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  

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order

TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order

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 can hold space for both family and fierce goals. It just takes intention.”

In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Melissa Londry, a trail runner, race director, business owner, and mom who’s pouring passion into every part of her life. What started as a pandemic-inspired dive into trail running has become a deeply rooted lifestyle centered on advocacy, mental health, and community.

Melissa shares her journey from picking up trail shoes during lockdown to directing a growing slate of inclusive, community-driven races in Southwest Virginia. Her events, like the Woodbooger 100, New River Trail Races, and Crystal Springs Ultras are built with heart, intention, and a focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.

Beyond race directing, Melissa opens up about:

• Running a group mental health practice and how it supports her running life

• The emotional fuel behind her upcoming 240-mile journey across Michigan

• Creating trauma-informed spaces in trail and ultra-running

• Balancing parenthood, entrepreneurship, and long training blocks

• Why her favorite race distance isn’t what you might expect…

Melissa's Links

IG: @newrivertrailraces

@woodbooger_100

@crystalspringsultras

@damascusfestivalofmiles

TikTok: Melissa.on.the.trail

Website: https://www.swvarunning.com/

Relevant Links

• Melissa’s Mental Health Practice

• Woodbooger 100

• New River Trail Races

• Crystal Springs Ultras

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 or 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

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!!

⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

Melissa Londry, trail running, race directing, Woodbooger 100, New River Trail Races, Crystal Springs Ultras, Michigan 240, mental health, trauma-informed running, ultra training, women in trail running, parenting and running, running community, inclusivity, SWVA running, long distance running, running entrepreneur, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod

“You can hold space for both family and fierce goals. It just takes intention.”

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

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

“Sometimes it’s not about the finish line. It’s about finding joy in the messy middle.”

On this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with trail runner, race director, registered dietitian, and mom: Kayla Fitzgerald for a deep, fun, and relatable conversation about how she juggles it all while still chasing big goals in the ultra world.

Kayla shares her shift from road racing to trail running after realizing the road scene just didn’t vibe with her. What she found on the trails was community, connection, and a whole new way to push herself. From leading group runs to organizing local races under her brand Palmetto Ultras, Kayla has become a cornerstone of her local running community in South Carolina.

We dive into:

• Balancing parenting, coaching, and 200-mile race training

• Her experience as a registered dietitian and helping runners dial in their race-day nutrition

• Upcoming races like Southern States 200, Barkley Fall Classic, and a possible go at Barn Creek Backyard Ultra

• Her story of pushing through the Beast of the East 50 Miler—with Troy jumping in as an impromptu pacer!

Whether you’re a trail veteran or just dipping your toes into the dirt, Kayla’s perspective on doing what you love while doing life is refreshing and real.

Athlete Spotlight: Kayla Fitzgerald

• Registered Dietitian, Nutrition coach, and mom

• Race director and founder of Palmetto Ultras

• Focused on inclusive, sustainable community building through trail events

• Training for Southern States 200 and the Barkley Fall Classic

• Advocate for fueling smarter and training with joy

Kayla's Links

IG: @palmetto.ultras

Website: Palmettoultras.com

Nutrition Coaching Site: Endurance-Nutritionist.com

Relevant Links

• Southern States 200

• Barkley Fall Classic

• Barn Creek Backyard Ultra

• Beast of the East 50 Miler

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

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

⁠

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.

Kayla Fitzgerald, trail running, ultrarunning, Barkley Fall Classic, Southern States 200, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra, Beast of the East, race director, Palmetto Ultras, nutrition for runners, mom runner, balancing life and running, Freetrail, MidPacker Pod

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

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

“It’s not weakness to rest. It’s part of the long game.”

In the very first edition of MidPacker Field Notes, host Troy Meadows pulls back the curtain on his early 2026 training season, offering a raw, honest check-in on life, recovery, and what's ahead. Coming off a tough bout of sickness in January, Troy talks about the importance of intentional rest, easing back into structured training, and setting the tone for the Hellbender 100.

Listeners get a peek into Troy's latest training block, complete with hill repeats, tempo intervals, and long endurance sessions, along with shoutouts to athletes in the MidPacker coaching community and updates on his race calendar.

This is a solo episode with real talk, actionable insights, and a strong reminder: rest is part of the work.

