The Midpacker Podcast

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

Join the Free Newsletter or

Become a supporting member: https://troymeadows.substack.com/subscribe

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  

KILA - $50 off your order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love your purchases support me directly

JOIN THE APP STATE INJURY LAB: TRAIL RUNNING STUDY

HERE : https://forms.gle/iWRESvzk5Xkx3NJh6

“In order to treat these injuries, we need to treat the brain.”

Dr. Alan Needle has spent more than a decade running ultras while building a research career around a problem most trail runners know all too well: rolling an ankle.

In this episode, Troy talks with Alan about his work at Appalachian State studying chronic ankle instability and the surprising role the brain and nervous system may play in repeated injuries. Alan explains how changes in proprioception and the way the brain communicates with a joint can affect stability, and why treating an injury may require looking beyond the ankle itself.

Now Alan is bringing that research directly onto the trails. His team is studying runners at races across the Southeast to understand why one runner falls or rolls an ankle while another doesn't.

They dig into:

• The connection between the brain, nervous system, and ankle stability

• Proprioception, attention, and cognitive load

• Alan's "parking lot theory" and why runners may get hurt when they let their guard down

• Balance and strength training for ankle stability

• Burnout and Alan's decision to work with a sports psychologist

• Trading work-life balance for "work-life rhythm"

• Building longevity through rest and self-kindness

• Alan's birthday run to Grandfather Mountain and Run Raft adventures

  
  

After 14 years of ultrarunning, Alan's perspective is refreshingly simple: fitness comes and goes, training ebbs and flows, and staying in the sport for the long haul sometimes means accepting that "that was what it needed to be."

Alan’s Links

IG: @eyeoftheneedle828

@injurylabappstate

Alan Needle | Appalachian State

App State Injury Lab + Trail Running StudyMost Recent Trail Running Study - this is paywalled if interested in reading I can get you a PDF

Relevant Links

• Alan Needle | Appalachian State

• App State Injury Lab + Trail Running Study

• Tanawha Adventures

• Fonta Flora 50K & Half Marathon

• Dirty Wolf Racing

• Black Copperhead Sting

• Iron Mountain Trail Run

Partner Links: 

KILA - https://kilarun.com

Run Longer In Custom Insoles

Use MIDPACKER for $50 off your order

⁠

Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadowsCheck out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

⁠Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠

Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

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.

Alan Needle, Appalachian State, Injury Lab, trail running, ultrarunning, chronic ankle instability, ankle sprains, proprioception, neuroscience, nervous system, injury prevention, balance training, trail running injuries, attention, cognitive load, Fonta Flora, Tanawha Adventures, Dirty Wolf Racing, burnout, sports psychology, work-life rhythm, running longevity, 100 milers, Western North Carolina

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

Become a paid member: https://troymeadows.substack.com/subscribe

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  

KILA - $50 off your order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love your purchases support me directly

HELP CHRIS RAISE MONEY FOR FREE TO RUN

Free to Run Fund Raiser: https://runsignup.com/christopherpeterson

“I focus most of my attention on being a father.”

Christopher Peterson is a father, farmer, writer, husband, community builder, and ultra runner. Running might be a big part of his life, but this conversation is really about everything he has built around it.

Chris found running while living in London and later used it as a way to keep his body healthy through the physical demands of farming. His introduction to ultras came at Man Against Horse 50 Miler, where a DNF unexpectedly started a much bigger adventure.

Since then, Chris has fallen hard for the 200-mile distance. He finished Bigfoot 200, completed Hellbender 100, and took on a supported 224-mile out-and-back FKT on the Bartram Trail through his adopted home of Western North Carolina. That Bartram effort became something bigger than an individual goal as friends, pacers, his local running community, and Outdoor 76 rallied around him.

Chris's story is a reminder that big goals don't require an empty calendar. Sometimes the real challenge is figuring out how adventure fits alongside the people, work, and community that matter most.

