Episode 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 motivation
• The hidden cost of comfort in training and everyday life
• How you train your mind for miles you haven’t reached yet
• Why the edge isn’t dramatic — it’s quiet and earned
• How discomfort, fear, and consistency shape who you become

This conversation is designed to feel like a long-run talk — honest, reflective, and grounded in lived experience. No hype. No shortcuts. Just the work that actually carries you forward when things get hard. If you’ve ever felt strong but not ready… this episode is for you. Run Scared.

Salty 6 Ostrich Salt Sampler
Alethia Run

In 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 Running brand. If you’ve ever battled your alarm clock, argued with yourself mid-run, or wondered why you keep lacing up when life is heavy — this one’s for you. In this episode:

• The psychology of showing up when you don’t want to
• “I am a runner” vs “I run” – how identity changes everything
• The Quitter, the Negotiator, and the Champion
• How running helped Nick rebuild his life after addiction
• What “Run Scared” really means and why it matters

Listen on your next tempo run, long run, or when you need a reminder of why you do this.

Alethia Run
Ostrich Running

Episode 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 50K. If you love raw, real interviews with runners who have lived some life — don’t skip this one. Topics:
• Early life & where running began
• Navy service stories
• Alcoholism, jail, and turning points
• Finishing TWOT100
• Barkley Fall Classic + JFK 50
• Hallucinating cartoon characters
• Ainsley’s Angels & running for others
• The Taco Bell 50K
• Advice for runners facing darkness Follow John at @breezytrailhead
Learn More About Ainsleys Angels
Follow the show @ostrich.running
Shop Ostrich Salt at ostrichrunning.com

This 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”). This episode is equal parts storytelling, humor, and gratitude — the perfect Thanksgiving companion for a shakeout run or your drive to dinner.
Run Scared.

Episode 34 — Manika Gamble

Manika 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 one is inspiring on every level.

Run Scared.

Manika's Important Links

Episode 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 create something bigger than sport.
🎧 Topics include:

• Freestyling through pain & finding flow in miles
• Coaching mindset: building rhythm instead of burnout
• Recovery after heel surgery & losing his father
• The story behind Trail GangstAZ and creating the Ostrich anthem
• What it means to “Run scared” when life hits back

🎤 Plus: Ruairí closes the show with a freestyle made for the flock. Listen, feel, and run scared. 🔖  

Visit TrailGangstAZ for merch and events
Follow on IG: @trailgangstaz
Sign Up For Flagstaff Doggie Dash here

Episode 32 – The Stories That Changed Me
In 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 Threads
What 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 Me
From 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 purpose.
🎧 Act 3: What I’ve Learned as a Host
This podcast started as a way to share stories… but it’s become something much deeper. I talk about how the mic made me a better runner, listener, and person — and what’s coming next for the show. 🎙️ Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or this is your first listen, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to run scared — and build something meaningful along the way. 👟
Brought to you by:

• Ostrich Running 
• Alethia Runs

📺 Watch on YouTube: @OstrichRunning
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: Ostrich Running Podcast
📲 Follow on Instagram: @Ostrich.Running

What’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 yourself.

Topics We Cover:

• Donating a kidney and returning to ultramarathons
• Training for 100-mile races after major life changes
• Fatherhood, service, and reclaiming personal identity
• Why the right support system is everything
• Fueling on the go and trusting your body
• Finding freedom through the pain

🎧 This isn’t just another runner’s podcast — it’s a call to action. 💬 Whether you're building mileage, building a life, or rebuilding from something big… Mannie’s story will hit you in the gut and fuel you in the soul. 📺 Watch the full episode:
👉 @OstrichRunning on YouTube 🎙️

Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts


🔗 Follow Mannie Zubia:
Instagram: @mannie.zubia
Donation link : Team Kidney Moves

🔗 Follow the show:
IG: @Ostrich.Running
Site: www.ostrichrunning.com 

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 something bigger than a buckle.

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’re running for something bigger than a buckle.

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
🛠️ The gear and mission — how products like Ostrich Salt fuel the journey One big takeaway?
Would we still run, train, and build if social media didn’t exist? Absolutely. This episode captures the heart of what Ostrich Running stands for: running scared, chasing growth, and finding your flock along the way. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: Ordinary Voices Spotify
📹 Watch more episodes on YouTube: @Ordinary_Voices_Podcast
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @Ostrich.Running @ordinaryvoicespodcast
👥 Check out Ordinary Voices: @OrdinaryVoicesPodcast Because running isn’t just about the miles — it’s about the story you’re writing along the way.

Racing 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 your soul, this episode will hit hard—and leave you lacing up for something deeper.


📘 Pre-order Racing Against Time Here

In 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 more human.

Would 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” to “negative splits” to the made-up “Ostrich Shuffle,” can Jarett figure out what any of it means—or will he bonk before the finish?
Whether you're an ultrarunner or just here for the banter, this one’s for the flock.

In 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 you’re a runner, a skeptic, or just tired of hearing about somebody else’s PR, this episode digs into why running takes up so much space in our lives… and our conversations.

Visit Podcast Videos to help support Bang
Visit Podfluence to help support Casey Dunn

The One With Majors On The Mind
What 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 it really means to feel “enough.” Whether you run to race or to escape, this one’s for anyone who's ever felt like life was sprinting past them—and decided to chase it down on foot.

Derrick IG: @derickvsworld
Special Childrens Charities Link : Donate Here

Ultrarunning 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 fascinated by the extremes of human endurance—this one’s for you.
Warning: This episode contains discussion of real-life tragedy and may be difficult for some listeners.

In 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 their well-being.
Bri's IG: @bri_santos

The One WIth A History Lesson
Why 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 grief into a 56-mile memorial.
We’ll trace the rise of pedestrianism—complete with champagne aid stations—and the gritty American trail boom that spawned Western States, Leadville, and Badwater from bar bets and civic desperation. By the end, you’ll see ultrarunning not just as a sport but as a mirror held up to human nature: stubborn, curious, hungry for meaning through suffering—and always ready to ask, “What if we just... went farther?”

Pedestrianism Book
The Bunion Derby
Grit Guts Determination - Ken Chlouber Story
Running On The Sun Documentary

This 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 family—especially Elise and his daughter who crew and pace him. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s exactly the kind of conversation we think matters in the running world.
We also talk about pizza as the perfect ultra fuel, Monster Rehab pre-run rituals, meeting Elise on the Appalachian Trail, and why kindness on trail goes a long way.
If you’ve ever felt broken, discouraged, or like the miles are numbered—this one’s for you.

Lewy Body Dementia Foundation