Trail Runner Nation

Krissy Moehl , Kathleen Egan , and Jenny Jurek , affectionately known as the Mullet Train , share the story behind their goal of completing 1,000 trail miles together, including the Arizona Trail, High Lonesome 100, and Crazy Mountain 100. What started as an annual fastpacking adventure evolved into something much bigger: an intentional way to preserve friendship, challenge themselves, and keep adventure central as they get older. They talk candidly about learning each other's rhythms, figuring out how far their particular “train” can realistically travel each day, and discovering that a successful adventure doesn't always mean sticking stubbornly to the original plan. The conversation also gets wonderfully practical, covering ultralight gear, water, food, trail magic, trail names, cowboy camping, and the different “superpowers” each woman brings to the group. One of the most interesting shifts comes from Krissy, who spent decades racing at the highest level but now finds herself wanting to stop, take her shoes off at lunch, and actually absorb the places she once would have raced through. Underneath it all is a compelling message for aging athletes: don't wait for adventure to happen, put it on the calendar, find people who make you want to show up, and go collect some stories while your body still lets you. LINKS Jenny and Scott Jurek's book, N orth - Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail Krissy's coaching and races EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach : Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:24 – The 1,000-Mile Idea Krissy, Kathleen, and Jenny introduce their goal of covering 1,000 trail miles together and explain how an annual adventure gradually became something much bigger. 05:35 – Why They Needed This Adventure Jenny explains how life, motherhood, and time away from ultrarunning left her craving an adventure, and a proposed section hike eventually grew into tackling the Arizona Trail. 14:28 – Why This, Why Now? The women discuss why these adventures feel particularly meaningful at this stage of their lives and why intentionally carving out time together matters. 20:19 – Welcome Aboard the Mullet Train Jenny explains the wonderfully ridiculous origin of their team name, while the women identify the different “superpowers” each brings to the trail. 28:45 – It Took 400 Miles to Become a Team Kathleen explains how ambitious mileage goals gradually gave way to understanding their natural pace and how hundreds of miles together taught them to read and support one another. 35:00 – From Racing Through It to Taking It In Krissy reflects on one of her biggest changes as an athlete: after years of elite racing, she no longer wants to rush through beautiful places and would rather stop, soak her shirt in the creek, and enjoy where she is. 46:20 – Rattlesnakes, Cowgirl Camping and the Best Stories The women share moments when things didn't go according to plan, including a close encounter with a rattlesnake and an uncomfortable night of cowboy camping that unexpectedly became one of their favorite memories. 50:43 – Why Adventure Matters in Your 50s Jenny talks about the freedom of stepping away from work and family responsibilities and being completely responsible for herself in the mountains, while the group reflects on why these trips mean so much now. 54:08 – Sometimes the Hardest Part Is Showing Up Jenny compares their adventures to running a 100-miler: scheduling, planning, and getting everyone to the start can be harder than the adventure itself. Once they finally see each other at the airport, they know making the time was worth it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coaching advice almost always starts with, “It depends.” In this special Ask the Coaches episode, Don and Scott take away that safety net by forcing Ian Sharman , Hal Koerner, and Ellie Greenwood to make definitive choices on some of trail running’s biggest debates. Is it better to be undertrained or overtrained? Should you trust data or your instincts? Would you add mileage or strength training? Can motivation be taught? Along the way, the coaches reveal not only their philosophies, but also the surprising amount of agreement behind them. Beneath the conversation emerges a consistent message: sustainable training, learning to listen to your body, and developing good judgment matter far more than chasing perfect numbers. It’s entertaining, occasionally chaotic, and full of coaching wisdom every trail runner can apply. LINKS - Sharman Ultra Coaching The Art of Ultrarunning book, by Ian Hal Koerners's Field Guide to Ultrarunning Hal's races: Siskiyou Out Back & Lithia Loop - Rogue Valley Runners Store Knee Knacker 30-mile Forerunners North Shore store that Ellie works part time EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach : Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Instant Hydration: Timestamps 00:00 | The Rules: No “It Depends” The coaches are forced to choose between two coaching philosophies before explaining their reasoning. 04:00 | Training Smarter vs. Training Harder Should runners prioritize perfect execution or simply never miss a workout? The coaches debate consistency, intensity, and long-term improvement. 21:00 | Undertrained or Overtrained? The panel discusses why arriving healthy, rested, and mentally excited may be more valuable than squeezing in one more week of training. 29:00 | Mileage or Strength Training? With limited training time, the coaches debate whether extra running or extra strength work produces the biggest return. 44:00 | Trust the Data or Trust Yourself? Heart rate, recovery scores, wearables, and intuition collide as the coaches explain why learning effort by feel remains one of the most valuable skills in ultrarunning. 56:00 | What Should You Do When You Want to Quit? The coaches tackle one of the hardest race-day scenarios: stop, regroup, and reassess, or keep moving forward no matter how slowly. 