Beating Injury and Finishing the Big Bend Ultra with Madison Ortega

Braiding, Trail Running, and Movement as Mediation with Amos Lozano

Amos Lozano goes by many names. From Coach Famous Amos to The Juiced Up Ninja, and, perhaps unofficially, the back-to-back 53K champion at the San Antonio Road Runners’ Rocky Horror Trail Run.  But at the center of all the monikers—all of the accolades—is a devout student of movement; a curious student of routine. Amos is generous with his wisdom and knowledge, as evidenced by his commitment to helping other athletes improve and by the principles that guide his coaching practice. While we chat about ultrarunning’s distance climb past 250 to 300 miles, Amos said he is comfortable with distances of 100 miles and under, but that has not stopped him from supporting others. After pacing at this year’s Arizona Monsterr 300, later this year, Amos will provide pacing duties at the Moab 240. We close out the interview talking about Amos’ Native American heritage and the respect for running as a spiritual practice. Even down to the braiding of his hair before a race, Amos will tell you it is about the process of getting to the finish line, even sometimes alongside the ancestors who ran before him.  Before our conversation, Amos chatted about his running essentials on the ULTRA EQUIPMENTS PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vUNdAUr2VbUEJB3xe1Osr?si=35b029edff654b7a] from good friend of the show, Javian Quinones. Show U:EQ all of the love. Javian is doing wonderful work in this space, particularly in branding and activations—more from him on Strides in the near future. Follow Amos on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eatplantsmoveoften/] and Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/69867219?oq=amos%20lo] 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.

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.