Dirt Church Radio Trail Running

Western States Endurance Home

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Music and editing by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Cost Of Ultramarathon | Dirt Church Radio 37

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +1200

This week, it’s Ali, Andrew, and Matt rolling as the power trio we are, without an interview, because we wanted to cover something important and increasingly on people’s minds.

This started with a response to a Yaboyscottjurek post, where he’d come up with slogans for various personalities in the ultra world, including the race director of an ultra-ultra distance race, with “you wouldn’t want it to be affordable, would you?” on their cap. Matt saw this, laughed, nodded, and moved on with his life, but a listener tagged us and the Freetrail podcast in the post and suggested we might want to dive into the subject. So we did, and the results may shock you.

Even in a sport as relatively privileged as trail running, people are feeling the financial pinch, and nothing seems to be getting cheaper. So we ran some numbers and are excited to take you through what we found on the true cost of an ultramarathon. We’ve also got all the news from Laverado and Western States, and a follow-up from our man Lachlan Colebatch, who toed the line at Olympic Valley and got the job done.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

irunfar (the GOATS)

Caitlin Fielder Instagram

Ryan Montgomery Instagram

Western States Endurance Home

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Western States Endurance Run | DCR AidStation 055

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +1200

This week is all about Western States. The history, the myths and legends, and how Ali, Andrew, and Matt first got drawn into the orbit of this incredible race. Andrew, who ran the bloody thing in 2024, confirms that the hype is indeed justified and talks us through the ins and outs of the iconic course. We have interviews with Caitlin Fielder, Holly Ranson, and Lachlan Colbatch, all of whom are toeing the line on Saturday. Above and beyond all this, we discuss Matt’s wildlife encounter on the weekend, how NZ is a village, discuss the future of the WSER, and vote with our hearts and our heads on who we think will take the win. All this and more at the DCR AidStation.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

irunfar (the GOATS)

Caitlin Fielder Instagram

Holly Ranson Instagram

Charlie Simpson Instagram

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Dr Pelle Kempe and The 2026 UTA Women in Trail | Dirt Church Radio 376

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, we bring you a double header of epic proportions. First, you’ll hear the 2026 Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail panel. This episode features elite trail runners Beth McKenzie, Charlie Simpson, Lydia O’Donnell, and Olympian triathlete Sophie Linn. Next, Ali speaks to Dr. Pelle Kempe, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Palmerston North. He is the Medical Lead for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology service at Palmerston North Hospital. Dr. Kempe also serves as Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. A passionate trail runner, Pelle is dedicated to improving women’s health. This conversation explores the intersection of trails and health, the changes and challenges for female athletes, and possible ways forward. (Note for the fellas: Women’s health affects everyone. Stick around, learn something, and enjoy the chat.)

Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Beth McKenzie Instagram

Sophie Linn Instagram

Lydia O’Donnell Instagram

Dr Pelle Kempe Instagram

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Denny's Marathon | DCR AidStation 054

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +1200

This week is a tribute to togetherness that running can bring us. Ali, Andrew, and Matt celebrate the experience of heading out for a run with your mates, be it a marathon relay, a Denny’s Marathon, or a Coast to Coast to Coast. We explore (literally) some of the cool places you can get to in a city on foot. We salute and welcome Freden, Auckland’s new maunga-based running activity, and reveal our fondness for the ephemera collected post-race, and the memories they hold. We get sub-niche, learn that Fela Kuti’s mum was tough as all get out, and pay our fondest respects to Matua Ken. All this and more, at the DCR AidStation

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Art Of Ultrarunning Preorder

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Ian Sharman : The Art Of Ultrarunning | Dirt Church Radio 374

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Ian Sharman is a straight-up Legend in the sport of ultramarathon running. A Coach and Athlete hailing from the Golden Age, before 4K cameras in everyone’s pockets and when fans had to pass around a pirated copy of Unbreakable, Sharman and his kin were like trail gods, foreshadowing and inspiring the current crop of legends and doing things us regular people could only imagine, and we had to, because it was before the great trailrunning media bubble formed. Starting DCR 8 years ago after growing up in the sport, listening to Shaman on Trail Runner Nation and the like, and having him on the podcast is like a dream come true. The four-time Leadville winner and Grand Slam of Ultra Running record holder joins Ali and Andrew for a long overdue catch-up about life on the trails, his amazing achievements in racing and coaching, and the why behind his new book, The Art of Ultrarunning: Tried & Tested Strategies for Long Distance Runners.

Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Ian Sharman Instagram

Sharman Ultra Coaching

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Apex Predator |DCR AidStation 053

Sat, 30 May 2026 06:00:00 +1200

This week, Ali, Matt, and Andrew get philosophical: if an influencer were to influence the woods and no one were around, would anyone GRWM? We take a shot at amateur doping (and why this sucks), and share our undying admiration for the NZ 24-hour championship team. We address some of the curliest issues afflicting trail running in the 21st century. While we are at it, why is Andrew so calm? It worries us when he goes all Zen. Should you date runners, even if you are one? Is this a slippery slope? Does time count in the airport lounge? How does one confuse terrain with talent, and we circle (pit) back to the debacle in the desert. All this and more, at the DCR AidStation

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Ultra Trail Australia by UTMB

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Ultra Trail Australia Live Special | Dirt Church Radio 372

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. We ran away and joined the circus. And it was cool as hell. No, not that dork-fest in the desert, but a true example of community and fellowship at the 2026 Hoka Ultra Trail Australia by UTMB. These are incredible four days in the majesty of the Blue Mountains. Ali and Matt were privileged to lead a brilliant conversation with some of the biggest talents in Trail and Ultra Running on Friday, after the first of our live shows was rained off. We speak with Beth McKenzie, Ruth Croft, Dan Jones, and two-time Leadville champ (and kangaroo victim) Adrian MacDonald. We’ll be running down the highs and lows, drama, and hilarity of yapping on the mic during this wonderful week away. We would like to acknowledge every single person who toe’d the line in the 11, 22, 50, 100 km, and 100-mile distances. We appreciate the effort, courage, and sacrifice you and your families made to be here. We think you are very cool and tough, and we can’t wait to see you in 2027.

Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Cult of Personality | DCR AidStation 052

Sat, 16 May 2026 04:00:00 +1200

We’ve had some big weeks in the running world. With some incredible performances and a new normal being established across the board, from 42.2 to 250 miles. Ali, Andrew, and Matt are here for it, and we have some questions as well. Is our sport, and the big tent that it has become, lost some of its sparkle, its unpredictability, its wonder? Now, every elite performance must surely hinge on the 1%ers.

When is too much too much? Have accomplishment and performance been superseded by attention? Are races now cults of personality driven by an allegiance to race directors? When a brand’s identity overshadows the identity of its runners, is that a good thing? And we’re doping now? sorta? And surely in today’s day and age should we be encouraging elite road runners who have podcasts to shut the F*&k up as much as possible? especially when it comes to gender*

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

*I think we can all agree on this one.

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Episode Links

Ultra Trail Australia by UTMB

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Ultra Trail Australia Preview- With Ian 'easy' Meyer | Dirt Church Radio 370

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Who is excited for UTA? Gosh, we certainly are. This week, Join Ali and Matt as they preview the elite fields in the miler, 100km, 50km, and 22km events at Ultra Trail Australia, as well as answer those last-minute questions that athletes have when staring an event like this in the face. This year, we’ve decided to do things a little differently, and Ali speaks with Ian ‘easy’ Meyer- one of the foundations of the course marking team, and event stalwart- to dive into the details of the course, what to expect, and the level of detail that goes into planning this incredible event.

Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

DCR AidStation 051 | The Rant Bank

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +1200

We’re not going to lie, there was a lot on the docket this week, and boy did Ali, Andrew, and Matt rip through it.

We, the aforementioned, declare that Tamaki is now the distance-running capital of Aotearoa. And also that it is “mad nice” (Friedland, 2026). We charge that big companies should stop doing things that make them look like dicks, and that the Boston thing was sort of okay, and also we wonder if that dude that Jurek helped across the line at Western States ever got a sympathy cougar. READ THE RULES, PEOPLE.

Attending to point 1. We salute Messers McLean, Wadams, Steel, Steel, & Steel for their spectacular efforts at the Faultline Miler.

Andrew McDowall formally and unreservedly apologizes to Shaun Collins for his complete disregard for Trail Nav events in the North Island. We also discussed the little race in London over the weekend and the Wanaka Ultra. Mad Nice indeed.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Matt Bixley’s Kepler Notes

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Matt Bixley Rides Again | Dirt Church Radio 369

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Way back in 2023, when Eugene and Matt first spoke to Matt Bixley (on DCR 228 if you are interested), they were impressed not only by the attention he paid to detail in planning his adventures, the scope of the adventures - 18 Keplers (at the time) , a Barkley Marathons, a million rogaines, and an astounding back story, but the sheer ability of the man to spin a great yarn.

Fast forward a couple of years, and we find out that not much has changed. Settle in for round two with Matt, this time with DCR’s Andrew McDowall. There’s been more Keplers, More Barkley Marathons, and even more adventures with a compass in hand, maybe even a broken rib in there too. I apologize in advance for the test cricket chat. Fun, free-wheeling, and always entertaining, we are stoked to bring you this conversation with the man who literally wrote the crib notes on the Kepler. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Matt Bixley DCR 228

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Return Of The M(A)C(K) | DCR AIdStation 050

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +1200

Goodness me, we got through a bit on the Aidstation this week. From hard choices to boners (Yes, you read correctly). Better mental health and running strategies you can use every day. Paying to pace? yep, we go there too, and yep, Backyards aren't dead. Also, most importantly, I know, it’s not Mack or Mac, it’s Mc, as in McDowall, but goshdarnit, Andrew is back, and we’re all the better for it. Did we mention boners? Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Annie Hand. Blasting in the Blueys | Dirt Church Radio 367

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger chats with Annie Hand, fresh off her second-place finish at the Six Foot Track Marathon. Hand, a Blue Mountain stalwart, completed the Ultra Trail Australia Miler in 2025 and is off for a lap of Mount Blanc in 2026. Annie and Ali talk about performance, Annie’s abiding love of the Blue Mountains, and the pleasant surprise of ending up on podiums in this excellent conversation you won’t want to miss. Also, don’t miss out on our Greatest Run Ever this week, a brotherly battle at the Delerious West. Also, we'd like to put The Goat Farm forward for best running club name ever. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Annie Hand Instagram

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Tussock Traverse | DCR AidStation 048

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +1300

The Tussock Traverse and/or the Ring of Fire is an event that you must do. 100%.