Chris’s Links:

IG: @farmlosophy

Sub Stack: Farmlosophy https://farmlosophy.substack.com

Free to Run Fund Raiser: https://runsignup.com/christopherpeterson

Relevant Links

• Farmlosophy Substack: https://farmlosophy.substack.com

• Free to Run: https://freetorun.org

• Cocodona 250 / Aravaipa Running: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona

• Outdoor 76: https://www.outdoor76.com

• Hellbender 100: https://www.hellbender100.com

• Standing Indian Loop FKT: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/standing-indian-loop-nc

• SCAR FKT: https://fastestknowntime.com/route/scar-tn-nc

• Franklin Farm Hub: https://www.franklinfarmhub.org

Partner Links: 

KILA - https://kilarun.comRun Longer In Custom Insoles

Use MIDPACKER for $50 off your order

⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadowsCheck out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

⁠

Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠

Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

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.

Christopher Peterson, Chris Peterson, Farmlosophy, Western North Carolina, Franklin North Carolina, ultrarunning, trail running, 200 mile running, Bartram Trail, Bartram Trail FKT, Bigfoot 200, Hellbender 100, Cocodona 250, SCAR, Double SCAR, Standing Indian Loop, fastest known time, FKT, Free to Run, Stephanie Case, Outdoor 76, Franklin Farm Hub, sustainable agriculture, farming, fatherhood, parenting, running community, SNARK, Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, Southern Appalachia, endurance running, community, fear, resilience, adventure

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

Support the Pod Directly: https://troymeadows.substack.com/subscribe

⁠

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  

KILA - $50 off your order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love your purchases support me directly

"I don't think I'm a different person. I'm just a more expanded person."

What happens when your passions stop competing with one another and start working together?

In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with artist, entrepreneur, trail runner, and new mom Abigail West. Abigail shares how an unlikely start in competitive rowing eventually led her to trail and ultrarunning, where she found the perfect blend of adventure, competition, and creativity.

The conversation goes far beyond racing. Abigail talks about balancing motherhood with a return to training, what pregnancy and postpartum taught her about patience, and why she believes being an artist and an endurance athlete require many of the same qualities. She also shares how trail running transformed her artwork, why Southern Appalachia continues to inspire both her running and printmaking, and how she and her husband have built a life around creativity, entrepreneurship, and taking calculated risks.

Whether she's preparing for another attempt at the Bartram Trail FKT, creating artwork inspired by the places she runs, or embracing life with a new baby while spending the summer in Italy, Abigail offers an honest perspective on building a life that reflects your values instead of someone else's expectations.

In This Episode

• Discovering endurance sports through competitive rowing

• Falling in love with trail running in the Southern Appalachians

• Why ultrarunning feels more like solving puzzles than simply running fast

• Balancing motherhood, training, and entrepreneurship

• Returning to running after pregnancy and postpartum

• The mindset behind "careful but not afraid"

• Building an art business inspired by adventure and wild places

• How creativity and trail running fuel one another

• Preparing for another Bartram Trail FKT attempt

• Why having "no Plan B" became a source of freedom

Abigail’s Links

IG: @upinthewoods

Website: Abigail West Studio

Relevant Links

Bartram Trail

Partner Links: 

KILA - https://kilarun.com

Run Longer In Custom Insoles

Use MIDPACKER for $50 off your order

⁠

Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows

Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

⁠Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠

Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

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.

Abigail West, MidPacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, artist-athlete, printmaking, entrepreneurship, motherhood, postpartum running, Bartram Trail, Bartram Trail FKT, Southern Appalachians, Athens Georgia, Tuscany, Italy, University of Georgia, Cortona, creativity, endurance sports, trail art, running community, Megan Roche

In This Episode

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

Become a paid member: https://troymeadows.substack.com/subscribe

⁠

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  

KILA - $50 off your order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love your purchases support me directly

"In search of finding who I am and what I want to do and who I want to be. That's how trail running happened."

