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💭 “Strength training is such a powerful tool to change someone’s life—whether it’s for health or performance.”

What if getting better at trail running didn’t mean running more—but building strength where it matters most?

In this episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Dr. Shaundre Jacobs—a sports scientist, strength & conditioning coach, passionate trail runner, and beloved community leader. From beginner-friendly strength tips to common training mistakes and injury myths, this one’s packed with real-world insights (and a few hill repeats up to the Stellenbosch Mast).

Dr. Jacobs breaks down why strength is more than just a gym thing—it’s your endurance insurance, injury buffer, and secret trail weapon.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why strength training is additive, not optional, for trail runners
✅ The real reason you don’t need to fear getting bulky
✅ How to balance running and strength without overtraining
✅ What to do if you only have 10 minutes to train
✅ How to train power and endurance for technical terrain
✅ The difference between discomfort and pain—and why you need both
✅ How strength helps prevent the most common trail injuries

🏋️‍♀️ Got a strength secret or trail recovery tip?
Tag @trailchaserspod or message us—we’d love to hear how you stay strong on and off the mountain.

🎙 Season 3 is proudly sponsored by:
Gilnokie Socks 🧦 – Visit gilnokie.com and use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.
Boonies Sunglasses 🕶 – Visit www.boonies.co.za to get yourself an epic pair of sunnies.

📩 If this episode gave you a new way to think about training, subscribe, leave a review, and send it to someone who still thinks strength work is just for gym bros.

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💭 “Champions assemble!”

Rory Petzer isn’t just funny—he’s thoughtful, real, and surprisingly honest about what running means to him.

In this first episode of our new series The People I Meet, Rory—comedian, radio host, and self-proclaimed non-runner—shares how running became his anchor during tough times, why the running community feels like family, and what it means to celebrate the small wins.

This isn’t a how-to. It’s a why-we-do-it. A reminder that every runner, no matter how fast or far, is a champion in their own way.

What you’ll take away from this episode:
✅ Why you don’t need a “serious” reason to start running 🏃
✅ The joy of finding humour in hardship—and on the hills 😅
✅ Why every runner is a champion (yes, even you) 🏆
✅ How community shows up, one small gesture at a time 🤝
✅ What happens when you stop waiting to be fast—and just run 🚀

🥾 Got a running story you didn’t expect to tell?
Tag @trailchaserspod or DM us—because everyone’s reason matters.

🎙 The People I Meet is proudly supported by Gilnokie Socks 🧦
Visit gilnokie.com and use the code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.

📩 If this episode brought a smile—or made you feel seen—subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s just getting started. Let’s keep celebrating the people we meet, one run at a time.

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💭 “It’s not flashy. It’s not gonna win you awards. You’re not putting it on Strava. But it impacts your runs tremendously.”

What if the most important training you do doesn’t happen on the trails—but in the quiet, consistent work no one sees?

In this episode of Trail Chasers, we sit down with Hein Viljoen—physiotherapist, movement specialist, and passionate voice for smarter, stronger trail running. From injury prevention and performance prep to myths about core work and the reality of staying in the game, Hein breaks down why strength & conditioning is a game-changer for runners of all levels.

Whether you're a total beginner or finally learning the hard way, this one will change how you think about long-term trail fitness.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why strength training is the foundation every trail runner needs 🧱
✅ The most overlooked muscles that take the biggest impact 🦵
✅ How to balance running and strength without burning out 🔁
✅ What “brushing your teeth” has to do with staying injury-free 🦷
✅ The danger of going too hard—or doing nothing at all ⚠️
✅ How to actually spot your weak links (and what to do about them) 🧠
✅ Why building resilience starts with showing up—off the trail 💪

🥾 Got a strength or recovery routine that changed your running?
DM us or tag @trailchaserspod—we want to know what’s keeping you in the game.

🎙 Season 3 is sponsored by Gilnokie Socks 🧦
Visit gilnokie.com and use code TRAILCHASERS for 20% off your first order.

📩 If this episode helped reframe your training, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who still skips strength day. Let's build better runners, together.