Trail Chasers Podcast – Season 3, Episode 1
Guest: Mike Obery
Episode Title:
Mike Obery: Don’t Start Trail Running Alone—Why Community is the Key
Episode Description:
Welcome to Trail Chasers Season Three, a beginner's guide to trail running. Starting trail running can feel intimidating when you're on your own—trust me, I know. But what if I told you that finding the right running group can make all the difference? Having a supportive community around you can keep you motivated, help you improve, and make the experience more enjoyable.
Today, we’re talking about how to find your tribe, connect with like-minded runners, and make your trail running journey even more rewarding. My guest today is the legendary Mike Obery an ultra-runner and community leader who has helped countless runners find their place in the trail scene. From co-founding Community Track Club to leading Must Love Hills, Mike fosters an inclusive and supportive running culture in Cape Town.
In this episode, Mike and I dive deep into how finding the right running group can transform your trail experience—from staying motivated and finding a group that suits your pace to overcoming the nerves on your first run. If you've ever felt unsure about where to start, this episode will help you take that first step with confidence.
Mike, welcome to Trail Chasers!
Mike:
How long has it been? How long have we been trying to get this episode recorded?
Dean:
Look, when I started this podcast, I had a short list of people I wanted, and you were definitely high up there. So, it’s taken almost a year.
Mike:
I’m so sorry! But yeah, here I am. I’m everywhere, all at once. Finally made it. Happy to be here—thanks for having me.
Dean:
We're doing things a little differently this season with a beginner's guide to trail running, helping people get into the sport. This is our first episode of the season, and we wanted to kick it off with a bang.
For me, when someone starts trail running, I encourage them to get involved in the community as a first step.
We’re structuring the interviews like a trail run—every 15 minutes, we’ll pause for a question, have a bit of fun, and keep things engaging.
First off, let’s talk about trail runs and races. When you're on the start line, what are you doing? How are you feeling? What’s the energy like for you?
Mike:
If you’re talking about races, for me personally, I always attend them. It doesn’t matter what my coach says or what I tell myself—I’m never really going to take it easy. Nah!
When you show up to a race, it’s full gas, full send. Whether it’s a 5K or 100 miles, there’s always that nervous moment. When you're on the start line, you're thinking, What’s going to happen today? How am I going to do? How should I plan and execute my race?
At the end of the day, attending any race is a privilege. So, if you're going to be there, give it your all. Give it your f***ing best—and just have fun. That’s the most important thing.
When you're standing on the start line, feeling those butterflies and that nervous energy, embrace it. That feeling means you respect the race, and that’s a good thing. But more than anything, just enjoy it.
For me, when I step up to the start line, I always make sure to approach it with a smile—because it's an absolute privilege to be there.
Dean:
I love that.
Without thinking too hard and without getting too deep and introspective, what have been the five most pivotal moments in your life that have led you to this point? It can be about running, life, anything.
Mike:
Yeah, there's been a lot that’s gone on.
There’s actually an article coming out in a certain magazine later this month or next month, and I talked about this.
I come from a background of drug addiction—that was a pivotal moment. I was hospitalized between 2005 and 2006. I can’t even remember the exact date, which is probably a good thing. I was in the hospital, had a machine breathing for me, fighting for my life.
Because of drugs.
That was a huge moment that turned my life around.
A few years later, I was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc., and put on a whole lot of medication by my psychiatrist. But I hated the way it made me feel. It actually felt like I was back on drugs, and that scared me. I needed an outlet—something to help me control how I was feeling.
My brother was running. He was doing Two Oceans. My sister was doing it too. I was always a runner, but never long-distance. I hated long-distance running back in school—I was a sprinter.
But I gave it a shot. Pulled on some old tackies that I used to go jolling in and ran four kilometres from the lighthouse to Milky Lane
I’m giving away my age here by calling it Milky Lane
Anyway, I ran 4K, and my knee was so sore afterward. But the bug had bitten. You can tell I have an addictive personality, right?