1:11:00 | Final Thoughts (and One Last “It Depends”) The episode wraps with laughs, reflections, and one final reminder that while coaching often depends on context, the principles of smart, sustainable training remain remarkably consistent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sophie Grant had reached a point where even the hardest ultramarathons no longer carried the uncertainty they once did, and after years of infertility and IVF, she realized she had also lost some of her joy in running and trust in her own body. The Via Alpina changed that, taking her roughly 2,000 kilometers across the Alps and forcing her to approach each day without knowing exactly what the next one would bring. She and photographer Zoe Salt talk about the physical and logistical realities of nearly a month on the trail, including relentless fueling, strength training, bad patches, storms, forest fires, and the value of an exceptional crew. Sophie shares practical lessons endurance athletes can use immediately, including her belief that “a bad moment does not make a bad day,” the importance of eating before assuming something has gone seriously wrong, and learning to distinguish between not wanting to continue and truly being unable to continue. The deeper story is about something bigger than an FKT: Sophie describes how this adventure helped her appreciate what her body could do after spending years focused on something it couldn't. By the end, her message is wonderfully simple: try something new, LINKS: Sophie Grant's coaching Zoe Salt photography EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach : Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:00 – The Via Alpina and an Enormous New Challenge Sophie and Zoe introduce the roughly 2,000-kilometer route across eight Alpine countries and explain why attempting it was so different from Sophie's previous racing. 05:14 – Why Sophie Needed Something Different After years of racing at a high level, Sophie realized she was operating on autopilot and needed a challenge that could bring uncertainty, learning, and joy back into running. 12:12 – Infertility, Running and Her Relationship With Her Body Sophie opens up about infertility, IVF, and how the experience left her angry and disconnected from her body before the Via Alpina helped change that relationship. 20:00 – What 29 Days Really Looked Like Zoe describes watching Sophie get up and do the work day after day, while Sophie shares the low moments, frustration, pain, and perspective that kept her moving. 25:12 – How Do You Fuel for a Month? Sophie breaks down the surprisingly broad menu that powered the effort and explains why years of practicing 80 to 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour made eating almost automatic. 28:41 – “A Bad Moment Does Not Make a Bad Day” Sophie explains how food, music, distraction, and experience help her escape negative headspaces, plus the crucial difference between can't continue and simply don't want to . 41:51 – When the Plan Falls Apart Storms, vehicle problems and forest fires force the team to adapt, leading to a broader conversation about trusting your support system and learning to build a different life when the original plan changes. 48:20 – Not Every Problem Needs to Be Fixed Sophie explains one of the most meaningful lessons from her infertility experience: sometimes people don't need solutions, they simply need someone willing to sit with them and acknowledge how hard things are. 53:15 – The Courage to Try Something That Scares You Sophie closes with advice for anyone who feels stuck: try something new, choose something that scares you, and focus on having the courage to begin rather than obsessing over the outcome. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We often think of ultrarunning as an individual pursuit, but Eric Strand ’s Western States story proves that the strongest performances are rarely solo efforts. After cracking a rib, falling multiple times, and watching his sub-30-hour goal slip away, Eric reached mile 78 convinced he wouldn’t make it. His pacers refused to believe that story, helping him stop negotiating with himself, stay focused on the mile he was in, and keep moving forward one step at a time. Along the way, the conversation explores what separates a great pacer from an average one, how trust and preparation begin long before race day, and why different moments require different kinds of encouragement. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest gift another runner can give you is believing in you until you’re able to believe in yourself again. LINKS Video of Eric Finishing WS100 Eric's Race Report EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with One More Mile , our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20 . Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. Instant Hydration Timestamps 00:00 | When Belief Runs Out Eric introduces the moment at mile 78 when he thought his Western States dream was slipping away. 08:00 | Borrowing Someone Else’s Confidence Eric explains how his pacer shifted his mindset from making excuses to focusing on the mile directly ahead. 15:30 | What Makes a Great Pacer The conversation explores communication, trust, and why every runner needs something different during difficult moments. 30:00 | Managing Pain Without Giving Up Eric shares how his pacers helped him push through cracked ribs, multiple falls, and overwhelming fatigue without losing sight of the finish. 39:00 | Lessons for Every Pacer Practical advice on pacing strategy, communication, course knowledge, and common mistakes that can make or break a race. 48:00 | A Son’s Push to the Finish Eric reflects on the emotional role reversal of having his son pace him over the final miles and what that experience meant. 55:00 | Why No One Finishes Alone The discussion closes with a broader lesson about crew, volunteers, family, and the trail running community that makes extraordinary accomplishments possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most runners focus on pace, heart rate, and fueling, but heat may be the hidden factor that determines whether a great race turns into a survival march. In this conversation, CORE endurance performance lead Aline Barre explains how the body regulates temperature, why overheating steals blood away from your muscles and gut, and how even well-trained athletes can unravel when heat gets ahead of them. She shares simple, research-backed ways to become heat adapted using overdressed runs, saunas, hot baths, and smart scheduling, while also explaining why hydration, electrolytes, and cooling strategies matter just as much. The discussion also explores CORE’s non-invasive temperature sensor, how monitoring heat strain can help runners avoid crossing the point of no return, and why “cooler is faster” isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s physiology. This episode offers practical tools that can make running in the heat feel far more manageable. EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach : Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Instant Hydration: Timestamps 00:00 | Why Heat Matters More Than You Think Scott and Don introduce the episode and explain why heat may be one of endurance sports’ biggest overlooked performance limiters. 