Beyond Running

Running Sucks. We Can't Stop, with Raziq Rauf

What does it really mean to run, not just as exercise, but as a culture, a community, a way of being in the world? Raziq Rauf has spent years thinking about that question, and now he's turning those thoughts into a book. This is Running is his debut, and it arrives backed by the loyal readership of his newsletter, Running Sucks, a name that captures exactly the kind of honest, irreverent love for the sport that defines his voice. In this conversation with Mau Díaz, Raziq talks about what drew him to write seriously about running, the people and stories that shaped the book, and why he believes the sport deserves the same depth of cultural attention we give to music, food, or film. It's a conversation about obsession, craft, and the strange beauty of a thing millions of people do every day without ever quite being able to explain why. Raziq brings to the conversation something rare in running media: a literary sensibility that doesn't take itself too seriously. He's not here to optimize your training or sell you a shoe. He's here to ask why any of us lace up in the first place, and what we find, or lose, or become along the way.

Between Peaks and Presence, with Leslie Vallecillo, Josh Holland, Philip Mangan and Eme Morato

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Manuel "Eme" Morato sits down with Leslie Vallecillo, Josh Holland, and Philip Mangan to revisit an unforgettable expedition through the wild landscapes of British Columbia. The group, supported by Vivobarefoot, was dropped deep into the backcountry by helicopter and set out to hike ten peaks in minimalist shoes, an experience that pushed their physical, mental, and emotional boundaries while deepening their connection to nature and one another. Together, they reflect on what it means to move through the world with intention and awareness, stripped down to the essentials. Each guest shares what the journey revealed to them about endurance, trust, and the power of collective experience. The conversation also touches on the upcoming documentary that captures their adventure: an intimate portrayal of both the challenge and the beauty found in reconnecting with the wild. This episode is both a reflection and a teaser: a glimpse into an expedition that became more than a physical test, it became a lesson in humility, presence, and the profound sense of belonging that emerges when humans return to the rhythms of the Earth.

Movement, Healing and Māori Wisdom, with Aaron Kerehoma

In this episode Mau Díaz is joined by Aaron Kerehoma, a movement guide, runner, and guardian of Māori ancestral knowledge. Aaron brings together his passion for movement and his deep connection to Māori traditions, offering a unique perspective on how ancient wisdom can inform the way we live, move, and connect today. Mau and Aaron begin by exploring some foundational Māori concepts, uncovering the ways in which these ideas can expand our understanding of community, balance, and respect for the natural world. Aaron shares how these teachings guide his approach to running and movement, turning them into practices of alignment with both the body and spirit. The conversation also reflects on the unforgettable Aire Libre experience Aaron guided in New Zealand, where participants discovered not only the breathtaking landscapes of Aotearoa but also the cultural and spiritual depth of the Māori worldview. Through Aaron's words, we are reminded that movement is more than exercise, it's a way of healing, connecting, and honoring the wisdom of those who came before us.  

Purpose, Coaching, and the Long Game, with Rob Watson

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Rob Watson, a lifelong runner, lululemon Run Ambassador, coach, and host of Rob Talks Running, to explore the deeper journey behind a life built around movement. Rob shares his story of how running became his compass, not only shaping his career but helping him navigate challenges, identity, and reinvention along the way. Together, Mau and Rob reflect on what it means to devote yourself to something fully, to chase performance, and then to learn how to let go. They talk about the emotional highs of professional competition, the quiet struggles that don't show up on race results, and the process of rediscovering joy and purpose in running after the spotlight fades. Rob speaks candidly about vulnerability, mental resilience, and the importance of community, both in training and in life. This conversation is not just for runners, it's for anyone who has ever asked what comes after striving, or how to stay grounded while pushing toward big goals. Through humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, Rob reminds us that growth isn't just about getting faster: it's about knowing when to pause, when to pivot, and how to keep showing up.  Follow Rob Watson https://www.instagram.com/robtalksrunning/  

Art, Healing, and the Long Run, with Jessie Zapo

In this episode Mau Díaz sits down with Jessie Zapo—ultrarunner, art therapist, multidisciplinary artist, and community builder. Known for blending movement, expression, and healing, Jessie has carved out a unique path where running, art, and care for others converge. Her work is rooted in the belief that the body is not only a vehicle for endurance, but also a medium for emotional and creative release. Mau and Jessie begin by tracing her early journey as a runner—how it started, what kept her coming back, and how it evolved into something much deeper than physical training. Jessie shares how running has helped her process her own inner landscape, while simultaneously strengthening the communities she's been part of. For her, running is both a solitary and collective act—an anchor in difficult times and a bridge to meaningful connection with others. The conversation then moves into the rich intersection of running, art, and healing. Jessie opens up about her work as an art therapist and how movement fuels her creative practice. She explores the idea of running as ritual, as a canvas, and as a tool for transformation—not only for herself but for those she supports in her community. This episode is a powerful reflection on how running can go beyond the physical to become a pathway to wholeness, creativity, and care. Follow Jessie: @jessiezapo