393: Ken Skrien the Hobo Runner Goes on a Marathon Odyssey

"One of the real pleasures for me, I feel that Born to Run has stood up over time." In this special episode of the Road Dog Podcast, Luis chats with Christopher McDougall, Eric Orton, Ted McDonald, Billy Barnett, and Jenn Shelton. These are all original members who went down into the Copper Canyons back in 2006 which inspired the book Born to Run. They discuss that original trip down to the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, how the photo cover of the book was picked, Caballo Blanco, how the trip came to be, impactful memories, the near fist fight in Death Valley at Badwater 135, what they all have been up to in the present, kids, the profound experience of that trip and the people, and creating opportunities. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. 3. Buy some Road Dog merch here: https://roaddogpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"People want to be outdoors. They need space. It's inate in our being." Recorded live at Main Street Cycles, Luis chats with Scott Clark of Main Street Cycles, James Grennan of Santa Barbara Land Trust, Doug Wilson a board member of Santa Maria Valley Open Space, Jon Blanchard of Santa Maria Valley Open Space, and Nick Batchelor from Orcutt Kids Bike Club. Topics include Santa Maria, the Land Trust, trail systems, Orcutt Kids Bike Club, conservation vs preservation, owning property on conservation lands, why it's so important, how to donate, why you shouldn't trespass, and recreational trails. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. Salomon Pico Memorial Trail Run - Saturday, April 18, 2026 https://www.smvos.org/ GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com GUESTS Contact Info: Santa Maria Valley Open Space - https://www.smvos.org/ Scott Clark: Website: mainstreetcycles.com Email: [email protected] Scottclarkphotos.com James Grennan email: [email protected] Doug Wilson email: [email protected]  Website: stabilitystudio.com Chirowellnessgroup.com Nick Batchelor website: orcuttkidsbikeclub.org Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"Our goal here is really to just provide a better option. We lead by example with supplying clothes that are made in the right way, the best way and most sustainable way we can possibly find with the resources available currently." Liam Moffat and Carson Leong are changing the game of outdoor clothing with their company called Seadon. In this episode, Liam and Carson chat with Luis about where they met, how the company started, eco friendly materials and packaging, run specific clothing, why they care about eco-friendly products, aligning the clothing they produce with their values, types of wool, their race jacket, race expos, what events they have coming up, the website, building experiences around the clothing, and their mission. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Seadon Contact Info: www.seadon.co https://www.instagram.com/seadon.co/ [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/liam.m0ffat/?hl=en [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/carson_leong/?hl=en Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"Through the last 10 years I look back at the life I lived 10 years ago and the life I'm living right now and I'm so much happier, more fulfilled." Ken Skrien is on a Marathon Odyssey to run 250 x 26.2 miles for America's 250th birthday in 2026. This odyssey includes 150 events covering all 50 states and 7 continents. He is raising awareness for brain injury survivors and adaptive athletes. In this episode, Ken chats with Luis about his bike hit and run, being homeless because of the crash, how he embraced running, dealing with a brain injury, opportunities for growth, training for a race, converting a school bus to an RV for travel, and needing help from donations. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Ken Skrien Contact Info: IG: @im_that_ken  Email: [email protected] Thehoborunner.com Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"Look, these group of people they go out and camp and then they go running." Helen Payne is a distance runner, Trail Work Ambassador, and student who lives in Santa Barbara. In this episode, Luis is joined by Jon Zaid as a co-host and they chat with Helen about studying plant ecology, plants and relationship to fire, Runners For Public Lands, 9 Trails, where she loves to run, how she got involved with Runners For Public Lands, her running history, the Mammoth 200, High Lonesome 100, and what she has coming up next. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Braiding Sweetgrass Book: https://www.amazon.com/Braiding-Sweetgrass-Indigenous-Scientific-Knowledge/dp/1571313567 Helen Payne Contact Info: @hellandpayne https://www.strava.com/athletes/64158874 runnersforpubliclands.org Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"You see locals wearing very proudly their Nine Trails Rabbit shirts." Sam Marks is the Community and Events Manager for the brand Rabbit. In this episode, Sam chats with Luis about running, 9 Trails, working with Rabbit, trail races that they sponsor and put on, and custom gear created for specific races. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Sam Marks Contact Info: Email: [email protected] Rabbit Website: https://www.runinrabbit.com Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"There was a lot of throwing up going up that river and no one would give anyone a ride. I've learned that the hard way." Ann Trason is widely regarded as one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time. A 14-time champion of the Western States 100, she dominated the sport throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, redefining what was possible for women in endurance running. She's also a two-time winner of South Africa's legendary Comrades Marathon and a former world record holder at 50 miles and 100 kilometers. Known for her fierce competitiveness, quiet humility, and relentless work ethic, Ann didn't just win races—she changed the standard for excellence in ultrarunning. Today, her legacy continues to inspire generations of trail and ultra-athletes around the world. In this special episode, Luis sits down with Ann in person and chats about all things running. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"It takes a lot of effort to innovate and then to educate people with why it's different, how to wear it, and why you have to wear it differently than packs that are designed with a typical chest strap." Josh Sprague is the founder of Orange Mud, which makes hydration packs for endurance athletes. In this episode, Josh chats with Luis about starting his company Orange Mud, his first products, putting water bottles on your back, how the company name came about, specifics about his products, stability, Transition Wrap, what put them on the map, the good and bad of hydration bladders, tips for keeping them clean, making customers happy, and solving real athlete problems.  Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Josh Sprague Contact Info: https://www.orangemud.com/ https://sevenclay.com/ https://anvilandacre.com/ https://joshspragueinfo.com/ Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"When things happen, we don't just send a whole bunch of Band-Aids—we say, 'What do you need?'" Jon Zaid is a runner and director of software engineering at Direct Relief. In this episode, Jon chats with Luis about how he got into running, 100 milers, how he met Luis and ran with him, 200 milers, his experience at Born to Run, his 6 ½ year running streak, difference between passion and addiction for running, working with Direct Relief, and details of the Tough Enough run. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Jon Zaid Contact Info: Direct Relief: https://www.directrelief.org Email: [email protected] The Tough Enough blog: https://sb-toughenough.org Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com

"It's just this awesome environment that it's cool to be able to play a part in contributing to the community coming together." Michael Miller is the owner and operator of the Copper Canyons Endurance Run. In this episode,Michael chats with Luis about Mexico, Sea of Cortez, the Copper Canyons Endurance Run, True Messages, Wander Project, and his new book. Zander Chase is the Executive Director of the Wander Project. In this episode, Zander follows up with Luis about the Wander Project, relationship with True Messages, and how to apply. Support Road Dog Podcast by: 1. Joining the Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/roaddogpodcast 2. Subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you listen on. GO SLEEVES: https://gokinesiologysleeves.com HAMMER NUTRITION show code: Roaddoghn20 Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.hammernutrition.com DRYMAX show code: Roaddog2020  Listeners get a special 15% off at https://www.drymaxsports.com/products/ LUNA SANDALS "Whether I'm hitting the trails or just hanging out, LUNA Sandals are my favorite. They're designed by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run and made for every adventure—ultra running, hiking, or just kicking back. Its minimalist footwear that's good for your feet!" Check them out and get 15% off at lunasandals.com/allwedoisrun. Allwedoisrun.com Wander Project: https://www.wanderproject.org Michael Miller Contact Info: True Messages Website: https://www.truemessages.org/blog https://www.coppercanyons.com/ [email protected] [email protected] Zander Chase Contact Info: https://www.wanderproject.org/ https://wanderproject.substack.com/ IG: @wanderproject18 @zchase11 Luis Escobar (Host) Contact: [email protected] Luis Instagram Kevin Lyons (Producer) Contact: [email protected] yesandvideo.com Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Original RDP Photo: Photography by Kaori Peters kaoriphoto.com Road Dog Podcast Adventure with Luis Escobar www.roaddogpodcast.com