We can’t really jazz it up more than that. If you like a unique mountain-running adventure that is both a grassroots event and offers the most incredible scenery, and world-class trails. After a tough couple of years, 2026 saw the event organisers putting it all on the line again. Ali and Matt run through the weekend and all the experiences therein, including a two-part tale of one of the greatest sporting battles of the last two decades. excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Tussock Traverse

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Paula Griffin- Through The 'Ferns Onto The Trails | Dirt Church Radio 365

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Paula Griffin is among the many professional athletes we’ve spoken to over the years who have pivoted from their original sport to trail running. Paula Griffin is the first professional netballer we’ve had on the podcast, so that’s really something. Paula speaks to Ali Pottinger about her life in professional netball (including becoming a Silver Fern), her pivot to MMA (of course), and then, after a circuitous route through motherhood and partnership, onto the trails, where she found her passion for this wonderful sport and inspiration to support other mums who love trail running. This is an incredible conversation between two incredible women that you won't want to miss. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Paula Griffin Instagram

Mums Who Trail Instagram

Mums Who Trail Home

Muriwai Sea Slugs

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Girls & Boys | DCR AidStation 047

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +1300

I don’t know, man. What’s in a name after all? We’re lucky enough that Matt’s youngest daughter isn’t called Skipper or Queenie (both names he went in hard for). Trying to decipher the lore behind a trail name is hard enough, right? This week on the AidStation, Matt and Ali talk about everything. From monetizing gravel *spoiler alert* Don’t do it! Salomon, we’re looking at you, to the end of the world, headlamps, hot bois, hot girls, trail crushes, and when is it too soon (or too late) to call a course change?? The AidStation podcast. Get in that chair, and let us make you a sandwich. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Jack Harris. Horizons | Dirt Church Radio 364

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. In our sport, we often hear stories of when people found trail running. Seldom do we hear of moments where trail running found us. Jack Harris was, as he tells it, going through a bit of a hard time, and one day decided to go for a hike along the Routeburn Track. By happy circumstance, that hike coincided with the running of the annual Routeburn trail run. It would be neater, if not less fulfilling, to fall back on some trope like “the rest is history”. And whilst it’s true that history is happening to us every day, what follows in Jack’s case is an 8-year journey from mid-pack to podium. Jack started 2025 with a 6th place at Tarawera 50km and ended the year as the Athletics New Zealand Long Course Trail Champion. There are heaps of other good twists along the way, including stitches, a flying doctor cameo, and an early appearance of one Ali Pottinger. Matt had the most brilliant time speaking with Jack about process, progress, and the surprising benefits of sometimes keeping your world small . Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Jack Harris Instagram

La Sportiva

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

UnSatisfyed| DCR AidStation 046

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +1300

On this week’s AidStation, we have a most excellent conversation about the LoopHer relay in Riverhead, a 3, 6, or 12-hour female-only relay. We talk about the upcoming Tussock Traverse and Ring of Fire, and our unreasonable excitement to be involved. We discuss the chase for the Western States Endurance Run and whether the field should be deeper. Is there a place for a Sportiv-style event? Or should we leave it exactly how it is? We talk about how much is too much to tell your coach, and Matt shares an epic tale of woe that spanned 32 hours, time in the police cells, a lost dog, a hallucinated dog, and a medical DNF. Finally, it takes a lot to goad Matt to the point of wanting to pop off at something, but taking Ian McKaye’s name in vain will get you there every time. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Old Ghost Ultra Special | Dirt Church Radio 362

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. This episode has been a long time coming. DCR has been wanting to get down to the mighty Old Ghost Ultra for years, and this year, Ali P made it happen. The stoke is evident in her retelling of the event. If that isn’t enough, we’ve got interviews with Race Founder and 2026 participant Phil Rossiter, Mr. Original Ben Kepes, Third-place runner Sarah Kearns, and iRunFar founder Mr. Bryon Powell. Brilliant Stuff. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links
Old Ghost Ultra

Phil Rossiter DCR

Ben and Yonni Kepes DCR

Bryon Powell DCR 154

Bryon Powell DCR 325

irunfar

Tarawera Ultra Trail New Zealand by UTMB

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Tarawera Ultra Trail Special | Dirt Church Radio 361

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Holy Hecka, what a weekend with the filth, fury, and triumph of Tarawera Ultra Trail New Zealand by UTMB. Join Ali Pottinger and Matt Rayment for a wonderful conversation with some of the leading lights in our sport for our annual live show—amazing insights from Ruth Croft, Beth McKenzie, Dan Jones, Petter Engdhal, Sam Harvey, Hannah McCrae, Liam Mierow, and Emily Hawgood. We run down the results, dive into the DNF rates, stumble through our long weekends on the mic, and share what we took from this experience and the best things we saw. This couldn’t be a show recorded partly on Valentine’s Day without a romantic interlude, and a massive throw of the dice on one gentleman’s part, and Matt finds out that he still may have it (although what it is is questionable). As a massive bonus, we are also bringing you the 2026 Women in Trail Q&A, hosted by Ali, featuring Lydia O’ Donnell, Jen Wong, and Paula Griffin. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Lucy Bartholomew Instagram

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Lucy Bartholomew, Tom Heath, and Wanaka Ultra | DCR AidStation 45

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +1300

On this week’s AidStation, we have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Race Director Tom Heath about the exciting new event on the calendar, Ultra Wanaka. Ali and Matt also speak to the most powerful returning champion, L. Bartholomew of Diamond Creek, Victoria, about her go-to Rotorua trails, Race week self-care, and the update on her Dad, Ash, after his recent stroke. Matt has been accused of many things, being discursive, even downright circumstantial, but one thing he has never been in the 8 years of DCR is speechless. Thanks, Lucy. Really. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Ash Bartholomew DCR 247

Ultra Wanaka Home

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Jackson Cole. Fight The Power | Dirt Church Radio 359

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. What a way to kick off 2026 with this awesome conversation with Goat Tongariro winner Jackson Cole. Jackson spoke with Matt from his base in Missoula, Montana. We touched on the usual topics like training and racing. Still, the conversation primarily centered on Jackson’s history and ethos—from Wellington to Colorado and beyond —rooted in adventure, the joy of experience, and a love for wild mountain terrain. He spoke about valuing the simplicity of running over gadget obsession, preferring to listen to his body and embrace what the day brings, and his love of a well-earned off-season, something foreign to many Southern Hemisphere runners.

We all stand on the shoulders of giants, and, interestingly, for a relatively younger athlete, Jackson takes a postmodern approach to running media, rejecting the absolute truth of the ultrasphere and social media whilst being a professional athlete. Jackson’s love of classic New Zealand books on running—he referenced Rod Dixon and Dick Quax during our conversation, and the former’s famous quote of wanting to drink beer and train like an animal—alongside the more recent (but still relatively old by today’s standards) of Anton Krupicka and Kilian Jornet running up the Grand Teton, was a refreshing and inspiring viewpoint. We dare you to listen to this and not be stoked. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Jackson Cole Strava

Jackson Cole Instagram

La Sportiva

Michael Sutton on DCR episode 349

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Goat Tongariro w/ Michael Sutton | DCR AIdStation

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +1300

On this week’s AidStation, we bring you an excellent chat Ali P had with Michael Sutton at The Goat Tongariro. Michael, if you will remember, has represented New Zealand multiple times at the World Mountain Running Championships, and has recently launched The Kea Mountain Running Series to bring the shorter, harder, vertier stuff to the people. You may also be familiar with Michael from his excellent conversation on episode 349 with Matt. Ali also catches up with 261 Fearless’ Kate Southern on the start line for her first Goat adventure. In excellent news, we celebrate Andrew McDowall’s selection for the 2026 24-hour IAU Asia Oceania Championships, and pose the question, “How can we help these athletes with the high financial burden of representing their country?” All this, Panic Math, and more on the AidStation . Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Kea Mountain Series

Tarawera Ultra Trail by UTMB

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2026 Tarawera Ultra Trail Special with Kerry Suter | Dirt Church Radio 357

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. We’re back again for the third annual DCR Tarawera Ultra Trail by UTMB special. Joining Ali and Matt at the helm is a special guest, two-time Tarawera champion, and running coach extraordinaire, Mr Kerry Suter. What a treat you have in store for yourselves this episode, as we dive deep into the history of the event and its impact on the global running scene. We also talk about our own histories with the event and how something as elementally simple as a run through the woods has changed our lives in meaningful ways. The benefit of having Ali and Kerry on the pod together is that you get both coaches going off on what to expect, your final weeks of preparation, the conditions you’ll face, and the best and worst ideas you can have on the day. We then get our pundit hats on and take a dive into the elite fields from the 100-mile to the 50km to give you our predictions for all the inbound racing stoke. We can’t wait to see you all down there in a couple of weeks, and we hope you are as excited as we are! Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Let the Runger Games Begin |DCR AidStation 43

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Maybe we were all a bit too hopeful that 2025’s madness would not continue into 2026. Maybe these first two weeks are a post-credit scene, or maybe, just maybe, this is 2026 saying “hold my beer” in response to last year’s antics. Anyway you cut it, it’s probably best to get yourself out for a run. It’ll probably help.

The WTF?! quality of early ‘26 hasn’t stopped at the door of the ultrasphere, so for our first AidStation of the year, Ali and Matt run down (see what we did there) all the hot takes, from green screens and the Satisfyification of running advertsing, to carbon taxes and how a local showdown in Tempe Arizona over Burritos turned into a 700 mile odyssey and spawned a fledgling global movement. We got it all, plus our 2026 checklists, a dive into how positive thinking can increase performance, and a look ahead to the hottest racing on the New Zealand Calendar. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Stephen Redfern Instagram

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Sam Harvey & Stephen Redfern | Dirt Church Radio Summer Series 002

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Welcome to the second of our DCR Summer Series episodes, where we’ll be bringing you our most popular conversations from 2025. This week, we’ve got a double header, throwing it back to July when Sam Harvey made his DCR three-peat and spoke to Andrew McDowall about (literally) running himself to a standstill as the assist in the world-record-breaking 118-hour/790 km knock at Dead Cow Gully. Then, we bring you Andrew’s conversation with Stephen Redfern. Stephen is notable for several reasons, including his ongoing feud with Andrew (Which is odd, as they are great mates) and his standing as an incredible endurance athlete. Andrew caught up with Stephen about his journey into the mind of one Lazarus Lake, following his podium finish at The Last Annual Heart of the South road race, a 400-mile self-propelled adventure through six Southern states of the USA. We’ll see you next week on Jan 14th for our first AidStation of the year. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Sam Harvey Instagram

Sam Harvey DCR 181

Sam Harvey DCR 245

Stephen Redfern DCR 151

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Jasmin Paris | Dirt Church Radio Summer Series 001

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Welcome to the first of our DCR Summer Series episodes, where we’ll be bringing you our most popular conversations from 2025. Kickin' it off this week, we are taking it back to March, and episode 318, when Ali and Matt spoke to the one and only Jasmin Paris. Jasmin Paris entered the wider public consciousness when she became the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, with just 99 seconds to spare. Ironically, for a race that eschewed publicity for so long, the photos of her sprinting the final 100 metres to the yellow gate are now arguably more famous than the Barkley itself. Whilst this may be Jasmin’s best-known achievement, it’s far from her only one. Spine winner, Bob Graham Round holder, fell running champion, senior lecturer in veterinary science, Mother and partner. Jasmin’s life is full. Ali and Matt spoke to Jasmin about all this, and Green Runners, the organisation she co-founded with Damian Hall to advocate for and address climate issues related to the sport of running and the wider world. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Jasmin Paris Instagram

The Green Runners

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

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Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Damian Watson. Layer Upon Layer Upon Layer | Dirt Church Radio 355.

