s5/e10 Taking The Ultimate Running Vacation – No Races, Just Adventure! with Michael Mazzara of Rogue Expeditions
The Running Explained Podcast
Running Explained
4.6 • 534 Ratings
🗓️ 18 April 2025
⏱️ 81 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
This week on The Running Explained Podcast, we’re talking about a different kind of destination—the kind that comes with epic views, cultural immersion, and no clock in sight. I’m joined by Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who’s on a mission to redefine what it means to run and travel.
Michael shares how Rogue Expeditions creates immersive, joy-filled running experiences around the world—think Sahara Desert sunrises, winding trails through the Atlas Mountains, and post-run tajines in Morocco. These trips aren’t about chasing PRs; they’re about community, connection, and experiencing the world on two feet.
We talk about what goes into curating these off-the-beaten-path adventures, how he went from “not a runner” to leading global running trips, and why sometimes the best way to explore a new place… is just to lace up and run it.
Also! I’m beyond excited to share that I’ll be joining Rogue Expeditions in Morocco this November—and you can come too! If you've ever dreamed about turning your run into a passport stamp, this is your chance! runningexplained.com/morocco
In this episode, we dig into:
How Michael’s unexpected running journey turned into a global adventure business
The difference between racing and running to explore
What makes these trips so unique, welcoming, and transformational
Behind-the-scenes of designing routes in Morocco, Patagonia, and the Dolomites
Why running can be the best way to see the world
Tips for preparing for a running trip (spoiler: it’s not about doing 80-mile weeks)
And more!
Come Run Morocco With Me!
I’ll be heading to Morocco this November with Rogue Expeditions for a week of incredible running, culture, and connection—and you’re invited. Want to be on the interest list? Head to runningexplained.com/morocco for all the info!
Resources & Links:Rogue Expeditions → rougexpeditions.com
Instagram → @rougexpeditions
Stay Connected:Follow me on Instagram → @runningexplained
Coaching, training plans & more → runningexplained.com
Loved the episode? Take 30 seconds to rate, review, and subscribe—it helps more runners find the show and say YES to more adventure!
Research and production assistance by Sophie van Leeuwen
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome back to the Running Explained podcast. Hi, I'm Coach Elizabeth and I'm here to break down the science of running in a way that actually makes sense. |
| 0:10.1 | Whether you're training for your very first race, aiming for a new PR, or just trying to be a more balanced runner, this podcast is your go-to spot for all things running. |
| 0:19.7 | At Running Explained, running is more than just about logging miles. |
| 0:23.4 | It's about becoming the best version of you. |
| 0:26.2 | That's why we talk about more than just improving your fitness, |
| 0:29.2 | but how to support your physical, mental, and emotional health too, |
| 0:32.8 | so you'll see improvements that go far beyond race times. |
| 0:36.6 | And if you're looking for more support, I've got you |
| 0:38.8 | covered. Whether you're interested in one-on-one coaching, following a structured training plan, |
| 0:43.2 | or joining our supportive group coaching, I've got options to meet you where you are and help you level up. |
| 0:49.2 | Ready to dive in, let's go. Hey, hey, friends, welcome back to the Running Explain podcast. |
| 0:57.0 | I am your host, Coach Elizabeth, and I'm very excited about this conversation today because |
| 1:01.9 | it involves two of my favorite things in the whole world, running, obviously, and travel. |
| 1:10.1 | My guest this week is Michael Mazara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, |
| 1:13.6 | which is an adventure travel company specifically for runners. |
| 1:19.6 | Rogue Expeditions takes you to places like the Sahara Desert, |
| 1:23.6 | the Dolomites, Patagonia, Northern Japan, |
| 1:26.6 | to go there specifically to run with a couple other |
| 1:30.9 | people, a guide, have some cultural experiences, but to see a lot of this place, this beautiful place |
| 1:38.4 | on foot, which I cannot tell you how right up my alley this is. I have been looking for a company that does this for a long, long time. |
| 1:46.6 | And yes, they do exist. |
| 1:48.2 | So anyways, talking to Michael today. |
... |
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