Ross and Petar's Pod on the Run

If you run the trails around Chico, there’s a good chance you know Karen Weintraub’s name — or at least recognize it from a race result.

But how well do you actually know Karen?

In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with one of Chico’s most accomplished ultrarunners to talk about the person behind the miles.

Karen has quietly put together an incredible ultra résumé, with podium finishes at races like Pine to Palm, American River and the Crazy Mountain 100 — along with an outright win at the 2...

Katie Hawley came to Chico to run for the Wildcats.

That was the plan, anyway. What she found was a place that slowly, almost quietly, became hers.

A team became family. A park became home turf. A college town became home.

And somewhere between workouts in Bidwell, long conversations, fun little adventures, hard seasons, good people and a whole lot of showing up, Katie became part of Chico in a way that feels almost impossible to separate now.

She is one of those rare people who makes a place feel more...

Episode 26 goes long. Before Ross and Petar sit down with today’s guest, they check in on training, Chico summer heat, good miles, fresh pavement, and a running community that continues to absolutely crush.

BRC, CRC, Fleet Feet, Union Run Club, Colby Mountain TrailFest - the local scene is rolling.

There are some huge performances to celebrate, too. Nimei drops a 2:47 at the San Francisco Marathon. Logan Slack goes sub-five at the brutally steep Rodeo Valley 50K, finishing sixth overall and third in his age group. Maddy and California Travis battle through the Point Mariah Tr...

Episode 25 brings the heat. Before Ross and Petar sit down with today’s guest, they run through a stacked lineup of summer shoutouts because the Chico running community has been absolutely cooking. Tahoe 200, Dipsea, Broken Arrow, Headwaters, Lemurian, CRC, BRC, Fleet Feet — the whole region is buzzing, thriving, and leveling up.

Then the main event: Damian Garcia, one of the most complete runners to ever come through Chico State. A West Region champion, multi‑time CCAA champion, national finalist, and owner of one of the fastest 1500-meter times in Division II history. He’s run the equivalent of a sub...

Episode 24 is a full‑stride tour through the Chico running universe - community highs, big race breakthroughs, and the kind of mid‑life brilliance that only comes from someone who has lived enough life to know better… and run anyway.

We kick things off at Global Running Day, where Fleet Feet turned a free 5k into a full‑blown Chico reunion. The Chico Striders and Danny DiMeo handed out this year’s Run Strong Scholarships to local high‑school seniors, surrounded by sponsors like Bidwell Run Club, Chico Running Club, The Original A‑Team, and individual supporters Tracie Hannick...

This episode is a celebration of community - the people who shape our races, carry us through the hard miles, and remind us that running is never a solo act. Through stories from Boston, Eugene, Big Sur, and the Mendocino Coast, these voices share how togetherness, weather, terrain, crowds, and crew support transform a race into something shared and deeply human. From the emotional simplicity of running side‑by‑side, to the internal negotiations of the middle miles, to the coastline that becomes a companion, to the ultra-community that turns endurance into belonging, each segment reveals a different way we’r...

In the latest episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with one of Chico’s most quietly iconic figures: Bill Parnell, the runner you’ve probably seen floating up North Rim with Fred or Leia trotting beside him. Bill is one of those rare Chico characters whose reputation reaches you long before the conversation does — the effortless stride, the calm presence, the stories that sound too wild to be true until he casually confirms them. From closing the Big Alta 100K with 8‑minute miles to completing twelve 100Ks, ten 50Ks, Western States, and Dacia UTMB® Mont Blan...

In Episode 21 of Pod on the Run, we sit down with someone who helps more than one-thousand girls each year discover confidence through movement. Claire Johnson, Executive Director of Girls on the Run North State, is one of those rare leaders who doesn’t just run a program — she builds a community. Her story begins in a family of twelve, where she learned early how to listen, negotiate, and find her voice. Those skills now shape the way she leads coaches, volunteers, and teams across more than sixty sites from Yuba City to Yreka, creating spaces where girls feel seen...

For this special crossover episode, we laced up and headed out onto the North Rim Trail in Upper Bidwell Park, where we spent the morning hiking, talking, and filming with Nick Woodard of Tails, Ales & Trails. What started as a simple idea — two local podcasts meeting on a trail — turned into a reminder of how deeply movement, storytelling, and community intertwine.

Nick showed up with full production wizardry: selfie stick in hand, drone buzzing overhead, and the kind of smooth, on‑the‑move filming that makes a trail conversation feel like a cinematic experience. The miles flew by as we...

Episode 19 of Pod on the Run traces the life of a man who rebuilt himself through discipline, imagination, service, and thousands of counter‑clockwise laps on a prison track. Joaquin Jordan grew up in Los Angeles during the height of the War on Drugs, raised by a single mother. He was a strong student and athlete, but the pull of addiction, identity, and survival dragged him into the justice system at fifteen. By adulthood, he was facing twenty‑five‑to‑life.

Inside those walls, Joaquin didn’t just survive - he went to work on himself. He studied re...

