Shows
The Ostrich Running PodcastThe Unseen Miles | Route 66, Time Off Running & Building Ostrich RunningWe recorded an entire podcast and forgot to hit record.After getting over our frustration, we sat down and did it again. Somehow the second version ended up being even better.This week we're talking about the launch of the new X Country Reflective Performance Tee, where Ostrich Running is headed, why Nick has taken more time away from running recently, what that has done mentally and physically, Route 66 race plans, and the ongoing debate of lean runners versus stronger runners.A candid conversation about running, business, fatherhood, fitness, and the miles nobody records.
2026-06-0541 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastRun Your Own RaceMost of us spend our lives racing people who don't even know we're competing with them.The runner chasing a PR.The entrepreneur chasing success.The parent trying to keep up.The creator chasing numbers.But what if we've been running the wrong race all along?In this solo episode, Nick explores the race nobody talks about—the internal battle between who you are and who you're capable of becoming.From ultrarunning and business ownership to fatherhood and personal growth, this conversation examines why comparison steals our joy and why co...
2026-05-2918 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastI Didn’t Podium… But This Race Changed Me: The Oneil Park 50K RecapI didn’t podium at the O’Neill Park 50K.But honestly… this race changed the way I look at racing, suffering, fueling, and even why I run in the first place.In this solo episode, I break down the entire experience from the KH Races O’Neill Park 50K:battling for 3rd placerealizing what “racing” actually feels likegoing head-to-head with Thomas Demartinocompletely cramping up on the climblearning hard lessons about sodium and fuelingand why this race left me feeling more fulfilled than disappointedI also talk openly about the irony of owning an electrolyte company while mismanaging my sodium intake durin...
2026-05-2233 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastHe Was Paralyzed as a Kid… Then Ran 100 MilesWhat if the thing you take for granted every single day… was almost taken away from you completely?In this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, we sit down with ultra runner Sean Casey (@takethestairs1), whose story completely changed the way we think about movement, pain, and endurance.Sean was paralyzed as a kid and had to relearn how to walk. Years later, he would go on to run one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world: the Leadville 100.But this conversation goes far beyond ultra running.We talk about:learning to appreciate movementwhy suffering changes peoplerunning for fulfillment in...
2026-05-151h 22The Ostrich Running PodcastAsk An Ultra Runner-For Ultra Curious IndividualsUltra runners are weird… and today Jarett is asking all the questions every normal person has been thinking.How do you even become an ultra runner?How much do you eat during a race?Do you need a crew?How do people run through the night?And honestly… what do you even win for doing this?In this episode (and reoccuring throughout season 2) of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett break down ultra running in the most approachable way possible—covering gear, fueling, training, recovery, race day insanity, and the mindse...
2026-05-0852 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastYour Fitness Didn’t Disappear—You’re Under-FueledYour fitness didn’t disappear… your fuel did.In this solo episode, Nick shares a recent experience with under-fueling that led to a failed tempo run—and breaks down what’s actually happening in your body when you’re not eating enough.From glycogen depletion to muscle performance, this episode explains why fueling is critical not just during your runs, but across your entire training cycle.If your legs are giving out before your lungs, this is a lesson you don’t want to miss.Ostrich Running WebsiteAltethia Run Sensor
2026-05-0139 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastWhy He’s Running 1,000 Miles on a Track (Buff Runner Story)What does it actually take to commit to something most people wouldn’t even consider? In this episode, Nick sits down with Mason Wright—also known as The Buff Runner—to break down his next challenge: running 1,000 miles on a track to raise money for the Single Parent Project. After completing 421 miles across Utah, Mason is taking things even further—and this time, removing the scenery, the variation, and everything that usually distracts you. Just a track.Just repetition.Just the decision to keep going. We get into:Why he chooses these extreme challengesWhat goes into planning something like thi...
2026-04-1759 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe Evolution of Ultra Running -Times, Gear, and Fueling ExplainedUltra running 20 years ago is not the same sport it is today.In this episode, we break down how much the sport has changed from the mid-2000s to now—looking at top athletes like Scott Jurek, Karl Meltzer, and Nikki Kimball, and comparing them to modern runners like Jim Walmsley, Kilian Jornet, and Courtney Dauwalter.We dive into how race times have improved across 100K and 100-mile distances, including Western States, and what’s really driving those changes. Is it better athletes… or better systems? We also get into the evolution of gear and fueling:Shoes...
