Borderlands Trail (+ Ultra) Running

Josh Rosenthal, Runner
  • 4.8 (41)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
Borderlands Trail (+ Ultra) Running

BORDERLANDS formed out of a deep love for the sport of trail and ultra running from someone who sucks at it. Imagine David Letterman has a baby with Jackass and its a trail runner. That's us. Home of the Bad Runners Take, Shoe Deep Dives, and other relatable Trail and Ultra Running Topics. ---- Hosted by Josh Rosenthal, founder of Borderlands Trail Running.

  1. 17 HR. AGO

    Is trail running content still fun? BAD RUNNERS TAKE

    Trail running has lost some of its fun, and in this engaging discussion, Josh Rosenthal and his guest delve into the need for the sport to embrace playfulness and creativity. They explore the contrast between how mainstream sports leverage holiday seasons to engage fans, while trail running often becomes quiet during the same periods. The conversation highlights the importance of celebrating achievements, big or small, such as recognizing a 50-mile run even if it falls short of the ultimate goal. They also address the evolving landscape of running technology and community engagement, discussing how changes in platforms like Strava impact the runner's experience. Ultimately, the duo emphasizes the need for trail running to recapture its spirit and connect with a broader audience through innovative ideas and a focus on enjoyment. ---- Call the Borderlands Hotline - RUNMORE649 That's (786)667-3649. Leave a voice message I can play in a future podcast. We're looking for hot takes, disagreement, agreement, anger, happiness, indifference, etc. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn In a lively discussion about the state of trail running, the episode explores how the sport has shifted over the years, with hosts Josh Rosenthal and his guest expressing a desire to bring back the fun and excitement that once defined the community. They reflect on the current quieter atmosphere in trail running compared to other sports, particularly during holidays when major leagues like the NFL and NBA capture audiences with engaging events. The hosts suggest that trail running could benefit from similar strategies, proposing ideas for festive races or events that celebrate the sport and encourage participation from both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. The conversation also delves into themes of gratitude and reflection, with the hosts sharing personal anecdotes about their own running journeys throughout the year. They highlight the importance of community in trail running, emphasizing how local races foster connections and create supportive environments for all participants. The discussion brings attention to events like the Devil's Gulch 150, which exemplify the familial atmosphere in trail running and the joy of shared experiences. Additionally, they touch upon an exciting new project focused on democratizing run clubs through an app, showcasing how technology can enhance connectivity within the running community. As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their experiences in trail running and to consider how they can contribute to revitalizing the sport. They emphasize that trail running is not just about competition but about building connections and celebrating achievements, no...

    57 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Post-Covid Trail Shoe Awakening: NNormal, Speedland, + Norda

    I went into this conversation ready to hate on NNormal and Taylor Bodin (lead trail reviewer of Believe in the Run) changed my mind. Geek out on the strengths and weaknesses of their shoes along with Speedland + Norda. ---- Believe in the Run reviews: NNormal: Tomir 2.0, Kjerag Speedland: GS:TAM, GS:PGH, SL:HSV Norda: Norda 001, Norda 002, Norda 003 ---- Call the Borderlands Hotline - RUNMORE649 That's (786)667-3649. Leave a voice message I can play in a future podcast. We're looking for hot takes, disagreement, agreement, anger, happiness, indifference, etc. ---- Partners: Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn

    59 min

  3. NOV 22

    Trail Running City Dwellers: When the Miles You Get Aren't the Miles You Want with Tommy Lewis

    How do trail runners survive in cities? Josh Rosenthal and Tommy Lewis dive into the challenges and rewards of maintaining a running lifestyle in urban environments. They discuss the unique rhythms of road running compared to trail running, exploring how each offers different forms of joy and fulfillment. Tommy shares his journey from trail enthusiast to urban runner, emphasizing the importance of redefining what it means to be a runner beyond traditional races like marathons. Together, they highlight the beauty of finding community, appreciating the outdoors, and embracing the daily practice of running, regardless of the terrain or distance. Tommy Lewis took the dive and left his dayjob to lean all the way in on ThatsRunnable.com. He writes a brilliant weekly newlsetter and speaks to heart of runners like few others can. ---- Call the Borderlands Hotline - RUNMORE649 That's (786)667-3649. Leave a voice message I can play in a future podcast. We're looking for hot takes, disagreement, agreement, anger, happiness, indifference, etc. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn Takeaways: Finding joy in running is about defining it on your own terms, not others'. The community aspect of running can enhance the experience, regardless of the environment. Many runners mistakenly believe they must run marathons to be considered legitimate runners. Incorporating variety in training, such as mixing road and trail runs, is crucial. Embracing the daily practice of running fosters a lifelong love for the sport.

