s5e10 Taking the Ultimate Running Vacation - No Races, Just Adventure! with Michael Mazzara | The Running Explained Podcast
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
In the latest episode of Running Explained, Elisabeth speaks with Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, about combining his love of running and traveling into a career. He discusses the challenges of long-distance running, such as injuries and improper nutrition, while emphasizing a shift toward running for the experience rather than solely for competition. His insights highlight the value of endurance sports beyond hitting personal records.
Michael also explores the beauty of running across diverse landscapes, from Japan to Morocco, and how trail running tours immerse participants in local cultures. He delves into the logistics of planning these trips, balancing adventure with accessibility, while fostering a sense of community. His perspective reframes running as a tool for exploration, connection, and personal growth rather than just performance.
What You’ll Learn:
Why running culture doesn’t have to revolve around racing: The pressure to constantly be training for competitions and races is everywhere, but Michael emphasizes that running can be more than chasing PRs—it can be an adventure, a way to experience the world, and a lifelong source of joy.
The key role nutrition plays in endurance running: Whether training for a marathon or running through remote landscapes, fueling properly is essential for performance and longevity. Michael shares insights on how to approach nutrition for long-distance success.
The value of community and camaraderie in the running experience: Whether running solo or in a group, running as a shared experience can strengthen connections and bring runners together.
Food as part of the travel-running experience: Michael highlights how food and fueling are essential not only for strong running performance but also for fully immersing oneself in new cultures and experiences.
Exploration over competition: Michael champions the idea that running should be about experiencing the world, pushing limits in new ways, and finding joy in movement, not just racing and collecting medals.
Sound Bites:
"I think the perception is that we must be racing."
"The journey can be the reward."
“Running…gets wrapped in a bunch of media and what you wear and things like that, but at its core, it's very primal…to be human is to explore.”
“Like everything about what I did was totally wrong, but I mean, I got to where I am, which is, I don't know, a mediocre runner who just really likes running and by that system of trial and error.”
"I want to run through a city that I'd never been in before."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Michael Mazzara and Rogue Expeditions
03:04 - Michael's Journey into Running
05:57 - Experiences in Major Marathons
09:10 - Running Nutrition and Fueling Strategies
11:57 - The Importance of Running Shoes
15:03 - Transitioning into the Travel and Running Business
18:01 - The Concept of Running Trips
20:55 - The Unique Experience of Running in Different Cultures
24:00 - Curating Safe and Enjoyable Running Experiences
27:00 - The Evolution of Running Culture
29:50 - Designing Running Itineraries for Travelers
36:57 - Exploring Unique Running Experiences in Japan
39:10 - The Challenges of Leading Running Tours
41:18 - Culinary Adventures on Running Trips
43:41 - Preparing for Multi-Day Running Adventures
50:12 - Immersive Cultural Experiences in Morocco
56:13 - Logistics of Running in the Sahara Desert
01:01:09 - A Day in the Life on a Moroccan Running Trip
01:11:24 - Connecting with the Local Culture through Running
Connect with Michael:
Website: https://www.roguexpeditions.com/
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About Your Host
Elisabeth Scott is a running coach, educator, and the founder of Running Explained, where she helps runners train smarter, run stronger, and enjoy the process. After getting sober at 29, she laced up her running shoes with the goal of finishing a 5K—and never looked back. Since then, she’s gone on to complete multiple races, including marathons with a Boston Qualifying time, all while deepening her expertise in endurance training.
With a science-based approach, Coach Elisabeth is passionate about making complex running concepts accessible and actionable for runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on building a strong aerobic base, improving running efficiency, and developing a whole-human approach to training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and sustainable progress.
Through Running Explained, Elisabeth offers training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, her guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.
📲 Learn more at RunningExplained.com
📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained
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