2026-04-101h 12The Ostrich Running Podcast1.7 Miles To Podium (Maybe)Six years ago, I couldn’t run more than 1.7 miles. I remember that first run—feeling like I was dying, wondering how I would ever make it to a 5k.At the time, I was early into sobriety, dealing with a loud mind, and trying to rebuild my life one step at a time. I didn’t feel like a runner. I felt like someone who had never finished anything he started.Running gave me something simple: a finish line. In this solo episode, I share the journey from that first 1.7-mile run to now chasing a podi...
2026-04-0331 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastUltra Running Is Stupid- A DebateUltra running is stupid… or is it?In this episode, Nick and Jarett go head-to-head on the question most people are already thinking: why would anyone run 100 miles?Jarett takes the position that ultra running makes absolutely no sense—voluntarily suffering for hours with no real payoff. Nick pushes back, breaking down what actually happens when you’re deep into a run and why people keep coming back despite how hard it gets.This conversation dives into the psychology of endurance, the reality of mile 70, and whether pushing yourself this far is growth… or just unnecessary suffering.It’...
2026-03-271h 29The Ostrich Running PodcastHe Turned Pain Into Purpose (And Ran 200 Miles Doing It)- Don KnottsDon Tyler Knotts (@chefdonknotts) is not just an ultra runner—he’s a father, Army veteran, wildland firefighter, chef, and sober life coach who has lived multiple lives and come out stronger on the other side. In this episode, we dive deep into Don’s journey through sobriety, faith, and endurance. From completing the Swammie Shuffle 200 to rebuilding after injury, Don shares how the trails became his church and how running helped him confront his biggest enemy—himself. We talk about hallucinations deep into ultras, fueling with sandwiches and soup, the power of prayer on the trail, and the mission behind S...
2026-03-201h 05
Running Scared MediaRunning Buddies featuring Nick MerazOn today's show we are running with So Cal favourite ultra runner, business owner (Ostrich Running) and podcast host Nick Meraz. After establishing that fact that his weather is better than where I live, we dive into an in depth conversation that took us through a wide spectrum of topics. We talk about his personal journey of finding sobriety and mental resilience through distance running after serving in the military. We talk about his - and my - "run scared" philosophy, which encourages athletes to find growth through discomfort and intimidating challenges. We then shift gears and get into N...
2026-03-101h 02The Ostrich Running PodcastBite-Size Episode- 5 Mental Tools That Could Save Your Next RaceThis week’s episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast is a short one — a bite-size episode designed to give you something practical you can carry into your next run or race.Nick shares five mental tools that have helped him get through difficult miles during ultras and long training days.These are simple mindset strategies that can help when fatigue sets in, doubt creeps in, and the race becomes more mental than physical.If you’re heading out for a run and need a little motivation or perspective, this episode is for you.Ostrich RunningA...
2026-03-0618 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastHe Filmed His 250-Mile Ultra-Here’s What HappenedIn this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with ultrarunner and coach Steve Epifano to talk about the story behind his new documentary and what it means to chase big goals as a regular runner. Steve has raced everything from short distances to 200-mile ultras, but instead of focusing on podium finishes or elite performances, his film highlights the reality of endurance running — the long hours, the uncertainty, and the personal growth that happens when you keep moving forward. The conversation dives into:Why Steve chose to tell the story of mid-pack runnersThe lessons learned from fi...