And from there, it spiralled. Not out of control, but in a good way. I was able to channel my energy, my passion for sport, running, and life into something that was giving me so much back.
Mike:
The third pivotal moment was lining up for races and realizing, Hey, I might actually be pretty good at this sport.
I remember racing my first 10-kilometre at UWC almost ten years ago, in 2015. My friends were like, You actually did a really good time.
And I was thinking, What the f** do I know about times and pacing? But that was a big moment for me. It was when I realized, Okay, cool. I can do this.
Pivotal moment #4 was running my first trail run.
That was the moment I realized, Holy sh*t this is something special.
It was the Elgin Trail Run, back when it was still part of the Spur Trail Series. I did 4.5 kilometres, and I rocked up in full-on road running gear. What a noob.
I sent it from the start, went all out, and of course, got absolutely destroyed on the climbs. But I was hooked. I was so engulfed in the beauty of trail running that I didn’t care—I just knew I wanted more.
Pivotal moment #5 was taking on endurance runs—running my first Puffer
That was the moment I fell in love with ultra-running. Just me, alone in my feelings, pushing myself further than I ever had before. That was the race where I realized, This is where I belong.
And then, of course, running my first 100-miler was another defining moment. That was when I knew: F**, I’ve found my calling. I love this. I love the big, long days. I love the challenge. I love the fact that I’m pushing myself beyond what most people even think is possible. *
Marathons are cool—only 1% of the world runs them. But 100-milers? That’s 0.1%. And I love the idea of being in that space, of pushing those limits. And now, naturally, my mindset is, How do I get faster? How do I improve? How do I take this to the next level?
Dean:
Did it feel like a natural transition through the stages? Looking back now, does it all make sense?
Mike:
Yes, definitely.
I wouldn’t say I got bored with shorter distances, but the transition felt seamless. I just kept thinking; I could do this.
When I signed up for bigger races, they always scared the sh*t out of me. But I also knew what I was capable of, and that made the transition easier.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the race itself—it’s about the training.
It's about getting to that 30–40-kilometer mark in your training runs, hitting those 70–80-kilometre weeks, committing to strength training, and putting in the work. If you do that, the transition happens naturally.
Sure, there were niggles along the way, small injuries, little setbacks—but my mindset was always, I know I can do this. I know I’m capable of more.
That belief made all the difference.
Dean:
Did running replace the addiction in the beginning?
Mike:
Look, running is definitely addictive. But I don’t think I replaced one addiction with another, at least not in the way people might assume.
I never want to put the two in the same category. Running became something much bigger for me—it became about giving back to a sport that has given me so much.
That’s the real addiction. Building the community, creating opportunities, and making an impact—that’s what drives me now. That’s what fulfils me.
So, I wouldn’t even call it an addiction—I’d call it fulfilment.
Dean:
One of the trickiest things—other than actually getting you here—was figuring out a topic.
Because every time I asked someone for topic ideas, they just said, Get Mike to speak on it. You could cover everything—coaching, mindset, running philosophy.
But if you had a business card, and underneath your name was one line to describe what you do, what would it say?
Mike:
Just f**ing anything, bro.
Jack of all trades—hit me up. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll go f***ing research it for you.
But ultimately?
Mike Obery: Your Hype Guy.
Dean:
Yeah, I love that.
What does work look like for you outside of running?
Mike:
So, I actually work for the City of Cape Town in grant funding, monitoring, and evaluation.
Basically, all the finance grants that come into the city for various projects. I’m the guy ticking the boxes, making sure everything is compliant and running smoothly.
It’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s also a lot of fun.
Dean:
Obviously, we’re here to talk about community. And if you say, "running community in Cape Town," your name is one of the first that comes up.
Why do you think that is?
Mike:
First of all, that’s an absolute privilege to hear.
I think it’s because people always say, Mike is everywhere. Which is true—I try to be present for the running community as much as possible.
From Saturday and Sunday morning group runs to weekly training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’m always around.
But more than that, I love creating safe spaces. I love building community runs. I love bringing people out of their shell and helping them feel like they belong.
