The Midpacker Podcast

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

“Training doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective.”

In episode 03 of Field Notes, Troy is three weeks out from the Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run and things are getting real. From navigating travel during peak training to dialing in the final details, this one is packed with honest reflections, lessons learned, and that pre-race energy we all know so well.

Episode Highlights

• Training on the Road (Baltimore Trip):

• Adjusted long run midweek to make space for a family wedding

• Logged fast, flat miles around the Inner Harbor, a rare shift from mountain training

• Key lesson: consistency beats perfection when life shows up

• Training Camp Wins:

• ~80 miles, ~18 hours, ~17K+ feet of vert

• First time using a pole quiver, a game changer for efficiency on rolling terrain

• Dialed nutrition with Hyperlite, real food like crepes and cookies, and added protein strategy

• Tested gear like the Tantrum Crest 6 vest under full race load

• Recovery & Durability:

• Stayed consistent with strength training, even after big efforts

• Integrated PlayOn Relief for post-run recovery and inflammation management

• Emphasis on long-term consistency paying off

• Heat Acclimation Strategy:

• Hot water immersion protocol with a 10-day build

• Focus on increasing plasma volume, sweat rate, and heat tolerance

• “It sucks… but it works.”

• Race Planning Mode:

• Using Time on Trails to map pacing, aid stations, and nutrition

• Crew and drop bag strategy coming together

• Realistic goal is around a 26 to 27 hour finish

Athlete Shout-Out

• Samantha crushes her first 100K at the New River 100K, a huge milestone and proof that trusting the process pays off

Motivational Takeaways

• Adapt your training, do not abandon it

• Consistency over time builds real durability

• Practice everything before race day, nothing new on race day

• The work is done, now it is time to execute

Troy’s Links

IG: @troyontherun

Personal Site: Troyontherun.com

Coaching Page: Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page

Relevant Links

• Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run

• Time on Trails

• New River 100K

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 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. 

⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

Hellbender 100, ultramarathon training, trail running, training camp, heat acclimation, race strategy, endurance fueling, midpacker mindset, ultra coaching, time on trails app, recovery tools, strength training, long run strategy, crew planning

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

⁠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.

“What do I want to be today and what do I want to be when I’m 90?”

In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Jordan Battaglia, a former college football player turned entrepreneur, coach, and co-founder of PlayOn Relief.

What starts as a conversation about pain relief quickly turns into a deeper dive into performance, durability, and what it really means to train for the long game.

Guest Spotlight: 

• Born and raised in San Diego, Jordan grew up immersed in sports and eventually played college football at Pomona College.

• Initially on the path to law school, his journey shifted after a family business setback and a pivotal back injury during his final football season.

• That injury led to the creation of PlayOn Relief, a natural, long-lasting pain relief solution built from his family’s original pharmaceutical technology.

• Now a coach with nearly a decade of experience, Jordan focuses on helping athletes build strength, improve mobility, and stay active for life.

Key Takeaways:

• Solve your own problems first. Great ideas often come from real need

• Longevity matters more than short-term gains. Train for who you want to be at 90

• Consistency beats intensity when it comes to strength and mobility

• Small habits, even 5 to 10 minutes a day, can lead to big performance gains

Key Topics Covered

• The origin story of PlayOn Relief and its delivery system

• Why most pain relief products fall short

• Strength training for ultra runners and why it matters

• Mobility as a missing link in endurance performance

• Simple exercises to improve joint health and durability

Jordan’s Links:

IG: @jordanbattag

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

IG: @playonrelief

Relevant Links

• https://playonrelief.com/pages/aboutus

• https://playonrelief.com/pages/the-science

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.

Jordan Battaglia, PlayOn Relief, strength training, mobility, joint health, ultra running, endurance training, injury prevention, recovery, arnica, trail running, performance, longevity

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

“More is not always better for everybody.”

This episode came together thanks to one of our awesome partners, Vacation Races, who connected Troy and Stevie to dive into all things fueling for ultras—and it turned into a seriously valuable conversation.

Stevie Smith’s journey is rooted in curiosity…from a former lacrosse goalie who couldn’t run a quarter mile to completing marathons, multiple Ironmans, and even 10K open water swims. Her path wasn’t linear, but that willingness to explore and adapt is exactly what shaped her into the athlete—and coach—she is today.