2026-02-271h 08The Ostrich Running PodcastGetting Better With Age — Performance, Identity and CredibilityIn this solo episode, Nick explores what it means to keep improving as a runner at 39 years old.Is slowing down inevitable, or can hard work and smarter training still lead to growth? This conversation dives into aging, performance, mindset, and the idea that running times equal credibility — especially when building a running brand. An honest look at pushing limits, chasing progress, and redefining what’s possible with age.Run scared. Keep flocking moving.Alethia Running Sensor (Use Code RUNSCARED10)Ostrich Running
2026-02-2036 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastStop Training Wrong- Race Prep Lessons Every Runner Needs to KnowTraining for races isn’t just about miles. In this solo episode, Nick shares lessons learned from years of racing and training — including fueling strategies, gut training, why time on feet matters more than mileage, and how strength and stability work help runners stay strong late in races.If you’re preparing for your next race, this episode will help you train smarter and show up ready.Run scared. Keep flocking moving.www.ostrichrunning.comwww.alethia.run
2026-02-1336 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastTrack Town Lessons- Eugene Oregon RecapThis week on the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick takes Jarett to the heart of running culture — Eugene, Oregon: TrackTown USA. From learning about the legacy of Steve Prefontaine and how he challenged the system for American runners, to diving into modern running science at Aletheia Run Lab, this episode explores how running has evolved — and what still hasn’t changed. The guys unpack:• Why so many elite athletes used to be broke• Whether companies still profit more than the athletes themselves• Lessons from analyzing running form and efficiency• And what everyday runners can learn from TrackTown cultureP...
2026-02-0758 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastJoy Is a Skill- Mental Training for Runners & Everyday LifeJoy isn’t something that magically shows up when life gets easier. It’s something you practice — just like running.In this solo episode, Nick explores the idea that joy is a skill that can be trained through repetition, perspective, and showing up even on hard days. Drawing from lessons learned through running, training blocks, business building, and everyday life, this episode is about learning how to carry light even when things feel heavy.Because the goal isn’t just to run farther — it’s to enjoy the miles along the way. If life has felt heavy lately, this one’s f...
2026-01-3028 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastFrom Incarceration to Healing Through Running | Casey Vanderhoef & Katy HallWhat does running mean when freedom is taken away?In this episode of The Ostrich Running Podcast, I sit down with Casey Vanderhoef, a formerly incarcerated runner who helped launch Fit From Within—a prison run club that led to something almost unbelievable… a marathon run inside the prison walls.Joining Casey is Utah State Representative Katy Hall, a 12-time Ironman triathlete and the mentor who helped make this movement possible.Together, we talk about the healing power of running, the discipline it creates when excuses disappear, and the kind of community that can form in places most...
2026-01-231h 18The Ostrich Running PodcastThe SD 50 Ultra RecapNick breaks down the most honest race recap of his life.At the San Diego 50, he crossed the finish line in 7:42, got congratulated for 4th overall and 1st in his age group… and then discovered the truth: he missed a loop and only ran 45 miles.This episode isn’t about excuses—it’s about focus, execution, and integrity. Nick walks through what led to the mental fog, the cracks that showed up mid-race, the moment everything felt “off,” and the decision he made afterward when he could’ve stayed quiet.Because real winner mindset isn’t how you act when thi...
2026-01-1657 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastCoaching, Motherhood & 100-Mile Wins with Melissa HendersonIn this episode of The Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with his running coach Melissa Henderson—ultrarunner, 100-mile race winner, coach, and mom—to talk about what it really takes to chase big running goals in a full life.Melissa breaks down how she trains for ultramarathons while balancing family, work, and real-world responsibilities. We dive into winning a 100-mile race in under 24 hours, building mental toughness, avoiding burnout, and why consistency always beats talent.This conversation goes beyond mileage and race results. It’s about discipline without obsession, ambition without guilt, and learning how to pursue meanin...
2026-01-091h 14The Ostrich Running PodcastThe Psychology of Endurance Running Training Your Mind -Breaking the Comfort ZoneEpisode 38 — Training the Mind for the Miles Ahead & The Cost of Comfort In this solo episode of The Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick Meraz speaks directly to the runner listening right now — mid-run, post-race, or somewhere in between. This episode goes beyond mileage and fitness and into the psychology of endurance. We talk about why most runners don’t fall apart at the hardest miles — they fall apart because of thousands of comfortable decisions made long before race day. Nick explores:Why mental readiness matters more than motivationThe hidden cost of comfort in training and everyday lifeHow you train your mind for mile...
2025-12-1932 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe Psychology of Showing Up and The Origin of Run ScaredIn this solo episode, Nick goes deep into the mental side of running — the part no training plan really prepares you for. He breaks down why the hardest part of any run is simply showing up, how identity shifts from “I run” to “I am a runner,” and the three voices every runner carries with them on the road or trail: the Quitter, the Negotiator, and the Champion. Nick also opens up about his own story as a veteran struggling with addiction, how running became a lifeline, and how that journey gave birth to the phrase “Run Scared” and the Ostrich Runnin...
