a community led initiative focussing on the wellbeing of the residents of the North East Valley suburbs of Dunedin, focussing on healthy homes, a sustainable environment and a sense of belonging for all. The marketing and approach that Steve and Andrew have taken to promoting Crush the Cargill has been informal, entertaining and irreverent, frequently hijacking other forums on social media with the now infamous hashtag #Crushingit, informing top flight international runners that they have won complimentary entries (the race entry is by Koha, or donation) and disqualifying others. This approach sits with the grassroots ethos of Crush the Cargill and whilst appearing blithe, it soon becomes apparent that both Steve and Andrew care very much about the event that they have started, and the cause behind it. As for the men themselves? Those clowns who showed up to Northburn in Lucha Libre masks with a Crush the Cargill flag, well... they are crushing it in their own right. Steve Tripp is a doctor, who teaches at the Otago School of Medicine, having previously moved to Cambodia as a missionary with his family and began human rights monitoring. He also runs Justees, a T-shirt company which supports at-risk young men in the Cambodian slums. No slouch when it comes to events, Steve has a 6:44 Kepler PB. Andrew Glennie is a community mental health worker, who works with at risk youth and in his spare time is the current Aotearoa/New Zealand 24 hour champion and the current holder of the Slam of the Damned (all four 100 mile events in New Zealand in a calendar year). We’re stoked to bring you this highly entertaining and freewheeling conversation with the enfants terribles of our trail and ultra running scene.

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we have a real treat for you. Shaun Collins, the head of Lactic Turkey events, the Running Beast himself, one of the first two people to run the iconic Hilary Trail, and the only person to have completed a triple Hillary trail in one shot. We have an engaging and detailed conversation about the implications that a council-imposed ban on entering the Waitakere Ranges (to combat Kauri Dieback) is having on Shaun’s iconic Hillary Ultra, and the courageous decision to call the race off this year, out of respect for the rāhui that was put on the ranges by Te Kawerau Ā Maki, the mana whenua of the area. We discuss Shaun’s triumphant return to racing ultramarathons and trail events, his triple Hillary (or Trillary) and how he escaped with his faculties more or less intact. We talk about Wild Auckland, Shaun’s new trail series in lesser known trails in the greater Auckland area, and how opening people’s eyes to new trails is only a good thing. We discuss Shaun’s history as an orienteer/adventure racer and also what the future holds. As always, we spring the “Greatest Run Ever” question on Mr Collins, and generally  have a whale of a time. Enjoy!!!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt have the immense pleasure to sit down with the one and only Jeff Browning. Jeff is a phenomenon in the trail and ultra running world. With over 30 100 mile finishes over the course of his career and a massive string of triumphs lately, including a top five or better placing at the last three Western States Endurance Runs, the record for the WSER-Hardrock double, AND the 2018 Hardrock victory. Jeff talks to us about his history in the sport, as well as his approach to competition and diet. All being family men, we discuss the balance of (for Jeff) high level competition when family and other commitments take precedence. We discuss his 2018 Hardrock Victory, and how a wrong turn nearly scuttled his second place, just as he found out he was in first. As always on DCR, we end our conversation with Jeff’s greatest run ever. Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week Eugene and Matt sit down with Mal Law, a man who has made, and continues to make, an indelible mark on the New Zealand trail running community. In addition to Mal’s love of adventure and story-telling, perhaps what he is best known for is his ongoing advocacy and fundraising efforts for mental health, having raised to date over $800,000 for the NZ Mental Health Foundation. We talk with Mal about what life is like post High 50, what the future holds for him, including his next big project. We talk about the awesomeness and the travails of  Wild Things NZ, the online trail running community that Mal has established which has garnered Mal a wide ranging and loyal following. As ever, Mal is generous with his time and we were super excited to speak to a man who has been central to the NZ trail and ultra running community for a large number of years. Enjoy!

Kia whanau. This week’s interesting conversation with an interesting runner is a bit different. Eugene sits down with All Blacks doctor Tony Page who gives us an insight not only into the world of high performance sport but also his own accomplished running career. He’s completed 10 Keplers, four Coast to Coasts, and competed in the tough Two Oceans ultramarathon in his homeland of South Africa. He talks about growing up in the apartheid era of South Africa, before deciding to move his family to New Zealand where they settled in Opotiki on the East Coast. It was there his love of Kiwi trails began. Tony started out as a GP before doing a Fellowship in Sports and Exercise Medicine, a career switch which has seen him be a team doctor in AFL and rugby. Tony talks about the latest in sports science thinking around hydration, as well as running the morning after the World Cup final in 2015. Delightful, thoughtful and insightful, this is a conversation we hope you’ll learn something from as well as enjoy.