Running is an inclusive sport. And while we might run on our own two legs, it’s so much better when we do it together.
At this point in my life, I’d rather run with people than grind through a hard session alone. Sure, I still do my solo sessions in the forest or on the trails, because those are special too. But on a daily basis? Running with others is just better.
There’s also something really cool we do on Monday afternoons—it’s called Honesty Run.
It’s just the boys, running, talking about real sh**. No lies, no fluff. If you show up, be ready to be grilled. We’ll call you out. But it’s all love.
Dean:
Alright, time for our first break.
Take me on a tough trail run. You’re hitting a really hard hill—it feels like it’s never going to end.
What are you saying to yourself to keep going?
Mike:
Walk, my bro.
Don’t be a hero—there’s a long way to go. If you need to walk, take a walk. There’s nothing wrong with that.
We’re trail runners—we hike the hills if we need to. Get your poles out, clap a walk.
And also, don’t take yourself too f**ing seriously*.
Hills are supposed to be hard. That’s why you train for them.
If you’ve put in the training, the hills won’t break you. Use them wisely—recover when you need to and then send it when you hit the parts of the course that play to your strengths.
For me, I love climbing. I do a lot of climbing. My running crew is called Must Love Hills for a reason—though we did leave the question mark off the name.
At the end of the day, enjoy the journey. It’s not meant to be easy.
Dean:
Talking about community and why it matters—when people think of trail running, they often think about that strong sense of community.
Why do you think there’s such a connection between the two?
Mike:
I have a hypothesis on this.
First, we’ve got some incredible trail running groups in Cape Town—Stellies Shakeout, Tuesday Trails, Chicks Who Trail, Hout Bay Trails, and many more. These groups help build a sense of belonging.
But second—and this is a big one—this is South Africa. Let’s be real: running alone on the mountain isn’t always safe. There’s safety in numbers.
So, I think the sense of community comes from both necessity and connection.
And let’s not forget—we also have some great social partners in the trail running community. Jack Black is synonymous with post-run beers. Who doesn’t love finishing a hard trail session with a cold one and a group of mates?
But at its core, running is just better with people. There’s something about suffering through a climb together, sending it down a technical descent, and just experiencing that shared stoke.
Like, you’ll be bombing down Contour Path in Newlands, and the person next to you is just like, “F**, this is rad.” * And you’re thinking the exact same thing.
That shared experience is what makes trail running special. And you see it everywhere—from Cape Town to Mont Blanc, to Flagstaff, to the UK fell running scene. It’s global.
Trail running and community? They just go together.
Dean:
When it comes to beginners getting into the sport, a lot of people say that motivation and consistency are the hardest parts.
Why do you think group runs help with that?
Mike:
Simple.
Misery loves company.
(laughs)
But seriously, showing up is easier when you know other people will be there.
If you’re feeling unfit, unsure, or even a bit of imposter syndrome, you’re not alone. I can guarantee there are other people feeling the same way.
I’ve seen so many people completely change their friend groups just from coming to one trail run. Their whole lifestyle shifts. And that’s powerful.
And I always tell people, Don’t be intimidated by what you see on Instagram. It might look like everyone is super fit and sending hard, but I promise you—trail running groups are some of the most welcoming spaces you’ll find.
All it takes is one simple hello, and you’ve probably made friends for life.
Dean:
What do you think are the biggest barriers for beginners when it comes to starting trail running or joining a group run?
Mike:
Honestly?
Your own mindset.
A lot of beginners overthink pace, fitness, or whether they’ll be able to keep up.
But trail running isn’t just about speed. It’s about direction, safety, and experience.
Yes, you don’t want to get lost or dropped from the group—but there will always be someone to check in on you. At Must Love Hills, we have people who stay back to make sure no one gets left behind. Stellies Shakeout does the same.
And one of the best things you can do?
Learn how to use a GPX file.
Download the route, have it on your watch, and get comfortable navigating. Getting lost does happen—it’s part of the experience. But the more familiar you are with your surroundings, the more confident you’ll be.
