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.