You can feel it, it’s almost here 🏔️ 🇿🇦

A chat with Stu McConnachie has been on the cards for some time. We connected at TrailCon this year & I couldn’t wait to share more of this story. Not only is UTCT a favorite on the trail calendar, this event has grown from its grass roots into something more. It stands on its own feet as a World Trail Major & puts SA on the map as a trail destination. None of this happened by accident 💭

Stu talks about the evolution of the event, the hopes for where it could go & some of the real challenges the team had to wrestle with to build this thing to where it is today. 🤙🏼

Two years later, we see our first repeat guest on the podcast. This episode with Tarrin van Niekerk is a special one. We talk about what it’s looked like for her to continue to run brave, her solo finish of the Hoefyster, her love for the mountains in Lady Grey & more . A personal hero & friend, it’s always good to welcome her to the podcast.

Do hard things. In community, for community 🇹🇿

This week we explore this idea of doing hard things, with a purpose that goes beyond ourselves. Brett Harrison is a race director & community development worker in Tanzania.

We talk about his trail & MTB events, what brought him to Africa and what led him to do meaningful work that goes beyond his personal goals and ambition. Through his races Traverse Tanzania & Kili Trail Run he is building adventures that transform communities and it’s the type of event that should be on your bucket list.

We are back! Season 3 of Trail Culture is here & I'm so stoked to share some stories from all around the world with you all.

First up, the founder of @oeathleticsclub, he’s not only a fast human but an incredibly consistent one. He’s well known for his Daily Mile videos & has some inspiring thoughts on creativity to share. 💭

We talk about his collegiate track career, the inspiration for starting his business, how to cultivate a rhythm of sustainability (for both running & creativity) & more! Stoked that Brock Kelly is the first guest to kick off the new season 💥

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply love incredible stories of humans doing great things, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring extraordinary guests like Brock Kelly.

🔗 Links & Resources:

The Daily Mile

Creativity Inc.

- Trail Culture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailcultureza/

- Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

- Carbon Endurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbon_endurance/

- Carbon Endurance: https://www.carbonendurance.co

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring trail stories, running tips, and epic adventures!

This one is special. A handful of the brave humans who tackled the miler share some of their stories just a few hours after finishing their epic journeys.

The debrief starts with Nicolette Griffioen. Two milers, two wins, four weeks apart - we’re inspired. She talks about her decision making process & where her mind was at going into this stretch of training and racing 🏅

Pierre Jordaan is up next. @the.flying.runner had an incredibly consistent run that put him in 3rd. He humbly talks about how his race unfolded & his approach to the training ‘required’ for these big dances.

The story continues as we heard from two well loved George locals. Lodelia Kombrink claimed second place after an exciting switch up in the last 7kms of the race. Thembinkosi Sojola made an incredible come back after a challenging start & ran into the top 10. 🏆 the George community came out in full force to welcome these two home.

The MUT locker room | E03🎙️🔓

Its been an eventful day at George MUT by UTMB ⛰️ war stories shared from a handful of trail legends.

@monique_agenbag08 starts us off with some training reflections & her race strategy for tomorrows 25km ⚡️

The power of salt & vinegar chips to the joy of racing on home trails. @shaunyd_8 & @rebeccakohne share stories from the MUT marathon 👟

& @adie_athlete talks about the personal battle to fight for his position in the miler 🛠️

Inspired is an understatement. 💭

#TrailCulture

In the second locker room episode, we catch up with some of the sports favourite athletes. Toeing the line at the marathon & 60km races tomorrow, we chat through:

• The build up to MUT
• Injuries & setbacks
• Sibling rivalry
• History with the event
• Working with the race day rubik's cube
• & more!

Welcome Brendan Lombard! From racing across the globe to coaching runners of all levels, Brandon shares his expert insights on purpose-driven training, strength & conditioning for runners, and overcoming injuries.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll discover:

🔥 How to build strength for trail running – Key exercises, common mistakes, and how to integrate strength into your routine without overloading yourself.

🏃‍♂️ Brendan's journey from South Africa to Spain – Why he made the move and how it’s shaped his training and coaching philosophy.

🏋️ Strength training myths & best practices – Why “leg day” isn’t enough and how periodization can change your performance.

🤕 Injury prevention & recovery – Lessons from his Achilles injury and the breakthrough method that got him back to running.

⛰️ Racing in Europe vs. South Africa – Insights on courses, competition, and what it takes to perform on the world stage.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Welcome to Season 2!

01 :38 - Meet Brendan Lombard: Sports Scientist, Coach & Trail Runner

04:30 - Why Brendan moved to Spain & how it’s impacted his training

08:00 - Brendan’s running journey – From swimming to world championships

13:20 - First trail race reality check – How road speed doesn’t always translate to the mountains

18:30 - Full-time coaching & digital nomad life

23:00 - Brendon’s Achilles injury & breakthrough recovery technique

27:50 - Mental battle of injury & staying motivated

31:40 - Brendan’s 2025 race goals – Tenerife, Eiger Ultra, UTCT & more

36:00 - The importance of training with purpose

9:00 - Biggest mistakes runners make with strength training

45:20 - How to structure strength workouts around your running

51:10 - Beginner’s guide: Strength training for trail runners

56:40 - How long does it take to see strength training results?

01:03:00 - Final advice: Brendan’s favorite training philosophy

🌍 Connect with Trail Culture:

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Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

Support those who support us:

Carbon Endurance Instagram

Carbon Endurance Wesbite

📩 Follow Brendan Lombard (Instagram)

🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More Trail Running Insights! Don’t forget to hit LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more epic trail running and strength training content! Let us know your biggest strength training struggles in the comments below!👇