And also? Be prepared.
You don’t want to be that guy stuck on Table Mountain on a Saturday afternoon with no snacks, no water, and five hours of daylight left.
Dean:
Looking at the long-term journey—what role does community play in keeping people engaged in trail running long term?
Mike:
Accountability.
The consistency of showing up to group runs keeps you engaged.
And the beautiful thing about community is that most trail groups have different pace groups.
So, over time, you might start in one group, and a year later, you’ve moved up a level. That progression keeps people motivated.
And it holds you accountable.
You make friends, and suddenly, you’re getting messages like, “Hey, are you coming today?”
And those days when it’s pissing with rain, and you think, “F** this, I’m not going,” *—that text pops up, and now you have to go.
(laughs)
Thousands of times, I’ve been out there in absolute storms having the time of my life, all because someone sent that one message.
Because at the end of the day, running in the rain won’t kill you. You don’t get sick from being wet—you get sick from staying in wet clothes. So put on a jacket, get out there, and send it.
(Also, disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Don’t take medical advice from me.)
Dean:
One of the hardest things is finding the right trail group.
Do you have any advice for someone trying to find the right group for them?
Mike:
Most groups put out pace guidelines, so you can get a sense of what suits you.
But at the end of the day, people need to be realistic with themselves.
I know this might sound harsh, but look in the mirror and ask yourself:
Am I actually going to keep up with this group?
Because the last thing you want is to show up, get dropped, and then feel like the group is unwelcoming—when really, they’re just running at their pace.
For example, Tuesday Trails has five pace groups. There’s a place for everyone. But if you show up thinking you can hang with the racing snakes when you’re running a 2-hour 10K, you’re going to have a bad time.
Start slow. If the group feels too easy, move up. If it feels too hard, adjust.
And don’t let your friends bait you into a group that’s too fast for you.
(laughs)
I see this all the time. Someone brings their mate, and they’re like, “Nah, you’ll be fine, just come with me.”
Then 5K in, the friend is dying, and now the whole vibe is off.
So do your research, know your limits, and be honest with yourself.
Dean:
Alright—let’s go back to the trail run scenario.
You’re on a group run, and the pace is faster than expected.
What’s the secret to looking like you’re not struggling?
Mike:
Listen, I get dropped all the time.
A couple of weeks ago, I got dropped on my own threshold run.
(laughs)
And I was like, “Nah, this is f**ing KK. This is MY run. You can’t drop me on MY run.”
But here’s my advice:
Don’t be a hero.
If you’re getting dropped, drop off. It’s fine.
You don’t need to hurt yourself in training. You don’t need to get injured in training.
Bad runs happen—it’s part of the rule of threes. You need bad runs to appreciate the good runs.
So, if you’re struggling? Own it, laugh about it, and come back stronger next time.
Dean:
I love that.
And going back to group runs—what are the key benefits for beginners? Why is joining a group a must?
Mike:
I wouldn’t say it’s a must, but it’s definitely advisable.
Here’s why:
Being part of a group speeds up your learning curve. You’ll pick up tips on gear, nutrition, pacing, and race strategy.
Dean:
That’s important.
For beginners who aren’t connected to the community yet, where should they go to find information?
Mike:
Instagram.
That’s the easiest place.
Every trail group has an Instagram account. Just search trail running Cape Town, and you’ll find all the major groups.
Most of them post weekly run details, so you can see where they’re meeting and what the pace groups are like.
But if you’re really unsure—just send them a DM. I promise you; they’ll be welcoming.
Dean:
When a beginner shows up for their first group run, what should they expect?
Is it universal, or does each group have its own vibe?
Mike:
Every group is a bit different, but one thing is universal—
there’s always a welcoming atmosphere.
I haven’t been to a group run where they don’t acknowledge the newcomers.
At Must Love Hills, we ask:
"Who’s new today?"
Hands go up. Everyone says hello. You’re part of the crew now.
The best advice?
Just show up. Own it. You belong.
Dean:
And in terms of preparing for your first group trail run—any tips?
