Running Scared Media

“If I had to describe Badwater 135 in one word, it would be: Inferno.” - Mike Wardian

Ultra-marathon legend Mike Wardian, a 4-time USATF Ultra Runner of the Year, has shattered records and pushed boundaries across the globe. But nothing compares to the brutal challenge of the Badwater 135—a grueling 135-mile race through Death Valley, where temperatures soar to 130°F, starting at the lowest point in the U.S. and climbing to over 8,000 feet.

Inferno is an immersive docudrama that plunges you into Mike's punishing journey as he battles searing heat and relentless fatigue, while his crew fi...

On an isolated island, four components of a gene-altering formula have been hidden. Colonel Ken Capstone deploys his best runner to retrieve the parts: you. Codename: Jack Rabbit. But the island is undergoing unimaginable changes - the flora and fauna are mutating and seem to be acting to protect the components you need. With the aid of the grizzled Capstone and brilliant Dr. Malcolm Burr you will traverse through jungle terrain, over waterfalls and into caves to complete the mission. Be warned, not everything on this island is as it seems.

This is also the week 4 story...

Haliburton is done, and everything about the next training block just changed.
This episode breaks down the new program heading into the second 50K on November 15 — a fourth gym day added specifically because of what Haliburton exposed, and the lessons from that race that reshaped how this block is built.

The Schedule
Running Days
— Tuesday: Easy run, 45–60 minutes (30 in cutback/taper weeks)
— Wednesday: Hill intervals, 45–60 minutes, building from 4 up to 6 rounds of climb-and-descent
— Friday: Recovery run
— Saturday: Nothing for the first few weeks, then progressively added sessions to build fatig...

On todays instalment of Sole Sisters, Justine and Kylie introduce their "Roll to Run" concept. Inspired by the viral "Roll for Sandwich" series and tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, the hosts create tiered lists to determine their running partners, locations, times, and fueling options. They use dice rolls to blind-rank various challenges, ranging from pleasant solo runs to difficult tasks like hill repeats or achieving a Strava local legend status. Throughout the discussion, they debate the fairness of digital versus physical dice and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with fitness and gaming. The episode finishes off with the...

On todays show Ari sits down with Chelsea Grant, a world-class athlete and DECA champion, who discusses the rapidly growing landscape of fitness racing. Grant explores the distinctions between major platforms like Hyrox, which focuses on large-scale endurance, and DECA, which emphasizes smaller, community-driven events and high-intensity output. Throughout the conversation, she details her transition from competitive hockey to functional fitness, highlighting the vital role of specialized coaching and data-driven race strategies. As a professional trainer and business owner, she advocates for a training philosophy rooted in consistency and enjoyment, viewing competitions as a celebratory display of hard work. 

Nine months of training came down to one day at Haliburton Forest — and it didn't go the way it was planned.

In this episode, Adam Melnick tells the full story of race day: a strong first 35 kilometers, followed by a stretch where his body pushed back hard enough that walking wasn't a strategy, it was the only option left. He breaks down what actually happened out there, what he got wrong in his preparation, and what carried him through when things got difficult — including the people who showed up to crew him at exactly the moment he need...

As host Adam approaches race day, he discusses his plan and where it can all fall apart!

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How did a construction industry executive end up training for a 50-kilometer trail race he never planned to run?

In this first episode of True Course, Adam Melnick shares the real origin story — the decision that started it all back in January, the road to Haliburton Forest, and the honest why underneath a season most people would assume he'd talk himself out of.

No elite background. No shortcuts. Just one real amateur build, told as it happens.

True Course follows a working professional's ultramarathon season in real time — training that works, plans that fall...

Meet Adam Melnick, your host of Running Scared Media's new podcast, True Course. Adam is not an elite runner. He hasn't completed multiple 50 and 100 mile races, but he's fallen in love with trail running and now wants to share that journey with you! He is a self proclaimed mid-pack athlete whose path to the trail ran through a Sprint Triathlon, a bodybuilding stage, and the Highland Games before ultras ever entered the picture 

True Course works on a simple premise: endurance sport reveals who you actually are.

— True Course follows one real athlete season in rea...

On today's episode of Running Buddies, I run with Sam Ayyash, the founder of the nutrition company THN Labs. Ayyash discusses his transiton to trail runner on the Bruce Trail, highlighting his decision to leave social tracking apps to focus on the sensory experience of nature. Our conversation explores the origins of his business, which focuses on real-food energy gels made from unique ingredients like tahini and maple syrup. Ayyash emphasizes a philosophy of patience and organic growth, positioning his products as a natural supplement to combat palate fatigue during long distances. We also stress the importance of supporting...

