Summary

On The Trails - Sublime Forest Walk Escarpment Trail

In this conversation, Mike and Josh explore the trails of Illawarra Escarpment - Sublime/Woodward/ForestPath, discussing various aspects of trail running, including the technical challenges, community involvement, and unique features of the trails. They share insights on training techniques, the inclusivity of the trail running community, and highlight hidden gems along the trails, making it a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced trail runners.

Chapters

00:00 Location Overview

01:38 Trail Features and Technical Aspects

04:25 Community and Inclusivity in Trail Running

07:40 Unique Spots and Scenic Views

10:22 Training Techniques and Workouts

Been a minute or a month, but we are here after a busy end of year, and appropriately recharging the mindset and life.

Josh and Mike talk openly about mental battles, resolve even disappointments. Insights about how they learn, adapt and embrace the challenges in trail running and ultra distances.

Summary:

The conversation explores the themes of community engagement in trail running, the importance of mindset and mental preparation, and the challenges faced during races. How setting goals can enhance motivation, the mental load of race preparation, and the significance of finding positivity in difficult situations. They share personal experiences of dealing with disappointment and the need for flexibility in planning, ultimately highlighting the journey of a runner as one of growth and resilience. In this conversation, Mike and Josh explore the mental and physical challenges faced during endurance races. They discuss the pressure of cutoff times, the importance of mindset shifts, and the role of mental resolve in overcoming pain and performance issues. The conversation emphasizes the significance of resilience built through experience, the balance between pain and performance, and the joy found in the journey of running. They also touch on the importance of self-talk, focus, and social connections in maintaining mental health and navigating the complexities of supporting others in their running journeys.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Community and Events

04:22 Mindset in Running: The Importance of Mental Strength

08:58 Navigating Challenges: The Mental Game of Running

13:07 Negotiating the Mental Hurdles in Running

19:46 The Impact of Routine on Performance

22:19 Processing Disappointment and Moving Forward

29:54 Mental Fatigue and Life Challenges

34:38 Training the Mind and Pain Cave

39:16 Mental Load and Preparation

42:58 Mindset in the Pain Cave

44:33 Decision Making Under Pressure

48:25 The Resolve to Keep Going

51:39 Mental Resolve and Grit in Endurance Events

55:06 Managing Pain and Nutrition During Races

59:50 Building Resilience Through Experience

01:02:43 Balancing Performance and Pain Management

01:06:22 Maintaining Focus and Mental Processing

01:10:14 Finding Purpose and Motivation in Endurance Challenges

01:14:07 Practising for the Unexpected in Training

01:15:57 Navigating Nutrition on Long Runs

01:17:18 Mental Load in Supporting Others

01:17:48 The Challenge of Shared Goals

01:20:31 Conversations Around Pacing and Support

01:22:54 Mental Health and Post-Event Reflections

01:25:46 Strategies for Managing Disappointment

01:28:13 The Importance of Verbalising Feelings

01:32:21 Building Connections Through Shared Experiences

01:34:09 Perspective on Personal Journeys

01:35:05 Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Community

In this episode of Endless Trails, hosts Michael and Josh discuss the latest happenings in the ultra running community, including recent events, upcoming races, and the importance of community engagement.

They delve into the specifics of training for various events, particularly the Red Backyard Ultra, and share insights on nutrition, hydration, and mental strategies for race day. The conversation emphasises the significance of crew support and effective race planning, as well as the necessity of being adaptable and organised in preparation for ultra-running challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues

01:23 Upcoming Events and Race Planning

02:49 Recent Race Highlights and Community Events

05:56 Big Events and Local Competitions

08:48 Upcoming Races and Team Relays

10:57 Entry-Level Races and Community Engagement

12:18 Unique Challenges of Major Events

14:05 The Backyard Ultra Experience

16:55 Training Methodologies for Backyard Ultras

22:00 Training Specificity and Course Familiarity

37:53 Training Strategies for Trail Events

44:08 Race Planning and Execution

50:22 Crew Dynamics and Emotional Management

56:42 Nutrition and Gear Preparation

57:23 Upcoming Events and Training Adjustments

In this episode of Endless Trails, Josh and Mike delve into various training styles and their evolution from novice runners to ultra marathoners.

Diving into their personal running journeys, discussing the evolution of their training styles and the importance of structured plans.

They explore the balance between volume and strength training, the role of community and accountability, and the challenges of adapting training to different race types. The conversation highlights the significance of setting goals, maintaining discipline, and learning from past experiences to improve future performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Training Styles

00:29 Journey into Structured Training Programs

03:39 Building a Training Regimen

06:29 Training Block breakdown and LogBooks

11:58 Adapting Training for Different Events

18:09 Exploring Self-Coaching and Online Resources

21:15 Did Trail Training Look Different

26:57 The Evolution of Personal Training Programs

30:27 Balancing Strength and Volume in Training

32:15 The Importance of Accountability in Training

35:53 Setting Goals and Finding Motivation

39:39 Managing Training Load, Recovery and Results

45:52 Understanding Race Dynamics and Training Needs

49:58 Utilising Data for Training Insights

57:30 Adjusting Training based on Injury

01:01:00 Learning from Experience in Training

01:02:45 What has the Last 12months Look Like to Prior

01:06:49 Managing Injuries and Recovery

01:10:52 Shifting Goals and Mindset

01:15:29 Dealing with Setbacks and Race Postponements

01:19:55 What does Coaching look like

01:23:34 Future Training Plans and Goals

In this first episode of the Endless Trails podcast, hosts Michael Bilboe and Joshua Wiffen share their personal journeys into trail running, discussing their early experiences, the transition from road to trail, and the importance of community and connections in the sport. They reflect on their first trail races, the challenges of longer distances, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the joy of running, the significance of setting personal goals, and the value of enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the end result.

Takeaways

• ​Every trail runner has a unique starting point.
• ​The journey of running often begins later in life.
• ​Community support is crucial in trail running.
• ​Transitioning from road to trail requires patience.
• ​Experiences in trail running can vary greatly.
• ​It's important to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
• ​Setting personal goals can enhance the running experience.
• ​Injuries can occur when pushing too hard too fast.
• ​The adventure of running keeps us motivated.
• ​Connections made through running enrich the experience.

Chapters

00:00 Nervous Banter

01:10 The Journey Begins: Endless Trails

02:54 Where did the Journey start for you?

09:43 OG Run Clubs "Savvy" and what is a Marathon

16:34 Evolution: Was that our First Trail Run?

18:32 Searching for More

20:27 Origin of the ad hoc Adventure

22:32 Searching for Trails: 5K to 100

25:34 First Trail Race : Where do I Train

31:23 Trail Run Groups: Local Connections

39:21 Gear and Preparation for Trail Running; Shorts optional

43:11 Can we even Remember our first 100K together?

49:04 Past first few years: Challenges and Failures

01:01:25 Failed Attempts, and then Western States monster

01:04:16 Success Compounds Success

01:07:16 Shared Experiences - Pacing

01:09:34 Why do you come back to trails?

01:11:54 Are you done with Road Marathons?

01:15:12 Advice for the Younger You

01:18:17 Advice for Someone Starting Off or Leveling Up