Now a registered sports dietitian and business owner, Stevie helps endurance athletes fuel smarter and perform better. She shares her transition from clinical nutrition to launching her own business, embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, and building a career around helping others thrive.

The conversation goes deep on ultra fueling, why more carbs isn’t always better, how to find your personal “sweet spot,” and why logistics can make or break your race. From real food options like potatoes and pierogies to hydration, sodium, and gut training, Stevie keeps it real and practical for everyday runners.

Key Takeaways:

• Curiosity can spark major transformation

• Cross-training builds durability and longevity

• Fueling is personal—there’s no universal formula

• Logistics are just as important as the plan

• Building a business takes risk, patience, and persistence

Stevie’s Links

IG: @stevielynlyn

Website: https://stevielynrd.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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR 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.

Stevie Smith, sports nutrition, ultra running fueling, endurance nutrition, Ironman, open water swimming, marathon training, hydration strategy, sodium intake, carbohydrate intake, fueling logistics, trail running, midpack runners, sports dietitian, endurance performance

#113 Dr Jeff Hammond | Cocodona Dreams, Foot Health, Plantar Fasciitis, Injury Lessons, & Chasing Big Goals

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

WAHOO FITNESS -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“We’re not putting you in textbook normal, we’re putting you in your normal.”

In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Jeff Hammond, owner and head doctor at Hammond Foot & Ankle, returns to the show with a whole new perspective. What started as crewing at Cocodona has turned into a full dive into trail running, with Jeff now preparing to toe the line at the Cocodona 250 himself.

Jeff shares what it’s like to balance life as a medical professional and an everyday runner chasing big goals. From building his training with coach Alyssa Clark to navigating injury scares and dialing in race logistics, his journey is one many mid-packers will recognize.

Jeff’s Links

IG: @jeff.r.hammond

@hammondfootandankle

Website

https://hammondfootandankle.com/

Athlete Spotlight

• Jeff went from trail running “newbie” to training for a 250-mile race in under a year

• Finished top 10 in his first 50K while just “having fun” and learning the sport

• Attempted a 100-miler that didn’t go to plan, reminding listeners that setbacks are part of the process

• Now deep in Cocodona prep with structured coaching, detailed planning, and full crew support

Takeaways:

• You don’t need to be elite to chase big goals

• Progress isn’t linear, and failures often fuel growth

• Consistency and patience beat chasing big mileage

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Why taper injuries happen and why you shouldn’t panic

• The importance of stretching, especially calves, for foot health

• Plantar fasciitis explained in simple terms

• Why runners shouldn’t always run through pain

• Staying active during injury using bike, swim, or elliptical

• Finding practitioners who understand endurance athletes

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR 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.

Jeff Hammond, Cocodona 250, trail running, plantar fasciitis, ultrarunning, injury prevention, endurance training, foot health, running injuries, taper, coaching, 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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.

Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“It’s not about the FKT… it’s about surviving the adventure.”

Cody Taylor’s story is one of reinvention, grit, and going all-in on a new path. A former touring drummer whose music career came to a halt during the pandemic, Cody found a new outlet in running, and didn’t just dip his toes in…he dove headfirst into the deep end . What started as a way to cope quickly turned into a passion for extreme endurance.

• Transitioned from musician to endurance athlete during the pandemic

• Set FKT on the Bruce Trail (900km) and the International Appalachian Trail (650km, 85,000 ft gain)

• Specializes in unsupported efforts—carrying all gear, filtering water, and surviving solo

• Learned through raw experience—trial by fire, adapting on the fly, and solving problems in real time

• Now coaching athletes through New Normal, helping everyday runners reach big goals

Cody’s approach is simple but powerful: do hard things, learn fast, and keep showing up. His journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, and that growth lives just outside your comfort zone.

Cody’s Links

IG: @codytaylorperformance

Website: https://findyournewnormal.ca

Relevant Links

• https://findyournewnormal.ca

• https://fastestknowntime.com/athlete/cody-taylor

• https://brucetrail.org

• https://www.sia-iat.com

Partner Links: 

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

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR 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.

Cody Taylor, FKT, Bruce Trail, International Appalachian Trail, unsupported running, ultra running, endurance adventure, trail running, New Normal coaching, resilience, mindset, entrepreneurship, trail community, ultra endurance

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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“You come out of it a changed person.”

