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 ...

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. Coup...

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 o...

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 Ul...

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.&nb...

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...

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 com...

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...

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. ...

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 A...

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 nece...

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 b...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 under...

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, ...

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 strik...

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 ...

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 i...

Howdy, everyone. Back from a brief hiatus, but ready to get back on track. Let’s hop in.This week, we had Amy Hermes of In The Loop Run Crew on to discuss her journey into running...

Kirsten Mengden is busy in the best way. She and many others built, made way, and put on my most recent trail race, making it a memorable experience that I look forward to next year. In this episode, we discuss her history with runn...

In this episode, I sit down with Santiago Ortega, a San Antonio runner, run club coordinator, and small business owner.Ortega is doing some great stuff in these spaces, providing a refreshing take on running's art form in the process. I'...

Garrett Philbrick is more than just a teacher, a dad, and a husband: He’s an ultrarunner on a mission, a comeback tour of his own.With nine ultras under his belt, Philbrick is building out his mileage and time to prepare for a packed cal...

Howdy, and welcome back to Strides!In this episode, I break down my experience running the 20k event this past Saturday during the Desperado Gravel Run & Ruck in Boerne, Texas. This was an incredible event with some gorge...