Justine and gang are in Alberta and running the Canmore Grit. Therefore, it's only fitting they sit down Laurie Souchotte, the volunteer coordinator for the Five Peaks Trail Running Series in Central Alberta. She discusses her personal journey from childhood runs with her father to becoming a dedicated trail runner and race official. The conversation highlights the essential role of volunteers in the racing community, noting that helpers can earn race credits while supporting the event's logistics. She also shares a poignant story of recovery after a difficult childbirth, emphasizing how trail running serves as a form of physical...

On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, we chat with Dustin Needham, a prominent athlete in the functional fitness and HYROX communities. We talk about Needham’s transition from a multi-sport background in track and football to becoming a specialized competitor in obstacle course racing and hybrid events. Needham shares insights into his rigorous training regimen, which he largely conducts in his EPIC home garage, and stresses the importance of disciplined recovery and sleep. We also explore the rapid growth of HYROX, noting its high-production value and its appeal as a professionalized "mixed modality" sport. We finish off by discussing hi...

On todays episode of Soul Sisters, hosts Kylie and Justine interview their childhood friend, Kylie 2.0, to discuss her physically demanding lifestyle and career. The guest shares her experiences working as an EMT and wildland firefighter, highlighting the challenges of competing in a male-dominated field and narrowly escaping a fast-moving wildfire. The chat transitions into a holiday-themed trivia game played while the guest runs on a treadmill, covering facts about United States and Canadian independence. Throughout the episode, the trio explores personal topics such as wedding planning, fitness routines, and the significance...

On todays show I'm joined by Evan Birch, a Canadian ultrarunner and co star of the documentary "Supernova," which follows his journey racing with his dog, Nova. Birch shares his expertise on the biomechanics and safety of distance running with canines, emphasizing proper recovery and climate awareness for animals. We also explore Birch’s personal history with PTSD and how trail running serves as a vital tool for his mental health. We also dive into the dialogue around mainstream influencer culture in sports and advocates for a more authentic, community-driven approach to the ultra-marathon environment. 

To lea...

On todays's show Ari talks to Robert Gunderson, a former college athlete known online as the "Flipping Fast Dad." They talkk Gunderson’s transition from a competitive background in gymnastics, karate, and football to maintaining high-level athleticism while working a demanding job in an operating room. Gunderson emphasizes functional fitness and injury prevention, specifically advocating for short bursts of movement and "active rest" to combat the physical toll of sedentary modern life. He highlights the importance of family involvement in exercise, suggesting that parents should replace traditional gym sessions with active play like tag or sprinting with their children. By...

On this weeks show, Justine and Kylie interview Matthew Balzer, the owner of Reno Running Company. They, among other things, discuss the intersection of fitness and community in Northern Nevada. Balzer shares how his childhood experiences with pets and his father’s athleticism led to a lifelong passion for specialty run retail, and eventually acquiring local race directing responsibilities. He explains the technical services his stores provide, such as gate analysis and professional shoe fittings, to support individuals at all fitness levels. They discuss major local events like the Reno Tahoe Odyssey and the importance of weekly track clubs in...

On todays show we are...climbing with Kyle Broxterman! In this unique format listeners get to experience a live climb with Kyle as he free solo's a rock face in Nevada's Calico Basin. Kyle walks us through and explains the various climbing disciplines, including bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing, while offering insights into his personal philosophy on calculated risk and mental focus. He recounts a traumatic injury that reshaped his approach to safety and discusses his efforts to highlight the stories of everyday athletes through his own media projects. We dive into the spiritual and adventurous aspects of...

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When Princess Elspeth discovers her father, King Henry, has begun selling his own people into slavery, she flees to join the Rebellion and aid their insurrection. However the King dispatches four of the land's best assassins to hunt and kill her before she can find help. With a former solider by her side, Elspeth tries to evade death but runs straight into hell where she finds an army of soulless men...

On todays show I welcome Nicholas Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and author of the book The Running Ground  to Running Buddies. We talk about Nicks recent trail running experiences and personal updates regarding his media company before diving into his book. This interview was framed around the characters in his book and in this episode we look at Bobbi Gibb and Tony Ruiz. We also discuss demographics of competitive running, debating whether the sport is truly equitable given the geographic and financial barriers associated with ultra-marathons. Ultimately, Nick highlights the emotional and spiritual connections people form with r...

On toadys show, Ari talks to Matt Huff, who represents the Sergeant Bruce Cogley Foundation. The organization honors Huff's late acquaintance, a Vietnam veteran, by raising awareness for veteran suicide and mental health. To fund fitness scholarships for veterans, the foundation organizes the "Bruce WOD," a high-intensity workout held annually around Veterans Day. These scholarships provide gym memberships to help veterans combat isolation through group-based functional fitness. Matt also highlights an upcoming partnership with the National Veterans Memorial Museum for a special outdoor event in June as well as discussing how community exercise can serve as a powerful tool...

