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“I think surfing was my gateway drug into trail running.”

Mike Ambrose may have stumbled into trail running by accident—thanks to a Patagonia wetsuit search gone sideways—but his impact on the sport has been anything but unintentional. In this episode, Troy sits down with Mike to explore his journey from outdoor store manager to shaping the direction of powerhouse brands like Salomon, Black Diamond, NNormal, and now, Naak.

They dive deep into:

• Mike’s unconventional entry into the sport and industry

• How managing a shop in Breck led to global product roles at Salomon

• Mentoring athletes like Courtney Dauwalter, Addie Bracey, and Corrine Malcolm early in their careers

• Building athlete teams, launching shoes like the Ultra Glide, and innovating alongside Killian Jornet at NNormal

• Transitioning from footwear to fueling as he now leads Naak’s U.S. business

• The art (and challenge) of balancing high-stakes work with big trail goals—including pacing Courtney at Hardrock and Cocodona
  

This episode is a masterclass in following passion, giving back, and navigating career pivots while staying true to the soul of trail running. Whether you're dreaming of working in the industry or just trying to fit your miles in before the morning meeting, Mike’s story is one you'll want to hear.

Relevant Links

• IG - @mike.ambrose1
  

  
  

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.

Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.

H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

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Mike Ambrose, trail running, Naak, NNormal, Salomon, mentorship, Cocodona 250, Hardrock 100, ultra running, running industry, Leadville, product development, Courtney Dauwalter, running career, outdoor industry