The Stubborn Tortoise

Donna Pazdera

People often ask me why I love trail running. It's all about the stories. You meet a different kind of person on the trails: connects with nature, doesn't mind slowing down if someone is in need, says, "Good job, runner." Trail runners are competitive, for sure. But it's also egalitarian. Seldom will you find the elites separated from the regular folk. Everyone gets lost at some point. Everyone falls. These are our badges of passage. This is my take on trail culture. Logo: Kevin Stich Music: "Our Sky," by Overland (via Free Music Archive) Contact

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25 episodes
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S7 · E27
Monday · 25 min
Returning to the Fold
It has been an embarrassingly long time since I have volunteered at a trail race. On Saturday, I did just that. Unfortunately, I didn't realize I was not at the spot where I was supposed to be until about 45 minutes until the race ended. But, I chatted up a fellow volunteer who, like me, used to teach at the University of Texas-Pan American. It was before my time, but it was wild running into someone who also taught there. As always, though, volunteering is a rewarding experience as you encourage people, talk to old friends and make new ones. This weekend, I will line up for my first "race" since my total left hip replacement surgery in August. I don't expect to run much, but I am stoked to get back out there.
S7 · E27
October 26 · 17 min
Looking Ahead and Keeping Up the Work
I continue to manage running a little more each time I try. I am encouraged, but cautious. I will be a course marshal on Nov. 7 at the Recharge Run at Government Canyon. Looking forward to seeing folks I haven't seen in a long while. Shout-outs go to a couple of my friends, Vivian and Karen, who have completed or will complete ultras in the last week.
S7 · E26
October 18 · 1 hr 1 min
The Master's Edition: Jenny Gruber
If Jenny Gruber's name sounds familiar, it might be because she was on this podcast in 2022 as an extraordinary person. A lot has happened since then. One of the biggies is she turned 50 in September. To celebrate, she did a self-supported 50K on a road near her home in Houston. Gruber has faced some injuries and challenges, but she is moving boldly into the next chapter. She's doing the Big Texas Ultra Championship race on Nov. 7 in the 100K division. This is held at Flat Creek Crossing Ranch in Johnson City. From there, she can be found at Brazos Bend in December, conquering the 100-miler. Here is the earlier episode from 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Jenny Gruber. This is from her birthday 50K.
October 11 · 24 min
Poco a Poco (Little by Little)
I finally tried to run a little yesterday over at one of my favorite parks. I mainly hiked, but on these little flat stretches, I picked up the pace. I did not die. I did not fall. I think that is a very welcome development. Hoping to continue the run-walk thing. The great part is it felt good. Nothing ached or dragged. I just felt like I used to. I also reflect on why I may have routinely fallen not long ago: I didn't feel like I was limping, but I think dragging my foot made it easy to fall. Also, some random assortedness.
October 5 · 27 min
Wading Back Into It
I signed up for a race! A 10K. It's Nov. 14, so I have a bit of time to prepare. The plan is to power hike the course. Maybe a little bit of running. I haven't tried it since the surgery, so I'm a little nervous. But things are feeling good these days, so I am grateful. Plus, a couple of additional thoughts on how I quit drinking. Annnnnd, I will be attending a rally for the President on Wednesday. I have not lost my mind. It's in my neighborhood, I'm free, so why not? I am genuinely curious about who goes to these things and why. I may report back on this, although I think it will be a certainty because a lot of people are counting on me to tell them about what I see and hear. That is, if I am allowed in in the first place. I may be on a no-fly list.
September 28 · 25 min
Getting the Good News
I was given clearance to travel, row and -- drum roll -- run, as of last week. Don't worry: I'm not crazy enough to try running at 6 weeks post op, but I may try a run-walk soonish. I'm also eyeing either the 5K or 10K on Nov. 14 at El Taco Loco -- hiking, or maybe a tiny bit of running. My friends, Orly and Kathy, are doing the 50K and coming up for that weekend. I figure I may as well give it a shot. And, I have a DNF of a 10K in February to atone for. We will see.
September 20 · 41 min
The Road Away From Chardonnay
Sept. 20 marks 14 months without alcohol. After the pandemic, my desire to drink more accelerated. I tried taking off a set number of days, but that didn't seem to help. Tried drinking on certain days. Nope. I was tired of how I felt and looked and didn't want to live the rest of my life relying on alcohol. Luckily, I didn't hit rock bottom—I just scraped it a few times. So, I drank what was left at my house and never bought more. I still haven't. This is that story, plus a shoutout at the end for Orville Peck and his new album, Mule.
S7 · E21
September 14 · 38 min
Pre-surgery intel and other stories
I figured I should outline how I got to the part about the hip replacement without you having to listen to three years' worth of podcasts. I also slide in a tale about a bad neighbor and the death of one of our beloved community cats, Negrita. Gonna try to do these weekly again.
September 7 · 41 min
Hip, Hip, Hooray
Corny headline, I know. I'm back. I got a new hip while I was gone. It's adjusting well, despite having to sleep on my back. But I was walking without an assistive device four days post-op. I've definitely been pushing it, but you know me: I'm not a happy sit-still kind of person. There were a couple of post-op hiccups, but things are progressing better than expected. I walked a mile today, which felt OK, despite the hip flexor feeling tight. I've been riding my indoor bike and doing yoga and weights. I cannot wait to get back to rowing and kettlebell classes. Anyway, I promise to be around more these days, so stick with me. It's good to be back.
S7 · E17
April 20 · 21 min
I Have Seen My Future and I Didn't Predict This Stuff
We all wax romantic about how we will age gracefully and actively...until the day comes when stuff unexpectedly goes wrong. You diligently grind through workouts, attempting to eat right and all that jazz, and then, suddenly, your gene pool says, "Not so fast." How I'm coming to terms with a few things I would never have predicted. My advice: try not to fixate on the problem. I'm still working through this.