The sisters are back! Kylie and Justine document their experiences following the "bad at running" plan. Kylie celebrates a major milestone by completing her first 5K without walking breaks, motivated by a Taylor Swift-themed virtual race and the supportive community on Strava. They discuss their preparations for the Reno Tahoe Odyssey and the 5peaks grit in Canmore, Alberta emphasizing how the plan helps beginners build endurance. They also highlight unconventional training methods, such as a Taco Bell-themed run and a spreadsheet-based treadmill game synchronized to pop music. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for a customizable approach to fitness that focuses...

On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, Ari talks to Luke Halterman, a dedicated fitness coordinator and athlete. They discuss the current landscape of hybrid racing. He evaluates the differing business models of DECA and Hyrox, noting that while Hyrox aims for the Olympics, DECA offers more accessible opportunities for everyday gym-goers. Halterman shares his passion for his role as a Road Show Coordinator, which involves traveling across the country to help local gyms become affiliates. He also introduces his new venture, the RevStrong Games, an innovative competition at TCU that features a rotating format of functional movements to keep...

The conversation continues....

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Use code RUNNINGSCARED10 for a 10% discount at 5Peaks events. 

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On part 1 of my conversation with 5Peaks National Race Director Jacob Puzey, we go back to beginning. Jacob describes his rural upbringing in the American Southwest and Pacific Northwest, explaining how his background in agriculture and community shaped his values. We explore Puzey’s transition to Canada in 2015, motivated in part by his family and desire for a different environment. He reflects on his evolution as a runner, moving from a struggling middle school athlete to an elite competitor focused on personal accountability. Finally, Puzey details his preference for steady, runnable terrain, linking his physiological traits to his success in...

On todays show welcome Lisa Sweetman, the new race director for the Five Peaks Ontario trail running series. Sweetman shares her personal journey, detailing how she used running as a tool for physical and spiritual recovery after surviving a brain tumor. We explore the unique challenges of training in harsh Canadian winters, the importance of safety for female runners, and the logistics of managing inclusive athletic events. Sweetman highlights her commitment to the delicate balance between race direction and environmental stewardship and diversity, aiming to make trail running accessible to athletes of all skill levels.  We also discuss affordability i...

On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, host Ari talks to Janie Stel, a world-class athlete and leader within the calisthenics community. Stel recounts her transition from competitive gymnastics and cheerleading to the raw, creative world of bodyweight movement, highlighting her preference for freestyle competition over rigid traditional forms. She details her efforts to formalize the sport through Calisthenics Canada and her entrepreneurial mission to empower women via the Women’s Calisthenics Organization. They discuss the various disciplines of the sport—including street lifting and endurance-based sets—while examining its potential for Olympic recognition. Ultimately, Stel emphasizes how shifting her focus...

On todays episode of Sole Sisters, Justine and Kylie welcome a very special guest, Lindsay Housman, the CEO and founder of Hettas. They begin with a conversations surrounding the development of her athletic shoe brand specifically tailored to women’s anatomy. After experiencing foot injuries from running in shoes designed for men, Housman partnered with experts to conduct extensive bio-mechanical research and community-led studies in Vancouver. They talk about the brand’s commitment to addressing unconscious design bias in the sports industry while fostering a supportive community for female athletes. Beyond footwear, Housman explores the importance of modeling an acti...

On today's show the conversation takes us to Italy where we have an excellent chat with ultra runner Michele Graglia. I had never met Michele before but the conversation really flowed and we ended speaking for over an hour! Michelle is an elite ultramarathoner who transitioned into the sport after a successful career as a professional model. He discusses his upbringing in the Italian Alps, explaining how his childhood connection to the mountains eventually led to leave the high-fashion industry for the world of extreme racing. 

Graglia details his victories in prestigious events like Badwater 135 and his r...

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Every night, Martin Haelstrom has the same nightmare: he runs to save his father trapped in a burning cabin, but never makes it in time. Just like that night all those years ago. Now, Martin returns as an adult to Washington State to rebuild the cabin and beat his time in a 5-mile race. The same time he’s beat all over the world on different terrain, but this time it’s not the environment that will challenge him. Something from the past wants to push him to h...

On today's show we welcome ultra runner Nicolas Lehmann. Lehmann shares his perspective on professional athletics, describing his rigorous mountain training as a lifestyle rather than a chore. He recounts his victories in the PTL, a notoriously difficult 300-kilometer race, and explains the importance of mental fortitude and partnership during such grueling events. We cover his transition from playing rugby to trail running and his preference for solitary, technical routes over crowded mainstream races. Looking ahead, Lehmann reveals plans for a documentary focused on a high-altitude challenge at Mont Blanc. We also hype up the Mount to Coast footwear...

On todays episode of Hybrid Horizons, host Ari Fleman sits down with Scott Malloy, the founder of Summit Athletic Academy in Ohio. Scott talks about his transition from corporate marketing to the fitness industry, where he now manages large-scale events like the Summit Stadium Games. They discuss the evolution of functional fitness, specifically the rising popularity of Spartan DECA and Hyrox as alternatives to traditional CrossFit. Malloy also shares his impactful work coaching fitness within the Ohio juvenile justice system to provide structure and discipline to incarcerated youth. Ultimately, Malloy outlines how community-driven competitions and diverse training methods are...

Justine and Kylie are back and going down to the Amazon! Join the Soul Sisters as they engage in a "running watch party" for the 1997 horror film Anaconda. Instead of a traditional drinking game, they increase their treadmill speed during jump scares, deaths, and point-of-view shots, while decreasing it when the characters say the film's title. How diabolical! They talk movie’s plot, cast, and special effects while testing each other with behind-the-scenes trivia. 

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On 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...

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On an isolated island, four components of a gene-altering formula have been hidden. Colonel Ken Capstone deploys his best runner to retrieve the parts: you. Codename: Jack Rabbit. But the island is undergoing unimaginable changes - the flora and fauna are mutating and seem to be acting to protect the components you need. With the aid of the grizzled Capstone and brilliant Dr. Malcolm Burr you will traverse through jungle terrain, over waterfalls and into caves to complete the mission. Be warned, not...

On today's show we turn inward to highlight one of our own great athletes! Today's guest is Vegard Jarvis Westergard, a Norwegian-Canadian athlete who competes for the Canadian National Orienteering Team. We discuss his background growing up in Norway, explaining how his father’s Canadian roots and a love for the outdoors led him to represent Canada on the world stage. 

Vegard describes orienteering as a complex sport that blends high-speed physical endurance with intricate navigation skills, where the fastest runner is not always the winner. We then turn to his recent success at the 2025 World Games in...

We have a new name and we have new guest! On todays show host Ari welcomes  Jeremy Brown, the founder of Life by Design, discussing his transition from traditional personal training to a holistic wellness and movement brand. Brown advocates for a "movement weirdo" philosophy, which encourages playful, intuitive physical activity over the rigid structure of typical gym routines. He explains that incorporating functional modalities like animal flows, floor rolling, and hand-eye coordination drills can improve athleticism and coordination for people of all ages. They discuss how neurodivergent individuals often thrive in these flexible environments where they can explore v...

On today's show we do some hill sprints with John Calabrese, an ultrarunner from Fredericksburg, Virginia. We begin by discussing the intersectionality of running and personal resilience. John explains how he utilizes the sport as a form of meditative therapy to navigate life’s hardships, including divorce, the loss of friends, and his journey toward sobriety. The conversation highlights his preference for grassroots trail races over corporate events, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's personal motivations. Throughout the exchange, he offers a candid look at the ultra-running community, describing it as a "tribe" for those who often fe...

It's a first for Running Buddies and we are so pleased to have legendary French snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue on the show. We caught up with Xavier for a conversation while he was out for a stroll on the snowy slopes of Verbier, Switzerland. Getting to know Xavier was a great learning experience and we covered a lot in the talk, mostly notably his transition from Olympian and Freeride World Champion to an introspective filmmaker and adventurer. Xavier details his unique psychological process for navigating dangerous mountain faces, emphasizing a balance between rational analysis and following one's instinct...

On this valentines day inspired episode of Sole Sisters, Justine and Kylie run with Ally and Michael Ball, who discuss the Cupid’s Undie Run, a charity event held in Reno and various other cities. Basically participants complete a one-mile run in their underclothing to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation and support research for neurofibromatosis (NF). The couple shares their personal connection to the cause through their son’s diagnosis and emphasizes the community support the event provides to families. They then switch it up to play a "newlywed game" style challenge while walking on treadmills.

When we first met Mike, we found out that he had a dream to compete for Team Lebanon at the Cross Country World Championships. After some challenges and missed opportunities, we got word that Mike had moved closer to his dream. So, we caught up with him to go for a run and learn what exactly has been happening over the last couple months. On today's show Mike shares his journey of qualifying for and competing with the Lebanese national team at the World Cross Country Championships. He recounts the intense physical and mental preparation...