2025-12-1243 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastJohn Calabrese: Navy Grit, 100 Miles of Pain, Addiction, Redemption & the Taco Bell 50KEpisode 36 — John Calabrese: Navy Grit, 100 Miles of Pain, Addiction, Redemption & the Taco Bell 50K This week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with John Calabrese — a 100-mile ultrarunner, Navy vet, father, and survivor who has battled alcoholism, heartbreak, and rock-bottom moments most people never come back from. John shares how running went from an escape in childhood… to a stabilizing force after the Navy… to the tool that helped him rebuild his life.We dive into TWOT100, Barkley Fall Classic, hallucinations, training 60–90 miles a week at 45 years old, running impressions mid-race, Ainsley’s Angels, and the infamous Taco Bell 50...
2025-12-051h 27The Ostrich Running PodcastThe Thanksgiving Special — Ultra Records, Chaos, & GratitudeThis week, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving the runner way — by diving into the wildest ultra performances of 2025, spotlighting athletes rewriting what’s possible, and uncovering the surprisingly hilarious history behind the American Turkey Trot tradition.We break down massive new records from Will Murray, Lin Chen, Caitriona Jennings, Hans Troyer, Sarah Perry, Phil Gore, and more — with context, commentary, and the backstories you won’t hear anywhere else.Then we shift gears into the modern-day Turkey Trot madness and trace it all back to the very first trot in Buffalo in 1896 (spoiler: someone dropped out because breakfast was “too heavy”...
2025-11-2719 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe Ultra Running Journey of Manika Gamble–Namibia, Rhabdo Recovery–Chasing the Grand SlamEpisode 34 — Manika GambleManika Gamble is an ultra runner, world traveler, and adventure-driven athlete who refuses to let setbacks define her. From completing her first ultra in Namibia with blistered feet, to battling and recovering from rhabdomyolysis, to chasing one of the most prestigious achievements in endurance — the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning — her story is one of courage, curiosity, and pure heart. We talk about her mindset, her lessons from recovery, balancing life and running, the joy of exploration, and her mission to become the first African American woman to complete the Grand Slam.This on...
2025-11-2151 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastRuairí Moynihan The Freestyle Runner- Ultra Running, Mindset, Flow state with Trail GangstAZEpisode 33 — ft. Ruairí Moynihan (Trail GangstAZ)”The freestyle king of the desert joins Nick to talk rhythm, resilience, and the art of turning pain into poetry.This week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick sits down with Ruairí Moynihan — ultra runner, coach, and the lyrical powerhouse known as Trail GangstAZ. He’s the artist behind the Ostrich Running anthem, a member of the Aravaipa Running Team, and fresh off a sub-9-hour finish at Javelina Jundred 100K — good for 6th overall. From dropping bars mid-race to rebuilding after injury and loss, Ruairí shares how rhythm, mindset, and movement collide to cr...
2025-11-141h 01The Ostrich Running PodcastThe Stories That Changed Me. What I learned Interviewing Ultra Marathon RunnersEpisode 32 – The Stories That Changed MeIn this solo episode, I reflect on what I’ve learned after 30+ conversations with ultra runners who have redefined what endurance means.🎧 Act 1: The Common ThreadsWhat do all 100-milers have in common? From addiction recovery to chasing clarity — these runners aren’t just logging miles, they’re rewriting their lives.🎧 Act 2: Interviews That Changed MeFrom veterans to parents, from the broken to the bold, certain stories stuck with me long after we hit stop on the recorder. These are the guests who changed how I see pain, growth, and purp...
2025-11-0836 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastFrom 100 Miles to Saving Lives- Mannie Zubia on Ultras, Fatherhood & Kidney DonationWhat’s harder than running 100 miles? Donating a kidney — and then toeing the line anyway. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mannie Zubia — a husband, father, veteran, and ultra runner — whose story stretches far beyond the finish line. We talk about what it means to show up for others and still chase your own wild dreams. Mannie shares how his kidney donation didn’t slow him down — it gave him purpose. From grueling Leadville training runs to redefining masculinity through vulnerability, this conversation dives deep into mindset, healing, grit, and what it means to run for something bigger than yoursel...
