Chasing Trails Podcast Brandon Thompson and Geoff Leblanc

Brandon and Geoff record together for the first time in the beautiful Wentworth Valley. They discuss their upcoming 24-hour race and their lack of preparation. They talk about their training, their race goals, and the snacks they plan to bring. We take a second to chat about the Big Backyard Ultra and their admiration for the Last Man Standing style of race. They discuss their travel experiences and the challenges of packing for a long race. Stay tuned to see how they make out with Part 2

The Rompin' Rockwood trail race in Atlanta, Canada was a challenging and exciting event that brought together runners from all over. The race featured impressive winners, amusing anecdotes, and unexpected events, making it a memorable experience for all participants. The course was technical and demanding, with steep hills and rocky terrain, but the organization, marking, and volunteer support were exceptional. Overall, the race received high praise and left a positive impression on the participants. Geoff and Brandon discuss their recent race experiences, focusing on the challenges, community support, and the importance of staying connected with the running community. They share insights on the impact of positive encouragement and the value of being present at race events.

Shawn McCardle shares his trail running journey, starting from road races to marathons and eventually transitioning to ultras and trail running. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running long distances and pushing his limits. Shawn also talks about the trail running scene in PEI, including the growth of races and the beautiful trails available. He highlights Bonshaw Provincial Park as a must-visit spot for trail running in PEI.

Geoff and Brandon finish off the episode with a huge debate about Jam!

Summary



Mark McCoglan discusses his involvement with Saint John Trail Running and the recent success of the intro group. Mark also talks about his role as a race director and the planning process for premier races in Atlantic Canada.

The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion about Atlantic Canada's largest Trail race the Rompin' Rockwood. Mark discusses the new trail sections and the increase in race participants. He also mentions the addition of swag and other activities, such as a coffee truck and lawn games, to enhance the race experience.

The boys finish off by announcing a contest for a FREE registration to the Rompin' Rockwood.

In this episode, Brandon and Geoff discuss Geoff's first ultra marathon experience at the Hanwell Hammering race. They talk about Geoff's race strategy, fueling, and the emotional roller coaster he went through during the race. They also highlight the supportive trail running community and the importance of encouragement from fellow runners. Geoff shares his recovery process and his plans for future races.

Geoff and Brandon finish off by trying to guess discuss the gross topics that are commonly discussed within the trail running community. They end the conversation by discussing their upcoming ultra marathon races.

In this episode, Brandon and Geoff discuss their upcoming trail race, Geoffs accidental 25K run, and their training progress. They also talk about the challenges of running with children and share their experiences with foot pain. The conversation then shifts to discussing recent trail race preview videos and the documentary about Jim Walmsley's race at UTMB. Finally, they discuss their dream locations to live and the factors they consider, such as proximity to water and mountains. In this conversation, Brandon and Geoff discuss various topics including language barriers, music playlists, electric cars, and upcoming trail races. They share personal anecdotes and opinions, providing a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout. The conversation concludes with their excitement for the upcoming trail running season.