07:00 | How to Become Heat Adapted Aline explains how overdressed runs, saunas, and hot baths help your body adapt in as little as 10 to 14 sessions. 16:30 | Measuring Core Temperature The conversation explores why core temperature matters, how it differs from skin temperature, and how runners can monitor heat strain in real time. 22:00 | Cooling Strategies That Actually Work Ice bandanas, pre-cooling, slushies, wet clothing, and aid station tactics that help keep performance from falling apart. 31:30 | Common Heat Training Mistakes Why hydration, electrolytes, recovery, and smart scheduling matter just as much as simply running in hot weather. 38:00 | Heat Training Beyond Hot Weather Can heat adaptation improve altitude performance? Aline shares surprising research and explains how long heat adaptations last. 44:30 | Practical Tips for Your Next Hot Race The episode wraps up with actionable advice on clothing, cooling methods, and how to avoid crossing the overheating threshold on race day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What would you think if you arrived at a trailhead and saw runners strapping full-size ironing boards to their backs? That’s exactly how Don and Scott discovered Iron X, a 13-mile extreme ironing race through the trails of Auburn, California. Race creator Ben Mitchell and participant Brian Goldman explain the surprisingly real world of extreme ironing, the rules of carrying an ironing board through the wilderness, and the seven checkpoints where competitors must stop and iron their shirts in places ranging from the American River to an abandoned car. But beneath the absurdity is something that feels increasingly important in trail running: grassroots events built around community, creativity, and simply having a good time. The conversation also explores the challenges facing small race directors, the value of low-key “fat ass” events, and Brian’s work helping financially struggling runners participate in the sport. It’s a reminder that some of the best trail running experiences may have nothing to do with qualifying points, lotteries, or prestigious finish lines, and everything to do with showing up, finding your people, and not taking yourself too seriously. LINKS IroningMan - the official Extreme Ironing Site Sign Up for next year's Iron X - Mendocino Running Festival Mile Madness Endurance Run Skybreaker Racing - Run Free Foundation - a non-profit to help runners overcome the financial barriers of running EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with One More Mile , our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20 . Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together Timestamps 00:00 | Ironing Boards at the Trailhead Don and Scott explain how a normal weekend trail run turned into the discovery of a 13-mile race involving runners carrying full-size ironing boards. 03:10 | How Iron X Was Born Race creator Ben Mitchell explains how the strange sport of extreme ironing inspired him to create his own trail-running version in Auburn. 08:11 | Seven Stops and a Lot of Ironing Ben breaks down the course and its required ironing locations, including standing knee-deep in the American River and ironing on an abandoned car. 13:12 | The Surprisingly Real World of Extreme Ironing The group explores the history, rules, and wonderfully strange culture behind taking ironing boards into places they were never designed to go. 23:07 | Why Trail Running Needs More Weird Races The conversation shifts from ironing to something bigger: the value of fun, inexpensive grassroots events in an increasingly commercialized sport. 30:52 | The Heart of Grassroots Trail Running Ben and Brian discuss fat ass races, the challenges of putting on small events, and why these gatherings can represent trail running at its purest. 36:28 | Making Trail Running More Accessible Brian shares the mission behind the Run Free Foundation and his efforts to help runners who can’t afford the increasingly high costs of gear, races, and travel. 45:01 | Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously The episode closes with the biggest lesson from Iron X: trail running can help us discover ourselves, build community, and occasionally carry an ironing board through the woods just because it’s fun. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Runners have more data, technology, nutrition products, and training advice than ever, so why does Dr. Phil Maffetone believe many of us are actually getting slower and less healthy? In this wide-ranging conversation, Phil challenges the resurgence of high-carbohydrate fueling, explains why building a strong aerobic system still matters, and shares how he used heart-rate training decades before it became mainstream. He breaks down the Maffetone Method , why runners should measure training by time rather than miles, and how slowing down today can ultimately help you run faster tomorrow. The conversation also explores the difference between collecting data and actually using it intelligently, along with Phil’s belief that diet and metabolic health can quietly undermine even the best training plan. And in classic Phil fashion, the discussion eventually wanders into music, creativity, awareness, and why becoming a better runner may require developing more of yourself than just your legs. LINKS TO CHECK OUT More about Maffetone Method and the Two-Week Test Maffetone Music - where most of the updated research is published and, of course, his music EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach : Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 02:12 | What Runners Are Still Getting Wrong Phil argues that despite decades of new research and technology, runners continue to repeat many of the same mistakes around training and nutrition. 03:18 | The Return of High-Carb Fueling The conversation tackles the trend toward extremely high carbohydrate intake during endurance events and Phil’s strong disagreement with the direction it’s taking. 09:08 | The Heart-Rate Experiment That Changed Everything Phil tells the story of putting an early heart-rate monitor on Mark Allen and asking one of the world’s best triathletes to dramatically slow down in order to eventually get faster. 14:44 | Are We Using All This Data Wrong? With runners surrounded by watches and metrics, Phil explains why collecting numbers is very different from using them intelligently. 18:32 | How the Maffetone Method Actually Works Phil explains aerobic heart-rate training, why runners shouldn’t necessarily train together at the same pace, and why he prefers measuring training by time instead of mileage. 