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Trail Culture

Trail Culture

Written by: Emily Robertson
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About this listen

Welcome to Trail Culture, the podcast set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains in the Jonkershoek Valley. The mission is to share stories, research, and insights sourced from the wealth of knowledge within the trail running community, spanning both South Africa and the wider world.

Trail Culture explores the heart of trail running and outdoor adventure. From interviews with coaches, athletes, and researchers to discussions on training tips, gear recommendations, and tales of triumph, our podcast covers all aspects of this great sport.

Every trail has a unique story to tell. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of outdoor sports, "Trail Culture" has something for you.

So, come along as we venture through the Jonkershoek Valley and beyond, guided by the stories we find along the way. Lace up your shoes, tune in, and embark on a journey of inspiration and exploration.

Emily Robertson 2023
Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Finding our way | Nora Serres
    Feb 21 2026

    Finding our way - Nora Serres

    This week we welcome a guest from one of the most beautiful places in the world 🌎 🇳🇴

    Nora Serres is a PhD fellow with a green thumb, musical ear & love for the outdoors. In the episode we talk about her research, life in Norway, her journey as an athlete & more.

    Noras story speaks to the idea that each of us is in the process of finding our way. Our paths and experiences look different and she shares some moments that form a key part of her story and her process of finding her way in the sport, in research and in friendship.

    Her kindness and warmth as a person are two distinct things that stand out for me from this conversation. She advocates for connection, thought and people. I can't wait to see how her trail running season unfolds and what she grows next in her garden.

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00 - Welcome to Season 3!

    01:09 - Meet Nora Serres: Terrex athlete with musical talent

    02:46- UTCT - impressions of South Africa

    08:52 - Finding our way - finding the outdoors through music

    12:30 - The playlist sessions - the early days of running

    18:18 - Family history - activity vs training

    19:41 - Research - the intersection of running and music

    24:36 - The work informed - personal experiences and her work

    29:32 - Divided focus - growing into space, running and research

    36:28 - Team Terrex- what did it change ?

    41:24 - Mentorship - women in sport & working together

    45:18 - Winter training - the benefits of skiing and rest

    52:49 - The planning - how does Nora structure her year

    01:05:20 - Closing remarks

    🌍 Connect with Trail Culture:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailcultureza/

    Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

    Support those who support us:

    Carbon Endurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbon_endurance/

    Carben Endurance Wesbite: https://www.carbonendurance.co/precision-hydration-2

    📩 Follow Nora Serres Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/noraserres?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • The PhD Recap | Simon de Waal : Trail Science
    Feb 9 2026

    drum roll please not because Trail Science is back but it’s back with Dr Simon de Waal 🧑‍🎓

    He did it folks. The stellies shakeout starting, research loving, half marathon machine successfully defended his PhD & is officially a Dr. Proud is an understatement.

    We talk about his hand in, the defence, what the practical application of his research looks like, what is next in the research space for Dr de Waal & more.

    00:00 - Still in Season 3

    01:52 - Welcome back to Dr de Waal

    06:13 - Excellence within the ebbs & flows

    09:18 - Progress in research within the SA context

    11:10 - What are the research take homes?

    20:40 - Challenges within the research design

    25:37 - The next project: Where will Dr de Waal go next

    32:18 - What are we seeing in field and in the lab

    36:40 - Feedback from the experts

    44:50 - The “so what?”: how to apply the research to our programs

    51:47 - The publication pipeline & final thoughts

    54:54 - Personal goals & rooted in dirt

    🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive episodes on trail running science! 💬 What research would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments!

    🔗 Links & Resources:

    - Trail Culture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailcultureza/

    - Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

    - Simon de Waal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dewaal.simon/

    - Rooted in Dirt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedindirt/

    - Carbon Endurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbon_endurance/

    - Carbon Endurance Website: https://www.carbonendurance.co/precision-hydration-2 -

    Alberto Minetti research:

    - Frederik Sabateur

    // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!

    iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trail-culture/id1709631577

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4eLM3gAMxZBOjUHAaGcBeu

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Time to work | Alyssa Clark
    Jan 30 2026

    “100 miles gives me more time to work”

    Alyssa Clark is a consistent talent with a quiet focus and man, does she know how to rally.

    In this weeks episode we talk about her come back at Ultra Trail Cape Town last year, her range of global adventures & what it means to develop durability as an athlete.

    Meeting Alyssa was a highlight and her wealth of knowledge as both coach, athlete & podcaster comes through in this episode. I love her take on "eggs in the basket" and we get a peek into her thoughts as she holds the tension between leaving a legacy and going all in for running.

    I can't wait to see her race season unfold. Enjoy!

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00 - Welcome to Season 3!

    02:01 - Meet Alyssa Clark: On athlete & global explorer

    04:24- Van life - living on the move 10:33 - San Diego - putting down roots

    13:45 - Hurt 100 - technicality of Hawaii & the sub 24 hour run

    17:20 - Versatility in racing - durability and scrappy racing

    22:50 - The story of UTCT - living through 9 lives

    27:10 - Unravelling- then a rally

    39:36 - Don’t lie to me - Focus and the pacman method

    49:41 - The races- recency bias and maintaining perspective

    56:45 - Coaching - the eggs in the basket?

    01:01:00 - Finding the line - mentoring and mistakes

    01:05:36 - Conversations worth having - podcasting and human connection

    01:09:48 - What’s next - the offseason and the dream

    01:13:17 - Closing remarks

    🌍 Connect with Trail Culture:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailcultureza/

    Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

    Support those who support us:

    Carbon Endurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbon_endurance/

    Carben Endurance Wesbite: https://www.carbonendurance.co/precision-hydration-2

    📩 Follow Alyssa Clark Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theory_in_motion?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
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