In this special episode, we welcome back Logan Ziegenmeyer - Bidwell Run Club leader, community connector, and freshly returned from the legendary UTMB 2025. From the familiar trails of Bidwell Park to the rugged peaks of Mont Blanc, Logan takes us on a journey of endurance, emotion, and community impact.

We kick things off with a local spotlight: Logan’s role in organizing Bidwell Run Club’s speed workouts and previewing the Fleet Feet Fall Trail Classic course. We also celebrate BRC's civic spirit during the 38th Annual Chico Enviornmental Council Bidwell Park & Creek Clean-Up, where a great crew tackled the Lindo Channel with heart and hustle.

Then we shift gears to the main event: UTMB 2025. Logan recounts his arrival in Chamonix, the electric atmosphere leading up to race day, and the unforgettable overhead clap ritual—a thunderous, rhythmic welcome that echoed through the valley and set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Throughout the episode, we weave in listener-submitted questions that spark reflections on gear, mindset, international trail culture, bathroom breaks and what it truly means to finish strong. Logan opens up about navigating wild weather, adapting strategy on the fly, and the surreal beauty of the course. He shares stories from aid stations that felt like mini-festivals, moments of connection with runners from around the world, and the emotional lift of having his family cheering him on.

We dive into the mental game- mantras, breakthroughs, and the quiet battles fought in the dark. Logan reflects on the gear that helped him during his race, the nutrition that kept him moving, and the cinematic moments that made UTMB feel like something out of a dream. He even offers a message for anyone dreaming of their own UTMB start line.

Whether you’re chasing your own mountain or simply love a good story, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and trail-tested wisdom. We close with gratitude, a nod to the power of community - from Bidwell Park to Mont Blanc - and a teaser for upcoming events, including the Fall Trail Classic on October 19th.

Tune in, get inspired, and keep running toward your journey.

This episode of Pod on the Run kicks off with Ross and Petar lacing up the mic and hitting stride with a pulse check on the local running scene. Chico State and Butte College take center stage after strong showings at the Kim Duyst XC Twilight Invitational, where the energy was electric and one Wildcat earned a national honor that rippled far beyond the finish line.

From there, the spotlight shifts to the heartbeat of the community: Bidwell Run Club and Fleet Feet. These local hubs aren’t just gathering runners, they’re cultivating connection. Whether it’s group go's, testing new shoes, sipping coffee after a café run, or swapping stories over a pub pint, these meetups fuel more than just miles. They’re where camaraderie, momentum, and movement converge.

Enter today’s guest: Kevin Radtke. His story is the kind that sticks with you - last place at the Folsom 100 in 2024, crossing the line after the cutoff, and returning one year later to win it all!

What began as a personal challenge evolved into a mission powered by redemption, curiosity, and something deeper than revenge.

Kevin’s training journey unfolds with raw honesty. He shares the weekly mileage, solo long runs, and mental shifts that shaped his comeback. From terrain choices to fueling strategies, every detail reveals a runner quietly building toward something bigger. His goal? Simply to do better than last year. The result? Victory.

Race day plays out like a drama in motion, early miles, internal battles, and a timely assist from fellow local runner Matt Bonner, who was crewing someone else but stepped in when it mattered most.

Kevin recounts the chaos: runners suggested to drive between a segment, hopping fences, and navigating sparse aid stations. Through it all, he kept moving forward, until the finish line met him with more than just a medal. It met him with meaning.

As the conversation winds down, Kevin reflects on what the win truly meant and what’s next on his horizon. He offers advice to anyone who’s ever finished last and the valuable lessons he learned about digging deep.

The episode closes with Petar’s signature rapid-fire questions, a teaser for what’s ahead, and a warm send-off that invites listeners to share, rate, and connect. Whether you’re chasing podiums or simply chasing your own story, this episode reminds us: the comeback is always stronger than the setback.

