Episode 334: Judy Proteau and the Race for the Refuge

This week we’re joined by the one and only Judy Proteau—ultrarunner, race director, Highland City Strider, kicker for the NFL, and all-around trail badass. Judy’s here to talk about her first year directing the Race for the Refuge, happening September 28th at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury, MA. (You bet your ass...abet!)We get into the behind-the-scenes of putting on a race, tribal land permissions, course marking, volunteer wrangling, post-race beer logistics (yes, that’s a thing), and why she’s adding a guided one-mile family walk to the event.

We also take a trip down Judy’s running memory lane—from her “oops I gained a few pounds in my 20s” jogs, to her first marathon at Sugarloaf, to her 50K adventures, to finishing her first 100 at Hamster Wheel.

You’ll hear about the 48-hour race where she overheated, dropped, then rallied two hours later to finish with twelve seconds to spare. AFB math: 100 miles plus 12 seconds to spare= 112! Her mantras? “Get Rich or Die Trying” and “This is for all the cookies in the cookie jar.” This is a really amazing story! Enough said.

Other highlights include:

• Art adopts a new Siamese kitten named Avery 🐾 (and yes, she’s already podcast famous).
• Historical tidbits on King Philip’s War and why Sudbury trails are more than just dirt paths.
• The welcoming vibe of Judy’s Highland City Striders, including their “slow and steady striders” crew and Tuesday muffin runs.
• Denali 135 dreams, Notch View 200 temptations, and a possible Cultra road trip.

This one’s part race preview, part ultra origin story, and part love letter to the trail community. Judy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and we think you’ll want to lace up (or volunteer) after listening. It may be the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

Links from the show:

• Race for the Refuge Registration
• Donate to Race for the Refuge
• Highland City Striders Running Club
• Judy’s Instagram: @pink_rose_running
• Judy Hosts a YouTube Channel Runners in Sneakers Getting Coffee
• BURCS Ultra Running, Ben Double N and company

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