Ekta Basu didn't set out to become a 200-mile ultrarunner. She simply wanted to become a healthier, happier version of herself. What started with a pair of running shoes and a marathon six months later evolved into a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led her to the finish line of the Tahoe 200.

In this episode, Ekta shares how trail running became her place of freedom and how years of showing up without a structured plan eventually gave way to purposeful training, strength work, and coaching. She talks candidly about balancing running with raising a family, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and why finishing Tahoe 200 wasn't just about endurance. It was about becoming the person she was searching for all along.

The conversation also takes listeners behind the scenes of preparing for a 200-mile race, from building drop bags and learning to use poles to dealing with blisters, brain fog, and the mental recovery that comes after crossing the finish line. It's an honest conversation about growth, community, and why sometimes the biggest victories happen long before race day.

In this episode

• Finding trail running through a search for identity

• Going from a first marathon to Tahoe 200

• Why quality training matters more than junk miles

• Balancing motherhood, family, and ultrarunning

• The value of coaches, mentors, and a strong support system

• Training for Tahoe 200 with Havelina 100 and Quicksilver 50K

• Lessons learned from first-time 200-mile racing

• Foot care, recovery, and the reality of post-race brain fog

• Why becoming a better person matters more than becoming a faster runner

Ekta’s Links

IG: @ekta_runs

Strava: Ekta Basu

Relevant Links

• Tahoe 200 by Destination Trail

• Javelina Jundred by Aravaipa Running

• Aravaipa Running

Partner Links: 

KILA - https://kilarun.com

Run Longer In Custom Insoles

Use MIDPACKER for $50 off your order

⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows

Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

⁠

Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠

Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

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.

Ekta Basu, Tahoe 200, trail running, ultrarunning, 200 miler, Destination Trail, Candice Burt, Javelina 100, Quicksilver 50K, American River 50 Mile, Rio Del Lago, Brazen Racing, Inside Trail Racing, Coastal Trail Runs, Bay Area trail running, strength training, mobility, coaching, motherhood, family, support system, resilience, personal growth, endurance, recovery, brain fog, ultramarathon

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠

⁠Support the 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  

⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

Field Notes is back after a short break, and Troy has plenty to catch up on. Fresh off Western States week, he shares the moments that have stuck with him most, from Hans Troyer's fearless front-running to Vincent Bouillard's emotional victory, Jenn Lichter's breakout performance, and why Zack Miller remains his favorite ultrarunner of all time.

The conversation then shifts from the sport to real life. Troy opens up about the decision to skip Laurel Highlands, why launching a new business changed his priorities, and how entrepreneurship and ultrarunning have more in common than most people realize. Rather than chasing races, he's embracing a season of enjoying the trails, building fitness, and preparing for a few exciting adventures later this year.

He wraps things up with an update on his upcoming plans, thoughts on Hardrock, and a look at where the MidPacker Pod is headed for the rest of the season.

Episode Highlights

• Western States reflections beyond the results.

• Why Hans Troyer's race reminded Troy of the Icarus story.

• Vincent Bouillard's memorable win and what it says about today's sport.

• Jenn Lichter's incredible Western States debut and why she's one to watch.

• Why Zack Miller continues to embody everything Troy loves about trail running.

• Is 2026 an "asterisk year" at Western States because of the cooler weather?

• The decision to skip Laurel Highlands and prioritize family and business.

• Introducing Lead Fōrj, Troy's new B2B lead generation agency.

• Summer running without the pressure of chasing races.

• Plans for the Barkley Fall Classic waitlist and an unsupported Pitchell FKT attempt.

• Excitement surrounding Hardrock and the return of mountain racing.

Training Takeaways

• Consistency often matters more than constantly chasing races.

• Sometimes the smartest training decision is saying no to an event.

• Building a business and training for ultras require many of the same skills: patience, resilience, and long-term thinking.

• Enjoying running for its own sake can be just as valuable as structured race preparation.