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. The path to success is seldom simple. It’s often multiple overlays of experience, each building upon the other until the goal is reached, be that setting course records at 200-mile events like the Wild Horse or becoming an expert pastry chef and deli owner. Damian Watson is someone with overlays of experience. Andrew McDowall travelled out to Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s rugged West Coast to meet up with Watson at the Deli he co-owns with the Steel brothers for a run and yarn about what it takes to compete at the highest level in 100-mile plus racing, how his past as a New Zealand Ice Hockey representative influenced his running, his love of travel, and just what his mother talked to the ODT about when he set the course record at the Wild Horse. P.S. for those old enough, yes, that is a Sara Lee reference. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Muriwai Deli

Damian Watson Instagram

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Live, Laugh, Love-Your-Mat-Time-Not-Your-Strava-Time, You Dorks | AidStation 42

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s the last Aid Station of 2025, and we're in a reflective mood. Matt wishes he could run faster, Ali wishes she could move house automatically, and Andrew wishes he had feelings like a real boy. Apart from these aspirational goals, our heroes run down the year that was, listing what they’ve loved, learnt, and what they wish to take forward into 2026. Never free from the hottest of takes, we explore the qualitative vs. quantitative divide in this most terminally online trend: listing your Strava time, not your mat time, during races. We round it out with our favourite running media of the year and look forward to taking a couple of weeks off just after our annual DCR awards. Oh, hey, also, GO TO THE MURIWAI DELI. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Frances Redmond Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2025 Kepler Special | Dirt Church Radio 354

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. In this week's second episode, join Andrew McDowall for the 2025 Dirt Church Radio Kepler live show. Andrew took up the baton from Matt and Eugene, journeyed down to Te Anau to host a vibrant live show, and then tackled the 60km Kepler Challenge the following day—which, in typical AMCD style, he knocked out of the park. Settle into your long run this weekend, and enjoy Andrew’s conversation with Men’s and Women’s 60km champions Dan Jones and Frances Redmond, Kepler Challenge chair Steve Norris, Nikki Everton, and DCR returning champion Daniele Danesin. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Kepler Challenge

Dan Jones Instagram

Nikki Everton Instagram

Daniele Danesin DCR 231

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2025 Spectacle Special | Dirt Church Radio 353

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. If, as a winsome youth, you’d had your heart broken at a Swedish wedding in Nelson, what would it take to shift the unconscious response when the town was mentioned from “yeah, nah” to “Hell Yes”? Turns out, a weekend packed with as much awesomeness as you could shake a stick at. Happily, we can report that this circumstance eventuated for Matt at the 2025 edition of The Spectacle. In this episode of DCR, join Ali P and Matt as they bring you their conversations with returning 100-mile champ, Reefton's favourite daughter (and Guinness World Record Holder) Emma Timmis, two-time Olympian and send-lord Sam Tanner, That Other Sam, you know, Harvey, and Taonga of the running world, Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson. If that’s not enough, Nelson’s prodigal son, and our co-host in the commentary team, Guy Williams, joins us to put the running word on notice about metrics, why we are all perhaps a little divergent, and his life growing up with Olympian and Spectacle co-founder Julian Matthews. Inspiring doesn’t begin to cover this weekend. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Spectacle

261 Fearless

Sam Tanner Instagram

Ultra Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Ultra Trail Kosciuszko with Lucy Bartholomew| Dirt Church Radio 352

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Join us for the first of three live specials as Ali heads off to the Snowy Mountains for the fourth edition of Ultra Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB. Featuring interviews with Running Mums Australia founder Nic Bunyon, The Honey Buzzard himself, Martin Gaffuri, DCR Fan and Kosci frother, Bel, and the incredible Lucy Bartholomew. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Lucy Bartholomew Instagram

Martin Gaffuri Instagram

Running Mums Australia

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Inside the Wai2k- The Toughest Race In Town | Aidstation 41

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

It turns out, the Wai2k is hard mahi. I mean, we always thought that, but to have our suspicions confirmed by AMCD as he valiantly sent it in the weekend’s 100km was oddly satisfying. Gareth Thomas builds hard races, as those who have had the pleasure of attempting the WUU2K will attest. To hear that compared the the WAI, the WUU is “a kid’s run” apparently. AMCD’s pain is indeed our gain. This week, the gang debriefs Andrew’s most epic weekend, we’ve got a sweet little interview that Andrew did with Gareth himself, and we run down our upcoming travels (to Kosci, Kepler, and Nelson), all the trail tea, and how awesome Tamaki is for heavy music. All this and more on this week’s episode of the AidStation Podcast.

Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Ruth Croft- Hail To The Chief| Dirt Church Radio 351

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. We want to invite all who can be upstanding to welcome one R. Croft of Greymouth back for her Tenth appearance on Dirt Church Radio. We are Ruth fans. If there was a RAT for it (Ruth Antigen Test), we’d be positive. Or is that CAT? (Croft Antigen Test?). ANYWAYS. It’s been a minute since we’ve talked to old mate, and after an abortive attempt post UTMB (Thanks, French Internet, you dork), Ali P gets together for a long overdue catch-up with Ruth about the year she’s had, and what it was like to finally knock the bastard off. The bastard in question is of course, UTMB. This episode also finds our heroes discussing if they’d volunteer themselves as tribute for a fox hunt (them being the fox), the Queenstown and Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon, and a Greatest Run Ever for the ages.. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Ruth Croft Instagram

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

100 miles is 100 miles is 100 miles| Aid Station 40

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

Things we learned on this week’s episode. We suck collectively at Maths, there is such a thing called a Wet Globe Bulb Temperature (WHAT?!?!?), We are all pro-Kipchoge winning Western States. Despite their relative masses, Andrew and Matt cope conversely in the heat (at least psychologically) and are aligned in our distaste of the UTMB kilometre effort industrial complex.

The gang is back together for the literal and figurative heat of the Grapian’s Peak Trail and Arrowtown Ultra. Join Matt Rayment, Ali Pottinger, and Andrew McDowall for all the hot takes you need and so much more on this episode of the AidStation Podcast.

Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Michael Sutton Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Michael Sutton - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough | Dirt Church Radio 349

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. We’re baaaaack and beyond excited to bring to you Matt’s conversation with the most excellent Michael Sutton. The words “mountain,” “trail” and “ultramarathon” are somewhat interchangeable in the lexicon of the outdoors-themed pursuit. Michael Sutton, however, is the real deal. A 6 x NZ representing, 4:28 Mile running, Steeple chasing, sub three minute per km Mountain Machine. Matt goes to school with Michael and gets all the lore and in-and-outs about what sets the mountain apart from the trail in this most epic facet of our sport. Dirt Church Radio. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Michael Sutton Substack

Merrell NZ

Apair Store

The Physio Collective

The Recovery Hub

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Helene Barron Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Helene Barron- Beyond The Finish Line | Dirt Church Radio 348

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

Best laid plans and all that…We had a bumper episode lined up for you this week, with a lot of stuff to talk about, and an amazing GRE, that was even before we got to Andrew’s conversation with the mighty Helene Barron. Annoying story short, our entire episode got zoinked by the AWS outage. Perfect. So please enjoy this distilled episode of DCR, with the one and only Helene Barron, elite trail athlete, high-performance physiotherapist, coach, mother, wife, sister, friend, and legend. The trail exploits are but a small part of Helene’s story, as she has recently gone through a two-year battle with tongue cancer. Andrew talks with Helene about overcoming this most serious challenge, and a whole to more on this episode of Dirt Church Radio. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Shoey-Doo-ey-Do! | AidStation 41

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

Even by our standards, this episode of the DCR AidStation is a lot. Future Andrew makes a record number of appearances to preface, foreshadow, recommend, and otherwise act as a lexographical zamboni for Ali and Matt (we all know it is mainly Matt). From last week’s epic Taupō Ultramarathon and some interviews Ali conducted whilst running, crewing, and slapping fives, to a lively debate about what is worse for you, port-a-loo stained grabbers sliding into nasty communal chippies for 100km vs drinking some beer out of a shoe. I guess everyone has a hill they will die on, and we are no different. We discuss being broken up with at a Swedish Wedding, Matt discusses his upcoming pacing duties at the Muriwai Half Marathon, and Andrew and Shaggy Redfern ran 100km through the Waitākere Ranges last Friday because, of course they did. We discuss crewing, why you should always say hi, and whether to yap it up or lock it in at your next big event.

Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Tanya Carroll on Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Tanya Carroll- I’m For The Trails | Dirt Church Radio 346

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

Did we compare Tanya Carroll to The Lorax in the title? Maybe. Is Tanya Carroll worthy of such an accolade? Yep. Tanya is for the trails. Having run over 100 trail events and over 45 ultra marathons, including 10 Ultra Trail Australia 100s and a couple of UTMBs (not to mention a stack of other amazing results). Tanya is currently the Oceania Operations Manager for Ironman Trail events, bringing her years of passion and expertise as a participant to the biggest stages. Tanya is legit. She’ll go the extra mile for race participants no matter what (listen to her Birthday story) and in her free time volunteers as the operations manager for the Six Foot Track Marathon, one of the most storied grassroots events in Australasia. Ali Pottinger and Matt Rayment speak to this absolute legend of a human being about her start in the sport, her journey to ultras, and beyond. Excellent Stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Six Foot Track Marathon

Ultra-Trail Australia

Tarawera Ultra-Trail

Ultra Trail Kosciuzsko

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

One Year Of Three People | AidStation 040

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.