In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Christi Thompson, a self-proclaimed science nerd, athletic trainer, and trail runner who found her way back to the sport by ditching pressure and chasing fun. From cross-country roots to rediscovering running at the Whitewater Center, Christi’s journey is all about evolving her relationship with the sport.

She shares how a nighttime trail half marathon reignited her love for racing and led her down the rabbit hole of ultra running, eventually tackling timed events like 6-hour and 12-hour races. Christi opens up about the mental challenges of looped racing, the emotional highs and lows, and the moment she realized these experiences can truly change you.

The conversation also dives into her current battle with knee pain, how past injuries shaped her biomechanics, and what it’s like to know better but still learn lessons the hard way. Through it all, Christi brings a thoughtful and honest perspective on longevity, mobility, and staying in the game.

Takeaways:

• Let go of pace pressure and rediscover joy

• Ultras are as much mental as physical

• Small imbalances can become big problems over time

• Mobility and strength are key to long-term running success

Athlete Spotlight: Christi Thompson

• Cross-country athlete turned trail and ultra runner

• Completed multiple ultra-distance efforts including 6-hour and 12-hour races

• Background in athletic training with a focus on biomechanics and neuromuscular fatigue

• Works with StretchLab, helping athletes improve mobility and movement quality

Christi’s Links

@cmgvikinghen

@stretchlabofficial

Website:

Stretch Lab

Stretch Lab Huntersville

Relevant Links

• Whitewater Center Trail Races

• Dirty Wolf Racing

• City of Oaks Marathon

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

Partner Links: 

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

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

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 Run Your Way

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

Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.

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

⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

trail running, ultra running, timed races, 12 hour race, 6 hour race, running injuries, knee pain, biomechanics, mobility, running economy, Whitewater Center, endurance mindset, trail community, strength training, fatigue training

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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“I think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.”

“I think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.”Jessica Loudermilk didn’t grow up loving running. A former softball player and rugby athlete, she found running later in life and started with a goal of completing half marathons in different states. That curiosity eventually led her from road racing into the world of trail and ultra running.

She quickly dove into ultras, taking on the Umstead 100 early in her trail journey and pushing through a tough final stretch to finish her first 100 miler. More recently, Jessica raced the Black Canyon 100K, where she adjusted her fueling mid-race and rallied late to hit her 15-hour goal finish.

Outside of racing, Jessica works as a physical therapist helping patients regain mobility and spends time crewing and pacing friends at races like Southern States and Cocodona. When she’s not running, she’s chasing adventure through cave diving, travel, and building an ambulance camper for race trips.

Jessica's Links

IG: @jessruns50states

YouTube: JessRuns50States

Relevant Links

• Black Canyon 100K: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/blackcanyon

• Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run: https://umstead100.org

• Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.com

• Southern States 200: https://southernstates200.com

• Never Summer 100K: https://gnarrunners.com/never-summer-100k

• Rim to River 100: https://www.rimtoriverendurance.com

• Mount to Coast: https://mounttocoast.com

• Burrito League: https://burrito-league.com

Partner Links: 

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Add TRACKR to cart to apply discount.

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

⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

Jessica Loudermilk, MidPacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, Black Canyon 100K, Umstead 100, Cocodona 250, Southern States 200, Never Summer 100K, Rim to River 100, ultrarunning mindset, fueling strategy, caffeine in ultras, Greenville Burrito League, running community, physical therapy, endurance sports

MidPacker Pod – Field Notes Ep 2

Title: Nine Weeks to Hellbender

With nine weeks until the Hellbender 100, Troy Meadows checks in on his training as he finishes a tempo block and begins the endurance phase.

In this episode of MidPacker Field Notes, Troy shares snow day miles in Asheville, plans for a mini training camp, trail work at Snooks Nose, fueling strategies, and a shoutout to a listener preparing for her first ultra.

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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“It’s not about what you do on a daily basis, it’s about how you’re stacking and showing up consistently over a really long time horizon.”

In Episode 2 of MidPacker Field Notes, Troy Meadows shares a quick update on his Hellbender 100 training. With nine weeks to race day, he reflects on finishing a tempo block and shifting into endurance-focused training.

Troy previews an upcoming mini training camp designed to simulate race fatigue and dial in pacing, fueling, and gear. He also shares updates from a Snooks Nose trail work day and explains why the original Hellbender course may still be another year away from returning.