27:28 | Are Today’s Runners Actually Healthier? Despite record-breaking performances at the elite level, Phil argues that the broader running population is getting slower and points to metabolic health and excess body fat as major concerns. 46:16 | Want to Be a Better Runner? Do More Things The conversation expands beyond training as Phil explains how music, creativity, awareness, and a more varied life can contribute to becoming a better athlete and a more complete human. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trail running has grown from a small community of passionate runners into a global sport, bringing bigger races, better gear, international competition, and more opportunities than ever before. Gaël Dutigny shares a firsthand account of witnessing UTMB from its very first edition in 2003 and reflects on how its evolution mirrors the growth of trail running itself. The conversation explores both sides of that growth, from crowded lotteries and commercialization to innovations in equipment, race organization, and worldwide access to incredible events. Along the way, Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss what makes iconic races so special, why local races still matter, and how runners can stay connected to the welcoming culture that first drew so many to the trails. It's a thoughtful discussion about preserving the soul of trail running while embracing the sport's exciting future. Links: Gaël Dutigny's Substack UltraRunning Magazine EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. RunMotion Coach : Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:00 | How UTMB Began Gaël shares what it was like covering the very first UTMB in 2003 and why the race immediately felt different from anything else in endurance sports. 11:00 | From Local Race to Global Icon How UTMB grew from an adventurous mountain race into one of the biggest brands in trail running. 26:00 | Has Success Made Trail Running Harder to Access? The discussion turns to lotteries, qualifiers, and whether iconic races have become too difficult for everyday runners to experience. 37:00 | The Benefits of Growth Why commercialization has also brought lighter gear, better shoes, safer races, and more opportunities for runners around the world. 46:00 | You Don't Need UTMB to Belong A reminder that unforgettable trail running experiences can still be found at local races and on your favorite hometown trails. 1:00:00 | Protecting the Spirit of Trail Running Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss how runners can embrace the sport's growth without losing the welcoming community that makes trail running unique. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Caffeine is one of the most researched performance enhancers in endurance sports, yet most runners know surprisingly little about how to use it effectively. In this conversation, Stone Creek Coffee founders Eric Resch and Amy Balestrieri separate the science from the myths, discussing when caffeine actually helps performance, why timing matters more than quantity, and how too much can hurt your sleep and recovery. They also explore why that morning cup of coffee is about far more than caffeine, touching on the rituals, psychology, and community that make coffee such an important part of endurance culture. Along the way, you'll learn about caffeine tolerance, race-day strategies, common misconceptions like dehydration, and even what goes into producing a truly great cup of coffee. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to make caffeine work for you and a new appreciation for the cup of coffee that starts so many great adventures. EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There with Altra. Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. RunMotion Coach : Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:00 | Why Caffeine Matters to Endurance Athletes The discussion begins with why caffeine has become such a staple of trail running and what science actually says about its performance benefits. 07:00 | Coffee Is More Than Just Caffeine Eric and Amy explain why your morning coffee ritual is as much psychological as it is physiological. 14:00 | How to Use Caffeine for Training and Racing Practical advice on timing, dosage, long runs, and race-day strategies to get the most from caffeine. 20:30 | Busting Common Coffee Myths The group tackles questions about dehydration, dark vs. light roast, caffeine levels, and energy drinks. 29:00 | From Coffee Farm to Your Mug A behind-the-scenes look at how specialty coffee is grown, sourced, roasted, and why quality matters. 38:30 | Finding the Right Coffee Routine The conversation shifts back to runners, covering caffeine tolerance, sleep, recovery, and building a routine that works for your body. 55:00 | Introducing The Long Run Blend Eric and Amy share the story behind Stone Creek Coffee's custom Trail Runner Nation blend and why it was designed specifically for endurance athletes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Hopkins , author of Hard Things , set out to write a book about running the Bigfoot 200, but what emerged was something much deeper. In this conversation, he shares how endurance running became the lens through which he uncovered old stories about self-worth, fear, identity, and the belief that one more finish line would finally make him enough. Together, we explore why runners chase hard things, the difference between simply enduring life and living with purpose, and how the trail can expose what's really driving us. Marc also opens up about surviving a 99% heart blockage, learning when grit is a strength and when it's time to stop, and why vulnerability may be the toughest skill endurance athletes ever develop. If you've ever wondered why you run, or found yourself learning more about your life than your splits during a long run, this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends. EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN . Stay Out There™ with Altra. Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. RunMotion Coach : Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Timestamps 00:00 | Why We Chase Hard Things Marc explains how a book about the Bigfoot 200 became an honest look at identity, purpose, and the reasons we pursue difficult goals. 08:00 | Enduring vs. Endurance The conversation explores the difference between simply surviving life and intentionally moving toward something meaningful. 18:30 | The Finish Line Won't Make You Whole Marc shares how he believed one more race would finally prove his worth, and why that mindset eventually fell apart. 