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  

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/

“Kids need to see their parents do hard things — and they need to try a few themselves.”

In this episode, Troy sits down with Dreama Walton — trail runner, mother, community-builder, and founder of Dreama Adventures — whose journey is equal parts inspiring and badass.

• Dreama found trail running while living in Germany, unknowingly training for marathons on singletrack. After finishing her first road marathon, she casually signed up for the SwissAlpine 78K, kicking off a long love affair with ultrarunning.
  

• Since then, she’s tackled big races, summited Kilimanjaro, and even got her kids involved — literally. She co-founded COS-TRCK, a youth summer trail running camp in Colorado Springs that introduces kids to the magic of moving on dirt.
  

• We talk about the juggle of motherhood, training, and meaningful work — and how after 17 years in IT, she left her career to follow her purpose. That purpose? Building Dreama Adventures, a guiding business focused on empowering others through outdoor experiences.
  

• Dreama also shares the behind-the-scenes story of Dreama Team, a documentary that captures her life, identity, and the power of doing really hard things — including running ultras as a mom of four.
  

  
  

This convo is packed with inspiration, hard-earned lessons, and love for community.

Dreama’s Links

• IG - @dreamawalton      

  @dreamaAdventureCo

• DreamAdventures

• Dreama Team Film

Relevant Links

• COS-TRCK Youth Trail Camp

• Trail Runner Mag Feature

• • Dreama on UltraSignup

  
  

  
  

  
  

  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-running, Dreama Walton, Dreama Adventures, COS-TRCK, SwissAlpine, youth trail camp, motherhood and running, Kilimanjaro, Dreama Team film, community, passion

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

PERFORMANCEBEAR

BUTT WIPES

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

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

"I had to prove I wasn’t just another guy chasing Laz for a headline—I had to show up, over and over."

In this episode, Troy sits down with Jared Beasley, journalist, author, and now, the man who got closer to Lazarus Lake than just about anyone. Jered’s new book, Endurance Artist, is part biography, part endurance journey, and full-blown deep dive into the enigmatic world of Laz—the creator of Barkley Marathons and the Backyard Ultra.

Jared shares his own story of burnout, reinvention, and how he found healing through running and storytelling. What started as a curious profile of an oddball race director turned into years of friendship, exploration, and digging up the strange and beautiful layers of one of ultrarunning’s most legendary figures.

In This Episode:

• How Jared transitioned from actor to investigative endurance writer

• The 5-year journey to earn Lazarus Lake’s trust (and the stories that followed)

• A raw look at failure, resilience, and finding peace through pain

• Inside the Backyard Ultra and Barkley from a storyteller’s lens

• The unseen emotional toll of embedded journalism

• Writing a book while feeling like you’re not good enough
  

Jareds Links:

• Endurance Artist – Jared’s new book

• IG - @jaredbnewyork 

• X - @dbjared

Relevant Links:

• Lazarus Lake – Creator of Barkley and Backyard Ultra

• BackyardUltra.com

• The Barkley Marathons

• Vol State

• HOTS

• Strolling Jim 40
  

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.

Jared Beasley, Lazarus Lake, Garry Cantrell, Barkley Marathons, Backyard Ultra, Endurance Artist, ultra running, endurance sports, embedded journalism, failure, resilience, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod

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/

“It’s just a meandering burrito fest… the art of the possible.” - MVD

Trailing Indicators returns with a sharp, funny, and honest catch-up featuring Troy Meadows Corinne Shalvoy and Matt Van Dalsem. Corinne recaps a stacked stretch: crewing at Western States, calling the action at Hardrock, then throwing down at the Ouray 50 where she finished within two minutes of the course record and started eyeing Javelina 100K with a sticky-note reminder of the 8:13 mark.

MVD chimes in from “off-season” purgatory, pledging his hiatus ends at Javelina and launching a spirited riff on the boom in 200-milers, live coverage, and why finish-line dreams can belong to mid-packers too.