Kia Ora Whanau. We are super excited this week to talk to our first international guest and a man who is a giant in our culture, Mr Dean Karnazes. Over a 25 year career Dean has run more ultramarathons that one can count, set various endurance records, gained 11 one day buckles at Western States Endurance Run and has been a previous Badwater winner. Dean is a best-selling author, having written four books detailing his life and adventures whilst running, including his epic 50/50 - which detailed Dean running 50 Marathons in 50 states of the USA in 50 days and The Road To Sparta, which details his odyssey leading up to and including the Spartathlon in Greece. Perhaps what Dean is best known for is his unrelenting positivity, advocacy, and love of running, activity and inspiring others to move and challenge what they thought possible. We spoke to Dean about his journey to this point and where he sees the future heading, his ongoing and evolving love of running and humanity. Engaging, candid, and generous, we were absolutely blown away by the chance to talk to someone who has engaged so many for so long. Thank you, Dean! Enjoy!!

Kia Ora Whanau. This week we speak to Brad Dixon, of Everfit Coaching and ENDURObeet about his journey from triathlete to trail and ultra runner, physio to coach, and why living an integrated life full of joy and balance is key to fulfillment. We discuss Brad’s approach to training, and how he will forgo quality over quantity and process over goals every time as he strives to be the best he can in his main roles as husband and father. Rather than preach or set what would be for most unattainable goals, Brad lays it down when discussing his love for cold water swimming, a plant-based diet, his approach to role modeling as a parent and his love for getting amongst it on the trails and Brad’s burgeoning love of ultra distance events.  As ever, we discuss Brad’s Greatest Run Ever and were left alternately shaking our heads grinning and holding our fists in the air. This conversation was a straight up whirlwind. Both Matt and Eugene came away stoked and reinvigorated after talking to Brad and we are sure that you will be after listening. Did we mention Brad’s infectiously joyous nature? In fact, we feel like we need to put a warning on this episode - PMA AHEAD!!! We dare you not to be stoked.

This week we have the distinct pleasure of speaking to Dawn Tuffery, who alongside her roles as mother and video producer is also the 3 x NZ 100 km champ and the current New Zealand 24 hour champ (and the person who ran the farthest in the 2017 competition overall). We speak to Dawn about her varied approach to running, life, and how telling stories in different mediums is Dawn’s main love. Of course we talk about the 24 hour champs and the 100km, but we also discuss stilt-walking, what indeed exactly a Carnie is, and when is the ideal time to put woolie socks over your five fingers. We ask Dawn what her Greatest Run Rver is and reflect that, as a parent, sometimes you just have to run up the mountain at three in the morning. We have two amazing Greatest Run Ever listener contributions and a special appearance from Rigby the Dog. www.dirtchurchradio.com

Joining us for our fourth episode of Dirt Church Radio we have the most excellent Mel Aitken. Mel is based down on the West Coast of the South Island where she is an Inspector in the New Zealand Police and holds the role of area commander. When Mel doesn’t have her hands full with being responsible for 23,000 sq km of rugged bush and coast, Mel crushes trails with a blithe aggression that belies her modest and personable nature. There are two brilliant Greatest Runs Ever submissions, and we salute 261 Fearless. www.dirtchurchradio.com

Matt and Eugene turn it up to 11 and break off the knob with Altra New Zealand’s Grant Guise. We talk about Hardrock, Punk Rock, and Grant’s beginnings running track and cross country in Riverton. We lurch though his ten years spent chasing winter across the globe, discuss his journey to becoming an elite ultra marathon runner, and the travails of being self employed in the outdoors industry (while your wife is at medical school). We have two ripper Greatest Runs Ever, and a thoughtful Stuff You Should Know - about drugs. Dirt Church Radio - interesting conversations with interesting runners.

Fiona Hayvice, Wellington, NZ-based Salomon athlete, talks about running success, the things you learn when things don't go quite so well, volunteering, and how her design business and running fit together. Matt and Eugene talk controversy, and share two runners' Greatest Runs Ever.

Paul Charteris chats about his life, changes to his popular race, and his Greatest Run Ever. Hosts Matt and Eugene talk WUU2K in Stuff You Should Know, and bring you two listeners' Greatest Run Ever.

This week on the podcast: A trailer in which hosts Matt Rayment and Eugene Bingham discuss what Dirt Church Radio will be, and the features that will run each week. And there's a special cameo from Matt's faithful running companion, Rigby. Interesting conversations with interesting runners (and dogs) - Dirt Church Radio.