S7 · E16
March 30 · 26 min
It's All in the Hip
Well, the hip arthritis has progressed and I may have to consider replacement. Waiting to find out. Plus, going hangry at a suburban conference, a little political frustration and a movie I walked out of. Photo: Actual X-ray of my severe osteoarthritic left hip.
S7 · E16
March 2 · 16 min
Don't Skip Leg Day and Other Stories
When you're training for and doing ultramarathons, there aren't enough hours in the day to strength train. So, like a lot of people, I skipped it. I did some cursory stuff, but, as I am now finding out, it wasn't enough. I'm back at physical therapy once again, doing millions of squats, clamshells, and lunges, because I didn't do them before. Or at least enough of them. Turns out, afflictions like arthritis can be ameliorated by strength training. It' something we know, deep inside, but kind of ignore it because -- hey -- I feel fine, so I guess I don't need it. So, listen to Aunt Stubborn and don't skip leg day.
S7 · E10
February 16 · 32 min
Things going awry all at once
Trying not to have a first-world pity party, but I've had a few major setbacks. Fold in my already-dark mood surrounding my birthday and you get a sort of saddish tale. Appliance failure, plumbing gone wrong, I DNF'd a 10K, no one really helped me celebrate a Big Birthday, and just the realization that I'm getting old...er.
S7 · E9
Dec 29, 2025 · 30 min
The Flu as a Parting Gift
It's no one's fault but mine, but I managed to get the flu over Christmas. Coughing, nose-blowing, feeling crappy. It's the first time that I can remember having this as an adult. I'm improving, but relieved to not be doing Snowdrop this year, because of this. Looking back and ahead a little. Here's to a better 2026!
S7 · E7
Nov 16, 2025 · 35 min
Two, count 'em, two, adventures
I saw an acupuncturist who gave me some stern advice that I'm not sure about, but her work was good and I will see her again. I also did the Wild Hare 10K, which went well, save for me wiping out before mile 2. I finished within my second goal time, because I missed the first one. Contemplated my future races and have decided I should keep it short -- at least for now.
S7 · E6
Nov 3, 2025 · 30 min
I Have Become Fran
I hit a sad realization over the weekend: my arthritic hip won't let me attempt a half-marathon next month. After I ran-hiked an 8K on Saturday, the hip yelled at me all day and night, and I knew if I tried doing 13.1 miles on pavement, I would destroy what's left of it. So, I did what I considered the unthinkable: I dropped to the 5K. Immediately, I felt loss and like the character of Fran, in "Strictly Ballroom," the secretly talented ballroom dancer who is relegated to the beginner's group because no one realizes her ability -- until she meets a handsome, talented dancer who lost his partner. For me, running is Scott Hastings: the thing you want so much and who you hope will pick you. Running, once I was capable of it, was this challenging, yet gleeful feeling. I belonged! I could do it and fit in! I was so happy. Until reality and age settled in. Sorry, my brain is still processing all of this and I am feeling kind of shattered, still. I did sign up this morning to volunteer at the marathon finish line next month. It will not be the same, but will be better than not going. I haven't given up on running/hiking, because -- honestly -- nothing else will fill that void. I'll let you know when I figure this all out.
S7 · E5
Oct 27, 2025 · 23 min
Rekindling the Love
It's been a few weeks, people. I know. Had a couple of eps ready to go and I changed my mind because I wasn't happy with them. In the past few weeks, I have rekindled my love of running, but also adjusted my plans for a couple of upcoming races out of an abundance of caution -- or pride. And one of you gets a shoutout. You'll just have to listen to find out. :)
S7 · E4
Sep 30, 2025 · 55 min
"We Don't Have to Feel Alone as Runners."
Kate Mihevc Edwards used to run for no particular reason, except that she loved it. Then, she discovered the world of competitive running in college and ran numerous half marathons and 13 marathons -- three of which were Boston. On her son's first birthday, she went for a run, like always. As she returned home, her heart rate skyrocketed to 300 bpm. She was later diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined any hope of returning to running.Meanwhile, she left her career in marketing and studied to be a physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic specialist who practices running medicine. She has over 15+ years of experience working with high performers, CEOs, runners and athletes of all levels, from recreational athletes to Olympians. She is the founder of Precision Performance Running Medicine Clinic in Atlanta, GA, the RUNsource app and co-host of the Interdisciplinary Case MIles Podcast. She is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team supporting Atlanta Track Club Elite. Dr. Edwards has served as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine and is a published author and speaker, contributing extensively to education, research and the advancement of sports medicine for runners. Follow her at: @katemihevcedwards @FBrunsource @precisionpt_atl
Sep 9, 2025 · 22 min
Returning to Big Boy Races
Saturday marked the first time I've done what I call "Big Boy" trail races since last November. I was not especially trained for the hilly terrain, but gave it a shot. It was embarrassingly slow, included a downhill tumble, and I considered quitting a couple of times. Mind you, it was "only" a 5-mile (actually, 5.4-mile) distance. I finished, humbled but determined to keep going through challenging things instead of giving up.
S7 · E2
Aug 25, 2025 · 23 min
I Guess I Should Train, Eh?
I'm signing up for races all over the place. I guess that means getting out of the house and actually running. Strangely, a memory came up on Facebook the other day. It was a photo of me and Orly (Hundo) with Normita looking on as we wrung out our socks midway through a 20-miler. I mentioned that I went out later and got in 3 more miles. (!) Those were the days when I was training for a 50-miler. I look back on that time and realize it likely won't happen again. But, I'm grateful to have had the ability to get through almost three 50s.

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