Discussion Topics:

• Catch up after a long break 

• What's your go to for logging your training and building your training calendar

• Have 200’s hit the tipping point 

Corinne’s Links

@corinne_shalvoyage

Corinnes’s Coaching Page

Shalvoy Running - YouTube Channel

Women Can Site

Troy’s Links

@troyontherunT

royontherun.com

Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page

MVD Links

@mvd_trailrunner

Highlights:

• Ouray vs Javelina: from big-mountain strength to desert speed, and why pace comparisons in trail are mostly useless.

• The Mammoth 200 effect: how livestreams and storytelling are pulling more runners into 200-mile adventures.
  

Relevant links 

• Western States Endurance Run

• Hardrock 100

• Ouray 50 

• The Mammoth 200 

• Javelina Jundred 100K/100M

• Cocodona 250

• Lake Sonoma 100K

• TrainingPeaks

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com
Running apparel 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 tips, ultra running training, endurance running podcast, race-day nutrition, pacing strategy for ultras, hydration strategy, electrolyte balance, fueling for 100K, heat acclimation for runners, uphill hiking power, downhill technique, injury prevention, recovery protocols, strength training for trail runners, RPE-based training, night running skills, sleep strategy for 200 milers, trail shoe selection, hydration packs, mental resilience

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/

“Sometimes the trail strips everything away—and that’s the gift.”

In this special episode of the MidPacker Pod, the script gets flipped. Host Troy Meadows hands over the mic to his new friend Jon Eisen, the host of the Running with Problems Podcast who guides Troy through a deep and personal look at his year—both on the trail and beyond it.

From the emotional depths of the Dark Divide 100miler to the lessons of coaching and fatherhood, Troy opens up about failure, identity, and why doing hard things matters so much. The conversation goes beyond splits and mileage—this is about finding clarity in the pain cave, understanding when to pull back, and learning when to lean in harder.

Troy shares how the brutal terrain of the Dark Divide wasn’t just a race—it was a reflection of the internal work he’s been doing to grow as an athlete, coach, and human.

In this episode:

• The mental and physical crucible that is the Dark Divide

• How failure became a launchpad for deeper personal growth

• The evolving identity of a coach and runner learning to slow down and listen

• Why building community and connection off the trail matters just as much

• Reflections on parenting, purpose, and progress
  

If you’re looking for something that will challenge you—inside and out—check out Dark Divide 100K.

Relevant Links

• Dark Divide Trail Races

• Wonderland Running  

• Running with Problems Podcast 

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.

Troy Meadows, John Eisen, Dark Divide 100K, ultra running, coaching, vulnerability, trail running, emotional growth, personal development, failure, redemption, endurance racing, fatherhood

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 your crew believes in you more than you believe in yourself—and that’s enough.”

In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with Emory Atterberry—a trail runner, creative, and co-founder of Hyperlyte Liquid Performance. What started as an idea with his friends turned into a performance nutrition brand powering up some of the gnarliest races out there.

Emory takes us inside his Leadville 100 experience—his first 100-miler—and it’s packed with heart, grit, and some hilarious behind-the-scenes moments. From quad blowouts at mile 38 to a life-changing climb up Powerline in the dark, this race wasn’t just about finishing. It was about confronting pain, embracing vulnerability, and choosing to keep going when everything screamed "stop."

In this episode:

• How Emory’s inner drive, shaped by his upbringing and love for sports, led him to ultra running

• The emotional rollercoaster of Leadville 100, from blowing up to rising back up with support from friends and crew (including a pep talk from Andy Glaze)

• Behind the scenes of Hyperlyte's new H2C formula—crafted by runners, for runners

• The lessons Emory learned from the struggle—and how he plans to carry them forward
  

  
  

Whether you’re training for your first 50K or your fifth 100, Emory’s story will remind you that the magic happens when you go deep—and don’t back down.

Relevant Links

• Leadville Trail 100 Run

• Hyperlyte Liquid Performance

• Hyperlyte on Instagram

• Andy Glaze on Instagram
  

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.

Emory Atterberry, Leadville 100, Hyperlyte, endurance, ultra running, trail running, mental toughness, startup life, Andy Glaze, H2C, crew, DFL, redemption, perseverance, sports culture, long-distance 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

“I try not to let the accident define me, but rather the actions that I took after that define who I am.”