2025-10-311h 04The Ostrich Running PodcastKodiak 100 Mile Ultramarathon: The Redemption Run (Part 2)In this special two-part episode, Nick returns to the 100-mile distance for redemption. One year after his DNF at mile 62, he toes the line at the Kodiak 100 — stronger, wiser, and ready to face the distance that broke him.This second part Nick and Jarett talk about the lessons learned out there on the course. What it took to actually finish this race and what changed for Nick and Jarett after their experiences. Listen as Nick takes you inside the pain cave, the silence between aid stations, and the lessons that only come when you’re running for s...
2025-10-241h 05The Ostrich Running PodcastKodiak 100 Mile Ultramarathon: The Redemption Run (Part 1)In this special two-part episode, Nick returns to the 100-mile distance for redemption. One year after his DNF at mile 62, he toes the line at the Kodiak 100 — stronger, wiser, and ready to face the distance that broke him.This first part captures the anticipation before the race, the emotional weight of unfinished business, and the first brutal 66 miles of his journey — including on-course moments with pacer Cody Novini that reveal what Run Scared truly means. Listen as Nick takes you inside the pain cave, the silence between aid stations, and the lessons that only come when you’r...
2025-10-171h 01
The Ostrich Running PodcastA collaborative Episode- Mindset, Adversity, & Why We Do What We Do (ft. Ordinary Voices)Welcome back to the Ostrich Running Podcast! Episode 28 is something special — our very first collaborative episode. We teamed up with Kobie from Ordinary Voices Podcast to dive deep into what drives us as runners, creators, and people chasing growth. This episode is about more than miles. We talk about:👟 The spark behind starting Ostrich Running — the podcast, the brand, and the vision for the future💭 Mindset and consistency — showing up every day whether you feel like it or not⚡ Race-day adversity — how running 100 miles teaches you about life🎯 Doing it for the right reasons — building community, not just content
2025-10-061h 18The Ostrich Running PodcastRunning After 40: Jeffrey Weiss Explains Why Midlife Is Just the StartRacing Against Time isn’t just the title of Jeffrey Weiss’s new book—it’s a roadmap for every runner who’s ever stared down burnout, grief, or the question: Is this all there is? In this deeply personal conversation, Jeffrey sits down with Nick to talk about how Ironman, ultramarathons, and facing loss reshaped his entire life. They explore what it means to suffer on purpose, the surprising transformation of midlife through sport, and why endurance events are becoming the new rites of passage for men trying to heal. Whether you run to race or to repair you...
2025-09-2357 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastWhy Running Rewires The Brain- The One With An Ultra RewireIn this emotionally raw and ridiculously funny episode, Nick and Jarett unpack the emotional rollercoaster of running — from the quiet rewiring of your brain to the full-blown freakouts on the trail.Nick shares how running reshapes how we manage anger, stress, and even sadness, while Jarett… well, tries to figure out why anyone would choose this madness. This episode blends the serious side of mental growth with hilarious true (and true-ish) stories of runners losing their minds.You'll laugh, you’ll relate, and you’ll walk away realizing: running doesn’t just make you stronger — it makes you mo
2025-09-0557 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastWhat Would It Take To Run An Ultramarathon? The One Where I Convince The JuiceWould you run a mile for free pizza for life? What about a billion dollars… or to legally ban pineapple on pizza?In this hilarious episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett play “Would the Juice Run for That?”—a game that tests if anything could make Jarett, a self-proclaimed run-hater, actually lace up and hit the trail. From Japan trips to stock portfolios to Morgan Freeman narrating his life, the stakes get weird fast.Then in the second half, Nick throws every piece of running jargon he can at Jarett to see what sticks. From “fartleks”...
2025-08-291h 03The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where Pride Meets a ConventionIn this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett tackle the weird pride runners have — and that constant urge to convert everyone else into running. Is it inspiration? Is it bragging? Or is running secretly a cult?We kick things off from our hotel room at Podcast Movement, breaking down why runners love to talk about their miles, injuries, and finish lines like they’re badges of honor. Then we hit the convention floor to ask random people — both runners and non-runners — how they see running pride, and what their version of a marathon looks like.Whether...