Training Highlights

• Tempo block complete

• Key workout: 4 x 10 minute uphill intervals

• Nine weeks until Hellbender 100

• Mini training camp planned six weeks out

• TrainingPeaks used to structure training

• Fueling with Hyperlyte Liquid Performance

• Recovery supported with PlayOn Relief Pods

Community Shoutout

• Olivia Farr – preparing for her first 55K and the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker after returning to running following pregnancy.

Relevant Links

• https://hellbender100.com

• https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreaker

• https://www.g5trailcollective.org/oldfort

Partner Links: 

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

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker
A training app as versatile as you.

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.

Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.

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

⁠

Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

Hellbender 100, ultrarunning training, endurance block, tempo training, uphill intervals, trail running, winter running, TrainingPeaks, Hyperlyte Liquid Performance, PlayOn Relief Pods, Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker, ultra coaching, endurance training, trail stewardship, Snooks Nose Trail

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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.

“If you go back in time and look at me as a kid, I was either on a horse or on a trail somewhere.”

Carrie Baris is deeply rooted in Western North Carolina trail culture. A former high school English teacher of 19 years, she left the classroom in 2021 to focus on trails, race directing, and equestrian sport.

Her love for running began in middle school when cross country became her place to belong, especially on the trails behind her high school. After moving to Asheville in 2010, she fully embraced trail and ultra running through the North Carolina Mountain Trail Runners and events like the Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge.

Carrie also competes in Ride & Tie, an endurance sport that pairs two humans and a horse. She’s nearing 5,000 career miles, a rare milestone that reflects her grit and teamwork.

As president of the Run828 Foundation & RD of the Hellbender 100, she has helped grow the race into both a Hardrock & Western States qualifier while keeping its grassroots feel. After losing her husband in 2018, crewing and pacing her sister at Hellbender became part of her healing journey.

Carrie’s Links

IG: @riderunreadsnack      

@hellbender100miler

Run828 Foundation: https://run828foundation.org

Hellbender 100: https://hellbender100.com

Relevant Links

• Black Mountain Marathon & Mount Mitchell Challenge: https://www.blackmountainmarathon.com

• Street Dog Coalition: https://www.thestreetdogcoalition.org

• WNC Nature Center: https://wildwnc.org

• Hardrock 100: https://hardrock100.com

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

• National Ride and Tie Association: https://rideandtie.org

Partner Links: 

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com

All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/
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 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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.

⁠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.

Carrie Baris, Hellbender 100, Run828 Foundation, Western North Carolina trails, ultra running, ride and tie, Mount Mitchell, Black Mountain Marathon, Hardrock qualifier, Western States qualifier, community leadership, trail stewardship, grief and healing, race directing, endurance sport

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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.

“I just wanted it to exist, so I made it exist.”

In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Kirk Cherep.

Kirk shares how a Spartan Race on his college graduation day lit the spark that eventually led him deep into trail and ultra running, and ultimately into race directing.

After falling in love with the community through films by Billy Yang and The Ginger Runner and reading Born to Run, Kirk now directs multiple events through Trailblazer Running in Indiana.

• False Spring Trail Runs

• Okadoke Trail Runs

• Trail Golf

• Knobstone 50

Kirk also co-owns Tempo Run Timing, timing over 50 events a year, and partners with Runners for Public Lands to give back through trail work at Indiana Dunes National Park .

Kirk talks honestly about balance, or the lack of it, and accept that sometimes you’re just “really good at faking it” while juggling family, work, and big goals .

This year, he’s lining up for Hellbender 100 and planning big adventure runs like Painted Rocks Lakeshore and a Grand Canyon R2R2R.

Kirk's Links

IG: @trailblazer.running

      @kirkcherep

Website: Trailblazer Running – https://www.trailblazerrunning.co

Relevant Links

• Runners for Public Lands – https://www.runnersforpubliclands.org

• Hellbender 100 – https://hellbender100.com

• Trail Running Film Festival – https://trailfilmfest.com

Partner Links: 

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

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

More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

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 - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

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 TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR 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. 

Kirk Cherep, Trailblazer Running, Knobstone 50, Trail Golf, Midwest trail running, race directing, ultra running, Hellbender 100, Indiana trails, Runners for Public Lands, Indiana Dunes, community building, obstacle course racing, Born to Run, Billy Yang, tempo run timing, work-life balance, trail stewardship,