We had a particularly nice time on this week’s AidStation podcast, celebrating one year of Ali and Andrew jumping on board. Matt had the opportunity to ask them a mix of longer-form and quick-fire style questions about the last 12 months, and what they were looking forward to in the next 12 months and beyond.

If you are after an under-the-hood look at what makes the two “new” co-hosts of Dirt Church Radio tick, then dive in. Plus, Andrew from the future grabs interviews with 24 Hours of Blue Lake RD, Sarah Sunshine, and Sue Hunter.

Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

James Inwood vs. the Badwater 135 | Dirt Church Radio 344

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. James Inwood is no stranger to challenge. The Greytown runner has completed numerous ultramarathons, including the infamous Coast to Kosci; however, nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of Badwater 135. 217 kilometers of road from Death Valley Basin, finishing on the road to Mount Whitney, the race starts at the lowest point in the contiguous USA and ends on the road to the highest. Brutal temperatures, tight cut-offs, massive crew requirements, and a finishing list that includes the legends of our sport- the Badwater 135 is an ultimate test of endurance. Andrew McDowall spoke to James Inwood about what it takes to undertake and complete such a massive undertaking. They discuss the training, the journey, and the cost of one of the most legendary races ever. Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Alzheimer’s Wairarapa

IrunFar Article on Chepgnego

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Good,The Bad & The Ugly | Aid Station 39

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Mistakes were made. The first of many in this week’s episode of the AidStation was Andrew McDowall describing Matt as having a “water off a duck’s back” mentality. This is not true. Especially when the water is the wider response to the Joyline Chepgnego doping saga.That water really sank in. The duck was soaked. . Ali, Andrew, and Matt discuss this thorny issue and where responsibility for supporting athletes accused of doping sits, and is the response from sponsors and the wider bodies in the sport is up to scratch. Furthermore, do the systems that drive these athletes to chase greater riches and fame provide adequate support and guidance to avoid potential pitfalls? This (of course) leads to a conversation about why Andrew would race David Bain in a half-marathon and not Lance Armstrong. Do age group wins count? How long could a post-race funk reasonably extend? What even is Sunnyvale Baked Bean Syndrome? We touch on how running can be as much of an addiction as the next thing, and how being lubed for bear in civilian clothes when your plans change quickly feels in some way subversive.. As a parting thought, there is some comfort in that we were probably never going to get sponsored by Salomon anyway. Also, check out our show notes for a great article in iRunFar on the subject written by Eszter Horanyi.Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Justin Grunewald on Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Justin Grunewald - The Only Way Out is Through | Dirt Church Radio 342

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau.

This week, Ali Pottinger speaks with elite ultra runner and physician Justin Grunewald. Fresh off a second-place finish at the Leadville 100, Justin talks to Ali about managing his life as a parent and doctor when his wife, Amanda Basham (DCR 311) is also an elite runner.

Justin’s story is intertwined with the loss of his first wife, Gabe Grunewald, to a rare form of cancer in 2019. Ali and Justin talk about living with grief, the Brave Like Gabe foundation, and how this continues to shape his life and his work. This is a beautiful conversation, and Justin’s perspective on living one’s life fully, engaged in the present, whilst holding appropriate space for the past, is one that needs to be heard.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Brave Like Gabe

Altra

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Hail To The Chief | Aid Station 38

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. We make no bones about it. Dirt Church Radio is, was, and always will be Ruth Croft Positive. Over the (at least) 7 times Croft has appeared on DCR, there has always been one constant- a focus on moving forward. Ruth is on par with the best to take the gig, a wonderful human being, and an asset to our sport. The only criminal element? You aren’t going to hear about her on the news back in little old NZ, which is probably how she likes it.

So if you aren’t in the mood for three grown adults being just a bit stoked about Ruth’s win at UTMB, then turn away now.

Of course there’s more to the AidStation than us speaking about the fact that RUTH CROFT WON UTMB (ahem), we touch on among other things, How much is too much when it comes to race coverage, that F%$king kelpie dog, AMCD’s war on pacers (for the elites), why are there (comparatively) no women at UTMB, bung eye, panic attacks, and the madness of the Crush The Cargill 200 miler. Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Sean Conway Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Sean Conway– Beard, Belief, and Bad-Assery | Dirt Church Radio 340

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau.

This week, Ali Pottinger and Matt Rayment speak to Sean Conway, the Zimbabwe-born, UK-based endurance adventurer whose life has been one long refusal to do things by halves. Sean’s palmarès reads like a dare whispered at closing time: cycling around the world, swimming the length of Great Britain, running across it, and then becoming the first person to complete a length-of-Britain triathlon. He’s broken the world record for the most Ironman triathlons completed on consecutive days, and carved out a niche as one of the great eccentrics of adventure sport— with his signature beard and being, as he puts it, part-terrier part-monkey. Whether he’s towing logs up mountains, riding Penny Farthings for charity, running the London Marathon dressed as Big Ben or pushing the boundaries of human endurance, Sean’s mission has always been the same: inspire others to dream bigger, be braver, and live a little wilder

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Sean Conway Home

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

For Those About To Rock, We Salute You | Aid Station 37

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s that time of year when we start to see the end of winter and the earliest glimpses of spring. Thoughts turn to the new year, big events, and the lead-up to those events. Does one size fit all when it comes to peak months and loading during the macrocycle? This doesn’t even begin to touch on the double-edged sword of Strava and the world of socials. Luckily, Andrew and Matt get to hang out each week with one of the best coaches in the business, our own Ali P.

Listen in for a timely reminder before you begin stacking the bricks for the season ahead. We also talk about gear — how much is too much, or too little? And when does something that should aid you actually get in the way?

Plus, we have a listener-facilitated dolphin skull update. Excellent stuff.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Phil Gore – To Infinity And Beyond | Dirt Church Radio 338

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau.
This week, Ali Pottinger and Andrew McDowall sit down with the one and only Phil Gore. You’ll know Phil from his two epic showdowns with our very own Sam Harvey at Dead Cow Gully — both times pushing themselves to the ragged edges of what we thought humanly possible.

This time, they didn’t just flirt with the record — they obliterated it. Both sailed past the previous world mark, with Phil taking the win (and the record) in a staggering 119 yards. Before the race, there was talk of 150 yards (laps, for those playing at home), and if anyone looked like they had the legs and the stubbornness to do it, it was Phil.

In this episode, we talk motivation, mindset, the dark art of backyard ultras, and Phil’s favourite Harvey to race.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Phil Gore Home

Phil Gore Instagram

Creepers Socks

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Olympics, Overtraining, and that F*%king Kelpie Dog I AidStation 36

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. I mean, the co-hosts of your third favourite trail and ultrarunning podcast haven’t gotten together for a chinwag for a while, and, if the universe has had a say in 2/3rds of our days, things are bound to get chaotic. Ultras at the Olympics, The legacy of Backyard Ultras, Overtraining and being Over Training, Plus Andrew’s bad ankle, Ali’s tumultuous toddler, and the dead dolphin under Matt’s house (really). Like a young lord patronised by a rich family we cover some ground on this week’s AidStation. Also, does anyone want an Australian Working Kelpie? Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Marianne Hogan Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Sage Canaday – Any Surface, Any Distance | Dirt Church Radio 337

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali and Matt sit down with the legendary Sage Canaday. Since turning pro in 2012, Sage has been a defining presence in the trail and ultrarunning world. With a strong background in road racing and tidy marathon times, he helped usher in a new era of professional athletes in trail running.

An outspoken advocate for clean sport, Sage has long used his platform not only to race but to educate, connect, and inspire. As both coach and athlete, he was an early adopter of social media to build community and bring others for the ride. With a career that spans continents, distances, and surfaces, Sage continues to inspire with his dedication to the sport and the people who participate in it.

Dirt Church Radio — Best Enjoyed Running.

Maree Connor – Spartathlon, Badwater, and Beyond | AidStation 35

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, we’ve got another special edition of the AidStation for you. Ali and Andrew caught up with Australian endurance legend Maree Connor to talk about her amazing ultramarathon career. From the iconic Spartathlon to the punishment of Badwater 135 to the World 24-Hour Championships, Maree has conquered some of the most incredible races in our sport. We couldn’t wait to bring you this conversation, so we’re putting it out as an AidStation special for you good people!

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

Marianne Hogan – The Will to Endure | Dirt Church Radio 335

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger catches up with the mighty Marianne Hogan. We first tried to record this conversation before Tarawera Ultra Trail, but a patchy internet connection and a tight schedule meant we had to hit pause.

Thankfully, we’ve picked it back up—and what a time to do it. Marianne has just come off an epic third-place finish at this year’s Western States Endurance Run, cementing her place as one of the sport’s leading talents. Her resilience and grit in the face of injury and setbacks are nothing short of inspiring.

Hear about that Western States finish, her journey back from injury, and so much more in this week’s episode.

Dirt Church Radio – Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Salomon Trail Running

Western States Endurance Run

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Daniel Jones instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Dan Jones. Western States Endurance Run And The Year Ahead- AidStation Special.

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week we’ve something super special for you. Ali and Matt had the chance to catch up with Dan Jones about his third consecutive top-five finish at the Western States Endurance Run. We talk about the day that was, the lead up, his recovery, and what’s in store for the coming year in this extra special edition of the DCR AidStation. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Precision Fuel and Hydration

Suunto

Fenix Lights

Western States Endurance Run

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Stephen Redfern Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Sam Harvey and Stephen Redfern- To The Well We Go. Dirt Church Radio 333.

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. As the sport of trail and ultramarathon running evolves, we find ourselves searching for that extra 1%. Whether it's in efficiency and speed (just witness the spectacle of the elite aid stops at Western States) or pushing that bit further, it seems like we are heading towards uncharted territory. This week on Dirt Church Radio, we bring you two interviews with athletes who know how to go the Well. Sam Harvey makes his DCR three-peat this week and talks to Andrew about (literally) running himself to a standstill as the assist in the recent world-record-breaking 118-hour/790 km knock at Dead Cow Gully. Stephen Redfern is notable for several things, including his ongoing feud with Andrew McDowall, but most recently for his (complicated) podium finish in the 400-mile self-propelled adventure through six Southern states of the USA in The Last Annual Heart of the South road race. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Sam Harvey Instagram

Sam Harvey DCR 181

Sam Harvey DCR 245

Stephen Redfern DCR 151

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

119 Not Out- AidStation 033.

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau.This episode of the Aidstation leaves more questions unanswered than answered. Is finding your attention waning at a race with no end the same as disliking it? Why does Test Cricket suck? What’s wrong with Corriander? Will it be a kiwi double at Western States? Hey Andrew, can we see your buckle? Did the wikipunishment meet the wikicrime? IS putting your intention out there ultimately a bad thing or a good thing? Is it breaking our brains that our friends are good at running? All this and more in the AidStation Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Camille Herron. Dirt Church Radio Episode 331.

