Episode
From Barkley Crew to Professional Trail Runner: Jade Belzberg
- Podcast
- Free Outside
- Published
- Jun 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3902
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Before Jade Bellsberg was winning races and competing against some of the best trail runners in the world, she was a writer filling notebook after notebook with stories. In this conversation, Jade shares her unconventional path into ultrarunning, from crewing the Barkley Marathons before she'd ever run an ultra, to tackling Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, building a coaching business, pursuing FKTs, and eventually becoming a professional trail runner. We talk about why she still identifies as a writer first, how she balances competition with enjoyment, the mental side of racing, working with a sports psychologist, coaching athletes, and why consistency matters far more than talent. We also dive into her unique life outside of racing, including how she and her husband somehow manage a household with 21 animals while traveling to races around the world. This was one of my favorite conversations recently because it's a reminder that there is no single path into trail running. You never know where curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to try something new might lead. Follow Jade and check out her writing, especially if you enjoy thoughtful reflections on running, racing, and the outdoors. Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.co…