2025-08-2157 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With Majors On the MindThe One With Majors On The MindWhat happens when the code stops compiling—but it’s not your job, it’s your life? In this episode, Nick sits down with Derrick Song, a software engineer turned ultra runner, to talk about what happens when burnout forces you off the grid and onto the trail.Derrick opens up about the cultural pressures of being Asian-American in the tech world, the unexpected therapy he found through endurance running, and why he's learning to measure success in miles, not metrics.This conversation goes deep—into masculinity, healing, mental health, and what...
2025-08-0557 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One on the Edge of SurvivalUltrarunning isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s a test of survival. In this episode, Nick dives into the harrowing true stories from the dark side of ultrarunning: the 2021 Gansu ultramarathon disaster in China where 21 runners lost their lives, the recent passing of Elaine Stypula at the Hardrock 100, and the bizarre and brutal injuries runners have faced—including going blind mid-race.This episode honors the runners we’ve lost, explores the razor-thin line between passion and peril, and asks the tough question: how far is too far?Whether you're an ultrarunner, a trail junkie, or just someone fa...
2025-07-2957 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Who Carried It AllIn this episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast, host Nick Meraz interviews Bri Santos, a remarkable mother of seven and ultra runner. Bri shares her journey of balancing motherhood with her passion for running, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faces along the way. From starting her running journey during the pandemic to overcoming health issues, Bri emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting goals. She discusses her aspirations to run the Western States 100 and the significance of representation in the running community. Throughout the conversation, Bri's resilience and determination shine through, inspiring listeners to push their limits and prioritize...
2025-07-221h 12The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One WIth A History LessonThe One WIth A History LessonWhy run 100 miles? Why invent races so hard they chew people up? Today on the Ostrich Running Podcast, Nick and Jarett dig deep into the surprising, messy, and weirdly inspiring history of ultramarathons.From ancient hunters in the African savanna overheating antelope for dinner to Victorian gamblers betting on men to walk 500 miles without sleep, this is the story of how humans decided “too far” wasn’t far enough. We’ll meet Greek couriers sprinting between city-states, Tarahumara runners navigating canyon trails long before GPS, and South African soldiers who turned g...
2025-07-151h 11The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where He Shows Up AnywayThis week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, we sit down with Wes Cornett—a retired U.S. Air Force Special Warfare operator turned ultrarunner, writer, and storyteller who is running with a diagnosis of early-onset Lewy Body Dementia.Wes doesn’t sugarcoat anything. We talk about the real stuff: depression, sobriety, what it’s like to get lost on trail and concussed, finishing a 100-miler after two DNFs, and training for the Western States 100 even as time feels short.He shares why he still shows up every damn day, how running helped him get sober, and the role of fam...
2025-07-081h 30The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where Nick Tells All Pt.1In this raw and revealing episode, we flip the script. Jarett interviews Nick Meraz, the founder of Ostrich Running—ultrarunner, veteran, and creator of a brand that’s become a home for the broken, the slow, the weirdos, and the wild ones. We talk about where the brand really came from (spoiler: it wasn’t a business plan), what Run Scared really means, and why Ostrich Running is bigger than merch—it’s a movement. Whether you’re new to the flock or you’ve been here since the first black-and-white hat dropped, this one’s for you. 🎧 What you'll hear:
2025-07-0156 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With Olympic Trial Dreams Pt 1The One With Olympic Trial Dreams Pt 1Xavier Smith is one of the fastest runners you've never heard of—because in the world of elite track and field, if you’re not already a star, you’re on your own. In this episode, we go deep into what it’s like chasing Olympic Trials while balancing fatherhood, physical and mental obstacles, and a system that doesn’t reward even the best. This is for the grinders. The ghosts. The 99% of elite athletes running on hope and hustle. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode. Performance Elite Runni
2025-06-241h 03The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where the Robots Pace UsNick and Jarett unpack eight wild (and maybe terrifying) ways artificial intelligence is about to crash the aid station. Will algorithm-built shoes, real-time pacing bots, and carbon-score race calendars save our legs—or ruin the soul of ultra-running? No guest, just unfiltered debate, occasional tech meltdowns, and plenty of laughter for your next long run.
