What is Wayward Wayfarers

I’m Nicholas Richards — ultramarathon runner, coach, and founder of Wayward Wayfarers.

To me, running has never been just about miles or medals. It’s about meaning. Each step, each breath, each challenge on the trail is part of a deeper pilgrimage — one that strips away illusion until only truth remains. I believe endurance is not just physical; it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. Through suffering, we discover strength. Through chaos, we learn to adapt. Through movement, we find stillness.

I began running to heal — from pain, from doubt, from the noise of the world. Over time, the trail became my teacher. It taught me that adversity isn’t an obstacle; it’s the forge where courage is made. It taught me that the journey is the destination, and that who we become along the way matters far more than how fast we get there.

Now, as an ultrarunning coach and consultant, I help others find that same truth in their own steps. Whether it’s training for your first ultra or exploring the mental and spiritual depths of endurance, my goal is to help you run not just farther, but truer — to yourself and to your purpose.

Because the Wayward Wayfarer’s path is not a straight one.
It twists, climbs, and sometimes breaks us open.
But every mile is a chance to come home — to who we really are.

Wayward Wayfarers isn’t just a coaching brand.
It’s a philosophy of movement, mindfulness, and meaning — for those who run not to escape life, but to feel it more deeply.