In Episode 18 of Ross and Petar’s Pod on the Run, the hosts sit down with legendary Chico State head coach Gary Towne, the man behind one of the most dominant dynasties in collegiate distance running. After a quick warm‑up on the latest running news and local chatter, they dive into Gary’s staggering résumé—23 straight conference titles (men), 20 of the last 23 West Region titles (men), 19 of the last 23 CCAA titles (women), 11 women’s regional titles, 31 combined regional titles, 42 combined CCAA titles, and 43 Top‑10 NCAA team finishes between the two genders since 1999. Both teams have qualified for NCAA’s togethe...

Episode 17 brings us an important conversation with Dr. Alan Hivale — a Chico‑based physical therapist with a doctorate from Loma Linda, 15+ years in outpatient ortho, and a concierge practice built around one mission: keep people doing what they love.

The episode kicks off with classic Pod on the Run banter and a little Chico runner appreciation. Congrats Neil and Nimai on crushing the Redding Marathon! From there, Alan jumps in with his background, his philosophy, and why he built a PT model that actually gives runners time, attention, and answers.

From that point on, the epis...

Ross and Petar close out an unforgettable first season of the Pod on the Run podcast — a year that started with a simple idea and grew into a community-powered storytelling hub. This episode brings together the voices, victories, and vibrant personalities that shaped 2025 for the Chico running community.

We kick things off with holiday highlights, big mileage energy, and reflections from the BRC Holiday Party before diving into conversations with Jess and Andrew about community, connection, and what makes this group special. Then we explore the future of the club with leadership insights from Logan and Manny as...

What drives someone to lace up, race across the country, and chase 50 finish lines? In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar sit down with Sarah Batiste, a marathoner on a mission to conquer every state—already 28 marathons deep across 26 states. Fresh off running two marathons in six days, three in four weeks, and setting a personal best of 3:22 in Indiana, Sarah shares the grit, joy, and quirky rituals that keep her moving forward.

From her iconic Flat Runner Instagram posts to the support of her coach, family, and Fleet Feet Chico community, Sarah’s st...

In Episode #14 of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar kick things off with their signature banter - swapping stories from recent runs, race-day antics, and behind-the-scenes moments that set the tone for another unforgettable episode. But this one’s extra special. Why? Because they’re sitting down with a true legend of the local running scene: Mike O’Connell, affectionately known as “The Vegan Badass.” This episode dives deep into legacy, leadership, and what it means to live - and run - by your values.

First up, we lace into the rich history of the Chico Running Cl...

From the streets of Chicago to the trails of Chico, Katie Crane has logged over 2,000 miles this year - and every step tells a story.

In this episode, Ross and Petar sit down with the six-star marathon finisher whose running resume spans continents, cultures, and courageous feats. But Katie’s journey isn’t just about medals and miles - it’s about grit, heart, and the kind of greatness that shows up when it matters most.

We dive into Katie’s origin story, her favorite race moments, and the mindset that fuels her relentless pace. She shar...

In this episode of Pod on the Run, Ross and Petar are joined by returning guest Shawna Batham from Fleet Feet to recap the third annual Fall Trail Classic, held in Upper Bidwell Park. They kick things off with a warm welcome and a quick reintroduction to Shawna, teasing the highlights of the race weekend—including a fierce aid station competition, community energy, and early registration for next year’s event.

The conversation dives into the race itself, covering the different race types, the vibe on the trails, and the weather that shaped the experience. Each host shar...

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...

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 grou...

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...

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...

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 formativ...

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...

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 camaraderi...

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 exper...

Lace up and get ready for another episode of Pod on the Run! This week, we celebrate standout performances from recent races, including Ross’s third-place finish in his first-ever 30K at the Paiute Meadows Trail Run. We also highlight Fleet Feet Half-Marathon results and Logan’s absolutely fantastic powerhouse effort in the Quicksilver 100K.

But that’s just the start—today, we welcome our first guest, Noah Iliff! A seasoned runner, respected coach, and all-around gear expert, Noah shares his journey from competitive racing to coaching at Fleet Feet and his transition into law enforcement dispatch. Whether...

Join Ross and Petar as they dive into the latest standout performances from Chico’s running community! From epic race wins to personal endurance challenges, this episode celebrates the moments that define dedication and camaraderie.

They’ll also take a deep dive into their own running journeys—the highs, the struggles, and the motivation that keeps them moving forward.

Plus, what’s next for their personal running goals and how the community continues to inspire new challenges?

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with stories th...

Out of 42 kilometers came a story worth sharing—more than just a run, the Birth-K was an extraordinary adventure that embodied resilience, camaraderie, and the unshakable spirit of community. In their debut episode, Ross and Petar peel back the layers of this unforgettable challenge, exploring the preparation, the surprises of the chosen routes, and the overwhelming inspiration drawn from those who joined them on the journey. But the Birth-K was never just about the distance. Ross and Petar shine a spotlight on Chico’s vibrant running community—the people, the connections, and the unforgettable moments that turned a simple idea i...