Miles & Mountains

Beyond the Arena: A Conversation with Noel Harper

Step into the world of rodeo media with Clay Noel Harper, the 26-year-old Editor-in-Chief of Rodeo Life magazine who's reshaping how Western stories are told. Born into what many consider "rodeo royalty," Clay Noel shares her unique journey from college rodeo competitor to becoming a respected voice in rodeo journalism.With remarkable humility, Clay Noel opens up about growing up in a family deeply rooted in the Western way of life. Her father, a retired bullfighter turned renowned Western artist with a secret passion for Sasquatch hunting, instilled in her the importance of giving back to the industry that gave her so much. This mission has guided her career from New Mexico State University through positions at Cowboy Channel and now as an independent media professional balancing editorial leadership with sideline reporting at major rodeos across the country.What makes Clay Noel’s perspective particularly valuable is her insider-outsider position in the industry. Married to professional saddle bronc rider Joe Harper, she provides intimate glimpses into the challenges rodeo athletes face—from judging inconsistencies to the physical toll of competition. Yet as a media professional, she maintains the analytical eye needed to tell these stories authentically. Her passion for showcasing the human element of rodeo shines through as she discusses memorable interviews, including her final conversation with bareback rider Trenton Montero before his tragic passing.Clay Noel’s insights about rodeo's evolution are particularly fascinating. She discusses how modern competitors approach their sport with professional athlete mindsets while maintaining rodeo's gritty spirit. She celebrates the industry's growing inclusivity while emphasizing what makes rodeo unique—particularly its recognition of animals as athletes in their own right.Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or just curious about Western culture, Clay Noel’s story offers a compelling look at an industry balancing tradition with innovation. Subscribe now to hear how faith, family, and flying hooves have shaped one of rodeo media's rising stars, and discover why her voice is helping preserve the authentic stories of the American West.Instagram:@clay_noel25https://www.instagram.com/clay_noel25?igsh=OHU3OXY5azBsNzhjShoutout to :Mrs. Clay Noel HarperJoe HarperRodeo Life Magazine The Barry Family The Manning Family Miles BarryWiley Coyote Karas Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us a text

Michaela Trinidad Conquering Bigfoot: The Mental Game of 200-Mile Ultrarunning

What drives someone to run 200 miles through rugged mountain terrain? Just three years after her first ultra marathon, Michaela Trenidad conquered the infamous Bigfoot 200, completing the punishing course around Mount St. Helens in 74 hours. Michaela pulls back the curtain on what she calls "the stretch of carnage" - a seven-mile section where exhausted runners collapsed alongside the trail every mile. She reveals the surreal experience of hallucinations after days without proper sleep, describing how the mind struggles to process reality when pushed to extreme limits. "I'm convinced you can sleep while walking," she shares, explaining how she navigated through nighttime sections with her eyes closed, trusting her trekking poles to keep her upright.The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about training, as Michaela reveals she typically ran just 40-60 miles weekly while preparing for this enormous challenge. This speaks to a central theme that emerges throughout: ultrarunning success stems more from mental fortitude than physical preparation. "I had no other options," she explains about her mindset approaching the race. "I had thought about it so much leading into it... it was almost like life or death in a way."Beyond the physical journey, Michaela shares touching insights about the ultrarunning community, the spiritual dimensions of seeking solitude in nature, and finding purpose in extreme challenges. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner, a curious newcomer, or simply fascinated by what drives humans to test their limits, this conversation offers a window into the transformative power of embracing seemingly impossible challenges.Have you found your "why" for the mountains you're climbing? Join our community of trail runners and share your story with us on social media or leave a review with your own experiences pushing beyond comfort zones.Shout out to:Michaela TrenidadThe Trenidad FamilyThe TriCities Wolfpack Badger Mountain ChallengeBen, Lance, Matt, Jason, Brandon and the rest of the Tri Cities running community. Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us a text