30:30 | Lessons From a 99% Heart Blockage A life-threatening diagnosis forced Marc to rethink strength, vulnerability, and what it really means to listen to your body. 43:30 | The Pebble in Your Shoe A simple refrigerator magnet from Marc's childhood became one of the biggest life lessons in the entire book. 49:00 | Why the Next Finish Line Isn't the Answer The hosts discuss identity, self-worth, and why chasing bigger races can never solve what's happening inside. 53:30 | When Can You Finally Call Yourself a Runner? Marc explains why comparison steals joy and why every runner, regardless of pace or body type, belongs on the trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if getting older doesn't mean doing less, but doing it better? In this installment of the Aging as an Athlete series, legendary ultrarunner Krissy Moehl welcomes longtime climber and Patagonia ambassador Kate Rutherford for a conversation about longevity, purpose, and evolving with age. Kate shares how decades of climbing taught her that technical skill, efficiency, and joy can eventually outweigh youthful strength and endurance. The discussion explores everything from body awareness and recovery to nutrition, community, and why learning to focus on what truly matters becomes one of the greatest athletic advantages. Whether you're a runner, climber, or simply hoping to stay active for life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on growing older without giving up adventure. Kate is a long time professional climber, artist , advocate for wilderness, eater of leafy organic greens, president of Farm To Crag , and product line manager at Patagonia. Her passion for climbing has taken her all over the world including first ascents on Fitz Roy in Patagonia, Kenya, Iran, and Venezuela, a free ascent of El Capitan's Free Rider. She has had the opportunity to work with some amazing organizations, including Patagonia, La Sportiva, Edelrid, Black Diamond, Clif Bar, the Access Fund, and the American Alpine club. The combination of climbing, a biology degree from the Colorado College, rural homesteading in Alaska, subsistence hunting and fishing, carrots from Mom's garden, and watching organic regenerative agriculture's ability to combat climate change, has led me to co-found Farm to Crag. It is the perfect blend of climbing, stories, farms, maps , organic greens, environmental activism, and dinner parties. Check out Farm to Crag Episode Sponsor: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit . Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN Stay Out There™ with Altra. Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with The Long Run, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code LONGRUN20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. TimeStamps 00:00 | Growing Older Without Growing Smaller Krissy introduces climber Kate Rutherford and explores how aging can expand our relationship with movement instead of limiting it. 09:00 | Community, Trust, and Doing Hard Things Kate explains the unique culture of climbing and why shared challenges create lifelong bonds. 17:00 | Trading Strength for Skill The conversation explores how technical ability, efficiency, and body awareness become greater assets than raw physical power. 28:00 | The Power of Staying Present From climbing walls to mountain trails, focusing on the next move instead of the finish line changes everything. 39:00 | Why Power Training Matters More With Age Kate shares how short, intentional strength work has helped her continue pursuing big mountain objectives. 48:00 | Fueling for a Lifetime Outdoors Nutrition, recovery, and whole foods become central themes as the discussion shifts toward long-term health and performance. 56:00 | Building a Legacy Beyond Sport The episode closes with Farm to Crag, environmental stewardship, and the idea that the greatest adventures are those that strengthen both people and places. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Western States is more than a 100-mile race. For many ultrarunners, it's the unofficial holiday that defines the season. In this annual Trail Runner Nation tradition, Andy Jones-Wilkins returns to break down the 2026 Western States field, explain the stories behind the biggest contenders, and help everyday runners understand who to watch when race day arrives. Along the way, the conversation explores the race's unique culture, its history, the lottery system, the legendary Golden Hour finish, and why Western States continues to hold a special place in trail running despite the sport's rapid evolution. If you're following the race from home or standing somewhere along the course, this episode provides the context that transforms names on a start list into stories worth following. By the end, you'll be just as excited for Statesmas as AJW is. Episode Sponsor: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! ALTRA : With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN Stay Out There™ with Altra. TimeStamps: 00:00 | Welcome to Statesmas AJW explains why Western States has become trail running's biggest annual celebration and why the excitement starts weeks before race day. 05:00 | What Makes Western States So Special? The discussion explores the history, atmosphere, traditions, and unique energy that make this race unlike any other. 13:00 | Course Conditions and What to Expect in 2026 With virtually no snowpack and a dry trail, the hosts discuss how this year's conditions could shape the race. 19:00 | Breaking Down the Women's Race AJW highlights the favorites, dangerous newcomers, and rising stars who could battle for the podium. 42:00 | The Men's Race Preview From Jim Walmsley and Kilian Jornet to emerging contenders and dark horses, the elite field gets a thorough analysis. 56:00 | How Western States Earned Its Legendary Status The conversation dives into the lottery, qualifying system, volunteers, race traditions, and why earning a bib means so much. 1:00:00 | Final Podium Predictions AJW reveals his official picks, shares bold predictions, and offers a few runners that fans shouldn't overlook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What separates great ultrarunners from everyone else isn't just fitness. It's how they think. In this conversation, legendary coach and runner Ian Sharman shares the philosophy behind his new book The Art of Ultrarunning , explaining why execution, adaptability, and purpose matter just as much as training miles. Through stories from his Grand Slam of Ultrarunning record, hard-earned racing mistakes, and years of coaching athletes of every level, Ian reveals how to stay motivated, pace smarter, and perform your best when everything starts falling apart. The discussion goes well beyond racing, exploring consistency, ego, resilience, and why success often comes from making better decisions instead of simply pushing harder. Despite your experience or goals, this episode offers practical lessons that can improve both your running and the way you approach challenges off the trail. Learn more about Ian at Sharman Ultra . Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Timestamps: 00:00 | Why "The Art" of Ultrarunning? Ian explains why successful racing is about combining science with execution and why ultrarunning is as much an art as it is physiology. 09:00 | Finding Your Purpose The conversation explores why every run should have intention and how a meaningful "why" helps runners push through difficult moments. 20:00 | Adapting When Goals Slip Away Ian discusses how successful runners adjust expectations during a race instead of giving up when their original goal becomes unrealistic. 39:00 | Consistency Beats Hero Workouts Why small, repeatable actions build stronger athletes than occasional epic training sessions, and how consistency shaped Ian's career. 47:00 | Training Is Practice for Decision Making Running isn't just building fitness. Every workout teaches pacing, body awareness, problem solving, and race execution. 56:00 | The Grand Slam Battle with Nick Clark Ian shares the remarkable story of chasing the Grand Slam record through four 100-mile races while battling one of his closest competitors every step of the way. 1:01:00 | Racing Yourself Instead of Your Competition One of the episode's biggest lessons: take care of your own race first, then compete when the time is right. Execution nearly always beats emotion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Tollefson returns to Trail Runner Nation for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes trail running special and what happens as the sport continues to grow. Using a "Wheel of Trail Running" format, the discussion lands on two big topics: cultivating the next generation of trail stewards and the ongoing professionalization of trail running. Tim shares how his work with Runners for Public Lands and Mammoth Trail Fest has changed the way he views trails, volunteerism, and the responsibility runners have to give back to the places they love. The conversation explores everything from carrying a small saw on training runs to the challenges and opportunities created by big sponsors, larger race organizations, and growing prize purses. Throughout the episode, Tim makes a compelling case that trail running's future depends on balancing growth with the community values that built the sport. It's an honest look at how runners can help preserve trail culture while welcoming more people into it. Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Timestamps 00:00 | Welcome Back, Tim Tollefson. Tim shares updates from Mammoth Lakes and explains why the Eastern Sierra continues to inspire his running and community work. 05:45 | California Carpet and Gravel Running. A conversation about trail surfaces, the rise of gravel running, and how the sport continues to evolve. 11:45 | Why Trail Stewardship Matters. Tim discusses his work with Runners for Public Lands and why every runner should consider giving back to the trails they use. 22:00 | How Runners Can Get Involved. Practical ways to participate in trail work, volunteer projects, and local stewardship efforts. 30:00 | The Professionalization of Trail Running. The group explores sponsorships, prize money, corporate investment, and how the sport has changed over the past decade. 43:00 | Building Mammoth Trail Fest. Tim shares the vision behind Mammoth Trail Fest and how community, storytelling, and stewardship shape the event. 53:00 | What Trail Running Could Look Like in 2036. A look ahead at the future of the sport and the values Tim hopes will remain at its core. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Creatine has long been boxed into the weight-room world, but this episode opens the door to a much bigger conversation for trail runners and endurance athletes. Creatine is something surprisingly simple, "right within the reach of a glass," that may help athletes become stronger, faster, healthier, and more resilient. We discuss with Dr. Dan Pardi, Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life Sciences , whether this familiar supplement can support not just performance, but long-term health and better daily function. For runners who usually think about carbs, hydration, shoes, and mileage first, creatine offers a different kind of performance question: what if strength, recovery, and durability start with something small and easy? It's a practical topic for athletes who want to keep moving well, aging well, and showing up stronger on the trail. Links Qualia Life Instagram Try Creatine out with a 15% discount HERE Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page TimeStamps 00:02 – Welcome to Trail Runner Nation Scott opens the episode by inviting listeners into the conversation and setting the tone around becoming faster, healthier, and stronger athletes. 00:21 – Why Creatine Matters for Runners Don introduces creatine as the central topic and frames it as a surprisingly accessible tool that could support performance and health. 00:36 – Setting the Energy for the Conversation The hosts land the opening with a light, upbeat exchange before the main discussion begins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer and ultrarunner Gaël Dutigny joins us to talk about his Ultra Running Magazine article, "Fear Isn't a Weakness ," and why fear may be one of the most misunderstood tools in endurance sports. Gaël shares how, even after finishing UTMB four times and racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and even Iraq during wartime, fear still shows up before and during big efforts. The conversation reframes fear not as something to suppress, but as information that can sharpen decision-making, expose your true "why," and help you respect the environment you're moving through. We also talk about the thin line between fear that freezes you and fear that helps you function, especially in long mountain races where fatigue, darkness, cutoffs, hallucinations, and self-doubt all start stirring the pot. One of the most useful takeaways for trail runners is that mental preparation deserves the same attention as physical training, because knowing yourself may be just as important as knowing your pace, gear, or nutrition plan. Links: Gaël Dutigny's Substack UltraRunning Magazine "Race to the Summit" Dean Potter's documentary on Netflix Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! True Nutrition: Customized quality protein: Use Code TRNSummer and get 25% off between May 22-25 for their Memorial Day Sale! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page Timestamps 00:00 | Is Fear Holding You Back or Helping You? Scott opens the conversation by asking whether fear on the trail is something to overcome or something that may actually guide us. 02:40 | Why Gaël Wrote About Fear Gaël explains how decades of running in mountains, deserts, jungles, and difficult environments shaped his view that fear is a deep part of the sport. 05:15 | Why Experience Doesn't Eliminate Fear Even after multiple UTMB finishes and other major races, Gaël shares why fear still shows up and why that may be healthy. 11:30 | Training Fear Before Race Day The discussion turns to how runners can practice facing fear in training, whether that means darkness, distance, terrain, isolation, or uncertainty. 21:20 | Fear as a Decision-Making Tool: How fear can sharpen awareness and help runners make better choices instead of simply pushing blindly forward. 27:15 | Mental Health as Performance Training Gaël makes the case that talking to a sports psychologist or therapist is not weakness, but another form of training for hard things. 44:20 | Fear, DNFs, and Knowing Your Why The group talks about how fear of failure, social pressure, and shallow motivation can unravel a race when things get hard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ode we are joined by Brian Morrison , author of Given to Fly: A Story of Tragedy, Triumph, and Realization at Western States 100 , about one of the most unforgettable finishes in ultrarunning history. Brian takes listeners back to the 2006 Western States 100, where he was leading the race before collapsing on the Placer High School track just steps from victory, later being disqualified because he received assistance crossing the finish line. The conversation explores how Scott Jurek's belief in him helped Brian transform from a talented but relatively unproven runner into someone who truly believed he could win Western States. But the heart of the episode is not just the collapse, it is the decade that followed, as Brian wrestled with regret, obsession, identity, family, and the need to return in 2016 to finally finish the race on his own terms. For trail runners and endurance athletes, this episode is a powerful reminder that failure is not always the opposite of success, sometimes it becomes the thing that reshapes us, redirects us, and teaches us what the finish line could never have taught alone. Links YouTube video, "A Decade On" by GingerRunner Link to buy the Book Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page Timestamps 00:00 – The Moment That Almost Defined Him Scott introduces Brian Morrison and sets up the unforgettable 2006 Western States finish that became the centerpiece of Brian's story. 01:48 – Scott Jurek's Belief Changes Everything Brian explains how Scott Jurek told him he could carry the torch for Seattle and win Western States, planting a belief Brian had never fully considered before. 06:34 – Training Like a Western States Contender Brian describes the intense training block with Jurek, including Mount Si repeats, hard downhill work, and the psychological shift from hoping to win to believing he could. 15:30 – Race Day: Heat, Strategy, and the Chase Brian walks through the 2006 race, from the early miles to picking up Scott Jurek at Foresthill and hunting down the leaders before the river crossing. 24:00 – The Final Miles Begin to Unravel After No Hands Bridge, Brian starts running scared, convinced Graham Cooper is closing fast, and the effort begins to push him past the edge. 28:37 – Collapse on the Track Brian reaches the Placer High School track first but blacks out, collapses repeatedly, and later learns he has been disqualified despite crossing the finish line. 38:17 – Ten Years of Haunting and the Return Brian shares how the race followed him for a decade, why he returned in 2016, and how finishing with his family finally allowed him to see the experience differently. 56:22 – Writing the Book and Finding the Realization Brian explains why he wrote Given to Fly , how the process helped him understand his deeper motivations, and why he now sees the whole experience not as redemption, but as a gift. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Megan Eckert returns to Trail Runner Nation after an extraordinary stretch in endurance racing, including a third place at Cocadona 250, setting a women's world record at Big's Backyard Ultra and becoming the first woman to run more than 600 miles in six days. She explains why backyard ultras are less about speed and more about solving the strange little puzzle of time, sleep, food, heat, pacing, and decision-making, one hour at a time. The conversation gets into what happens when the body starts swelling after days of effort, how recovery has to be tested carefully, and why a runner's "toolbox" matters more than a perfect race plan. Megan also shares how mantras, gratitude, crew support, short sleep strategies, and breaking huge goals into smaller chunks helped her keep moving when the mental fog rolled in. The big takeaway is that toughness is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it looks like patience, curiosity, a good crew, and the willingness to step back into the corral one more time. Links: SharmanUltra Coaching - Megan Previous Episode with Megan: EP 685: Running in Circles - Backyard Ultras Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page Timestamps 00:00 | Megan Eckert's 600-Mile Breakthrough Scott introduces Megan's recent accomplishments, including her Big's Backyard Ultra world record and becoming the first woman to run more than 600 miles in six days. 02:10 | What Happens to the Body After 600 Miles Megan describes the swelling, inflammation, and strange physical effects that showed up late in the six-day race. 03:10 | Recovery Is Not a Formula She explains how recovery depends on the race, the body's feedback, heart rate, feet, legs, and the willingness to test movement and back off when needed. 04:14 | How Backyard Ultras Actually Work Megan breaks down the format: 4.17 miles every hour, starting again and again until only one runner remains. 06:16 | The Race She's Most Proud Of Megan shares why Run Rabbit Run stands out, not because it was perfect, but because she had to work through an off day almost from the beginning. 14:16 | The Tools That Keep You Moving The conversation shifts to mantras, knowing your "why," gratitude, and the mental tools runners build through hard training and bad races. 