Training Highlights & Takeaways

• Took a full week off due to illness—highlighting the value of rest as training

• Wrapped a 6–7 week VO2 max block featuring uphill intervals and tempo work

• Kicking off a new 14-week build toward Hellbender 100, with a heavy focus on tempo

• Planning back-to-back races: Hellbender followed by Laurel Highlands 70.5

• Integrating TrainingPeaks to plan and forecast fatigue, fitness, and load management

• Dialing in race nutrition using Hyperlyte Liquid Performance:

• Half strength (50g carbs / 500mg sodium) for endurance runs

• Full strength (100g carbs / 1000mg sodium) for quality workouts

Community Shoutouts

• Samantha crushed her first 50K, on the very trail that sidelined her a year ago

• Paul completed his first 50-miler in Tucson and is training for Sedona Canyons 125

Troy’s Links

IG - @troyontherun

Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page

Find me on Strava

Follow the Show

IG - @midpackerpod

Relevant Links

• Hellbender 100

• Laurel Highlands Ultra

• Sedona Canyons 125

• Barkley Fall Classic

• Looking Glass 100k

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

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

⁠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.

VO2 max, Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands Ultra, TrainingPeaks, Hyperlyte, solo episode, ultrarunning, rest and recovery, tempo block, uphill intervals, Sedona Canyons 125, coaching, winter training, endurance, community shoutouts, pacing, fueling, running mindset

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS

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

“The spirit of this community is fantastic—and none of these friendships would exist without trail running.” — MVD

It’s the final episode of Trailing Indicators for 2025, and Troy is closing out the year with a festive check-in from Corinne Shalvoy (reporting live from snowy Ouray, Colorado) and Matt Van Dalsem (holding it down in Marin). In classic TI fashion, the crew reflects on what went right—and wrong—this year, both on and off the trail.

In this episode:

• Year-end gratitude and reflections on health, family, and the trail community.

• Race season recaps including Corinne’s stacked calendar, Matt’s one-and-done Big Alta, and Troy’s ultra endurance (and stomach) lessons.

• Honest talk about DNFs, mental fatigue, and the pressures of racing with intention.

• 2026 race plans:

• Corinne: Black Canyon100k, UTMB 

• Troy: Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands, & Barkley Fall Classic (maybe).

• MVD: Big Alta 100K

• Lessons in balance: parenting, aging, professional pivots, and pacing the long game.

Corinne’s Links

@corinne_shalvoyage

Corinnes’s Coaching Page

Shalvoy Running - YouTube Channel

Women Can Site

Troy’s Links

@troyontherun

Troyontherun.com

Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page

MVD Links

@mvd_trailrunner

Relevant Links

• UTMB Mont Blanc

• Hellbender 100

• Black Canyon Ultras

• Javelina Jundred

• Gorge Waterfalls 100K

• Silverton Alpine 50K

• Behind the Rocks Ultra

• Boulder Boulder 10K

• Laurel Highlands Ultra

• Big Alta 100K

• Barkley Fall Classic

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.

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

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

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, Trailing Indicators, trail running podcast, running community, Freetrail podcast, Troy Meadows podcast, Corinne Shalvoy, Matt Van Dalsem, MVD, Troy Meadows, UTMB 2026, Black Canyon Ultras, Hellbender 100, Big Alta 100K, Silverton Alpine 50K, Behind the Rocks Ultra, Javelina Jundred, Boulder Boulder 10K, Laurel Highlands Ultra, Barkley Fall Classic, Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Dark Divide 50K, ultra marathon training, race season reflections, DNF recovery, long distance running, mental resilience in ultras, training for 100 milers

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

“Running used to be about control — now it's about connection”

In this raw and insightful episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with Angie Lake — trail runner, outdoor industry creative, and writer behind Blood, Sweat, and Fear on Substack. Angie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning to reconnect with joy through movement.

Far from chasing perfection, Angie’s journey is about reclaiming space, in the outdoors, in storytelling, and in herself.

In this episode, she opens up about:

• Growing up a natural athlete, running barefoot sprints as a kid at karate class

• Witnessing the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the long road to reconnecting with running afterward

• The life-altering experience of surviving an ectopic pregnancy — and learning to listen to her body in new ways

• Why she’s no longer chasing PRs or podiums — and how she finds purpose and power in the “midpack”

• Her creative and community work with The Cairn Project and Wild Women Trail Runs

• Writing as a tool for self-expression, healing, and resistance

Angie reminds us that joy is enough. Speed isn’t required. And you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to be a “real runner.”