Mike:
Yeah, a couple:
And most importantly: Start slow.
You don’t need to prove anything on your first run.
Dean:
Are there any unspoken rules or etiquette for group runs?
Mike:
Oh yeah.
Rule #1: Don’t fart in the first 5K.
(laughs)
Seriously though—just have common sense:
And if you’re running solo, let someone know where you’re going.
Dean:
For you personally, what’s the difference between running alone and running with a group?
Do you have moments where you need to run alone?
Mike:
Absolutely. The energy is completely different.
Group runs are electric—they’re fun, social, and often push me harder.
But solo runs? That’s me-time.
Trail running alone gives me space to think, reset, and clear my head. It’s essential for my mental health.
I deal with anxiety and depression, so solo runs help me process things. It’s where I can just be.
That said—sometimes I find it harder to get out the door for a solo run. I love running with people so much that I need to remind myself:
"Hey, today is a solo day. You need this."
Dean:
How do you balance structured training with group runs?
For beginners, how do they avoid overdoing it in group runs while still improving?
Mike:
Having a training plan helps.
If I’m running with a group, they’re falling into my plan—not the other way around.
(laughs)
Or, you know… we just don’t tell the coach, and we hide the run on Strava.
(laughs)
But seriously—group runs are great for social motivation, but they should fit into your bigger training picture. If you’re always racing every group run, you’re going to burn out.
Key tip:
You don’t need to run hard all the time. Easy runs are just as important.
Dean:
Going back to group runs, what’s your go-to conversation starter?
Mike:
"Why the f** is this hill so steep?"*
(laughs)
Or—"Who put this KK here?"*
Honestly, the easiest way to start a conversation is just:
"How was your week?" or "How’s work?"
That opens the door.
Dean:
What advice do you have for shy runners or those who feel intimidated?
How do they break the ice?
Mike:
Simple.
Say hello.
I know it’s hard—especially if you have social anxiety—but that one word can change everything.
Once you say hi, someone will respond. And that’s how friendships start.
Even my wife and I—our first conversation started with a simple hello.
Dean:
Speaking of that—tell me about how you met your wife!
Mike:
So, I was at a track session, and I saw her.
First thought: “Ooooh, she’s hot.”
(laughs)
I always tell people that she slid into my DMs, but actually… it was the other way around.
We started talking, found out we had a ton in common—Harry Potter, dogs, running—and that was it. We haven’t been apart since.
Dean:
I love that.
And obviously, once you get involved in the running community, the next step is volunteering—helping out at events.
How important is that?
Mike:
It’s massive.
You don’t always have to be running the race to be part of the race.
Volunteering is a way to give back.
Think about it—aid station crews, marshals, race organizers—they’re the ones who keep races running.
And honestly? Those volunteers might be your saviours in a race.
Ever had someone throw a cold sponge over your head in a heatwave? That moment can save your race.
Dean:
And for beginners—how can they start getting involved?
Mike:
Just ask.
Race organizers always need help. Even if it’s something small, like ticking off names at check-in, it makes a difference.
And some groups even have designated aid stations
Volunteering builds community. And in Cape Town? That’s a huge part of what makes trail running special.
Dean:
And do you think seeing that side of races—the volunteering, the effort that goes into organizing—has made you appreciate it more?
Mike:
100%.
I think once you see what happens behind the scenes, you realize just how much work goes into making a race happen.
And honestly, I still feel like I don’t give back enough. I love racing—I love being on that start line—but giving back is just as important.
We all take turns. You need the aid station crew, the marshals, the people managing logistics—because one day, that might be you on the other side, needing help.
It’s about paying it forward.
Dean:
And for people who want to volunteer, what’s the best way to do it?
Mike:
Reach out to the race organizers—they will always have a spot for you.
Even if it’s something as simple as checking names off a list, it helps the event run smoothly.
Every race is like a well-oiled machine, and every volunteer plays a part in making that happen.
And honestly? People appreciate volunteers. You might think you’re just handing out water, but to that runner struggling at 80K into a 100-miler, you’re a lifesaver.