19:34 | Solving the Puzzle of Time Megan explains why backyard racing fascinates her: it is not about being fastest, but about balancing pace, rest, calories, sleep, and strategy. 25:46 | Training Yourself to Sleep Fast She talks about using an eye mask, lowering heart rate before lying down, and noise-canceling headphones to help the body shut down quickly during long races. 27:55 | Why Women Are Thriving in Long Events Megan reflects on the growing participation of women in backyard and multi-day racing and why the format creates a welcoming space for many types of runners. 31:15 | Why Crew Becomes Critical Megan explains how sleep deprivation affects decision-making and why crew support becomes essential in the later stages of multi-day races. 35:16 | The Dark Places in a Six-Day Race She describes the strange feeling of being between two shores, unable to see where you started or where you are going, and how her crew helped her regain perspective. 43:30 | Coaching for Backyard Ultras vs. 50Ks Megan explains how training shifts for backyard races, with more emphasis on time on feet, double days, and learning to run when you do not feel like running. 47:00 | Sleep Deprivation and Trial-and-Error The group discusses whether sleep deprivation can really be trained, and Megan explains why her best sleep strategy is built around longer 45- to 90-minute cycles. 52:00 | What's Next for Megan Megan talks about taking on Cocodona 250 and applying what she has learned from looped and timed events to a very different kind of trail challenge. 55:13 | Who Should Try a Backyard Ultra? Megan closes with a simple message: the best attribute is curiosity, because you never know what you are capable of until you show up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest, coach Colleen Miracle , joins us to talk about something many trail runners know they should care about but often ignore: sun protection. The conversation is based on Colleen's UltraSignup article "Why Ultrarunners Face a Higher Risk of Skin Cancer and Decreased Running Performance." Colleen shares her own experience with stage-one skin cancer on her lip, which began as what looked like a small freckle but turned out to be a wound that would not heal. The episode gets practical fast, covering SPF 30, UPF clothing, sun hoodies, lip sunscreen, reapplication during races, altitude exposure, cloudy-day risk, and why a "base tan" is not real protection. For endurance athletes, the biggest takeaway is that sun damage is not just a long-term health issue; during long efforts, your body may divert energy toward cooling and repairing damaged skin instead of helping you keep moving. It is a useful, slightly uncomfortable reminder that protecting your skin may be as important to longevity in the sport as shoes, fueling, or strength work. Resources & Links: Check out Boundless Coaching Sunbeam Sunscreen Super Goop Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page Timestamps 00:00 – The Sun as a Performance Threat Scott introduces the idea that UV exposure may affect not only skin cancer risk and aging, but also long-term running performance. 02:45 – Colleen's Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call Colleen shares how her own stage-one skin cancer diagnosis on her lip led her to interview her dermatologist and write about sun risk for ultrarunners. 05:30 – How Sun Damage Can Drain Your Body The group discusses how damaged skin may force the body to spend energy on cooling and repair when runners need that energy for movement, fueling, and staying strong. 07:15 – SPF, UPF, and What Actually Works Colleen explains the practical options runners can use, including SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, UPF clothing, sun hoodies, arm sleeves, and SPF lip protection. 14:25 – Why Sun Hoodies Are Showing Up More in Ultras The conversation turns to lightweight sun hoodies, why runners in hot and exposed environments use them, and why you should practice with them before race day. 17:50 – The Base Tan Myth and Other Bad Ideas Colleen pushes back on the idea that a base tan protects runners and explains why tanning still means skin damage. 31:45 – Timing, Altitude, Clouds, and Race-Day Habits They cover how early morning runs reduce exposure, why altitude increases risk, why cloudy days still matter, and how runners can build sunscreen reapplication into race routines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Audio Magazine episode! Long-time friend, Warren Pole joins us to trade ideas, stories, and thought-provoking topics from the world of endurance sports. We talk about everything from whether races should ban in-race filming to the surprising ways ultrarunning might temporarily damage red blood cells and what that means for recovery. Warren brings a sharp perspective on long-term health, framing running as an investment that compounds over time, especially when paired with better nutrition. The conversation also explores how beginners can cut through noise and focus on simple fundamentals like cadence and effort, while questioning whether trends like "gravel running" are innovation or just clever marketing. Along the way, we highlight how trail running uniquely benefits mental health, reinforcing why time on the trails feels different than pounding pavement. Check out 33 Fuel for amazing and healthy products that will help you live healthier. If you live in the USA, you can buy their Ultimate Daily Greens via Amazon HERE . Episode Sponsors: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses ! Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page Timestamps 00:00 – Reunion & Format Setup Scott and Don welcome Warren back and explain the fast-paced "audio magazine" format. 11:00 – Should Races Ban Content Creation? Debate on whether filming during races helps grow the sport or distracts from it. 24:00 – What Running Really Does to Your Body Discussion of research on red blood cell damage and what it means for performance and recovery. 30:00 – Nutrition, Recovery, and Long-Term Health Warren explains why whole-food fueling may improve recovery and long-term outcomes. 39:00 – Learning to Run: What Actually Matters Simple, foundational advice for new runners like cadence, effort, and consistency. 50:00 – Trail Running and Mental Health Why running in nature has a stronger effect on mood, stress, and brain function. 54:00 – "Gravel Running" and the Future of the Sport Exploring whether new categories are helpful or just clever marketing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.