Roy Gallegos | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

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 [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHJdd7lg9K/?img_index=1]. 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 [https://www.instagram.com/p/DX1tfdXFstn/?img_index=1] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/runshaun/] and Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/86695874] Follow Strides on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strides_trail/] and Subtstack [https://substack.com/@stridestrail?utm_source=user-menu] Check out Strides on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strides-a-trail-running-podcast/id1813036158] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4JG7t6R5soK2zIJ3dVArDH?si=cd10f530f1eb4503] Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.

Chasing the Triple Crown of 200s with Aimee Warnke

Aimee Warnke's ultrarunning resume, this year alone, is impressive: First place at the HURT100 and first place two-peat at the Prickly Pear 50K. That does not account for all of her accomplishments in 2025, including a finish at the Leadville 100. The 2025 Prickly Pear was the event that put Aimee on my radar, not long before Strides dropped its first episode. Aimee's commitment to the sport is infectious, and it shows in the work she puts in. In this conversation, we discuss Aimee's appreciation for trail running in Hawaii, what the San Antonio running culture means to her, and how she plans to seek adventure in her pursuit of the Triple Crown of 200s.  Also, it feels appropriate to say this, but Strides is written, produced, and edited 100% free of AI. We care about human-focused projects here.  Follow Aimee on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adubs.runs/] and Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/73487645] Follow Strides on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strides_trail/] and Subtstack [https://substack.com/@stridestrail?utm_source=user-menu] Check out Strides on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strides-a-trail-running-podcast/id1813036158] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4JG7t6R5soK2zIJ3dVArDH?si=cd10f530f1eb4503] Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.

Routine and Repetition: The Running Philosophy of Jimmy Segura

Jimmy Segura's mindset for running is rooted in routine, with a sprinkle of zeal.  Jimmy sat down with me not long after completing a 100-miler at Rocky Raccoon in January—his first completion at the coveted distance. However, Jimmy is always looking for bigger challenges. In this conversation, we discuss how he was first introduced to running and how proximity to his favorite trail spot in San Antonio influenced his training. Then, we dive into the special nuances of how Jimmy trains for his races.  We cap off the conversation with an ode to the San Antonio running community.  As always, I hope you enjoy. Follow Jimmy on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jimmynudetron/] and Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/49282080] Follow Strides on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strides_trail/] and Subtstack [https://substack.com/@stridestrail?utm_source=user-menu] Check out Strides on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strides-a-trail-running-podcast/id1813036158] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4JG7t6R5soK2zIJ3dVArDH?si=cd10f530f1eb4503] Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.

Chasing the Black Canyon Belt Buckle with Edgar Navarrete

Less than a year ago, on this podcast, Edgar Navarrete made up his mind: He was going to run the Black Canyon 100K.  Edgar and 1,000 other runners will tee off on Black Canyon's point-to-point course through the Arizona desert this weekend. I've wanted to return to this part of our July 2025 conversation since Edgar laid the groundwork.  Edgar is coming off a finish in the 55K at the Big Bend Ultra last month, a "midterm race," as he described.   From creative runs in San Antonio to recover forgotten keys, and a portfolio of success, Edgar is looking to have fun in Arizona.  Black Canyon is an esteemed race, and Edgar is sure to make San Antonio proud. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Note: This interview was recorded in late January. Follow Edgar on Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48557471] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/edgaranavarrete/?hl=en] Follow Strides on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strides_trail/] and Subtstack [https://substack.com/@stridestrail?utm_source=user-menu] Check out Strides on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strides-a-trail-running-podcast/id1813036158] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4JG7t6R5soK2zIJ3dVArDH?si=cd10f530f1eb4503] Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.

Beating Injury and Finishing the Big Bend Ultra with Madison Ortega

A face behind Southwest Elixirs and the Extra Credit crew, Madison Ortega is shaping her running journey surrounded by community.  You could say running "runs in the family," as the sport dots the lives of many of Madison's family figures. Now, alongside her husband and friend of the show, Santiago, Madison channels that history into her running. In this conversation, we discuss how unexpected injuries last year affected her race calendar, how nutrition affects movement, and her race plans for 2026. We recorded this podcast days before Madison ran the Big Bend Ultra, even shaving time [https://www.instagram.com/p/DT01E9RjvDZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] off her previous race.  Follow Madison on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/madisunjean/] Follow Strides on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/strides_trail/] and Subtstack [https://substack.com/@stridestrail?utm_source=user-menu] Check out Strides on Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strides-a-trail-running-podcast/id1813036158] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4JG7t6R5soK2zIJ3dVArDH?si=cd10f530f1eb4503] Got a topic idea? Feel free to leave a review and email any feedback to stridestrailpod@gmail.com.