PODCAST

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast

Mason Hickok

A trail running podcast exploring the sport in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond.

sports running

All Episodes

16:43

Roy Gallegos | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/09

Roy Gallegos returns to the race that started it all, and graduates to the 50K distance in the process. In his second time at Bandera, Roy is preparing to toe the 50K start line, having knocked out a stellar 2025, which included a 50K finish at Sky Island in September. In this conversation, we touch on Roy's processes for the effort and what he hopes to pursue post-Bandera. Follow Roy on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spoti...

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22:16

Cait Gomez | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/08

Two is the recurring number for Cait Gomez: It's her second time running at Bandera, and her second 50K. Cait is coming into this weekend's race having spent physical time on the course alongside her coach and other Bandera runners. Coupled with focused training and some homemade nutrition, Cait is confident in crossing the finish line, even if the effort will be long. Follow Cait on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Got a t...

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9:05

Erick Rendon | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Erick Rendon is coming into this year's Bandera trail race, nearing his tenth time in some distance at the esteemed Hill Country race. For his third attempt at the 100K distance, Erick is not scared of the distance; for him, it is more of a mental battle. Erick is confident his cross-training on the bike will help him cross the finish line this weekend. Follow Erick on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Got a topic idea? Want to le...

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17:44

Santiago Ortega | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Santiago Ortega is coming into this year's Bandera trail race with back-to-back-to-back efforts planned. Not only is Santiago looking to check the Bandera 25K off his list, but he is also planning to race the 20K at the Big Bend Ultra not long after. He will cap it off with another 50K at the Rocky 50 in February. Hear how Santiago is planning for all of the efforts, and his plans to stay on top of nutrition and hydration at Bandera. Follow Santiago on Strava Follow Strides on Instagr...

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15:32

Katie Glasheen | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/05

Katie Glasheen is coming into her time at Bandera calm, cool, and calculated. Running the 50K distance for the second time, Katie is confident that her training block and composition of strength training and physio will pay off. In this conversation, hear how Katie sprinkled in some fun during her 15-week training block and what she plans to pack for nutrition and hydration. Follow Katie on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and S...

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10:38

Shaun Jones | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/02

Shaun Jones is coming into this year's HOKA Bandera trail race with redemption and first-time experiences on his mind. Despite this being his first attempt at any distance at Bandera, Shaun is eyeing a finish following an unfortunate DNF at Cactus Rose last year. Nonetheless, Shaun is expecting his focused training to help him cross the finish line. Follow Shaun on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Love it or hate it? Got a topic ...

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11:32

Courtney Rouse | Pre HOKA Bandera Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2026/01/02

The Bandera course is something of a homecoming for Courtney Rouse, a local legend in San Antonio's trail scene. It was the first course she ran when she moved to San Antonio, and one she has continually returned to. Courtney is coming into this year's 50K race looking to have fun and improve on her 5-hour time last year, albeit on a last-minute course change. Follow Courtney on Strava Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Love it...

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37:47

Will Rocha (The People’s Champ): Breaking Down Sky...

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/12/17

In September, ahead of the Sky Island trail race, Will Rocha famously said he was going to "f**k around and find out." I suppose you could say it paid off—Rocha took the top spot on the 25K, finishing the race in just under two-and-a-half hours. An impressive finish, especially considering it was Rocha's first trail race. However, Rocha is no stranger to the endurance chase. In our conversation, we discuss how running came to Rocha by way of an interest in cycling and mobility, his marathon p...

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56:43

The 'AVRG' Runner's Playbook with Jordan Gracey

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/12/12

Jordan Gracey may be an average runner, but his itch for the heart of running and creating is palpable. Gracey is one of three behind "AVRG," a DIY-zine tailored for all runners. Check out Issue 001 from AVRG. We recorded this episode back in September. While we do touch on running and AVRG in this conversation, Jordan graciously shared in my meanderings about trail shoes, the beauty and complexities of Kogonada’s film Columbus, and Gracey’s roots in the music scene. Follow Jordan on In...

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9:04

Cale Williams | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/09/15

Heading into this year's Sky Island, third time is the charm for Cale Williams. Cale Williams has stuck to what he knows in his preparation for Sky Island -- hill repeats and long trail runs, especially at the Babcock Powerlines in San Antonio. As for nutrition, Cale is looking toward gummy bears. And some Huma gels, of course. But for Cale, he is eyeing a chill ride on the 25K and looking forward to crushing his enemies at the same time. Follow Cale on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram ...