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. It would be easy to start this post off with something like “the internet sucks” and again, that would date us. In today’s context, the internet is, and with that comes its joys, its horrors, and the amplification of the worst angels of our psyche. In the physical world, moments come and go; in the digital world, a senseless act is immortal. Camille Herron, who returns to Dirt Church Radio for a third time, remains one of the greatest talents in our sport, having set multiple world records across various distances. In 2024, the wheels fell off over allegations of Wikipedia tampering. Contracts were lost, and the pile-on was massive and brutal. Ali Pottinger and Andrew McDowall speak with Camille about her career, the recent challenges she has faced, and where she sees our sport heading in her first podcast interview for 2025. We encourage you to have a good listen to this one, if for nothing else, for an incredible Greatest Run Ever. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running

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Episode Links

Camille Herron Home

Camille Herron Instagram

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

The 2025 Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail Live Show Special. AidStation 32.

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Join Ali Pottinger, Lucy Bartholomew, Jessie Speedy, and Nicole Bunyon for the Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail Panel. As our Ali says at the top, there is always more to say, and this is a good place to start. Join our incredible panel for this awesome discussion on the current state and the hopeful future of women in trail. This episode is Ali going solo, running amok, as she says, and just like the women on the trail panel, this is a great place to start. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

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Episode Links

Ultra Trail Australia

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Gary House-Cutting Through The Noise. Dirt Church Radio 329.

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. You’d need to have been living under a rock over the last year not to have seen one of Gary House’s videos in the ultrasphere. From satirical stitches that poke fun at the absurdity of running media to no-nonsense and practical advice to aid in your running, e.g., “Stop being so British when climbing hills” Ali and Matt speak with Gary about his somewhat circuitous route into running, his coaching business, and his leap into the digital running media world. This conversation goes all over the map. We learn that there might be a man named Dead Paul wandering around Wrexham, and that there also might be streets he can’t jog down in London, because it appears that some people can’t take a joke. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running

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Episode Links

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Ultrasphere Is Getting Spicy. Aidstation 31.

Sat, 31 May 2025 06:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. All Matt knew is that he went to Ultra Trail Australia, got home, and then a couple of hours later went to work. What he missed in that very full-on week was a cavalcade of what Men In Blazers’ podcast would only describe as sheer ultrarunning shithousery. From the William Goodge trans-Australia beef, to the Avaripa running saga and consequential PR home-run, to whatever the heck Camille was on about, through to Stephanie Gage’s win at UltraTrail Snowdonia, and a Sea Slug winning a 200-mile race, Matt asks to be caught up, and boy-howdy is he. This episode has it all. Are the crew getting on in years? Maybe. Does Matt go on about how attractive William Goodge is a bit much? Maybe. Is Andrew protesting too hard about not finding William Goodge attractive? Also, perhaps, but look. We’re not here to split hairs. As a bonus, please enjoy Ali’s before and after chat with UTA miler sixth place woman’s finisher Dr Charlotte Lomas. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running

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Episode Links

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Ultra Trail Australia Home

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2025 Ultra Trail Australia Live Special. Dirt Church Radio 327

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. It’s always a party in the Blue Mountains. From the out-of-this-world scenery, to the amazing people, to the exceptional country that carries you, the Blue Mountains have it all. Add to this mix the atmosphere and celebration of Ultra Trail Australia being a UTMB world major, and you have a recipe for an incredible time. This year’s UTA live special is in three parts. In part one, Ali and Matt speak to UTA miler athletes, Vlad Shatrov, Kellie Angel, and UTA22 guns Ben Duffus and Sara Levett at the first of the DCR live shows. Part two sees Matt head out onto the trails, with the 50km athletes, speaking to Sweep Manager and running legend Jane Trumper, adaptive athlete Mick Marshall, Father and Daughter duo Harry and Jess, and some Fairmont aid station action. We then head to Part 3, where we speak to some of the 50 and 100km runners. We try to crack Dan Jones’ media training, we find out that a gorilla has no chance against 100 Caitlin Fielders, we sizzle in Beth McKenzie’s laser focus, and dig into 2023 UTA100 winner George Murray’s road to redemption in 2025. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Finding My Feet: My Story

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Hanny Allston- More Than The Sum Of Our Parts. Aidstation 30.

Sat, 17 May 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, Ali Pottinger speaks with Hanny Allston for a special addition to the Aidstation Podcast. Hanny is a returning champion to DCR who was with us for episode 121, all the way back in December 2020. Back then we said 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, Hanny’s 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. This conversation focuses on the multitude of identities we have in our lives, and how we can be pigeon-holed into specific ones, and they, in turn, can define what people perceive of us, but not the whole us. Heads up. This conversation deals with topics around perinatal mental health. Ali and Hanny are powerful women, and this is a worthwhile listen for anyone with a running Mum in their lives, or indeed, any Mum in their lives. That means most of us. Mum’s rule. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running

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Episode Links

Trail Running Guidebook

Hanny Allston Facebook

Hanny Allston Instagram

Find Your Feet Tours

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Bryon Powell on Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Bryon Powell- Transcendent Trails- The Ultra Gobi 400. Dirt Church Radio 325

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Bryon Powell is a legend. The founder of iRunFar, an Ultramarathon runner and returning Dirt Church Radio Champion. In this week’s episode of DCR, Bryon speaks with Ali and Andrew about the lessons he learnt and the stories he shared in his lifetime, packed into three days, winning the incredible Ultra Gobi 400km. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

iRunFar

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Jean Beaumont Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2025 Ultra Trail Australia Preview Special - Dirt Church Radio 324

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Anyone with a passing relationship with Dirt Church Radio will know that Ultra Trail Australia has wormed it’s way firmly into our hearts as one of the must-do events on the planet. That love was deepened when Ali P jumped on board as a co-host in 2024. This week, Matt has the pleasure to speak to Ali and Kerry, the brawn-and-brawn behind Squadrun, about this year's event being one of the three global majors and what to expect both in terms of the courses themselves, with the inclusion of what will be a very challenging 100-mile event. In addition to these course previews, Ali and Kerry bring the executive functioning of a well-stocked spreadsheet to the party in terms of who to watch out for in each distance, whilst Matt impulsively wants what the heart wants. We can’t wait to see you all at the start and finish lines in a couple of weeks, and until then, we hope that this will help fill the UTA-shaped gap. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Jean Beaumont.-Quiet Riot. Dirt Church Radio 323

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. Jean Beaumont is a legend in Aotearoa ultramarathon circles that you’ve probably heard of, or maybe thought you did, because Jean keeps to herself. It’s taken years to get her to come on DCR and we’re so glad she did. Eight Northburn 100 finishes, and six wins from those eight, on top of masses of other feats of endurance that would make a mortal quail, including The Revenant, The Spectacle, and way back in the day, a double Hillary. Ali and Andrew run through Jean’s backstory and what makes this utter legend tick on this excellent episode of Aotearoa’s original trail and ultramarathon podcast. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Northland 100 Ultramarathon

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Aidstation 29- The Lightning Round

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +1200

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, we’re all back in the same country (for the time being) and thought that we would switch it up on this week’s Aidstation with a Lightning Round of questions that are, frankly, all over the place. From mental strategies for ultramarathons to Andrew’s neighbour, who may be the incredible hulk, through to the best races for newbies, specificity, the pros and cons of modern fuelling, Ali’s twenties, to how much you’d pay to poop in a bucket, It’s all on this week in the Aidstation. Dirt Church Radio- Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Phil Rossiter on Dirt Church Radio

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Kunanyi Mountain Run Special- Dirt Church Radio 321

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +1200

The Kunanyi Mountain Run Special. Dirt Church Radio 321

Kia ora e te whānau. Lutruwita/Tasmania is legend. A hard place with warm people nestled off the east coast of Australia. Our legend, Ali Pottinger was lucky enough to travel to Nipaluna/Hobart to participate in this year’s Kunanayi Mountain Run. Whilst she was there Ali did what all good podcasters do, which was get some great content, from the race director Lincoln, to hearty participants taking on this incredible challenge, We’d always wanted to go to Hobart to go to MONA and ride singlespeeds, but this race is now firmly on the top of our list. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Kunanyi Mountain Run

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Northland 100 Ultramarathon

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Grass Roots Radicals- Aidstation 28

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. We get the band back together after ages for this week’s AidStation Podcast. Fresh from Kunyani, Northburn 100, and kicking about at Riverhead Relaps, Ali, Andrew, and Matt discuss their love of the Grassroots event and the challenges and opportunities for amazing experiences that lie within. This week, we've got some bonus audio that Matt recorded at the Relaps Backyard. First, you hear from RD Shaun Collins about the event's history, changes, triumphs, challenges, and where the backyard goes. We’ll speak to Helen Waterworth and Chris Newsome from His&Hers events regarding their brand new ultramarathon, the Northland 100, taking place in Whangarei in July. You’ll hear from returning champion Meg Collins about her new backyard PB and the puzzle of running whilst studying medicine. Finally, Matt speaks to Alex MacDonald, an 18-year-old woman making a name for herself commentating in what has largely been a very middle-aged and male profession. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Michael Dunstan Music

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Michael Dunstan- Uncharted Territory. Dirt Church Radio 320

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Originally from Western Australia, growing up surfing and playing footie, Michael Dunstan has turned his hands to many things, including music, photography, and trail running. It turns out Michael is pretty (very) good at this whole trail running thing and has won the inaugural GPT100 mile race, Third place at Ultra Trail Snowdonia in Wales a win at the 2023 Hounslow Classic Marathon. Now based in Katoomba NSW, Michael is working hard at some lofty goals for 2025. This is a beautiful conversation, which covers a variety of topics and is guaranteed stoke inducing. It won't help if you don’t like snakes or thunderstorms, but apart from the Ophidiphobics amongst us, this will be a dead-set winner. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

AidStation 27 Mid Pack? Middle Aged? or Just Mid?

