Sassquad Trail Runners14 Tammi 2025

Maria Zieja: Ultra Runner and Nature-Based Educator

In this episode, we chat with the incredible Maria Zieja, ultra-runner and long-time member of the Sassquad Trail Running family. Maria takes us through her journey from obstacle course racing to trail and ultra-running. She shares squatchtastic stories from the 36-hour event at the Wild Goose Trail Festival, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, the lows, and the strategies that kept her moving… Spoiler: it’s all about determination and a little bit of trail

After 15 years in the classroom and a master’s degree in education, she found herself burnt out and searching for a new path. Maria shares about how she took the leap to leave the traditional classroom behind and became a certified nature-based educator. Now, she spends her days inspiring kids to learn and grow outside at Sensory Garden and Play in West Milford, NJ. With her Level 1 certification from the Association for Nature-Based Education (and Level 2 on the way), Maria is on a mission to turn nature into the ultimate classroom.

Maria’s passion for the outdoors is contagious as she talks about the magic that happens when kids get outside every day. From building confidence to boosting creativity, she’s seen firsthand how nature can transform young lives.

Want to learn more about the amazing work Maria is doing? Check out Sensory Garden and Play.

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Squatchy Hooky: Lake to Summit Pre-Race Announcements

Join us Wednesday, June 3 at 7pm for the Squatchy Hooky: Lake to Summit 5K/10K pre-race livestream, live on YouTube. We’ll cover everything you need to know before race day, including course specifics...

3 Kesä 23min

Squatchywaska Mountainfest Pre-Race Announcements

Join us Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm for the Squatchywaska Mountainfest pre-race livestream, live on YouTube. We’ll cover everything you need to know before race day, including course specifics, elevati...

24 Huhti 28min

Mental Strategies for Smarter Running

Join us on Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00 PM ET for our free webinar on Mental Strategies for Smarter Running. In this webinar, The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW, will explore practical strategies...

16 Huhti 52min

Mind/Body Connection for Trail Runners Webinar

Join us on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 PM ET for our free webinar on Mind/Body Connection for Trail Runners. In this webinar, The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW, will guide you through practices...

11 Huhti 1h

Exploring the Gunks: Understanding the Fragile Ecosystem of Minnewaska

Join us on Friday, April 10 at 6pm for a special webinar led by Becca Howe-Parisio, Environmental Educator at Minnewaska State Preserve. Becca will provide an in-depth look at the fragile ecosystem of...

11 Huhti 41min

The Postpartum Trail Runner

Join us on March 18 at 7 PM for a free webinar with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Dr. Colleen Drahos ! This session will cover how to return to the trails safely, rebuild strength, prevent injury, a...

19 Maalis 1h

Squatchapple Pre-Race Announcements and Q&A

6 Maalis 48min

2026 Goal Setting for Trail Runners

Join us on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM ET for our free webinar on Goal Setting for 2026. In this webinar, The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW, will guide you in connecting to your “why” to u...

26 Tammi 1h 1min