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16:50

Roy Gallegos | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/09/08

In his first 50k, Roy Gallegos is not letting Sky Island's distance get to his head. Roy Gallegos' mindset is one rooted in a humble mentality; a devotee to the endurance experience. From 5:00 a.m. training runs to acclimating to the necessary elevation gains, Roy is prepared for the experience of a lifetime. At the end, one thing awaits: finishing as an ultramarathoner. What's next? Bigger and better things, he would say. Follow Roy on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstac...

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12:52

Joe Sierra | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/09/01

West Texas has come calling again for Joe Sierra, who is looking for the finish in his second trail race of the year at Sky Island. Joe Sierra is coming off a Big Bend Ultra 50-mile finish from earlier this year, though he is also battling a bad shin splint. Despite that, however, Joe describes how prioritizing recovery and cross-training on the bike has prepared him for the longevity of the Sky Island 50k. Low and slow is Joe's mindset, especially to tackle the elevation gains in the r...

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9:07

Will Rocha | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/08/25

In his first trail race, Will Rocha is going to fuck around and find out in his home away from home. There is a beauty in coming into an endurance feat with the intent to find out one's limits. For Will Rocha, the Sky Island 25k will be a test of mental fortitude. Listen to find out how Will is coping with injury, approaching the start with patience, and how he landed racing at Sky Island. Follow Will on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast a...

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9:06

Madison Ortega | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/08/20

Running with her dad and husband by her side, Madison Ortega is ready for the magic of Sky Island and West Texas. In this episode, Madison Ortega describes her mentality coming into her second trail race. Fitting that it is another West Texas race, as she did the 20k at the Big Bend Ultra earlier this year. Trading frigid temperatures for the blazing sun, Madison discusses her training post-injury, the importance of nutrition and hydration, and how she feels running the race alongside her da...

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52:45

A Lesson in Discipline and the Blessing of Movement...

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/08/19

The heart of the athlete shines with Javian Quinones, a faithful devotee to the endurance chase. Quinones, who is rehabbing and rebuilding from his third knee surgery, has chased endurance on two wheels and two feet. A seeker of the ultra distance, Quinones has big goals and bigger miles. We chat about what brought him into running and how that evolved to cycling, the importance of optimism when dealing with injury, and what it means to chase the miles. Follow Javian on Instagram Follow...

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12:23

Santiago Ortega | Pre Sky Island Trail Race Interview

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Santiago Ortega is eyeing the finish line on his first 50k and preparing to fill that experience with joy. In this episode, hear how Santiago is mentally preparing for the effort, what fuel sources he plans to utilize–including the underrated (gluten-free) peanut butter and jelly sandwich—and how a trip to Mexico City earlier this year is affecting his mindset going into the race. Follow Santiago on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Sp...

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5:10

Introduction: Interviewing nine runners from San...

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/08/17

Hey everybody! I’m happy to introduce this project: Strides’ pre-race coverage of the Sky Island trail race. The race, one of West Texas’ finest, is in its ninth year. Boasting views of Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatories, and the skies of Texas, the race is much-loved — and it's calling the name of some badass runners. For this coverage, I sat down with nine runners from San Antonio who are running the 25k and 50k races. While Borderlands’ Western States interviews inspired this, th...

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53:17

Running As A Lens to the Natural World with Shaun Jones

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/07/28

There is an air of calm and creativity to Shaun Jones’ view on running, much of which is often evoked through the camera lens of his phone. Influenced by his interests in street photography, Jones sometimes dedicates runs to finding striking images, all while covering miles on the trails or parts of the San Antonio River Walk from the steps of his front door. In this conversation, we discuss how photography plays into Jones' running, building up his mileage for races, and running as exp...

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52:19

The Runner's Church with Roy Gallegos

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Roy Gallegos is inspiring, both for his view on running and his commitment to bettering the craft. When not doubling the Babcock power lines on the weekend or battling hill repeats, Gallegos uplifts his small business and spends his life as a husband and a father. We cover running as a spiritual practice, how Gallegos discovered brands such as Satisfy and Alex Zono, and what his race plans look like for the rest of the year. Follow Roy on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtst...

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45:07

Edgar Navarrete: A Balance of Movement, Experience,...

Strides: A Trail Running Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Edgar Navarrete brings a special kind of humility and warmth to his story, one of resiliency and centered in the history of two places. In this episode, Edgar and I discuss how his immigration story has impacted his running journey, the importance of movement in that journey, and what coveted race he is eyeing for his 100K debut. Follow Edgar on Instagram Follow Strides on Instagram and Subtstack Check out Strides on Apple Podcast and Spotify Love it or hate it? Got a topic idea? Please leave...

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Strides: A Trail Running Podcast

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