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. The first clue to Matthew having an inkling that his faculties might be slipping is when he starts announcing every episode of the AidStation as number 25, just like this week. Age is a tyranny that we all face, and this week-old mates Andrew and Matt run down the question of when it is time to accept that you are not 25 anymore and if you should be. or would you want to go back to being 25 again? what keeps you going into middle age and beyond? and what's Matt's obsession with 25 anyway? But look. Despite the perseveration, this is an excellent conversation about strategies to keep your faculties, a tender chat about tender quads and the importance of not starting your races like a dickhead. Which is something that comes with age, I guess. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Jasmin Paris Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

You Have A Voice, Use It - Jasmin Paris. Dirt Church Radio 317

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. Jasmin Paris was rocketed into the wider consciousness when she became the first woman to finish Barkley Marathons, with 99 seconds to spare. Ironically, for a race that eschewed publicity for so long, the photos of Paris sending the final 100 metres or so to the yellow gate are arguably more famous than the Barkley itself. Whilst this may be Jasmin’s best known achievement, it’s far from her only one. Spine winner, Bob Graham Round holder, fell running champion, senior lecturer in veterinary science, Mother and partner. Jasmin’s life is full. Ali and Matt spoke to Jasmin about all this, and Green Runners, the organisation she co-founded with Damian Hall to advocate for, and address climate issues related to the sport of running and the wider world. We hope you enjoy this conversation, and are at least as stoked and inspired as we were. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Green Runners

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Aid Station 26: The 2025 Women in Trail Panel with Ali Pottinger, Corrine Malcolm, and Lucy Bartholomew.

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Aid Station 26: The 2025 Women in Trail Panel with Ali Pottinger, Corrine Malcolm, and Lucy Bartholomew.

Kia ora e te whānau. Please enjoy this incredible conversation with three wahine toa about women in trail. The conversation discussed different means of platforming women in the trail, the things that foster discussions that can progress the sport, and some of the challenges which women face in our community. This episode was recorded February 14th, 2025, at the Tarawera Ultra Trail by UTMB. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Lucy Bartholomew

Corrine Malcolm

Freetrail

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Adrian MacDonald home

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Trail To Western States Starts On The Road- Adrian MacDonald. Dirt Church Radio 315

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. When Adrian MacDonald moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, he didn’t do it for the trails, he did it for love and the chance to run hills at altitude. With a background in road and track, MacDonald didn’t hit the trails until the pandemic canceled races and he thought he’d try his hand at an FKT. The rest, as they say, is history. Andrew and Matt speak to Adrian about his back-to-back wins at the historic Leadville 100, what it took to get him there, his road, er, trail to Western States, and just how much of a nuisance Sam Harvey is to race the 100-mile distance *Spoiler Alert* exactly how much you’d think he is. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Adrian MacDonald Instagram

Coros

Carbs Fuel

Leadville 100

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Speed Dating With Speedy People. The 2025 Tarawera Ultra Trail Live Special. Dirt Church Radio 314.

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau.St. Valentine’s Day is for lovers, and we thought what better way to celebrate our love for Tarawera Ultra Trail and the people at the pinnacle of our sport than to change up your standard interview format to something that vibed with the day. Our pros had three minutes each, randomly drawn questions, some about running, some not, and one opportunity to pass. We spoke to Caitlin Fielder, Dan Jones, Ruth Croft, Hadyen Hakes, Konoka Azumi, Ryan Montgomery, Robbie Simpson, Helen Redcloud Mino Faulkner, and Lucy Bartholomew. It was great to hear the pros being quick on their feet in a different sense of the word. Also, you’ll hear in this episode a tale of two milers and Ali’s perspective starting these events and welcoming people home. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Lucy Bartholomew - Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2025 Tarawera Ultra Trail Preview Special, with Kerry Suter and Lucy Bartholomew. Dirt Chruch Radio 313.

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +1300

The 2025 Tarawera Ultra Trail Preview Special, with Kerry Suter and Lucy Bartholomew. Dirt Chruch Radio 313.

Kia ora e te whānau. It's that time of year again!!! The circus has rolled into town, the tents are being set up, the sawdust is being sprinkled, the elephants have those funny headdress things on, and all we are waiting for is a bunch of clowns to show up. In what is one of our favourite episodes of each year, Matt, Ali, and Andrew are joined by special guests Kerry Suter and the mighty Lucy Bartholomew (yes, that Lucy Bartholomew) to provide the inside track on the action at this weekend's 50, 102, and 100mile Tarawera Ultra Trail. With thousands set to hammer the trails, there is some super-spicy racing across all the fields. Still, with a Western States Endurance Run Golden Ticket on the line for the first two men and women in the 102km, it’s undeniable that this distance will leave people reaching for the cold water. With approximately 100000 years of experience between the five of us from elite to coach to corn-fed citizen athlete there’s plenty to keep everyone interested no matter your focus this weekend, So sit back, relax, and enjoy! Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Lucy Bartholomew @ Salomon

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

AidStation 25. Chaotic Good, Bucket Lists, and The War on Wellington.

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. You know the feeling when you are running down a trail and it gets so good that you feel that you are flowing and then you push it just that little bit and you suddenly figure out that you are holding onto the dirt and sanity by your fingertips? Yeah. This episode is like that but in podcast form. In this episode, our heroes discuss what it truly means to commit to a big race, and how they can haunt your dreams. The crew rips through their bucket list races (if money was no object) and then some more realistic options. Finally, in a truly historic DCR moment, the batton of impulsivity is solemnly passed from Matt to Andrew McDowell, who has slaughtered the most fattened trail calf and declared war on his bbq reggae-loving brethren in Wellington with his all-out assault on the Tararua Ranges. I mean, Karel made it look easy, nē? Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Amanda Basham Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Amanda Basham. It's A Family Affair. Dirt Church Radio 311

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. We’ve discussed on Dirt Church Radio in the past that the pros walk amongst us, however witnessing their drive, discipline, and ability to seemingly dance away on the most challenging of terrain is a sight to behold. And, look, not to put too fine a point on it, but Amanda Basham rules. A professional trail runner and endurance coach, who has raced at the highest heights of the sport, including winning the USATF trail championships as her first race as a professional. Amanda was kind enough to speak to Ali and Andrew about her extraordinary career in the sport, her love of Aotearoa, and an incredible, in-depth, and honest discussion about what goes into being a professional runner and a parent. From post-partum to the joys and travails of travelling to races with young children, and the parenting juggle, to the business aspect of sponsorship, longevity, and perspective, Basham took us to school. This is an incredible conversation with an amazing human being. Thanks, Amanda!! Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Amanda Basham Home

The Squadrun 4-Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

AidStation 24 Taper Madness and Other Animals.

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +1300

During the taper phase common side effects include (and are not limited to): Madness, phantom pain, irritability, insatiable hunger and thirst, endless worry, and comparison. You will be a dick to your family at some point. You will be self-indulgent and mope in a Zoom call going “No one even knows what I’m going through”. You will stress about your training, and your gear choice, and you will have regrets. You will feel like you are losing fitness. You will question your life choices.

Don't worry. Matt, Ali, and Andrew have the ointment.

Erin Colebatch- Run Further and Faster with an Ultra Appetitie. Dirt Church Radio 309

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu. For the first DCR pod of 2025, we bring you a conversation Ali recorded with sports dietitian and ultramarathon runner Erin Colebatch. With race season fast approaching it’s time to get your nutritional strategies dialed in (and who couldn’t be a little more dialed in, right?). Ali and Erin talk about how nutrition can be simple, which is difficult from easy, a practical approach to carbohydrates, and perhaps most salient for those undertaking long runs, how one can avoid being like the pope or a bear in the woods. We’ve also got an excellent Greatest Run Ever from last year’s GPT and more on this week’s episode. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

IT'S THE 2024 DCR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL- Dirt Church Radio 308

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu. Holy moly it's been a long year, and we are STOKED to share the 5th episode of the Dirt Church Radio Christmas Special!! Matt, Ali, and Andrew run through the highs, the lows, (well, we cut those out), and the legends of the 2024 trail running world. This is coming out on Christmas day, so we'll keep the preamble short, but we wish you a wonderful 2025 filled with love, light, and dirty ankles. Get after it in the new year, and we'll see you on the trails after a couple of weeks' break. Dirt Chruch Radio- Best Enjoyed Running.

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Abby Hall on Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Abby Hall- Growth Through Adversity And Beyond. Dirt Church Radio 307

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu.This week on Dirt Church Radio Ali speaks with the mighty Abby Hall. On the start line at the Kosciuszko 100km, Abby Hall was a picture of composure and radiated competence. Hall crushed the course, taking the W and fourth overall in a super impressive 10:43:24. Ali and Abby talk about Abby’s injury and recovery, her growth through this adversity, and her hopes for 2025. Hall, who runs for Adidas Terrex, spent two weeks in Australia, traveling, exploring, and generally falling in love with the place with her good friend Lucy Bartholomew. Ali talks to her about this, and more on this stoke-filled episode of Dirt Church Radio. We’ve also got an amazing Greatest Run Ever for you. As a bonus, Andrew catches up with the inaugural Spectacle winner Emma Timmis for a rundown of this brutal 100 miler. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Abby and Cordis Home

CTS

Leki Poles

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

DCR AidStation 23- How Hot is Too Hot? Climate, Ultra Trail Kosciuszko, and Ben Berriman’s Trail Story Of The Century.

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau. On this episode of the DCR AidStation Podcast, Matt and Ali Pottinger reflect on a manic couple of weeks of trans-Tasman travel between Coast to Kosci and Ultra Trail Kosciuszko The topic of climate change is discussed (as it’s a nice, easy, non-controversial one) and how races and racers will manage in the future with increasingly extreme weather. We rip through our Ultra Trail Kosciuszko content including the most hilarious and unspeakable trail story we’ve ever heard, Courtesy of the legendary Ben Berriman. Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.

Ultra Trail Kosciuszko

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

2024 Coast To Kosci Special:The Long Road. Dirt Church Radio 305.

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu.This week on Dirt Church Radio we have a historic event. This is the first-ever DCR episode recorded without Matt or Eugene. Andrew McDowall and Ali Pottinger traveled to Australia to race and crew in the iconic Coast to Kosci. The 240-kilometre road and gravel road monster has been referred to as the Bad Water of the South as it goes from sea level to the highest point in Australia. With a long-standing rivalry between Andrew and DCR guest 151 Steven Redfern about to come to a head that would result in a battle against each other, the race and the extreme heat. We hear from our new hosts and the racers, crew, and race directors that make this iconic event possible. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

CoasttoKosci

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Keep It Peripheral—Eszter Horanyi of iRunFar. Nolan’s 14, The Tour Divide, And A Life Of Possibilities. Dirt Church Radio 304

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +1300

BONUS POD: Keep It Peripheral—Eszter Horanyi of iRunFar. Nolan’s 14, The Tour Divide, And A Life Of Possibilities.

