Reclaiming, reconnecting, and running with Sergio Avila

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Mau Díaz sits down with Nicholas Charlier, a leader in the health and movement industry with over 13 years of experience. Nicholas has built a career around creating impactful programs that inspire connection, healing, and a deeper understanding of the human body. As the driving force behind Vivobarefoot’s community programs and the innovative VivoHealth platform, Nicholas has integrated education, research, and coaching into a global network that supports a holistic approach to well-being. Together, Mau and Nicholas go into the transformative power of movement and the art of reconnecting with nature through running. Nicholas shares his insights on the benefits of barefoot running, exploring how it allows us to engage with our surroundings more authentically and fosters a stronger connection to the natural world. They discuss how healing, both physical and mental, is deeply intertwined with movement and how running can be a profound practice of mindfulness and presence. Nicholas also shares his journey as a trail runner, competing in half-marathon and marathon distances, and how his personal experiences have shaped his professional philosophy. This episode offers a thoughtful conversation about the intersection of running, wellness, and community, leaving listeners inspired to explore their own paths to deeper connection, healing, and joy through movement.

In this episode of the Beyond Running podcast, Mau Díaz sits down with Maxime Galpin, a runner, meditator, and guide for Aire Libre’s French Pyrenees experience. Maxim has spent years exploring the intersection of movement and mindfulness, creating Zen and Run—a practice that merges running with meditation, helping people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. Together, they explore the ways in which running can become more than just a physical pursuit—it can be a form of presence, healing, and inner exploration. Their conversation begins with the magic of the French Pyrenees experience, where Maxime leads runners through breathtaking landscapes while fostering a deep sense of connection among participants. Mau and Maxime reflect on how the shared journey of running in these remote mountains creates a powerful bond, allowing people to slow down, be present, and truly engage with both nature and each other. This profound sense of community and presence sets the stage for their deeper discussion on Zen and Run and the philosophy behind merging meditation with movement. Maxime shares how mindfulness has transformed his own running practice, turning each step into an act of awareness and grounding. He and Mau discuss the benefits of slowing down—both in running and in life—and how tuning into the present moment can make movement more fulfilling. Whether you're an experienced runner or someone looking for a deeper connection to the sport, this episode offers insights into how running can be a gateway to greater self-awareness, balance, and joy.

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz reconnects with writer, poet, and endurance runner Josh Lynott for a compelling follow-up conversation. After previously appearing on Josh’s podcast, Mau brings the dialogue full circle as they explore the deep and surprising connections between running and art. Together, they delve into how movement can be more than just physical effort—it can transform into a form of creative expression and storytelling. Josh shares his unique perspective on running as an art form, drawing from his experiences as a writer and endurance athlete. He reflects on the parallels between the discipline required in training and the creative process of writing, highlighting how both involve perseverance, vulnerability, and the pursuit of meaning. The conversation touches on the ways running and art intersect to create stories, evoke emotions, and allow us to connect with ourselves and the world in profound ways. This episode invites you to see running through a new lens—not just as a sport or activity but as a deeply creative and human act. Whether you’re a runner, an artist, or someone who seeks inspiration in the everyday, this conversation with Josh Lynott will leave you with fresh insights on the power of movement, creativity, and storytelling.  

In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payro sits down with Cal Calamia—an accomplished trans marathoner, ultramarathoner, and inclusivity activist. Cal, who uses they/he pronouns, has been a trailblazer for non-binary visibility in the running world. From becoming the first non-binary winner of both Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon, to advocating for the inclusion of non-binary categories in prestigious races like the Boston and New York Marathons, Cal has made waves in the sport. In this conversation, Cal shares their journey from competing at Saint Louis University to advocating for gender inclusivity at major races, including their recent push for non-binary representation in the Berlin Marathon. Cal also reflects on the founding of the Non-Binary Run Club, their work as an educator, and their passion for poetry, which is captured in their collection San Franshitshow. Tune in to hear Cal’s personal story of resilience, the power of community, and their dedication to pushing for a more inclusive future in marathon running. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!  

In this inspiring episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payró sits down with Beba Guzmán to discuss her remarkable experience organizing and leading a team of Rarámuri women in The Speed Project race, an epic journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Beba shares the challenges they faced, from logistical hurdles to cultural adjustments, and the profound rewards of seeing these incredible women conquer such a demanding race. The conversation explores the importance of encouraging and supporting women to participate in diverse sports and races, highlighting the need for greater representation and inclusion. Beba's story is a testament to the power of community, determination, and the transformative impact of running. Join us for this powerful discussion on breaking barriers and empowering women in the running world, as Leslie and Beba explore the triumphs and tribulations of bringing the Rarámuri spirit to one of the most grueling and exhilarating races in the world. Relevant links: @bebaguzman @thespeedproject @ra_ra_raaaaaa

