The Stubborn Tortoise
People often ask me why I love trail running. It's all about the stories. You meet a different kind of person on the trails: connects with nature, doesn't mind slowing down if someone is in need, says, "Good job, runner."
Trail runners are competitive, for sure. But it's also egalitarian. Seldom will you find the elites separated from the regular folk. Everyone gets lost at some point. Everyone falls. These are our badges of passage. This is my take on trail culture.
Logo: Kevin Stich
Music: "Our Sky," by Overland (via Free Music Archive)
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 257
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Paz n Hundo Talk About What's in Their Packs
A lot of this depends on whether it's a training run, a self-supported race or a race with a bit of distance between aid stations. We share our favorite things and talk a little about packs. But the …
Volunteering Fun and New Blood
I volunteered this past weekend at the Trivium race, hosted by Tejas Trails. It is their only road race, but it is challenging with lots of hills.
I introduced my friend, Jessica, to the volunteer li…
Sticks! Poles!
Using hiking poles/sticks can be advantageous on technical, hilly trails. But, you have to weigh the pros and cons -- especially if your poles are like mine -- and don't collapse to fit into a pack.
Pivoting to Plan B
If you were a part of the Caactus Rose trail race, you had to quickly pivot from Plan A to Plan B. Runners had to adjust to a different course, cancel lodging and plans and make new ones. Behind the …
Paz n Hundo Talk Injuries
We're not doctors but we play them on a podcast -- not really. But, as average runners, we have sustained a variety of injuries over the years. I think we agree the worst one is plantar fasciitis. We…
Master's Edition: Mary Kay Cooper
Mary Kay Cooper is a triple-threat: swimmer, runner and cyclist. She didn't let a bout with thyroid cancer slow her down. She has a strong drive and enjoys trying new, unusual things, like a swim, ru…
A Significant Date and the Beauty of a Good Interval Pace
I discovered that Sept. 26 had a couple of significant memories in my running career: in 2015, I sprang back from a disappointing DNF and redeemed myself, even after the course closed. The following …
Paz n Hundo Talk Drop Bags
When you're doing a self-supported race or a long training run, you need to pack bags for sustenance. We offer tips for what and how to pack, as well as reminiscing about self-supported races. Also, …
The Tire Guy...aka The Mentally Tough One aka Monté
If you have done Brazos Bend or Habenero Hundred, you may have seen Steven Monté out there dragging a 22-pound tire with his name on it or wearing a weighted vest. Crazy? Yes. But that isn't the poin…
Finding the Right Niche
Since I moved from the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio four years ago, I have had limited success in finding a running group where I truly felt comfortable. It's more to do with me and my insecuriti…
Course-marking is harder than it seems
Have you ever run a race and wondered how long it took for organizers to mark the course? For the Capt'n Karl's race last weekend at Reveille Peak Ranch, it took two solid days. I joined the crew las…
COVID scare, plus the best and worst races for me.
The title says it all.
Training Plans: Yes, No, Maybe
Even though I like to drift through a lot of things, adapting to whatever is thrown my way, having a training plan is a good idea. Sometimes, they're too rigid, sometimes too flexible and every now a…
What Does Orville Peck Have to Do With Running? Let Me Tell You.
OK, this episode is light on the running thing but more on the philosophy/mental game of running: you have to accept who you are and respect that. Just because other folx do 100-milers doesn't mean y…
Paz n' Hundo Talk Hydration
Two of the Biggest Sweaters in Texas offer advice about hydration, what to take, what implements to use and more!
Changing Goals
It's funny, but I recorded one version of this earlier but deleted it because my dang allergies made me sound sinusy.
In between, a friend who offered to coach me for the Brazos Bend 50-miler emailed…
Third Anniversary!
This week marks the third anniversary of The Stubborn Tortoise. What started as me reading previous blog posts have evolved into something more: my experiences, hearing the experiences of master's ru…
Master's Edition: The Four Amigos
Four Austin-area guys in their 60s-plus, gather each week to run or hike together. They are all formidable runners but at this age, injuries can hinder their efforts. Still, they take it in stride (p…
Paz and Hundo Talk Shoes and Socks
In the latest installment of Paz and Hundo, we delve into the mysterious world of shoes and socks -- what works for us and what advice we give to you in your quest.
Also, I give a brief-ish recap of …
Grinding, Hot-Weather Tips....and (drumroll) Boobs and Sports Bras
I have discovered that simply grinding out miles day after day is a good thing. I'm looking forward to it, even if it is insanely hot and humid. I may be acclimating. I am logging miles to virtually …