Building Community Through Endurance Stories

Building Connection, Community & Confidence:

Fireside Chat’s Inspiring Look Ahead to 2026

For endurance athletes, mindset matters as much as miles. And in the latest episode of Fireside Chat on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, Run Tri Bike founder Jason Bahamundi offers a powerful reminder of why community, connection, and joy should sit at the center of every training and racing journey. This special solo episode isn’t just a look back at a year of remarkable growth but also provides a roadmap for what’s possible when athletes show up for each other with enthusiasm and purpose.

Celebrating a Year of Growth Rooted in Community

As Jason shares, 2025 was a milestone year for the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network. According to Spotify Wrapped, the network experienced 999% growth in new listeners, 189% growth in followers, and 192% more listening time. These numbers speak to something bigger than metrics. They represent everyday athletes choosing stories that feel real, relatable, and reflective of their own journeys.

Shows like Fireside Chat, What’s In Your Earbuds?, Enduring Minds, Beyond the Finish Line, and Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station continue to grow because the network stays anchored in its mission: inclusivity, authenticity, and celebrating every athlete regardless of where they finish – front, middle, or back of the pack.

Jason also takes time to lift up the team behind the platform—Joe Hardin, Evan Burch, Santino Williams, coaches, ambassadors, and creators who pour passion into every piece of content. In his words, “This network was built for you and because of you,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with runners who know the value of feeling seen and supported.

Introducing the 2026 Run Club Tour: Running With Perspective & Purpose

Perhaps the most exciting announcement of the episode is the 2026 Everyday Athlete Clubhouse Run Club Tour, a six-stop nationwide series of meetups designed to blend running, fun, and community building.

Each tour stop offers chances for shakeout runs, live podcasts, community meals, and coach-led discussions. Each of these are centered around bringing athletes together for connection, not competition. The lineup includes:

Oakland Marathon — Jason’s first marathon in 14 years, with a sub-4 goal
Pittsburgh Marathon – connections to many member of the Run Tri Bike community
Salt Lake City Foothills Trail Race — exclusive Clubhouse perks included
San Francisco Marathon — where Jason helps Santino chase his own sub-4
Beat the Blerch (Seattle) — laughs guaranteed
Hustle in the Heartland (Indiana) — an 8-hour celebration of movement

For athletes striving to grow—physically, mentally, or emotionally—this tour is a reminder to keep perspective: running is more fulfilling when shared.

Inside the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse: Belonging Made Accessible

Another theme woven throughout the episode is the importance of accessible community. With an annual membership of just $15 or lifetime access for $25, the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse gives runners and endurance athletes a place to learn, connect, and feel supported.

Members receive:

Exclusive partner discounts (Path Projects, Seven Summits Snacks, Montane, Salt Lake city Foothills Trail Race & more)
A welcome box filled with perks
Access to a private Slack group
Members-only podcasts and articles
Limited-edition merch like the nearly sold-out Enjoy the Journey hat

Jason emphasizes that the Clubhouse isn’t a club. He think it’s a mindset: growth, curiosity, courage, joy, and community. For athletes juggling life, training, and expectations, that mindset shift can be transformative.

Retreats, Panels & Future Projects: Elevating the Athlete Experience

Looking beyond 2026, Jason introduces even more opportunities to blend training with joy and connection. A January 2027 Los Angeles retreat is already in the works, with a small group of 10–20 athletes gathering for beach runs, coffee, great food, giveaways, and meaningful conversation. It’s the kind of experience designed to help runners reconnect with why they run: to feel alive, grounded, and part of something bigger.

The upcoming Everyday Athlete Coaches Panel will offer Clubhouse members access to expert insight on training, racing, mindset, recovery, and season planning, free of charge. It’s another intentional step toward giving athletes tools to grow without losing sight of the fun.

Celebrating Every Athlete & Expanding Representation

Jason closes the episode by spotlighting the voices shaping the future of the network, including Angela Holl’s Melanin MVP podcast and other creators committed to bringing diverse stories into endurance sports. The goal is simple but powerful: build a bigger table and make sure everyone has a seat.

Because when we amplify stories, we amplify belief—belief in ourselves, belief in each other, and belief in what’s possible when we blend hard work with joy.

Join the Movement

The Fireside Chat episode is more than an update—it’s an invitation. Join the Clubhouse and the conversation. Become a part of the movement toward a more inclusive, fun, and human-centered endurance sports world.

Wherever you are in your journey, you belong here.

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