In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar kick things off by setting the pace with updates from the local endurance scene. They touch on highlights from the Butte College Cross Country team’s recent performance at the State Preview, where both the men’s and women’s teams did well - an exciting glimpse into the Roadrunners’ momentum. They also celebrate Logan’s epic finish at UTMB, where he battled blizzard conditions and still crossed the line ahead of hundreds of international competitors. The hosts then shift gears to the Fleet Feet Trail Training Program, where the energy is high and the turnout even higher. With shoutouts to coaches and standout runners like Nimei, Neil, and Joel, the vibe is strong heading into the Fall Trail Classic Half-Marathon on October 19.

Then comes today’s guest: Manny—a barefoot runner, business coach, and community catalyst whose story stretches from Costa Rica to Bidwell Park. Manny shares reflections from his time living in Central America, the lessons that shaped his mindset, and how that chapter continues to influence his approach to coaching and endurance. His passion for strength training, his roots in personal training, and the story of meeting his wife at the gym all add depth to his journey.

From barefoot marathons to running with his dog Oaks, Manny brings a soulful, grounded perspective to the endurance world. He opens up about his “why,” the craziest races he’s run, and how he blends business coaching with the athlete’s mindset to help others build stamina - in life and leadership.

The episode wraps with rapid-fire reflections, a look at what’s next for Manny, and a sparkling send-off that celebrates the Bidwell Run Club and the post-run beverage crew. Whether you’re chasing Boston dreams, building a business, or just vibing with your local trail tribe, this episode is packed with heart, hustle, and hydration.

In this special season preview podcast episode, we spotlight a program on the rise: Butte College Cross Country.

Coaches Mark Chavez and Kyle Fales join us to reflect on last year’s journey and share what’s fueling their team’s momentum heading into the new season. From standout performances to the deeper purpose behind every mile, Butte College XC is building something bigger than just race results.

We also sit down with runners Stephen and Jen, who bring the athlete’s lens to the conversation - sharing personal goals, race-day rituals, and what it means to wear the Roadrunner jersey. Their stories reveal the grit, humor, and heart that define this team, and their reflections on running offer a glimpse into the camaraderie that powers the Roadrunners.

In Segment 3, Ross and Petar recount their own workout with the team - an experience that was humbling, inspiring, and eye-opening. They felt the rhythm of a group whose goals stretch beyond the stopwatch.

We close with a roundtable discussion on what success really looks like this season. It’s not just about podiums- it’s about growth, leadership, and building a culture that lasts.

You’ll hear advice for younger runners and even a few fun pre-race habits that make this team uniquely theirs.

Whether you’re a runner, coach, parent, or fan of local athletics, this episode is a celebration of what happens when purpose meets perseverance.

Butte College XC is on the rise - and we’re honored to share their story.

In Episode 7 of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with Danny DiMeo—coach, co-founder of Chico Striders, and a passionate advocate for youth running in Northern California. Danny’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and the belief that movement can be a powerful tool for connection and growth. From his own early experiences as a runner to his current role mentoring the next generation, Danny shares how running became more than just a sport—it became a calling.

The episode kicks off with Danny’s personal journey into running. He reflects on his formative years, the moments that shaped his love for the sport, and the turning point when he realized he wanted to give back. Whether it was the thrill of competition or the quiet clarity found on a trail, Danny’s path reveals how running can evolve from a solitary pursuit into a community mission.

Listeners are then taken behind the scenes of the Chico Striders origin story. What began as a small pilot program with a handful of kids has blossomed into a thriving youth running club that’s making waves across the region. Danny recounts the early challenges—limited resources, building trust, and finding the right rhythm—and how a clear vision and deep commitment helped the club grow into what it is today.

He speaks candidly about the unique joys and challenges of coaching kids, the importance of keeping things fun while fostering growth, and the life lessons he hopes each runner carries with them—on and off the track. From breakthrough moments to quiet victories, Danny’s stories highlight the emotional impact of mentorship and movement.

Ross and Petar also explore the broader running culture in Chico, a town that’s become a haven for runners of all ages. Danny reflects on the role of community support, the contributions of local organizations like Fleet Feet, and the way Chico’s natural beauty and spirit of togetherness make it an ideal place to nurture young athletes. It’s a love letter to the town as much as it is to the sport.