Dean:
And do running groups get involved in volunteering as well?
Mike:
Oh yeah.
You’ll see groups take ownership of aid stations at major races.
At UTCT, you’ll have something like, “This is the Must Love Hills aid station”
And they take pride in it—some groups even make it a competition to be the best aid station.
And trust me—every runner on that course notices and appreciates that energy.
Dean:
For beginners running their first race, how should they show appreciation for the volunteers?
Mike:
A simple high five and a thank you.
Whenever I leave an aid station, I always turn around and clap, like, “THANK YOU, guys!”
Even if the volunteers aren’t looking at you—because they’re busy—just show appreciation. It’s not hard.
And to be fair, a lot of runners do say thank you. The trail community is really good about that.
Dean:
And for beginners who start getting involved in group runs—how does someone go from just attending to actually leading a group or pacing?
Mike:
It should happen organically.
If it feels forced, it’s probably not right.
You start by running up front with the group leaders, learning the routes, chipping in with suggestions. Maybe you say, “Hey, let’s try this different trail next time.”
Then, you start going on solo runs to learn the routes better.
Over time, the crew captains or organizers will start noticing. They’ll see that you’ve been showing up consistently, that you know the trails, and one day, they’ll be like,
"Hey, do you mind leading the group today?"
And you’ll take it on naturally.
And if you do get lost? Just own it—pretend it’s part of the route. No one will know.
(laughs)
Dean:
Should people stick to one group or explore different ones?
Mike:
That’s personal preference.
Some people find one group that feels like home, and they stick with it. And that’s totally fine.
Personally, I love exploring different groups. I love seeing what different crews are doing, meeting new people, and even organizing crew collabs.
So, it just depends on your vibe.
Dean:
And how important is the social side of running?
Like, staying for post-run coffees or beers—does that matter?
Mike:
It’s not mandatory, but it’s definitely a great way to connect with people.
Not everyone drinks, and that’s fine. But even if you’re just grabbing a coffee after a run, its where real friendships are built.
People say running is the new golf—you meet people, network, and sometimes even strike business deals.
And if you’re single? Well, let’s just say I’ve seen a few relationships start on the trails.
Dean:
What’s the most awkward moment you’ve had on a group run? And how did you recover?
Mike:
Oh, you’re putting me on the spot now.
I don’t think I’ve had a real awkward moment.
(pauses)
Okay—well, I’ve never shat myself on a run, so that’s good. But I’ve definitely dove into the bushes for a quick break.
(laughs)
Other than that, just the usual tripping, falling, getting lost. But you just get up, laugh it off, and keep running.
Dean:
Speaking of that—what’s the etiquette for when you need to disappear into the bushes on a run?
Mike:
Hang back for a second, make it quick, and catch up.
And if someone asks where you went, just be like, “I was never gone.”
(laughs)
Dean:
As we wrap up—looking back at your journey, what’s the biggest mistake beginners make in trail running?
Mike:
Two things:
For beginners, just start comfortably. Learn the sport first, then push yourself.
And also—get good shoes. No one wants blisters after their first trail run.
Dean:
And if you could go back to when you first started and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Mike:
"You’re going to end up running 100 miles—get f**ing ready."*
(laughs)
But also: Do your strength training from day one.
I didn’t take strength and recovery seriously in the beginning. I thought I just had to run hard all the time.
I was so wrong.
Dean:
What’s your advice for beginners struggling with motivation?
Mike:
It gets better.
I know everything hurts at first.
My first 4K—I had blisters, ITB pain, everything.
But if you stick with it, if you build up gradually, you’ll fall in love with it.
Start slow—three runs a week, 5K at a time. Walk when you need to. Build up gradually.
Because if you go too hard, too soon, you’ll just get injured, and injuries kill motivation.
And finally—have fun with it.
If you wake up and dread your runs, you’re doing it wrong.
Dean:
What’s the most rewarding part of running for you?
Mike:
Seeing the community grow.
Seeing people come back, find consistency, and fall in love with the sport.
