What happens when you find out that your passion is running after attention and clout?

In this episode "Runfluencer" Rachel Beaton joins me, Dean Horwitz in her debut podcast that goes big on attention and clout and takes you behind the screen of one of SA's hottest rising running influencers.

Rachel dives right in using her signature quirky and hilarious personality to recount her most embarrasing running moments involving an oval office in the middle of Joburg and how being one of 10 children has larely defined her life and who she is.

Rachel's remarkable running achiements are only matched by her humour and openess as she recounts how she went from watching Netflix marathons to conquering South Africa's toughest Ultra-Marathon, the Comrades all while building a social media community focused on the shared pain, humour and controversial opinions that make the sport of running so great.

Rachel candidly discusses her approach to social media as a 'runfluencer,' balancing content creation with training, and how running has positively impacted her mental health and how she maintains a work-life-running balance that is a great example to anyone looking to go down the same road.

Dean and Rachel share some playful banter about her so-called disdain for trail running, her evolving social media presence, pushing people's buttons and her future running and non-running goals, all while sipping high-protein recovery milk that tastes like "Cocoa Pops"

As it began this episode ends on a lighthearted note with the signature Trail Chaser's word association game, revealing Rachel's bubbly and humorous personality that has endeared her to so many in the social media space.

This episode is a must-listen for followers, fans and even critics of Rachel as well as anyone who is interested in what it takes to build up an impressive social media community all while balancing your career and your passion and dedication to running while still maintaining a positive, friendly and bubbly personality!

Join me, your host Dean Horwitz as we delve into the world of trail running and the critical role of strength and conditioning with Brigitte Shaw, an experienced trail runner and fitness expert.

In this insightful episode, Brigitte shares her journey from a trail running novice to becoming a seasoned athlete, while highlighting the importance of injury prevention and performance enhancement through targeted strength and conditioning exercises.

With her practical and personal knowledge Brigitte shares practical strategies for balancing running and strength training, the significance of mobility and flexibility, and the necessity of proper race preparation and post-race recovery.

As we dive deeper into the fascinating and important world of Strength and Conditioning Brigitte breaks down the various elements that make up the discipline, their importance and ultimately how correcting these elements translates into being a better runner. Our conversation culminates in myths, misconceptions and some fantastic advice from a personal and professional point of view shining a light on the importance and the difference Strength and Conditioning will make to your trail running game.

This episode is a must-listen for runners looking to elevate their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

What drives someone to abandon a stable career in business and finance to become an extreme adventurer? Get ready to hear from Fritz, a modern-day explorer who left the corporate world to chase his dreams across the African continent. We'll take you on a journey through his most embarrassing moment—an unfortunate run-in with a camel thorn—and hear his thoughts on reshaping identity beyond professional labels. From cycling across Southern and Eastern Africa to a spontaneous Ironman in Rwanda, to his ultimate goal of running from Cape Town to Cairo, Fritz's story is a testament to the power of relentless pursuit and brotherly support.

We'll also tackle the gritty realities of Fritz's mission, where he partners with Vivocon Agua, a German NGO, to bring clean water and hygiene education to Africa. The innovative approaches, such as gamification and art, used to teach children are as fascinating as the logistical challenges they face. Fritz shares the complexities of managing day-to-day operations and striving to break a world record by running without a support car, all while keeping public engagement high and effectively communicating the mission's impact.

Finally, prepare to be inspired by the mental and physical demands of endurance sports. Drawing from Fritz's experience, we explore the critical role of mental toughness and adaptability in challenging environments, such as Ethiopia's unpredictable terrain and weather. With his insights on biomechanics, strength training, and nutrition, Fritz offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to push their limits. As we reflect on his journey, we look ahead to the future, considering the life-changing impacts and new opportunities on the horizon. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and awe, showcasing the extraordinary lengths one can go to fulfill their dreams.