Kia ora e te whānau! Sometimes it happens. You speak with someone cool and interesting then you come away with a nagging stem of a question that you should have asked. When I spoke to Eszter Horanyi this was some variation of the following. “What does Coddiwompling even mean??” Well if you must know, to Coddiwomple means to travel purposefully to an unknown destination. And goodness me if that isn’t a raison d’etre for Colorado-based Horanyi. Growing up in the mountains as a free-range kid, and then racing bikes for a decade, including a 19-day Tour Divide FKT, transitioning to two feet to focus on the shiny things in the periphery and not “big goals”. Splitting her time between Colorado and Te Waiponamu Eszter embodies the true spirit of adventure and freedom that our sport can (sometimes) only touch on. Please Enjoy this bonus podcast while we are away in the Snowy Mountains. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running.

Eszter Horanyi Instagram

Episode links:

iRunFar

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Mike Wardian. Giant Steps: Adventure To The Moon And Back– Dirt Church Radio 303.

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu.This week on Dirt Church Radio Ali and Matt speak to a colossus of our sport, Mike Wardian. Mike’s achievements in running are probably easier to document if you go back and look at what he hasn’t done. Mike is known for his phenomenal endurance, ability to recover from huge efforts (sometimes backed up the next day), and an all-consuming love for adventure. In this episode, we talk about completing his first marathon with his son, his trip down to attempt Tour Te Waipunamu and the curiosity that drives Wardian to consider feats of adventure that truly boggle the mind. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

BIG SPOON ROASTERS

SQUIRRELS NUT BUTTER

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Timing Your Kick: Things you need to think about four months out—with Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter of SQUADRUN

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau! On this episode of the AidStation podcast, Matt is joined by the brains trust of SQUADRUN, Ali Pottinger, and Kerry Suter to talk about how to plan the lead-up to your big event. We talk training, gear, logistics, nutrition, and distraction strategies, so your golden carriage doesn’t turn into a pumpkin when you’ve put so much effort to get to the ball. Enjoy! Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running.

Dirt Church Merch!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Future of DCR with Ali Pottinger and Andrew McDowall– Dirt Church Radio 301.

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whanāu. Please join Matt in welcoming the new co-hosts of Dirt Church Radio, Ali Pottinger and Andrew McDowall. Both have been regulars on DCR for some time now, so it should be little surprise that Matt would reach out to them to join him in the next chapter of Aotearoa’s third favourite forest-based running podcast. Both bring a wealth of experience to the table, are community-minded, and love a good yarn. This is going to be sweet-as. This week we learn a bit about Ali and Andrew’s backstory, what they are excited about, the races they’ve run, and their upcoming jaunts to the Snowy Mountains. Ali and Matt are heartened that Andrew may just be human after all, how much it sucks to run a marathon, and why Andrew would even need microspikes to run Coast to Kosci, he’s an Aucklander. Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running

Episode 300: We Made It. Dr Inia Raumati, Kia Mau Kia Ora, and Eugene's Last Show- Live From Small Gods

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

Kia ora e te whānau! Dirt Church Radio presents to you their 300th show! This is special because we spoke to the legend that is Dr Inia Raumati about his foundation Kia Mau Kia ora and the logistics behind his goal to be the first person in the world to to 8 stage races on 8 continents in one year. This show is special because it is the last time Eugene Bingham will take the mic at Dirt Church Radio. We say every conversation is interesting and special because it is, but this one is super special, truly the end of an era at DCR. This one is full of stories, questions, more references to ablutions than you can shake a stick at, and everything in between. Inia Raumati Rules, and So Does Eugene. Thank you for everything Eugene and here’s to 300 more. Enjoy! Dirt Church Radio - Best Enjoyed Running.

Episode links:

Dirt Church Live show with Inia Raumati!

DCR Live Show Tickets! October 29!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Turn Downhill for What? The 2024 Crater Rim Ultra – Dirt Church Radio 299.

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

The Inside Game - Resilience, Strategies, and Ch-ch-ch-changes

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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.

Dirt Church Live show with Inia Raumati!

There Is No Finish Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

There Is No Finish - The Backyard Ultramarathon Story with Stephen Parker

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 Facebook

Buy The Book

DCR Live Show Tickets! October 29!

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Mistakes Were Made - With Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter of SQUADRUN

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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.

Episode links:

Dirt Church Live show with Inia Raumati!

Daniel Jones on Instagram

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Daniel Jones: Reflections On The Journey of a Professional Athlete

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Lessons from The Long Run

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Fast Times and Strava Crimes: What's up with running's most popular app?

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Fire Fighters Everywhere! Part 2 of the Firies Climb for MND/ Helen Waterworth and Chris Newsome from His & Hers Endurance KITZ

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

His&Hers Endurance Event KITZ

Firies Furber Stairs Climb

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

AidStation Podcast 017 – The Firies Furber Stairs Climb For MND Live show

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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!!
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Episode links:

Firies Climb for Motor Neurone Disease.

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Eugene and Matt talk 100 miles. The where, what, and why.

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Firies Furber Stairs Climb

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Soft Feelings And Hard Numbers: The Mileage Question with Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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!!

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Lee Grabarek - From the Nutmeg State to Ōtautahi, a trail well travelled - Dirt Church Radio 289.

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Lee Grabarek- Stronger Than You Think

Trail Society Podcast with Lee Grabarek

Out Trails

Firies Furber Stairs Climb

NickrunsAustralia.org.nz

Inia Raumati Kia Mau Kia Ora

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Gareth Morris Plants His Feet in the Clouds: What it's like to knock off a Bob Graham Round

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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!

Westie Runner on YouTube

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

David Hellard - Podcast Baddy, Caffeine Daddy, And an Advocate for a Life on Two Feet

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

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

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Buckle Up: What happens when you finally get to run the race you've dreamed of

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Andrew McDowall’s blog

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The 2024 WUU2K Special – Leaving it all out on the trail.

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

WUU2k

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Trail Running NZ Home

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Have you got what it takes? Coach Kerry and Ali on what to think about when planning your next goal

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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).

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Bradley Houghton – Trail Running NZ and the 2024 WUU2K Preview

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

The Squadrun 4 Week Training Trial for DCR Listeners!

Trail Running NZ Home

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Big race, Big Plans - How to Avoid Big Mistakes plus Andrew McDowall's WSER Dream

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Anthony Kerr-Taylor: From zero running to an endurance record in just four years. How has he done it?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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 Running

Anthony Kerr-Taylor Instagram

Tina Buch’s LEA and REDs Research

Irunfar

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Tasting Fitness, Finding Her Stride, and Running into the Teeth of the Gale

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Episode links:

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Caitlin Fielder - Rotorua’s Finest and Golden Trail Series Hotshot

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Caitlin Fielder Instagram

Caitlin Fielder Home

Salomon Running

Ultra Trail Australia

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

2024 Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB Special + Live Show

Wed, 22 May 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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 Facebook

Ultra Trail Australia

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

2024 Ultra Trail Australia Preview with Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger

Wed, 08 May 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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 Facebook

Chris Martin GRE Spotify Link

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Inaugural 2024 Further Faster Live Show Special and the Skedaddle Weekend

Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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)

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Jeff and Jenny Vierling: Tailwind Tales - Taste-Testing and Airport Antics

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +1200

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.

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Tailwind Nutrition

ZeroTwenty2 SportsCo

NickrunsAustralia.org.nz

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Greig Hamilton - Worsley Warrior and Barkley Marathons Finisher

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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 podcast
Horleys Intelligent Sports Nutrition

Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Our quads are shaking already: Taking on the Furber Steps in a Blue Mountains challenge

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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 MND

Curranz

Running Through Time: The Greatest Running Stories Ever Told

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The origins of trail running and other great yarns with Roger Robinson

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +1200

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

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Sit Back and Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Northburn100 BONUS POD with Gareth Morris!!! The Race Where Suffering is the Prize

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

Dirt Church Radio Further Faster Live Show!!!

Gareth Morris’ (Westie Runner) on Youtube

Gareth Morris Westie Runner on YouTube

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Backyard ReLaps and Northburn and Barkley Marathons Special – A Weekend For The Ages

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

irunfarDirt Church Radio on Instagram

Sign up to the DCR AidStation
Lockerroom interview with Sandy Barwick

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Suzanne McFadden: How Sandy Barwick set a record which took 34 years - and Camille Herron - to break.

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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!

Ali Pottinger - The future of Trail Running for Women in Australasia

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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.

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Ali Pottinger on Instagram

Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcast

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Of surgery and stuff: A quick catch-up with Kerry Suter

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +1300

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

Polly Taylor, unbroken: Hit by a car, she's back chasing her UTMB dream.

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

Polly Taylor on Instagram

La Sportiva NZ

James Kuegler Coaching

Tarawera Ultra Trail

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

Tarawera Bonus: Caravans of Courage and Curated Content

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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.

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Tarawera Ultra Trail

Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcast

Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake.

Tarawera Ultra-Trail 2024 Special

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +1300

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

Ruth Croft on Instagram

Daniel Jones Lessons from the Long Run

Kate Avery on Instagram

Tarawera Ultra Trail

Subscribe to the DCR newsletter and DCR AidStation podcast

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Robyn Lesh – Putting the Puzzle Together: Life as a Pro Trail Runner

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

Robyn Lesh on Instagram

Robyn Lesh Blog

Model Sailboat Business

Robyn Run Coach Profile

Mark Ford - Stroke Foundation of NZ

Sit Back and Enjoy!

2024 Tarawera Ultra Trail Preview with Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 newsletter

SCOTT Running

irunfar

Bonus Ep: Our new AidStation podcast

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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.

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David Haunschmidt - Life Is Short, So Live it.

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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

David Haunschmidt on Instagram

Run Wild For Joe Facebook Group

Born To Adapt New Zealand Registration

A running masterclass with Zachary Friedley and Eric Orton, Born to Adapt

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide

Eric Orton - The Cool Impossible

Run Wild For Joe Registration

Run Wild For Joe Facebook Group

Auckland City Mission

2023 Dirt Church Radio Christmas Live Special!!

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Huntaway Run Co

Runners with Beards

Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB

Ali Pottinger and the 2023 Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko Special.

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Kristian Morgan Instagram

Kristian Morgan: Southbound Appalachian FKT.

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

RunnersNZ Community and website

Carly Webber from Runners NZ - The WHY

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 Project

Runners NZ Instagram

Freshchoice Kepler Challenge

SCOTT Running

UltrAspire

irunfar

Ciele

Scott Bougen Instagram

Scott Bougen - From local races to toeing the line with the best in the world.

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Southern Approach

Inov8 NZ

Black Diamond Equipment NZ

Adventure for Dementia Home

Amy Whitehead - Adventure for Dementia and the Pipeline of Pain.

