MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

MidPack Musings SubStack

MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠

Check Out MPP Merch

Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.

Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching?

Check out Troy’s Coaching Page

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES

"Running became my therapy, my declaration that I was still here and still fighting."

In this episode, Troy chats with Josh Ross—a carpenter, hunter, writer, and ultra-runner who lives life with intention and grit.

Josh started running in 2019 with a half-mile jog and hasn't looked back. After growing up in the Adirondacks and reconnecting with nature in Wyoming, running became both a passion and a path to healing—especially after a leukemia diagnosis in 2020.

Instead of slowing down, Josh committed to a 103-day running streak through treatment and personal upheaval. He later tackled his first ultra, a 55K with nearly 10,000 feet of gain—winning his age group and finding community on the trail.

Outside of running, Josh writes the Front Porch Journal on Substack, where he shares reflections on simplicity, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. His writing has also appeared in Orion Magazine and High Country News.

This is a story of movement, mindset, and making peace with the messiness of life.

Motivational Takeaways:

• Embrace Challenges: Josh's journey illustrates the power of confronting obstacles head-on and using them as catalysts for growth.
  

• Find Balance: Navigating the demands of work, health, and personal passions requires intentionality and self-awareness.
  

• Value Community: Sharing experiences through writing and conversation fosters connection and mutual support.
  

Relevant Links:

• Josh's Substack: Front Porch Journal

• Josh's Instagram: @blood_athlete

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com

Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.

Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.

Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com

Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. 

Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.

Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. 

Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.

⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram⁠ | ⁠Patreon⁠ | SubStack

Troy Meadows Links: Instagram⁠ | Twitter⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Strava⁠ 

Freetrail Links:⁠ Freetrail Pro⁠ | ⁠Patreon⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠YouTube

Keywords:

Josh Ross, ultra-running, leukemia survivor, Front Porch Journal, resilience, trail running, carpentry, hunter, writer, Substack, Adirondacks, Wyoming, Orion Magazine, High Country News