Troy’s Links

IG: @Troyontherun     

@Midpackerpod

RTL Ultra Coaching

Lead Fōrj

Relevant Links

• Western States Endurance Run

• Laurel Highlands Ultra

• Hellbender 100

• Barkley Fall Classic

• Hardrock 100

Partner Links: 

⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠

All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows

Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

⁠

Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠

Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

⁠⁠Freetrail⁠⁠ - ⁠https://freetrail.com⁠

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

MidPacker Pod, Field Notes, Troy Meadows, Western States, Hardrock 100, Laurel Highlands, Barkley Fall Classic, Hans Troyer, Vincent Bouillard, Jenn Lichter, Zack Miller, Hellbender 100, Lead Forge, entrepreneurship, summer running, trail running, ultrarunning, Pitchell, FKT, Asheville, HOKA, Go Brewing, Play On Relief, Rendezvu

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠

⁠Support the 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 ⁠

Check out the Gear I love ⁠HERE⁠ on rendezvu.co your purchases support me directly

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order

⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

⁠VACATION RACES⁠ - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

"I basically didn't do it forever out of fear."

Tim Tollefson has spent the last decade proving that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.

A two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, UTMB podium finisher, physical therapist, trail running pioneer, and founder of Mammoth Trail Fest, Tim's journey has been anything but linear. In this conversation, he shares how a career built around performance eventually evolved into something much bigger: community, connection, and learning to define success on his own terms.

Tim reflects on his transition from road marathoning to trail running, his years with Nike Trail, HOKA, and Craft, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the sport. The conversation also dives deep into confidence versus courage, the power of self-belief, and what it took to finally bring his long-time dream of Mammoth Trail Fest to life.

Throughout the episode, Tim offers a refreshing perspective on reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why betting on yourself is often the hardest—and most rewarding—decision you'll ever make.

In This Episode

• Transitioning from marathon running to trail running

• The early days of Nike Trail and racing in Europe

• Confidence vs. courage and finding self-belief

• Why athletes need an identity beyond performance

• Building Mammoth Trail Fest from an idea into reality

• Lessons learned from Nike, HOKA, and Craft

• The future of trail running and protecting its culture

• Community, connection, and creating opportunities for others

This episode is a reminder that growth rarely comes from playing it safe. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for permission and start leaning in.

Timmy's Links:

IG ⁠@timtollefson⁠

⁠Mammoth Trail Fest⁠ - ⁠https://www.mammothtrailfest.com⁠

Relevant Links:

The Mammoth 200⁠ https://www.themammoth200.com⁠

Craft Sportswear⁠ https://www.craftsports.us⁠

UTMB Mont-Blanc ⁠https://utmb.world⁠

Broken Arrow Skyrace⁠ https://brokenarrowskyrace.com⁠

The Rut Mountain Runs⁠ https://runtherut.com⁠

Billy Yang⁠ https://billyyang.com⁠

Partner Links: 

⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠

All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

⁠

Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠

NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.

Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

⁠Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠⁠Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

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.

Tim Tollefson, Mammoth Trail Fest, Mammoth 200, UTMB, Nike Trail, HOKA, Craft Sportswear, Olympic Marathon Trials, trail running, ultrarunning, endurance sports, entrepreneurship, betting on yourself, confidence, courage, self-belief, identity, personal growth, community, race directing, Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra, mentorship, storytelling, performance, resilience, trail culture, Free Trail, Rest Day Live

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠

Support the 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

Check out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.co

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER

"Running is such an individual endeavor, but it is absolutely a community sport."

Sara Duncan didn't take the traditional path into running. She wasn't a standout athlete growing up and could barely run a mile when she joined her first run club in her twenties. Fast forward a decade and Sara is a trail runner, community builder, volunteer, and newly minted Hellbender 100 finisher.