2025-06-1758 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where He Runs For Those Who CantThe One Where He Runs For Those Who CantIce-cream miles, surprise ultra wins, and a 75-kilometre mountain-to-mountain fundraiser—Isaac “The Green Runner” Leighninger joins Nick to unpack the joy-first mindset that turns pain into purpose. From jumping cars to praying on start lines, Isaac explains how faith, fun, and community fuel his fight against pediatric brain cancer and his own battles with concussion and COVID heart issues. If you need proof that gratitude and grind can share the same trail, press play.Want to try Isaacs go to flavor of mid run ice cream?C...
2025-06-1059 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where No One Cares Anymore🎧 Episode 14: The One Where No One Cares AnymoreIn this episode, Nick and Jarett sit down to explore a quiet truth behind endurance running—what happens when no one claps anymore? We talk about the drive for external validation, the shift in family dynamics after your tenth ultra, and the deeper reasons some runners keep signing up for longer, harder, more painful efforts. Is it self-growth? Is it escape? Or is it unresolved pain we haven’t fully faced? This isn’t a training episode. It’s a heart check. And maybe a little therapy session on the mic.
2025-06-031h 06The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where We Walk Before We RunThe One Where We Walk Before We RunIn this episode, we sit down with Tyson Black—a laid-back, hard-working trail runner from Southeast Tennessee who just last year decided to stop making excuses and start walking. Fast forward a few months, and he’s knocking out 50Ks and 50 milers with oatmeal creme pies in hand (and sometimes on his face).We talk about what it’s like to go from walking to ultramarathons in under a year, how self-talk keeps him moving through the pain cave, and why most people underestimate the power of slow, steady...
2025-05-271h 13The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where He Ran Across UtahMason Wright—aka The Buff Runner—is back on the podcast after doing the unthinkable: running 421 miles across the entire state of Utah. In this episode, we break down the run mile by mile, pain cave by pain cave, from the early injury scare to the final steps across state lines.Mason opens up about the mental game behind multi-day suffering, what surprised him most out there in the desert, and why he still thinks the best is yet to come. We talk fuel (spoiler: it’s not all clean eating), gear, the dark moments, the spiritual highs, and what i...
2025-05-201h 01The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where It Gets SweatyThe One Where We Get SweatyIn this episode, we sit down with Joseph Proctor, aka Apache Joe—a husband, father of three, and a former high school and college runner who took a 23-year detour through the chaos of mental health struggles before lacing up again. What brought him back? Nose breathing, miles in the dark, and something deeper that couldn’t be ignored.We dive into Joe’s raw and honest journey: the battle back to running, the rituals that ground him, and the philosophy behind doing hard things—sweaty things—with purpose. This is one of...
2025-05-131h 00The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where Everyone Wears HokasEpisode 10 – The One Where Everyone Wears HokasThis week, Nick and Jarett dive headfirst into one of the most lopsided questions in endurance sports: why are ultra runners broke while pro athletes in other sports cash seven-figure checks for playing less than three hours a week? We break down the OC Marathon results, highlight the early buzz around Cocodona 250, and explore whether increasing prize money and sponsorships would help or hurt the raw, community-driven soul of ultra running. Is more money the missing piece? Or would it turn mountain grit into a corporate circus?www.os...
2025-05-061h 06The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where I ReflectThe One Where I Reflect: Is It the Finish Line or the March That Matters?escription:In Episode 9, Nick flies solo and dives deep into some of the biggest questions we face as runners — and as people.First, we reflect on our conversation with Dr. Jaimie Lusk about whether running truly heals us... or sometimes just hides the real work we need to do.Then, we explore the massive new partnership between Salomon and Warner Brothers Discovery and what it means for the future of trail running — from big media deals to mid-pack heroes.Finally, Nick...
2025-04-2932 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where the Rat Inside Got QuietEpisode 8: The One Where the Rat Inside Got QuietGuest: Dr. Jaimie Lusk, PsyDIn this episode, we dive into the deep end of what fuels us to run — and what we’re sometimes running from. Dr. Jaimie Lusk, a licensed psychologist and ultra-runner, joins us to explore the powerful intersection of trauma recovery, mental health, and endurance sports. We talk about how ultra-running can be a path to healing, a coping mechanism, or, in some cases, a way to avoid the very emotions we need to face. We unpack what it looks like when your driv...