Looking ahead, Danny shares what’s next for Chico Striders. From signature events like the “Beat the Coach Mile” to plans for expansion and deeper community engagement, the future is bright. He offers practical ways for parents, volunteers, and supporters to get involved, emphasizing that it takes a village to raise a runner—and that every role matters.

Whether you’re a runner, a parent, a coach, or someone who simply believes in the power of purpose-driven movement, this episode is a celebration of what happens when passion meets community. Tune in to hear how Danny DiMeo and the Chico Striders are helping young athletes find their stride—and their purpose—one mile at a time.

In this episode of Pod on the Run, we’re lacing up for a deep dive into the mindset, miles, and meaning behind one of Chico’s most tenacious athletes. “Built to Endure” introduces Logan Ziegenmeyer, an ultra-runner with a heart as big as his race calendar and legs built for 200-plus mile adventures.

From second place at the Bigfoot 200 to qualifying for UTMB 2025, Logan’s résumé is nothing short of legendary. But it’s not just about the accolades, it’s about the engine within, the relationships that fuel the journey, and the quiet grit that turns pain into purpose.

Logan reflects on growing up in Sutter, trading tackles on the football field for the relentless rhythm of long-distance running. He talks about what fuels his mental game during the darkest stretches of a race and shares the mantras that carry him forward. Listeners will hear about the running partners and mentors who’ve shaped his path, including his friendship with Kyler and the sibling dynamic with his brother Todd.

He breaks down his training structure and recovery rituals, everything from Epsom salt baths to massages, and reveals how strength training and mindset combine to power his performance. Logan also shares the highs of iconic races like Bigfoot 200, Canyons 100M, and Cocodona 250, as well as what qualifying for Boston and UTMB means to him.

The episode also returns home to the Bidwell Run Club, where Logan’s passion for community and connection runs just as deep as his endurance. Through laughter and reflection, he shares what makes Chico’s running scene special, the joy of watching others qualify for Boston, and the spirit that drives local runners forward.

With rapid-fire questions, personal insights, and stories that stretch from the trails of Arizona to the heart of Chico, this episode reminds us that some of the strongest strides are fueled by something far deeper than the desire to win.

Hit play and get inspired by a story that proves we’re all built to endure.

In this fifth episode of On the Run, Ross and Petar go guest-free and gratitude-full as they recap recent race highlights—including Petar’s impressive podium finish in a 12K trail race in Lake Tahoe.

They also share their Top 5 Trails in Upper Bidwell Park, revealing personal favorites and hidden gems that keep their soles (and souls) grounded. Then, things get fun and a little competitive with a special “Local Runners Draft,” where Ross and Petar each build a dream team of Chico runners—not just for their speed or endurance, but for the heart, encouragement, and camaraderie they bring to every stride.

Plus, a heartfelt discussion on the five things they love most about running and how it continues to shape their minds, bodies, and spirits.

As always, we invite you to share your own race experiences and keep the conversation going.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Lace up and join us for another exciting episode of Pod on the Run! This week in running updates, we break down performances from the Armed Forces Half-Marathon, where Ross secured 11th overall and 2nd in his age group—running to honor those who serve. We also celebrate stellar results from the Spence Mountain Festivities, with Annie taking first female in the half-marathon and Katie dominating the 50K. Plus, we spotlight Logan and Kyler’s epic finish at the Silver State 50-miler.

But today’s episode goes beyond race-day triumphs—we welcome our special guest, Shawna Batham, an experienced race director, ultra-runner, and key community leader for Fleet Feet Chico. Shawna has spent over a decade shaping local races like the Bidwell Classic and Fall Classic, making an impact both behind the scenes and at the finish line. She shares insights into race planning, from route selection to navigating city logistics, and reflects on the evolving running scene in Chico.

We’re recording this around Global Running Day, so we also dive into Fleet Feet’s efforts to strengthen community engagement through fun events like café and pub runs. Plus, we answer listener mailbag questions—from unusual items found during runs (golf ball, anyone?) to local road conditions.

Stay tuned for Petar’s rapid-fire questions, a thought-provoking segment inspired by his latest read, and a sneak peek into upcoming Fleet Feet training programs. As always, we invite you to share your own race experiences and keep the conversation going.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!