    50 min

  4. NOV 20

    BAD RUNNERS TAKE: Running Brand Ambassador Problems

    Bad Runners Take is back again with Wolffrunner. Running Brand Ambassador relationships. We get it. But they don't always work out. In this episode we run through it all calling out bad programs, celebrating good ones, soliciting some brands to build one. Please take this 60 second survey about the podcast. ---- Call the Borderlands Hotline - RUNMORE649 That's (786)667-3649. Leave a voice message I can play in a future podcast. We're looking for hot takes, disagreement, agreement, anger, happiness, indifference, etc. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn

    1h 8m

  5. NOV 18

    Storytelling in Running with Matt Trappe

    Matt Trappe recently started a Trail Running lifestyle brand called Auteur Sportif. He writes a brilliant substack (a Matter of Brand) celebrating running brands and their storytelling. In this episode we celebrate the great brands and enjoy a brainstorm how to make the good ones better. Please take this podcast survey. Please take this survey for our upcoming app, wylder. ---- Call the Borderlands Hotline - RUNMORE649 That's (786)667-3649. Leave a voice message I can play in a future podcast. We're looking for hot takes, disagreement, agreement, anger, happiness, indifference, etc. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn

    1h 4m

  6. NOV 15

    BAD RUNNERS TAKE: Breaking Down DNF Culture: Why We Need to Celebrate Our Miles.

    This podcast episode dives deep into the culture surrounding DNFs (Did Not Finish) in ultra running, with hosts Brian and Josh discussing the social constructs and emotional weight attached to these outcomes. Brian passionately argues that runners should be able to celebrate their efforts, regardless of whether they complete a race, pointing out the absurdity of labeling a significant distance as a failure. The conversation expands to explore the pressures and expectations placed on amateur runners compared to elite athletes, highlighting the different motivations and mentalities in play. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the implications of race metrics and how the ultra running community could evolve to better recognize the achievements of those who may not finish but still push their limits. With a mix of humor and serious reflection, the episode encourages listeners to reconsider how they perceive and react to DNFs in the sport. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn Takeaways: The DNF culture in ultra running creates unnecessary stigma around not finishing races. Runners invest significant time and effort into training, making DNFs feel like failures. There should be alternative metrics for race completion rather than just DNF statuses. Celebrating accomplishments in running, even if they don't result in a finish, is important. The podcast discusses how elite runners view DNFs differently than amateur runners. There is a need for a cultural shift in how we perceive and discuss DNFs.

    46 min

  7. NOV 14

    Just the Music.

    In Episode 100 I introduced 4 songs along with their stories. In this episode I offer brief introduction and give you the music back to back without interuption. I'm calling this music project CAVALE. And this group of songs is called 'Into the Virgin Desert'. Again, thank you so much for listening and supporting. The future looks bright. I can't wait to do the next 100 episodes. ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Sealevel Insights. Imagine yourself complete in control of your small business finances. Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn

    16 min

  8. NOV 12

    [MUSIC] Suffering and surviving an ultratrail race, EPISODE 100

    I wrote 4 songs of what I think midrace suffering sounds like. On the occassion of episode 100, I am releasing them along with what inpsired them and this podcast. Survey ---- Devil's Gulch 100 miler, 50 miler, 13.1 miles. Wenatchee, WA - July 13, 2025 Salt Lake Footshills Trail Races. Salt Lake City, UT - May 31, 2025 VKTRY Insoles - I wear these every run, 20% off. PATH Projects - My favorite running shorts, Borderlands10 for 10% off. --- Borderlands Instagram YouTube Threads LinkedIn

    41 min
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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

BORDERLANDS formed out of a deep love for the sport of trail and ultra running from someone who sucks at it. Imagine David Letterman has a baby with Jackass and its a trail runner. That's us. Home of the Bad Runners Take, Shoe Deep Dives, and other relatable Trail and Ultra Running Topics. ---- Hosted by Josh Rosenthal, founder of Borderlands Trail Running.

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