In this episode, Sara shares how a canceled 30th birthday party during the pandemic turned into a 30-mile challenge that launched her ultra running journey. From her first half marathon to running the Cruel Jewel 50 as a qualifier, Sara's story is one of persistence, curiosity, and embracing the unknown.

The conversation dives deep into her first 100-mile experience at Hellbender, where a perfect race quickly turned into a masterclass in problem-solving. Foot pain, blisters, shoe issues, and an unexpected reaction to wool socks tested her resolve, but quitting was never on the table. Sara talks openly about leaning on her crew, pacers, volunteers, and the larger trail running community to make it to the finish line.

The episode also explores Sara's passion for community building through SNARC (Sylva and Neighboring Area Run Club), her one-for-one commitment to volunteering for every race she runs, and a fundraising effort supporting Vecinos, an organization serving farm workers and underserved communities in Western North Carolina.

In This Episode

• Going from non-runner to ultramarathoner

• The Yeti 30-for-30 challenge that changed everything

• Running Cruel Jewel 50 to qualify for Hellbender

• Building SNARC from the ground up

• Why welcoming new runners matters

• Lessons learned from a difficult first 100 miler

• The importance of crew, pacers, and volunteers

• Supporting Vecinos through Hellbender fundraising

• Sara's Dirtbag Spinster Substack

Key Takeaway

Sometimes success isn't about having the perfect race. Sometimes success is simply refusing to stop moving forward.

Sara’s Links

IG: @dirtbagspinster

SubStack: https://substack.com/@dirtbagspinster

Relevant Links

• Hellbender 100 – https://www.hellbender100.com

• Cruel Jewel 50 – https://dumassevents.com/cruel-jewel-50

• Trail Sisters – https://trailsisters.net

• Vecinos Farmworker Health Program – https://vecinos.org

• Raritan Valley Road Runners – https://www.rvrrc.org

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Vacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use 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.

Sara Duncan, Hellbender 100, first 100 miler, ultra running, trail running, Cruel Jewel 50, Western North Carolina, SNARC, Sylva and Neighboring Area Run Club, community building, volunteering, pacing, crewing, Trail Sisters, Vecinos, Dirtbag Spinster, Janji, Injinji, blisters, foot care, resilience, ultramarathon, Hellbender race report, mid pack runner, endurance sports, Western Carolina University

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠

⁠Support the 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

Check out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.co

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

“Through endurance we conquer.”

In this special MidPacker Pod episode, returning guest Julio Palma flips the script and puts Troy Meadows in the hot seat to unpack Troy’s recent finish at the Hellbender 100. What unfolds is an honest and vulnerable conversation about setbacks, growth, mental toughness, and what it really means to keep showing up when things get hard.

Troy opens up about his running journey—from growing up around endurance sports, to rediscovering running after losing both his mother and his dog in the same week, to eventually falling in love with trail and ultra running after reading Born to Run. The conversation also dives deep into Troy’s first 100-mile DNF at Dark Divide and how that experience forced him to reevaluate his mindset, priorities, and relationship with chasing qualifiers for races like Western States and Hardrock.

The heart of the episode centers around Hellbender 100, one of the toughest races on the East Coast. Troy shares how this training block was the strongest of his life, the nutrition struggles and sleep deprivation he battled during the race, and how support from family, friends, and the trail community helped carry him through the darkest moments of the night.

Some key themes from the episode include:

• Using running as a tool for resilience and mental health

• Learning from failure and difficult race experiences

• The balance between chasing qualifiers and enjoying the sport

• Training consistency, durability, and strength work

• Managing low moments during ultras and continuing forward

• The importance of community in trail running

This one is raw, relatable, and full of those classic MidPacker moments where everyday runners chase extraordinary goals.

Relevant Links

• Hellbender 100

• Run828 Foundation

• Laurel Highlands Ultra

• Hellbender Participant Guide

• Hellbender Course Info

• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks

A training app as versatile as you.

Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription

Vacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

KICKR RUN

It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.