Subscribe to Angie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, and Fear

Angies Links

• Angie on LinkedIn

• Angie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, & Fear

• Wild Women Trail Runs

• The Cairn Project

• The Cycle Syncing Handbook
  

Other Links

• Troy’s Home Made Natural Gels 

• Taking Charge of Your Fertility

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.

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

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

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

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.

Angie Lake, trail running, Boston Marathon bombing, ectopic pregnancy, healing through running, outdoor storytelling, Blood Sweat and Fear, Substack, Wild Women Trail Runs, The Cairn Project, body awareness, slowing down, midpack mindset, running community, outdoor industry, running and identity

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

"Sometimes you just do something that feels dumb, and then later you're like, ‘That actually kind of ruled."

In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy is joined by Miranda Williamson—trail runner and co-host of the Running with Problems podcast. Miranda shares her grounded, often hilarious journey into trail and ultra-running, one that started with a birthday 10K and evolved into crewing Barkley, pacing Dark Divide, and accidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler at High Lonesome.

From running her first trail race in road shoes from TJ Maxx to completing the San Juan Solstice 50-miler twice, Miranda brings self-awareness and good vibes to the trail scene. She unpacks her experience on the Hardrock 100 course during “Soft Rock,” discusses the emotional chaos of crewing Barkley, and opens up about the vulnerable, sometimes risky conversations she and co-host John Eisen tackle on their podcast, Running with Problems.

Miranda’s Links

• IG - @peaksandjustice

• Running with Problems Podcast

 In This Episode:

• Miranda’s first trail race with zero prep or gear

• Her back-to-back finishes at San Juan Solstice

• Accidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler (High Lonesome!)

• Crewing her husband Jon at Barkley 

• Starting Running with Problems and making space for real talk

• Building a community of women that love to do hard things

Relevant Links:

• San Juan Solstice 50

• Soft Rock (Hardrock Route)

• High Lonesome 100

• Dark Divide 100miler

• Barkley Marathons
  

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.

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

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

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

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.

Miranda Williamson, Running with Problems, High Lonesome 100, San Juan Solstice, Soft Rock, Har Rock, Barkley Marathons, trail running, crewing, pacing, Dark Divide, ultrarunning, running podcast, midpack

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

Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings

⁠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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

“Running is more than a race. It’s art, memory, and freedom.”

On this episode Troy Meadows sits down with Malcolm Pascotti, founder of Can’t Buy Cool Studios. Malcolm’s journey is one of quiet evolution. He started as a road runner, lots of miles in high school and beyond, but during the pandemic, while living in San Francisco, he began exploring trails in the Marin Headlands and hills around Pacifica. That slow, natural shift eventually led him into mountain running and “DIY ultras” solo, self‑supported runs of 30–40 miles, all on his own terms.

What makes Malcolm stand out isn’t just distance or pace, but the way he mixes movement with creativity. Outside of running, he climbs, skis, scrambles, shoots photography (both professionally and for fun), writes poems and musings. He calls it living.

He also quietly gives back to the community: providing gear and support to fellow runners, like when he ran a T-shirt sale to help fund race entries for another runner,  proof that support doesn’t always need spotlight.

Malcolm is quietly building Can’t Buy Cool Studios, weaving together art, running, identity, and community.

Motivational Highlights

• Embrace adventure on your own terms — solo ultras don’t have to be for trophies, they can be for the soul.

• Running can be part of a creative life — movement, art, writing, identity — all deeply connected.

• Quiet generosity matters: supporting others in small ways helps build a stronger, more inclusive community.

• Balance is messy but possible: holding down a full-time job, a creative process, and still getting out for the run.
  

Links & Resources

• IG: @cantbuycoolstudios

• Website: https://cantbuycoolstudios.com/

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.

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

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

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

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.

trail running, DIY ultra, solo ultra, creativity, running life balance, community support, running brand, outdoor adventure, Puerto Vallarta UTMB, Can’t Buy Cool Studios

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS⁠

BLACK FRIDAY SALE 25% off Premium!!!!

Use CYBER25 at Checkout using the link below start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker

“Running became my way to process grief, build community, and explore the edges of what’s possible.”

In this episode, Jon Eisen joins Troy Meadows to unpack a journey that goes far beyond miles. Jon’s career in tech didn’t prepare him for the kind of grit and self‑discovery he found on the trails, especially when he set his sights on the infamous Barkley Marathons. On the way he picked up ultra finishes at events like Niwot’s Challenge and the Yucca Bar Massacre, embraced navigation‑heavy racing, and turned running into a tool for resilience and community.

