🏃‍♂️ "I never thought a running group would change my life—but it did."

In this episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Mike Obery to talk about the power of community in trail running. Mike shares how finding a running group not only helped him become a better runner but also introduced him to a supportive, inspiring community that made every trail run more fun and meaningful.

From feeling uncertain about joining a group to discovering the friendships, motivation, and shared adventures that come with it, Mike opens up about the impact of running with others—and why finding your community can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting or looking to connect with fellow trail runners, this episode will show you why you don’t have to go it alone.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why running groups can be the best way to start trail running 🤝
✅ How community helps beginners build confidence & stay consistent 🏃‍♂️
✅ Overcoming fears of joining a new group & finding the right fit 😅
✅ The unexpected benefits of running with others—beyond fitness 🚀
✅ Tips for getting involved in your local trail running community 🌍

💬 Join the conversation! Share your experience with trail running groups on Instagram @trailchaserspod

🎙 Season 3 is sponsored by Gilnokie Socks 🧦
Visit gilnokie.com and use the code TRAILCHASERS at checkout for 20% off your first order! 🎉

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and invite a friend to hit the trails with you! 🎙

"I could bench press over 100kgs, but I couldn’t walk 5KMs." 🤯

In this special solo episode of Trail Chasers, Dean takes the mic alone for the first time to share his personal journey—how a passion for communication led him from university radio 🎙️ to the world of podcasting, and how trail running 🏔️ completely transformed his life.

From lifting heavy in the gym 💪 to struggling through his first run 😅, Dean opens up about the pivotal moments that changed everything—his struggles, breakthroughs, and why the trails became his true home. Plus, he shares what’s next for Trail Chasers—a podcast built to inspire, educate, and ignite your passion for trail running! 🚀

If you're looking for motivation to take that first step onto the trails, this episode is for YOU! 🔥

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ How a love for radio & storytelling led Dean to podcasting 🎙️
✅ The unexpected moment that changed his perspective on health & fitness 🤯
✅ How COVID turned into the push he needed to start running 🦠➡️🏃‍♂️
✅ The struggle of road running & why the trails felt like home 🌿
✅ The mission behind Trail Chasers & what’s coming next! 🚀

💬 Join the conversation! Share your trail running journey on Instagram @trailchaserspod or reach out to Dean personally @deanhorwitz_—let’s grow this amazing community together! 🌍🏃‍♂️

🎙 Season 3 is sponsored by Gilnockie Socks 🧦
Visit gilnocki.com and use the code TRAILCHASES at checkout for 20% off your first order! 🎉

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and let’s chase trails together! 🎙

What if I told you that the secret to becoming a stronger, faster, and injury-free runner isn’t just running more—but running smarter?

In this episode of Trail Chasers, host Dean Horwitz sits down with Brendan Lombard, an elite runner, coach, and sports scientist, to break down the art and science of training smarter, not harder. With years of experience coaching athletes worldwide, Brendan shares insights on balancing performance, recovery, and longevity in trail running.

Brendan reveals how coaching, mindset, and training strategies can transform your running, whether you're a beginner or an ultra-endurance athlete. From avoiding burnout to optimizing race-day performance, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice.

🔑 What to Expect in This Episode:

🏃‍♂️ The biggest training mistakes runners make—and how to avoid them
💡 How to balance intensity and recovery for long-term success
⏳ Why periodization and smart training are crucial for performance
🔥 The difference between road and trail training—and how to transition
🛑 When to push through and when to pull back to prevent injury

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break through training plateaus, set big goals, and unlock their full potential on the trails.

🔊 Tune in now and learn how to run stronger, train smarter, and avoid burnout!