Run Your Way

Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use 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.

Hellbender 100, Julio Palma, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod, ultra running, trail running, Hardrock qualifier, Western States, DNF, Dark Divide, Laurel Highlands, Run828, endurance, ultramarathon, mental toughness, resilience, Asheville trail running, strength training, ultra mindset, hundred miler, endurance sports, Appalachian trails, race recap, ultrarunning community

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠

⁠Support the 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

Check out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.co

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

⁠WAHOO FITNESS⁠ -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“Life is fragile…shit can change in a second.”

In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with longtime friend and community staple Matt Van Dalsem (MVD) for a conversation that feels more like catching up over beers than a formal interview. From early days as a basketball player who saw running as punishment, to becoming a dedicated trail runner immersed in the sport’s culture, Matt’s journey is anything but traditional.

What stands out most is how Matt found his way into ultras later in life; through curiosity, community, and proximity to the iconic Bay Area trails like Tilden Park. His first true ultra, the Dick Collins 50 miler, marked the start of a deeper connection to the sport. From there, experiences like the Canyons 100K and involvement with FreeTrail and Trailing Indicators helped shape his identity as a true midpacker balancing life, family, and big goals.

But this episode goes deeper than race results. Matt shares a powerful and emotional story about loss in his family and how it reshaped his perspective on running, and life. It’s a raw reminder that while we chase big goals, life can shift in an instant.

Key Takeaways:

• Running doesn’t need to start early to become meaningful

• Community is often the glue that keeps us in the sport

• Taking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essential

• Life is fragile…be present and appreciate the moment

Relevant Links

• Western States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.org

• Canyons Endurance Runs: https://canyons.utmb.world

• Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs: https://trter.com/

• Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.com

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks

A training app as versatile as you.

Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription

Vacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.

It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.

Run Your Way

Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use 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.

Matt Van Dalsem, Midpacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, Canyons 100K, Western States, Tahoe Rim Trail, trail running community, FreeTrail, Trailing Indicators, resilience, grief, endurance sports, Bay Area trails, midpack runners

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠

⁠Support the 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  

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

“The $hittiest mile in a hundred miler would still probably be better than the mile I could run at 85.”

This week on the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with Ryan Thrower for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations the show has had in a while. Ryan opens up about his journey from bartending in Indianapolis and living out of his car while exploring the American West… to becoming one of the key creative voices behind Freetrail and modern trail running media.

The conversation dives deep into curiosity, creativity, and learning to say yes to opportunity before you feel ready. Ryan shares stories about discovering trail running through Born to Run and Eat and Run, volunteering at Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run, and eventually building a life around storytelling, mountains, music, and community.

The two also unpack Ryan’s unique approach to ultrarunning—especially his love for “step-for-step” adventures with friends at races like the Swiss Alps 100 and upcoming adventures filming Courtney Dauwalter at Cocodona 250 and running the Mammoth.

But the heart of this episode centers around a bigger topic: the fragility of life. Ryan reflects on gratitude, staying present, creative burnout, and why even the hardest miles are gifts when viewed through the right lens.

Topics Discussed

• Building a creative career in trail running media

• Music, photography, and storytelling

• Freetrail, TrailCon, and race-week chaos

• Step-for-step ultrarunning adventures

• The power of curiosity and learning in public

• Gratitude and the fragility of life

• Mammoth training and redefining “moseying”

Ryan’s Links

IG: @ryanthrower

@freetrail

Relevant Links

• Freetrail

• Cocodona 250

• Western States Endurance Run

• The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

• Freetrail YouTube Channel

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks

A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription

Vacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com

Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.

Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.

It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.

Run Your Way

Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com

Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use 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.

Ryan Thrower, Freetrail, trail running, ultrarunning, Cocodona 250, Western States, Mammoth, storytelling, photography, music, creativity, gratitude, fragility of life, ultramarathon, trail culture, Dylan Bowman, community, endurance sports, trail media, curiosity