2025-04-221h 02The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where the Run Becomes The RiteEpisode 7 – Dante Liberato: 500 Miles, Psychedelics, and the Edge of Human Potential Ultra runner, psychonaut, and performance coach Dante Liberato joins us to unpack the layers behind his jaw-dropping 500-mile run — a journey that fuses endurance, trauma, recovery, and altered states of consciousness. We dig into:The mental preparation behind extreme distanceHow psychedelics became part of Dante's healing and performance toolkitThe spiritual side of sufferingWhat it means to come back from the edge — and choose to keep goingNick and Jarett explore how endurance athletes like Dante push past limits not just for the finish line, but for self-transformation. This one’s part t...
2025-04-081h 02The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With A CultIn this episode, Nick and Jarett dive deep (and maybe too deep) into what makes the running community feel a little... culty. Nick opens up about how running became his outlet for chaos, and Jarett asks the real questions: When your life revolves around weekly mileage, hallucinating during ultras, and worshipping electrolytes — is that a sport, or are you in a robe chanting “PRs over everything”? This one’s raw, hilarious, and possibly a bit too honest. If you’ve ever looked at your Garmin and thought “this completes me,” you’re gonna feel seen.Ostrich Running
2025-04-0159 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With A Buff RunnerEpisode 5 – The Buff Runner: Mason Wright on Breaking the Mold and Running with Purpose This week on The Ostrich Running Podcast, we’re joined by Mason Wright, better known as The Buff Runner—a powerlifting football player turned ultra athlete who’s rewriting the rules of endurance sports. Mason doesn’t fit the typical runner mold, and he doesn’t want to. From facing judgment in the community to finishing the grueling Whiskey Basin 60-miler, he’s been pushing back against expectations and leaning into the unorthodox. In this episode, we talk about:How Mason’s football and powerlifting background shaped his ultra...
2025-03-2553 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With An IronmanIn this episode of The Ostrich Running Podcast, we sit down with Cody Novini—a man on a mission to push himself beyond limits, even when he hates running.Cody shares his unconventional journey into endurance sports, which began on a whim when he signed up for a half marathon the night before the race. From there, he dove headfirst into the deep end, tackling sprint triathlons, Ironman events, and now training for the Zion 100 Ultra in 2025. Cody opens up about his approach to running—not for love, but as a way to overcome fear and discomfort. He talks abou...
2025-03-1855 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Were We Talk CrazyEpisode 3: Are Ultra Runners Just Crazy?Welcome to The Ostrich Running Podcast! Today, we’re tackling the age-old question every ultra runner has been asked: Are we all just crazy? 🤪 Why do people willingly sign up for races that leave them sleep-deprived, in pain, and questioning their life choices at mile 80? Is it about self-discovery, mental resilience, or just pure suffering for suffering’s sake? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of ultra running, exploring how endurance sports rewire the brain, why some people push their limits to the extreme, and whether there’s a fine l...
2025-03-111h 00The Ostrich Running PodcastThe One With Garrett EleduiWhat if your phone screen time depended on how much you moved? In this episode of The Ostrich Running Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Eledui, a software engineer, father, and aspiring runner who created an app that exchanges one minute of exercise for one minute of screen time.We dive into:✅ How his app is changing the way people think about fitness & screen addiction✅ The psychology of motivation and why movement is the ultimate unlock✅ Nick’s take on balancing running, tech, and mental disciplineIf you’ve ever struggled to stay active in a world fu...
2025-03-0449 minThe Ostrich Running PodcastThe One Where We Introduce Our ShowWelcome to the very first episode of the Ostrich Running Podcast! Hosted by ultra runner Nick Meraz and co-host Jarett "The Juice" Horton, this show dives into the wild world of long-distance running, training struggles, race stories, and the bizarre reasons people push their limits.In this debut episode, we introduce the podcast, share our own running journeys (or lack thereof—looking at you, Jarett), and discuss why people willingly suffer for hours on end. Whether you're an experienced ultra runner or just here to laugh at the insanity, we’ve got something for you.Strap in, lace up, and let’...
2025-02-2739 min