In this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, Mau Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a compelling conversation with Tina Muir. Tina Muir, known for her popular Running for Real podcast, discusses her evolving relationship with running, highlighting the shift from an intense, performance-driven mindset to a more inclusive, community-oriented approach. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of this transition and how it has enriched her life and connections within the running world. The conversation gets into Tina's new book, "Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet," where she offers valuable insights on how to sustain a lifelong love for running. Tina and Mau explore the themes of the book, discussing the importance of running for personal well-being, fostering community bonds, and respecting and preserving our natural environment. Join us for this thought-provoking episode as Tina Muir and Mau Díaz share their passion for running, emphasizing the joy of connecting with others and the planet through this beautiful sport. Whether you're an elite athlete or a casual runner, this conversation will inspire you to view running through a new, sustainable lens. You can find out more about Tina Muir in the following links: https://linktr.ee/tinamuir88 Use the code TINAMUIR to get a discount in our upcoming Costa Rica experience (limited to 4 spots).  Read about the Costa Rica experience here: https://airelibre.earth/running-experiences/costa-rica-2024/    

In this captivating episode of the Beyond Running Podcast by Aire Libre, Mau Diaz sits down with the remarkable Kayla Jeter. A former professional volleyball player turned wellness entrepreneur, Kayla is also a Global Ambassador for Lululemon and the founder of the empowering running community, 100 Miles of Summer. Together, they delve into Kayla's inspiring journey as an athlete, highlighting the pivotal role that community plays in achieving personal goals. Kayla shares her origin story, revealing the transformative power of running and how it has shaped her path. She discusses her experience in Patagonia with Aire Libre, reflecting on the profound connection between nature, community, and personal growth. As they look to the future, Kayla and Mau explore her upcoming plans and the continued impact of 100 Miles of Summer in inspiring and supporting runners around the world. You can follow Kayla at: @kaylajeter_

Join us for a riveting conversation between Mau Diaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, and Anthony Battah, lawyer, devoted father, and newfound environmental activist. Anthony shares the extraordinary tale of his epic journey, running from Canada to Mexico along the path of the Monarch butterfly migration. His mission? To raise awareness about the plight of this endangered species and spark a larger dialogue about environmental conservation. Anthony's passion and conviction shine through as he discusses his belief in our ability to avert environmental disaster and leave a sustainable legacy for future generations. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, who inspired his odyssey, Anthony's story is a testament to the power of familial love and the impact of individual action in the fight for our planet's future.

In this episode, co-founder of Aire Libre, Mauricio Díaz ( @maudac ) engages in a touching and heartfelt talk with passionate multi-marathon runner, coach, and devoted running community builder: Iman Wilkerson ( @on.iman.opia ), a @cieleathletics FRND with whom we had the honor of sharing the trails during our last Oaxaca Day of the Dead experience last November. During this conversation, we explore Iman's transformative journey from her first 5k in 2008 to becoming an experienced marathoner, participating in iconic races like New York and Boston. Beyond the miles, Iman emphasizes the significance of connections formed through running, influenced by her experience in the heart of New York City. Having relocated to sunny San Diego, she continues her running journey, weaving a business around her passion for the sport. We explore the richness of Iman's experiences, unveiling the profound impact of running communities as bridges connecting individuals to city pulses, natural serenity, and, most crucially, each other. Iman emerges as a fervent advocate for the inclusivity defining the best running communities, uniting diverse souls under the shared rhythm of pounding feet and aspirations "There are more communities that are feeling called to step up and to lead, or there are people who are feeling called to step up to lead and not feeling like they have to rest on what already existed. I think that what also comes from that is we don’t have to race to run. For these past few years up until maybe this year, or even parts of last year, you know, we didn’t have races, or races were paused for a little bit, so people were just running for community and just running to run together." – Iman Wilkerson Join us as we dive into the transformative power of running beyond the miles, where each step contributes to a larger connection resonating with the heartbeat of cities, the whispers of nature, and the shared cadence of human connection. Go to the link in our bio to give it a listen!  

Join us in this episode as Mauricio Díaz, co-founder of Aire Libre, engages in a profound conversation with runner Francesca Goodwin. Together, they explore the transformative journey that running can be, especially when intertwined with the healing power of nature. Francesca opens up about her personal struggles with mental and physical health, and how the rhythm of her footsteps on the earth's terrain became a catalyst for healing. Grounded in the natural world, running served as a potent reminder of her life force, providing solace and a path to recovery. The discussion delves into the symbiotic relationship between the human spirit, physical well-being, and the natural environment. Mauricio, drawing from his experience with Aire Libre, adds depth to the conversation by highlighting the collective and supportive nature of the running community. Together, they celebrate the profound connection between mind, body, and nature, emphasizing how running can be a transformative and holistic practice. This episode is an invitation to listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery through running, to find solace in the embrace of the natural world, and to discover the revitalizing potential that lies within each stride. Join us for this touching exploration of resilience, healing, and the boundless joys that running and nature can bring to our lives. You can find Francesca here: @running_on_joy