Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who's revolutionizing how runners think about their sport. After signing up for 20 marathons and only finishing 3 due to constant injuries, Michael discovered there's more to running than chasing PRs and collecting race medals.
From his early days attempting untrained half marathons in Brooklyn to building a successful running travel company in Austin, Michael shares his journey of falling out of love with racing and into love with adventure. He explains why he believes the running community has become too focused on competition and how Rogue Expeditions offers an alternative—immersive cultural travel experiences for runners who want to explore the world's most beautiful trails without the pressure of race day.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why most running opportunities feel "too one-dimensional"
- The difference between running a city during a race vs. truly experiencing it
- How running travel compares to cycling tours and yoga retreats
- What it's like to run through Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Iceland's glaciers, and Italy's Dolomites
- Why the "stop racing, start exploring" philosophy resonates with so many runners
- How Rogue Expeditions creates adventures for all fitness levels with expert guides
Whether you're burned out on racing, curious about destination running, or simply love hearing about epic adventures, this conversation will challenge how you think about your running journey. Michael's passion for creating meaningful experiences over competitive achievements offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a runner.
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