The solitude of the trails is the perfect environment for deep discussions. Without the distraction of screens, work deadlines or house chores, there’s an opportunity for long, intense conversations when you’ve got a friend or two, and the walls come down while running mile after mile. No topic is off limits: addiction, politics, trauma, relationships or how Walton Goggins’ role as “Baby Billy Freeman” in the Righteous Gemstones is so over-the-top that seeing him play “Rick” in season three of The White Lotus was incredibly refreshing (it can’t all be heavy). Like my father once said, “We’re solving the world’s problems,” after one of his weekly coffee dates with his fellow retirees.
These connections keep our sport strong. Working through difficult times and answering tough questions allows us to manage the day-to-day stress of life and stay sane as human beings. And there’s no better place to do it than in stride next to your favorite trail running buddy. I’ve been running with mine for over a decade and, while we might be getting slower, our conversations continue to thrive. No stone has been left unturned, especially when it comes to relationships, personal history and the latest news headlines. We’ve grown a lot and could likely make a solid attempt at resolving global conflicts.
In this special Trails issue, Dr. Nick Tiller writes about rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) and the dangers of this serious condition that many runners have experienced during ultramarathons.
Jared Beasley recaps the 2025 Barkley Marathons while also diving into the making of his new book about Gary “Laz” Cantrell, The Endurance Artist, which is set to be released in September.
Writer Joseph Watt takes us to a 200-mile race in the UK that is run underground in a one-mile tunnel with minimal support beyond a porta potty (“portaloo”) and a tea kettle.
Jeff Kozak brings readers his third, and final, installment in his series about fastpacking and FKTing in the Sierra Nevada, a place that Jeff has written about in previous Trails issues. His knowledge and detailed descriptions of the area are unmatched.
Trails might be our facilitator for connection, but they are so much more, which is why this special edition of UltraRunning is so diverse. From finding and rehabilitating lost trails, to the bonds formed through running clubs, there are plenty of surprises. And whether you’re in a coffee shop or having deep conversations out on a run, there’s something for everyone. Who knows, it might just prompt the first of many discussions when attempting to solve the world’s problems.
