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Zane Schmahl: Chasing Distance—What to Expect When the Trail Gets Longer
Manage episode 482079562 series 3595024
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“You don’t have to know the whole route. You just need to take the first step.”
What if chasing distance wasn’t just about going further—but about finding freedom, learning what you’re made of, and getting wonderfully, beautifully lost along the way?
In this episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Zane Schmahl—trail race director, adventure racer, and co-founder of the legendary MUT (Mountain Ultra-Trail) in George. From running his first Otter to directing Africa’s only UTMB World Series race, Zane shares what it takes to move from your first short race into longer, more remote, and more meaningful challenges. This one’s all about discovery—of new trails, bigger goals, and yourself.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why showing up undercooked might cost you—but sometimes teaches you more 💥
✅ How to find new trails and build your sense of direction as a beginner 🧭
✅ What to pack (and what to always carry, just in case) 🎒
✅ How MUT went from a 60km dream to a global-stage race with runners from 45+ countries 🌍
✅ The real reason preparation matters—and what gear mistakes to avoid in your first long run ⚠️
✅ How trail running can evolve from sport to lifestyle to full-blown life mission 🚀
🥾 Got a story of your first long run—whether you flew, flopped, or found something unexpected?
DM us or tag @trailchaserspod. We love hearing how your trail got longer.
🎙 Season 3 is sponsored by Gilnokie Socks 🧦
Visit gilnokie.com and use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.
📩 If this episode hit home, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone eyeing their first ultra—because it’s time to go the distance.
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