In the Dirt w/ Trevor Wells

Professional bullfighter Trevor Wells returns to discuss his journey through recovery after a career-threatening knee injury and his decision to retire from bullfighting after his upcoming final three rodeos.• Suffered tears to ACL, LCL, MCL and fractured kneecap during a rodeo in May 2024• Underwent surgery in September 2024 and has regained 85-90% mobility• Found the mental challenge of watching others fight bulls while injured was the hardest part• Feels called by his faith to pursue a different path including church ministry work• Currently working as a welder and helping with church bus routes on weekends• Planning final three rodeos including hometown show in Dothan and last ever appearance in Niceville• Family adjusting to life off the rodeo circuit with mixed emotions• Looking at property with space for small arena setup• Father developing 30-acre property with plans for rodeo events and clinics• Considering future involvement in rodeo through announcing or productionShoutout to :Trevor Wells and the Wells Family. Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us a text

Into the Wild: One Woman's Journey Through Ultra-Endurance Adventures

What drives someone to bike 631 miles across Idaho for charity, swim five miles through frigid waters with their 70-year-old grandmother, or keep pursuing extreme physical challenges after surviving a rocket attack in Syria? Meet Melisa Creek, an ultra-endurance athlete and military veteran whose extraordinary journey blends adventure with purpose. In this raw, captivating conversation, Melisa takes us from the grueling slopes of Mount St. Helens to the treacherous Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments, sharing what motivates her to constantly push beyond perceived limitations."I love feeling kind of beat down," she admits with surprising candor. "I love that feeling of doing something I didn't know if I was capable of doing." This philosophy has guided Melisa through remarkable feats, including a cross-state bicycle journey just weeks before deployment and swimming Wallowa Lake in 52-degree water only three months after giving birth.Beyond the physical challenges, Melisa offers a powerful perspective on resilience after trauma. Her experience surviving an Iranian rocket attack while deployed fundamentally changed her relationship with everyday stress: "Being at work during a rush—I feel like I'm able to keep my composure because we're not getting blown up. It's just coffee."Throughout our conversation, Melisa reveals how these extreme pursuits have evolved from potential escape mechanisms in her youth to becoming deliberate choices for personal growth and self-discovery. With future goals including qualifying for the prestigious Western States ultramarathon and climbing Mount Rainier, her story reminds us that the human spirit thrives not in comfort, but in challenge.Whether you're an aspiring athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration to push beyond your own boundaries, Melisa’s journey demonstrates how facing our limits—both physical and mental—can lead to profound transformation and unexpected joy.Shoutout to :Melisa Creek Jose Garcia Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us a text

Capturing Rodeo: Outlaw Echos

What happens when you combine a 20-year passion for video editing with a deep love for rodeo and Western culture? In just eight short months, Troy and his son have created Outlaw Echos, a rodeo promotion powerhouse that's amassed over 125,000 genuine followers and is revolutionizing how rodeo content is presented to the world.Unlike typical rodeo coverage, Outlaw Echos brings ESPN-quality production values to every ride. Using multiple camera angles in a strategic "triangle" formation, they capture moments most fans never see – from the raw emotion behind the chutes to the exhilaration of successful rides. "You're not going to see Michael Jordan pop up at the local YMCA just to get a run in," Troy explains about rodeo's unique accessibility. "But you see that in rodeo and it's amazing."The name "Outlaw Echos" carries profound meaning beyond initial impressions. To Troy, being an "outlaw" today means living counter to modern cultural norms – embracing personal responsibility, showing respect with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am," and prioritizing family values. When lived authentically, these values echo outward and positively influence others. This philosophy forms the foundation of everything they create.What began as a father-son project has become something much more significant – a platform that honors rodeo's rich traditions while introducing them to new audiences through contemporary storytelling techniques. But despite their rapid growth, Troy maintains that the most valuable aspect remains the quality time spent with his children on the road, behind the camera, and editing footage together until the early morning hours. "If I'm at small-town rodeos for the next 20 years and that's all I'm doing, and it's this time I get with my kids, I'm in. Sign me up."Ready to experience the authentic spirit of rodeo through a fresh lens? Follow Outlaw Echo and discover why this rapidly growing brand is changing how we see Western sports culture.Instagram:@outlawechoshttps://www.instagram.com/outlawechos?igsh=eGgzeGU1cHcwM2o3@aceswildrodeohttps://www.instagram.com/aceswildrodeo?igsh=MTExMW5jcWpjc3M4bw==Shoutout to :Troy Chambers Ms. Kenzie The Chambers Family Wiley Coyote Karas Aces Wild ProRodeo Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Alter Ego Ambassador: https://alteregorunning.com/Miles & Mountains Promo Code: Milesmountainsyr3Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us a text