Strides: A Trail Running Podcast

Mason Hickok

A trail running podcast exploring the sport in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond.

  1. Desert Lessons from The Speed Project & 80 miles on the Mingus Traverse with Shaun Jones

    1d ago

    Desert Lessons from The Speed Project & 80 miles on the Mingus Traverse with Shaun Jones

    From Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the desert of Arizona on part of the Cocodona course, Shaun Jones needs no introduction. He is a friend of the show and a vital part of the San Antonio scene. Shaun last chatted with me on January 2, speaking candidly of being “thrown off” due to a change in course during a 50-mile attempt at Cactus Rose. He would eventually DNF the race due to subsequent ankle issues.  Shaun’s 2026 calendar began with the Bandera 100K in January, where he finished the race in just under 17 hours. As for his strategy at that race: It was not to look at the end. Did that same mindset carry forward with The Speed Project and the Mingus Traverse?  What came from his experiences earlier this year and into last year was the development of a strategy—a process, if you will—for his running. The process is certainly rooted in repetition and familiarity; one look at Shaun’s Strava profile can speak for itself.  As runners, we gravitate toward the brands and products we love; the ones that can pick us up when we're in a rut or keep us dry in a pinch. One of Shaun’s go-to brands is Janji. Running, movement, is as much a spiritual exercise as it is a physical and mental one—that I am certain of.  For Shaun and most runners, I would gather, running is the vehicle through which we experience community and our world. Haven’t taken the jump yet? I hope this conversation helps. Peace, Mason Follow Shaun on Instagram and Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.

    27 min

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A trail running podcast exploring the sport in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond.