Blake Wood is the kind of guy you want to go out on a very long run with and just shoot the breeze. Blake can talk about winning Hardrock, finishing Barkley, competing at the highest levels as a master's athlete, coaching high school state champions, overcoming injury, and working with some of the most brilliant scientists in the world. And more than all that, he's a family man who, along with his wife, has raised three wonderful daughters who still want to hang out with him. It's Hardrock 100 season for 2025, and this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Find me on Instagram: AndyfromABQ

Blake's Los Alamos Labs Running Page Jemez Mountain Trail Runs Tales From Out There: The Barkley Marathons

I'm talking with Megan Eckert, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Megan just set her second ultrarunning world record in the past year by running 603 miles in 6 days at a World Championship event in France. Our conversation includes what it's like physically and mentally to run for six days straight, comparing 6-day events and backyard ultras, trail running in New Mexico, her work as a teacher and coach, hints of a possible shot at Barkley in her future, and her plans for the rest of this year. Megan is a down-to-earth, hyper-talented runner; the sort of person you'll enjoy getting to know; and likely you'll be hearing much more about her in the near future. Don't miss this one!

Find me on Instagram: AndyfromABQ

Megan Eckert on Instagram Megan's UltraSignUp Results Jemez Mountain Trail Runs

Imagine a running club that invites whole families to come and participate alongside the kids, that embraces and serves Indigenous New Mexicans, that celebrates and includes everyone equally from the parents walking laps to young first time runners to youth competing in national meets and winning. Dr. Anthony Fleg imagined it, talked to his family about it, and together they made it a reality called Running Medicine. You're going to love his story, and along the way he says some things that may change the way you look at running.

Steve Tripp is a tough-as-nails trail runner from Dunedin, New Zealand. He's the director of some of the coolest trail running events you've never heard of (until now), and he's an amazing human who I've been privileged to call a friend. I met him when we both lived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and I'm stoked to have him on the podcast. In this episode we talk about trail running in New Zealand, some of the events that Steve has helped to found and direct, various adventures, knee problems, aging versus growing younger, and more. After listening you may be tempted to buy a plane ticket so you can Crush the Cargill, run with the Fools, or try your luck in the Silverstream Spin.

Instragram (for questions and comments): AndyfromABQ

Crush the Cargill Silverstream Spin Only Fools and Horses

Many trail runners in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona, have met Cliff Matthews on a trail at some point. If you have, you may remember him. He's talkative and leaves quite an impression. Lots of people know his name, but fewer know the story of this computer programmer, father, self-described deadhead, and prolific ultramarathoner who came to the sport somewhat later in his life. In this episode, we'll at least scratch the surface of what he's all about proving, as we hope to do often on this podcast, that the most amazing people and stories are found all throughout the pack.

Instragram (for questions and comments): AndyfromABQ

Links:

Clifford Matthews Results on Ultrasignup Cliff "Deadhead" Matthews on Marathon Maniacs