Host Celeste Rong talks with Rick Amernick about the two-decade history of the DC Capital Striders, their focus on giving back, and the community they built through group runs, volunteering, charity events, shoe demos, and partnerships.

The episode covers memorable races, volunteer programs, holiday and scavenger runs for charity, how to join or start local group runs, and the real-life stories of runners whose lives were changed by the club.

Host Celeste Fong interviews Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about the group's rise from a local meetup to a multi-location running community. They cover the shift into trail running, North Face training, ultramarathon experiences, and the Wolfpack trail faction.

The episode also focuses on the group's charity work — the Holiday Lights Run, the Amazing Race events, volunteering and partnerships — and reflects on the deep community impact and plans for the 20th anniversary.

Host Celeste Fong talks with Rick Amernick, founder of the DC Capital Striders, about how a chance Meetup listing in 2006 grew into a large running community and 501(c)(3). Rick recounts early runs on the National Mall, expanding to DuPont and trail runs, partnerships with brands and organizers, and fundraising efforts like a Haiti benefit race.

The episode highlights community-building through running, learning the sport as an adult, and how small actions turned into lasting impact, incorporating both trail culture and charitable initiatives by 2009.

We discuss the chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt moments from the Hamster Wheel 30‑hour race in New Boston, NH.

We share stories of 100‑mile finishes, severe cold and hypothermia scares, top‑notch aid‑station food, crew and pacer heroics, costumes and shenanigans, and the strong community support that helped runners hit big goals.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultra runner John Calabrese about trail and ultra racing — the highs, the DNFs, the gear, and the tight-knit (sometimes cult-like) running community.

The conversation also wanders into food and film: pizza and competitive-eating dreams, favorite horror movies like The Blair Witch Project, true-crime and cult anecdotes, and the strange, hilarious moments that happen on and off the trails.

Celeste and Danielle recount a 50th birthday road trip through Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce — full of side‑quests, wildlife encounters, brutal climbs, and nonstop laughter.

They share highlights, mishaps, and practical tips from Emerald Pools to the Narrows and Bryce’s hoodoos, celebrating the freedom of doing epic, unplanned adventures with a great travel buddy.

Host Celeste Fong talks with ultrarunner Taylor Verville and her pacer Mike Martineau about Taylor’s recent Devil’s Den 30-hour race in Bradford, Vermont — her course-record performance (about 89 miles), pacing strategies, nutrition, temperature swings, and lessons from a past collapse at Notchview.

The episode explores both runner and pacer perspectives, the race community and charity behind the event, upcoming goals like reaching 100 miles, and the mental approach Taylor uses to stay focused: forward movement, fuel, and hydration.

Host Celeste Fong sits down with Joey Thompson to discuss his transformation through running — from weight loss and coping with his mother’s death to sobriety and pushing to 100 miles at Notchview.

They talk honestly about burnout, depression, anxiety, the healing power of community on the trails, and how showing up can help you find your love of running again.

Joey also shares his upcoming goal of running Sedona Canyons 125 for charity and how the support of friends and the trail community keeps him moving forward.