Highlights:

• How Jon went from programming to pursing ultra adventures—with little thought for convention.

• What draws him to Barkley‑style races: the unknown, the navigational challenge, the refusal to accept a “normal” race.

• Key training takeaways: establishing strength, avoiding injury through smart prep, embracing weekly yoga and strength work (yes, even for ultra runners).

• Motivational nuggets: How showing up matters more than finishing; how joy in running can exist alongside the grind; why community and purpose matter just as much as pace.

• Practical tips: For runners looking to level up in 2025—whether you’re chasing 50 miles or chasing meaning—you’ll hear what made the difference for Jon.
  

Jon’s  links:

• IG: @mildly_athletic

• IG: @runningwithproblems

• “Running With Problems” podcast info

• Jon’s race archive & blog

• Jon’s Barkley 2023 race report

• Barkley Marathons background info

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.

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

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

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

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.

ultrarunning, Barkley Marathons, Niwot’s Challenge, San Diego 100, navigation race, trail running, strength training, injury prevention, community running, “running with problems”, perseverance

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS⁠

BLACK FRIDAY SALE 25% off Premium!!!!

Use CYBER25 at checkout using the link below

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

“I am currently not a trail runner, but have found deep belonging within the community.”

In this episode, we bring on Erica Rupp—a woman who didn’t pick up trail shoes, but found her place in the ultra community anyway. Her story flips the usual “runner interview” on its head, and it’s rich in meaning.

Guest journey & highlights

• Erica is married to a race‑director, which opened her door into the world of trail and ultra running from a different vantage point—supporting, creating, building instead of racing.

• On her 42‑acre farm in North Carolina (nestled between Asheville and Charlotte), she homesteads, grows endangered medicinal plants, sews sustainable slow‑fashion pieces, and dives deep into frameworks of wilderness, microbiome, community and true belonging.

• Her family’s race event, the Hollis Hills Farm Revival (50 km, 25 k, 5 mile) is part trail run, part community fest, part land‑revival project.

• She speaks to how the ultra world (sometimes stereotyped as hyper‑competitive) can actually be profoundly welcoming to non‑runners, volunteers, supporters—the “behind the scenes” humans.

• Motivational takeaways: You don’t need to be the person crossing the finish line to belong here. Contribution isn’t always measured in miles. Sustainability, craft, community resilience—these are trail values too.
  

Links

• IG: @hallowedspringarts 

• FB: hallowedspringarts

• Erica’s website: https://www.hallowedspringarts.com/

• Key products from the show

• Lion Heart 

• Adaptive Energy

• Xtra Strong Muscle Salve
  

• Hollis Hills Farm Revival registration/info

• LinkedIn profile for Erica
  

  
  

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.

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

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

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

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.

trail running, ultra community, race director spouse, non‑runner involvement, sustainability, wilderness, community, slow fashion, natural fibers, homesteading, Hollis Hills Farm Revival, inclusion in running

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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/

“Failure means you found your edge—that’s where you learn.”

In this episode, Troy sits down with the one and only Gary Cantrell, better known to the trail world as Lazarus Lake. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to building the most notorious events in ultrarunning, Laz has done more than just push limits—he’s redefined them.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Laz went from a casual runner to the creator of iconic ultras like the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra.

• The origin story of Barkley and the infamous map, highlighters, and those cryptic course notes.

• Why he believes failure is a feature—not a flaw—of a well-designed race.

• Thoughts on what makes someone endure, when everyone else taps out.

• His philosophy on community, suffering, and why the human spirit shines brightest in darkness.

• The ethos behind races that break you down, only to build you back stronger.
  

  
  

Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack grinder or chasing podiums, Laz’s words will hit home. His belief that every runner has untapped reserves of toughness is as brutal as it is uplifting.

Relevant Links:

• The Barkley Marathons – Official Site

• Big’s Backyard Ultra

• Frozen Head State Park (Barkley’s Home)

• The Endurance Artist – Book on Lazarus Lake
  

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.

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

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

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

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: MIDPACKER 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.

ultrarunning, Barkley Marathons, Big’s Backyard Ultra, Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell, endurance, trail running, failure, mental toughness, race design, Tennessee, Frozen Head, grit, perseverance