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 Givealitte

Amy Whitehead Instagram

All The Gear Nae Idea

Sarah Pendergrass: Light to Light in Scotland

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 Illustrated

Free To Run Film

Into The Wee Hours Podcast

Run Sam Run

Speed Freaks Volunteer Evening

Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge

The Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge 2023: Mud and Mayhem.

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Gavin Clifton takes on the Furber Steps

Cath Wallis Instagram

Cath Wallis: Find your Adventure

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Find Your Adventure

Daniel Jones on Instagram

Gavin Clifton takes on the Furber Steps

Great Naseby Water Race

Naseby: A great race, great distances, and lessons learned from a DNF.

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Andy Carruthers: Tararua S-K, the movie and the magic

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Daniel Jones on Instagram

Ash Bartholomew: Wrong Turns, Redemption, and being Lucy's Dad

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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.

Dan Jones, Living the Dream: From Whakatāne to Western States.

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Ultra-trail Australia Home

Sam Harvey, Never Surrender: The psychology and physiology of running for 101 hours

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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.

George Murray: How a “Weekend Warrior” became the UTA 100 Champion

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

George Murray on Instagram

The Lost Hobbit on Instagram

Alex Bezzina, The Lost Hobbit: How to take on Te Araroa (and become Lord of the Rings)

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Givealittle for NZ birds

Ultra Sophie Instagram

Sophie Power: Taking it Back

Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Sheraces

Ultra Sophie Home

Ultra trail Australia by UTMB

UTA 2023 Special: 15 years of Blue Mountains Goodness

Wed, 17 May 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Erchana Murray-Bartlett Instagram

Erchana Murray-Bartlett: Tip to Toe

Wed, 10 May 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

tip to toe 2022

Tip to toe gofundme

Malcolm Law: The Wild

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Lazarus Lake - Barkley Marathons, Big’s, and Beyond.

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

Majell Backhausen on Instagram

Majell Backhausen - An End To An End

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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

End to an End on Youtube

The Great Forest Campaign

Yvon Chouinard on surfer’s journal

Martin Gaffuri Instagram

Martin Gaffuri - Athlete, Commentator, Coach: For the love of the sport.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 Twitter

Richard Askwith - Fell runner and author of Feet In The Clouds on the race against time.

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Nancy Jiang on Instagram

Nancy Jiang - What it took to win Tarawera and the Golden Ticket

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

La Sportiva NZ

Let’s Get Nancy Jiang to WSER!!!

Ryan Montgomery on Instagram

Ryan Montgomery - Gunning for the Golden Ticket.

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Altra Running

Ultimate Direction

Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB

Tarawera Ultramarathon 2023 Special: If this isn’t nice, we don’t know what is.

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Hayden Hawks on Instagram

Caitlin Fielder on Instagram

Ryan Montgomery on Instagram

Zach Friedley on Instagram

Troy Sachs on Instagram

Lucy Bartholomew on Instagram

Zach Miller on Instagram

Caitlin Fielder on DCR

Daniele Danesin - Don’t be Like an Apple Tree

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Zachary Friedly on DCR

Lucy Bartholomew on DCR #1

Lucy Bartholomew on DCR #2

Cassels Brewing Co

The five things to help you during Tarawera (and other races)

Top Tips to Help (Safely) Complete A Trail Race with Dr Tom Reynolds (re-release)

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 links

Tarawera Ultramarathon

Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger and the ultimate 2023 Tarawera Ultra preview

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Matt Bixley - Old Man Wisdom

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Women Aren’t Small Men TEDx

DCR Summer Edition - Dr Stacy Sims

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Christopher McDougall Home

DCR Summer Edition - Christopher McDougall

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

Between Two Beers Podcast

DCR Summer Edition - Ruth Croft via Between Two Beers Podcast

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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

The 2022 DCR Kirihimete Special - With Andrew McDowall

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Dave Franks - Behind the other side of the tape

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Freshchoice Kepler Challenge

2022 Kepler Challenge Special

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Dan Jones Instagram

Sophie Grant Instagram

Brodie Kane Instagram

Ben St Lawrence on Instagram

Ben St Lawrence - The Boy From Bullaburra

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Run Brew Coffee

Run Crew

Ben St Lawrence on Strava

Anna McKenna on Instagram

Anna McKenna: The Long Haul.

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Vlad Shatrov on Instagram

Vlad Shatrov - The Road Back

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

RUNLAB

Salomon Australia

Mel Brandon - Hanging Tough (and getting faster)

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Ultra Trail Australia

Ultra-Trail Australia 2022 - International racing, local wildlife, and heaps of yarns

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Pia Storey Fundraising Page

Damian Hall Instagram

Music: Chances with Wolves

Editing assistance: Kieran Bingham

Sit Back and Enjoy!

Damian Hall - We Can't Run Away From This

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

The Green Runners

We Can’t Run Away From This

Inov-8

Tina Buch Trail Nutrition Survey

Inia Raumati Instagram

Inia Raumati - You Will Finish.

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Opus Fresh Apparel Co.

Manuka Performance

Old Mates Doug and Jasper

Tina Buch Trail Nutrition Survey

Simon Cochrane Instagram

Simon Cochrane - The Claaaaw

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +1300

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

Backyard Ultra World Team Championships

Tina Buch Trail Nutrition Survey

Andrius Ramonas Instagram

Andrius Ramonas – Play, Joy, and Maths

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

The North Face NZ and Australia

Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge

Blue Lake 24 Hour Challenge – Loop that Lake

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

Charlotte Milne Instagram

Charlotte Milne – Stronger, Fitter, Faster

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

David Kilgore Instagram

David Kilgore – Alligator Tales and New York trails.

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Run the Empire State

Scotty Hawker Instagram

Scotty Hawker - The Journey

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Vibram Trail Running

Custom Made Fitness: Home

Chris Lucas - Fitness is For Everyone

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Chris Lucas Instagram

trailgirlcharlotte Instagram

Andrew Heyden - Running … it’s what we’re meant to do.

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Tessa Chesser Instagram

Tessa Chesser - Seize the Day, Sugar Velour, Sending it

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Dougal Allan Instagram

Dougal Allan - Process, Patience, Perspective.

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 home

Kings Electrical

Bivouac Outdoor

Duncan NZ Venison

Precision Hydration

Recovery Systems NZ

Brodie Kane on Instagram

Brodie Kane - A Bloody Good Yarn

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 Home

Nick Ashill - Finish What You Start

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 America

Zachary Friedley on Instagram

Zachary Friedley - Born To Adapt

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

On Running

Go Sleeves

Mendocino Movement

Born to Adapt

Ruth Croft in LockerRoom

Will Bell’s Wuu2k triple

Claire Whittle’s Speed Freaks Sausages

Ruth Croft - the champion returns, victorious

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 23:00:00 +1200

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 NZ

Katie Wright on Instagram

Episode 200 - Live Show with Katie Wright and Will Hayward

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Will Hayward on Instagram

Episode 199 - Sebastian Salsbury

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Salomon

Naked Sports Innovations

Christopher McDougall Home

Episode 198 - Christopher McDougall

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Episode 197 - Jo Ryder and Sarah Haerewa

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Women Aren’t Small Men TEDx

Episode 196 - Dr Stacy Sims

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger on Sunday

Jake’s Kidsline Challenge

Episode 195 - Jake Malby

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 Malby on Instagram

Hoka Australia

Coros Australia

Spring Energy Australia

Salty Backs Balancing

Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger on Sunday

The Speed Freaks Odyssey House

Episode 194 - Marty Lukes

Wed, 25 May 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 Canterbury

The Bob Graham Round

The Craigieburn Round

Marcus Rentie on Instagram

Episode 193 - Marcus Rentie

Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 website

Tralifolx on Instagram

Emma’s ACL Recovery Study

Episode 192 - Emma O'Loughlin

Wed, 11 May 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 on Instagram

Emma on Twitter

Locker Room Story

Otago Publications Page

Episode 191 - Hayden Hawks

Wed, 04 May 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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!

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Episode Links

Hayden Hawks Home

Hayden Hawks Instagram

Episode 190 - Sam McCutcheon 2022

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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

Episode 189 - Jono Lester

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 Instagram

Jono Lester TikTok

Jono Lester Facebook

Episode 188 - Troy Sachs

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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 Instagram

Team Sachs

Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultramaraton on Instagram

Episode 187 - Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra 2022

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +1200

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!

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Episode Links

Lactic Turkey

Katie Wright (@do_your_impossible) • Instagram photos and videos

Episode 186 - Katie Wright 2022

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

Speedy Spike’s mission for the coastlines

Episode 185 - Anna Frost 2022

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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 Coaching

Trail Run Adventures

The Wild

Michael Stuart on Instagram

Episode 184 - Michael Stuart

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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!

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Episode Links

Stuff Story on Michael’s Triple S-K

Episode 183 - Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

SQUADRUN

Whakarewarewa Forest's First Aid Response

Charles Amoamo on Instagram

Episode 182 - Charles Amoamo

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

Tailwind NZ

ZeroTwenty Sports

Aerobic Edge

Whakarewarewa Forest's First Aid Response

Pigs Backyard Ultramaraton

Episode 181 - Sam Harvey

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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!

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Episode Links

Sam Harvey on Instagram

Duval Group on instagram

BASE Pizza

Nutrient Rescue

The Crank House Bicycle Studio - Home

Rob Hutchings on Instagram

Episode 180 - Rob Hutchings

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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 Nomad

How to Swim Down Rapids

Wild Things Rewards and Discounts

Episode 179 - Rob Bathgate

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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 Trail Directory

Wild Things Peak Directory

Wild Things Facebook Group

Rob Bathgate on Wild Things

Lucy Bartholomew Instagram

Episode 178 - Lucy Bartholomew 2022

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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

Salomon Running

Aerobic Edge on Instagram

Episode 177 - Adam Keen 2022

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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 Facebook

Scotty Stevenson on Instagram

Episode 176 - Emma Timmis

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +1300

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.

Episode 175 - Summer edition with Scotty Stevenson (2020)

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 01:00:00 +1300

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 Stevenson

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, 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 Links

Scotty Stevenson on Twitter

Episode 174 - DCR Summer edition with Dean Karnazes and Lucy Bartholomew (2018)

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 01:00:00 +1300

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!

Episode 173 - DCR 2021 Christmas special ft Ruth Croft and Andrew McDowall

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1300

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!

Episode 172 - Mikki Williden 2021

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1300

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!

Episode 171 - Madeleine Collins

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1300

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!

Episode 170 - Matt Fenn

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +1300

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

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