This week, on the MidPacker Pod Troy Meadows welcomes Jeff Waldmuller, a true multi-hyphenate — musician, prosthetist, para-athlete, and relentless endurance junkie.

Jeff’s story starts with music. He toured the world as a trumpet player, even performing with Emmy and Tony award-winning shows. But after a devastating motorcycle accident nearly cost him his arm and leg, Jeff made a bold decision to amputate below the knee and rewrite his story. That choice opened the door to running, triathlons, and ultra-endurance racing

• He transitioned from the stage to the start line, racing sprint triathlons to full Ironman, grinding through marathons and ultras, and ultimately setting his sights on the Leadville 100.
  

• At Leadville, Jeff has faced brutal setbacks: crashes, broken bones, missed cutoffs — yet he always comes back, fueled by the mantra: “I commit, I won’t quit.”
  

• Beyond racing, Jeff’s day job as a prosthetist with Ottobock has taken him to the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games, where he provided free repairs and equipment for athletes competing on the world stage.
  

• His advocacy stretches further with organizations like Challenge Athletes Foundation, Limbs for Life Foundation, Team Catapult, and Full Circle Movement, where he helps create access, mentorship, and mobility for adaptive athletes.
  

  
  

Jeff’s journey is about resilience, creativity, and proving that identity isn’t defined by what happens to you — but by what you choose to do next.

Relevant Links

• IG: @strideswithjeff

• Challenge Athletes Foundation

• Limbs for Life Foundation

• Team Catapult

• Ottobock 

• Leadville Race Series

  
  

  
  

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

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

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

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

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

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.

Jeff Waldmuller, prosthetist, para-athlete, Challenge Athletes Foundation, Ottobock, Paralympics, Leadville 100, ultrarunning, adaptive sports, 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  

JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES 

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

"Flyathlon has this magical way of forcing you to be both present and patient. You can't rush a river, and you sure can't fake catching a trout."

Ashley “Nelly” Nelson is a Boulder-based trail runner, flyathlon enthusiast, and community builder who brings heart, humor, and intention to everything she does. With roots in competitive sports and a creative spirit, Nelly blends trail running with fly fishing to reconnect with nature and redefine what movement can look like.

She’s the founder of Boulder Collective, a social run club focused on inclusivity and post-run connection, and works professionally in regenerative food systems—aligning her values both on and off the trail. Nelly’s story is a powerful reminder that performance isn’t just about pace—it’s about purpose, play, and building a life you love.

What We Talked About

• Discovering the flyathlon: trail running meets fly fishing with a side of Type 2 fun

• Founding Boulder Collective and creating space for runners of all backgrounds

• Why creativity, rest, and balance are key to staying healthy and happy in the sport

• Working in regenerative food systems and aligning outdoor passions with career values

• Embracing community over competition—and why connection is a secret training tool
  

  
  

Relevant Links and Resources

• IG: @runinwithnelly 

• IG: @BoulderCollectiveClub 

• Flyathlon (official site)

• Colorado Women’s Flyathlon event

• Quinn Snacks (regenerative food company):

• Boulder Running Events calendar (for Boulder-area run groups): 

  
  

  
  

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

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

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

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

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

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, flyathlon, community, sustainability, Boulder Collective, regenerative food, nature, recovery, creativity, inclusive running, environmental values

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

“I don’t want to just direct a race—I want to give people something they’ve never experienced before.”

In this episode, Troy sits down with Richard Abernathy, the creative force behind Dirty Wolf Racing—a trail and ultra event series in North Carolina that blends storytelling, challenge, and community in unforgettable ways.

From humble beginnings on a tiny track to directing races like Beast of the East 100, Stone Mountain Massacre, and the ever-whimsical LLAMA, Richard shares his wild journey from reluctant runner to race director, family man, and full-time adventure architect.

Whether it’s mystery aid stations with elemental rocks or events that include llamas, Richard’s approach to trail running is one-of-a-kind—infusing play, grit, and heart into everything he touches.