That’s what keeps me going.
Dean:
Our next episode is all about coaching, with Erin giving a coach’s perspective on starting out.
You coach as well—what’s the first thing you tell new runners?
Mike:
Number one We are here for, you're getting a coach because you want to improve your performance, right? Trust your process, trust the process, know that your coach has got your best interest at heart.
And also, your coach's word is not the final word. It's a two-way street of conversation, how you're feeling. Coaches only look at stats and they know theories and you know what's worked on other people, but you're your own individual. Talk to your coach. Communication is key with your coach. The more information that they know, the more that they'll be able to coach you properly, build a training plan around your needs and capabilities.
If you don't say anything, we just assume that everything is fine.
Dean:
Going forward, what does the next year look like? Two years, five years, bucket lists?
Mike:
Yeah, so I've got I've got two majors coming up this year in marathon, so I've regressed. But no, I've gone back to, to, to road running for this year.
So, I've got Boston coming up in a couple of, in a couple of months and then I've got Chicago at the end of the year as well, which is really exciting. And then I've put together, I'm not getting any younger, so I would really like to. I'd like to do the six majors and then the goal is over the next three years to try and get as close to a two-and-a-half-hour marathon as I possibly can.
And it's the first time I'm putting this out there. So yes, it is getting to a two-and-a-half-hour major, two-and-a-half-hour marathon over the next three years. And that's my three-year goal, long term goal. And then. I've always, I've been in the lottery for Western States for the past four years now.
That is my dream goal. So, if that comes up in the next three years, then the road running will take a bit of a backseat as I prepare, start preparing for a hundred miler again back on trails. But a big focus on the road for the next three years before heading back to the big focus of trail running and going back to a hundred miler and the ultra runs.
Dean:
What prompted that kind of decision?
Mike:
I want performance. I want to see what I can do. I want to see what I'm capable of. And I think two that is a realistic goal. It's a measurable goal, tangible theme. Myself three years as I'm 39 years old now, I don't have many more years where I can really send it as fast as I can.
And I've got to work super hard to maintain. pace because as you get older, you get slower. It's like a natural, right? So now is the time.
Dean:
Do you feel like a kind of beginner starting all over again?
Mike:
I wish I could say beginner, but I've been doing this for 10 years. So, like muscle memory is key. Muscle memory is there.
Even if I'm out for a couple of weeks with injury or whatever it may be, or niggles or fatigue or whatever it may be, I'm able to pick up where I left off pretty quickly. I'm able to regain my fitness very quickly. And I think I'm very lucky in that regard that my body's able to respond to that, to the stresses that I put it under, so yeah, positively.
Dean:
And what advice would you give someone, going from either road to trail or trail to road?
Mike:
Yeah, look, coming from trail to road From trail back to road, know that the trails made you a lot stronger, so you can run faster, push yourself, back yourself on because of your roads, of your trail running training that you've been doing, putting yourself on it, and then from road to, to trail, mate, it's not road running, concentrate, because you're going to f*cking fall, have your dentist and speed dial, because you're going to lose a couple of teeth if you fall on your back, but Also at the end of the day, trust your abilities and just learn the end of the day what you're good at, because there's three elements of trail running, it's not just switching offers.
You got to concentrate because one wrong step and you can hurt yourself. Yeah.
Dean:
Amazing. Thank you so much. This was incredible.
Mike:
Thanks for having me. Honestly honoured to be a privilege and thanks for the really great chat and. Yeah.
Thank you.
Dean:
And thank you for everything you do for the community.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✅ Why finding a running community changes everything
✅ How to choose the right group based on your pace and experience
✅ The role of trail running in overcoming personal challenges
✅ Advice for beginners stepping into trail running
✅ Balancing road and trail running for long-term growth
Connect with Mike Obery:
• Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeobery/
• Join the Must Love Hills community runs: https://www.instagram.com/mustlovehills_runcrew/
• Check out Community Track Club: https://www.instagram.com/communitytrackclub/
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Content Disclaimer:
*This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics such as addiction and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. *