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This week on The Trailhead, we're joined by one of the most thoughtful voices in endurance sports writing: Alex Hutchinson. You might know him from his Outside column, Sweat Science, or his bestselling book Endure. But today, we’re talking about his newest work—The Explorer’s Gene—and what it reveals about why we push into the unknown, whether we’re climbing literal mountains or trying the weirdest thing on a menu.

In this wide-ranging and unexpectedly hilarious conversation, we dig into:

• The "explore vs. exploit" dilemma, and how it shows up in our running, routines, and lives
• Why inefficiency is essential to joy and creativity
• How kids (and ultrarunners) are wired for uncertainty
• The effort paradox: why hard things feel more meaningful
• What AI, IKEA furniture, and running have in common

Alex also shares how becoming a parent and moving beyond his “Endurance Science Guy” brand shaped his perspective on curiosity, comfort zones, and career detours.

Whether you’re stuck in a rut, planning your next big adventure, or wondering if it's time to zag instead of zig, this one’s for you.

This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan put coach and writer Mario Fraioli in the hot seat with their burning trail running questions.

From “How slow is too slow?” to “When does running become hiking?” we tackle the big, the small, and the existential dilemmas runners face on (and off) the trail.
Come for the laughs, stay for Mario's wisdom, and find out why running might just be a Sisyphean project we willingly signed up for.

Check out Mario on the Morning Shakeout.

This episode is brought to you by Arc'teryx Footwear. The Vertex Speed is your new go-to for mountain adventures. Obsessively designed. Athlete-tested. Trailhead approved.

Available online and in Arc'teryx stores.

Catch the Trailhead live at Meet the Minotaur Skyrace in June!

What does it mean to live a good life? And can your running practice help you get there? In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard sit down with Sabrina Little: ultrarunner, philosopher, ethics professor, mom of (soon to be) three, and author of The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners.

Sabrina’s work sits at the fascinating intersection of character development, everyday ethics, and endurance sports. She teaches philosophy at Christopher Newport University and writes a beloved ethics column for iRunFar—and she’s here to explore how running can be a "laboratory for virtue," where our daily choices shape who we become both on and off the trail.

Together, we unpack:

• How running teaches us about moral character (whether we know it or not)
• Everyday ethical choices in sport and life—beyond the big scandals
• Why we hedge the truth (even when no one's watching)
• What it means to celebrate others' success while still chasing your own
• The role of humor and humility in building resilience
• How parenting and philosophy collide
• And why runners aren’t just chasing finish lines—they’re practicing becoming better people.

🏃‍♂️ This episode is brought to you by our friends at Running Warehouse!
Running Warehouse makes it easy to gear up for your next big adventure with thousands of in-depth reviews, expert advice, and fast, free shipping. Whether you're chasing vert in the mountains or keeping it local on your home trails, Running Warehouse has you covered with the best brands and the biggest selection of shoes, apparel, and gear. Before you head out for your next run, stock up at Running Warehouse.

Links and Resources:

• 🧩 The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners by Sabrina Little: Buy the book
• 🖋️ Sabrina’s ethics column for iRunFar
• Follow Sabrina on Instagram: @sabrina.little

This episode of The Trailhead is hosted by Zoë Rom and Brendan Leonard. It’s part of the UltraSignup Podcast Network. If you loved this conversation, share it with your trail crew, leave us a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure.

Follow the show at @trailheadpod, or drop us a line at trailhead@ultrasignup.com — we’d love to hear your stories, guest ideas, or just say hi! And be sure to check out all the other great shows in the Ultra Podcast Network.