Running Scared Media

On today's show we turn inward to highlight one of our own great athletes! Today's guest is Vegard Jarvis Westergard, a Norwegian-Canadian athlete who competes for the Canadian National Orienteering Team. We discuss his background growing up in Norway, explaining how his father’s Canadian roots and a love for the outdoors led him to represent Canada on the world stage. 
Vegard describes orienteering as a complex sport that blends high-speed physical endurance with intricate navigation skills, where the fastest runner is not always the winner. We then turn to his recent success at the 2025 World Games in China, where he secured a third-place finish. Westergard shares insights into his training routines in Oslo and expresses his desire to see the sport grow through grassroots efforts in Canada. We really dive into his love of navigating the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the mental challenge of solving puzzles while racing through rugged terrain.
Vegard also introduces us to the maybe the "steepest race in the world" 
The stoltzekleiven opp
Learn more about this race here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTtH7UeQdFA
Also, if you're interested in Orienteering check out Squadrats.
Learn more about Squadrats here
Visit Orienteering Canada here
Sponsors: Ostrich Running here

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We have a new name and we have new guest! On todays show host Ari welcomes  Jeremy Brown, the founder of Life by Design, discussing his transition from traditional personal training to a holistic wellness and movement brand. Brown advocates for a "movement weirdo" philosophy, which encourages playful, intuitive physical activity over the rigid structure of typical gym routines. He explains that incorporating functional modalities like animal flows, floor rolling, and hand-eye coordination drills can improve athleticism and coordination for people of all ages. They discuss how neurodivergent individuals often thrive in these flexible environments where they can explore various options rather than following a strict script. Ultimately, Brown aims to foster a movement culture in Milwaukee and beyond that balances intense strength training with mindful, dynamic play.
Follow Jeremey on Instagram @lyfebydzyne
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
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Email us at: [email protected]

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On today's show we do some hill sprints with John Calabrese, an ultrarunner from Fredericksburg, Virginia. We begin by discussing the intersectionality of running and personal resilience. John explains how he utilizes the sport as a form of meditative therapy to navigate life’s hardships, including divorce, the loss of friends, and his journey toward sobriety. The conversation highlights his preference for grassroots trail races over corporate events, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's personal motivations. Throughout the exchange, he offers a candid look at the ultra-running community, describing it as a "tribe" for those who often feel they do not belong elsewhere. We finish off with reflections on parenting, the value of failure for personal growth, and recommendations for historic running trails in the Virginia area. 
Follow John on Instagram @breezytrailhead
Clips: John C
Original Music: Jamie Roberts
Transcript here
***Audio improves after a few mins of runtime***
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Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
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It's a first for Running Buddies and we are so pleased to have legendary French snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue on the show. We caught up with Xavier for a conversation while he was out for a stroll on the snowy slopes of Verbier, Switzerland. Getting to know Xavier was a great learning experience and we covered a lot in the talk, mostly notably his transition from Olympian and Freeride World Champion to an introspective filmmaker and adventurer. Xavier details his unique psychological process for navigating dangerous mountain faces, emphasizing a balance between rational analysis and following one's instinct. We finish up by touching on his work - and interesting reveal - on Point Break and his spectacular piece "Of a Lifetime," which chronicles an expedition to Antarctica with his daughter and brother. Xavier is extremely thoughtful human being that advocates for a connection with nature as a vital remedy for the pressures of a technology-driven world.
Subscribe to Xavier's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@XVDLR
View his movie 'Of a Lifetime": HERE
Follow Xavier on Instagram: @xavierdelerue
Full Transcript: HERE
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: [email protected]

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On this valentines day inspired episode of Sole Sisters, Justine and Kylie run with Ally and Michael Ball, who discuss the Cupid’s Undie Run, a charity event held in Reno and various other cities. Basically participants complete a one-mile run in their underclothing to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation and support research for neurofibromatosis (NF). The couple shares their personal connection to the cause through their son’s diagnosis and emphasizes the community support the event provides to families. They then switch it up to play a "newlywed game" style challenge while walking on treadmills.
To sign up for the Cupid's Undie Run in your select city go to: https://cupids.org/
Use discount code: solesisters for a 30% discount
For great trail headwear go to Kea Peak at: https://keapeak.com/
Use code: runningscared for a 20% discount
For fun and entertaining Bar Trivia head to: https://www.djtrivia.com/
For the Full Transcript find it:  here
Make sure to give us a review - 5 starts is always nice!
Support the show
Subscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!
RunningScaredMedia.com
Visit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merch
Email us at: [email protected]

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Join our FB Running Group