In this episode, Richard and Troy talk about:

• How a playful challenge from his ex-wife kicked off his running journey

• Starting Dirty Wolf Racing and creating events with storytelling at the core

• The beautiful chaos of directing races while supporting his wife’s herbal brand, Hollowed Springs Art

• The inspiration behind events like LLAMA, Leatherwood, and Stone Mountain Massacre

• What it really takes to keep race experiences fresh, creative, and community-driven
  

  
  

Relevant Links

• Dirty Wolf Racing 

• Hallowed Springs Art

• Beast of the East 100

• LLAMA Ultra

• Stone Mountain Massacre

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.

Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

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

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

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

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary

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.

Richard Abernathy, Dirty Wolf Racing, trail running, race director, Beast of the East, LLAMA Ultra, Stone Mountain Massacre, Hollowed Springs Art, ultrarunning, North Carolina trail races, creative race design, UltraSignup, family and 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

“Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.”

In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with trail runner, coach, and community builder Jenny Maier to talk about her winding journey from environmental lawyer to strength and mobility coach for runners. Jenny shares how she rediscovered running after a decade-long break, fell in love with the Marin trails through San Francisco Running Company, and built a career around helping everyday athletes thrive.

Jenny reminds us that you don’t need to be an elite runner to deserve coaching—or to achieve extraordinary things. She’s an eight-time Javelina finisher, Western States lottery veteran, and soon-to-be Boston Marathon runner. Beyond racing, Jenny balances running with a love for poetry, puzzles, and her two wild dogs, proving that a full life off the trails makes the running journey richer.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Jenny’s leap from lawyer to running coach and biomechanics nerd

• The electric early days of San Francisco Running Company and its impact on the Bay Area trail community

• Finding joy (and longevity) as a self-described “average runner”

• Why balance, rest, and mobility are just as important as big training blocks

• Her perspective on volunteering, community, and the next generation of trail runners
  

  
  

Whether you’re chasing a hundred-miler or just trying to fit runs into a busy life, Jenny’s story is a reminder that running is most rewarding when it fits into—not takes over—your life.

Relevant Links

• San Francisco Running Company 

• Javelina Jundred 

• Western States Endurance Run

• Boston Marathon 

• Transgrancanaria 

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

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

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

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

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

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.

Jenny Maier, San Francisco Running Company, SFRC, ultrarunning, trail running, Javelina Jundred, Western States lottery, Boston Marathon, trail running community, running coach, strength training, mobility, biomechanics, Dipsea Race, poetry, balance, midpack runners

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.”

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

“I am not producing beer just to produce beer. I am producing beer with the intention of building a community around an event.”

This episode Troy Meadows talks with Phil Cutti.

Troy and Phil unpack how science, sport, and brewing can feed each other in the best possible way. Listeners will hear a story about curiosity, community, and finding purpose after setbacks.

Athlete section

• Who he is: Exercise physiologist turned brewer, ultra runner, open water swimmer, and long-time Marin local.

• What he built: Ripple Beer Project, creating event beers that celebrate finish lines and send money back to local nonprofits.

• Racing and service: Years of triathlon and trail racing, safety sweep volunteer at the Dipsea, and a growing return to ultras after back surgery.

• What is next: Aiming for a big 2025 with an eye on Hood Hundred and a steady rebuild after successful outings like Gorge Waterfalls 100K.

• • Motivation you can use: Practice the craft, control what you can control, and keep reinventing yourself at any age.
    

  
  

  Relevant links

• Headlands 50K

• Milo Foundation

• Dipsea RaceStanford cooling glove overview

• AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

• Vasper compression and cooling system

• Gorge Waterfalls 100K

• Hood Hundred

Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.

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

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

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

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

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

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.

Phil Cutti, Ripple Beer Project, Headlands 50K, Milo Foundation, Dipsea, exercise physiology, Stanford cooling glove, AlterG, Vasper, Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Hood Hundred, Marin County, fermentation, brewing, non alcoholic beer, ultrarunning, injury comeback, community building, trail running