Trail Runner Nation

By Trail Runner NationSports Health & Fitness Fitness Running

Ranking
18th
on Running
Favorites
344
Followers
Typical duration
66 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Trail Runner Nation episodes

August 21Sophie Grant: The Adventure That Changed Everything | EP 795
Sophie Grant had reached a point where even the hardest ultramarathons no longer carried the uncertainty they once did, and after years of infertility and IVF, she realized she had also lost some of her joy in running and trust in her own body. The Via Alpina changed that, taking her roughly 2,000 kilometers across the Alps and forcing her to approach each day without knowing exactly what the next one would bring. She and photographer Zoe Salt talk about the physical and logistical realities of nearly a month on the trail, including relentless fueling, strength training, bad patches, storms, forest fires, and the value of an exceptional crew. Sophie shares practical lessons endurance athletes can use immediately, including her belief that “a bad moment does not make a bad day,” the importance of eating before assuming something has gone seriously wrong, and learning to distinguish between not wanting to continue and truly being unable to continue. The deeper story is about something bigger than an FKT: Sophie describes how this adventure helped her appreciate what her body could do after spending years focused on something it couldn't. By the end, her message is wonderfully simple: try something new,
LINKS:
Sophie Grant's coaching
Zoe Salt photography
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100.
Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra.
RunMotion Coach: Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps
00:00 – The Via Alpina and an Enormous New Challenge
Sophie and Zoe introduce the roughly 2,000-kilometer route across eight Alpine countries and explain why attempting it was so different from Sophie's previous racing.
05:14 – Why Sophie Needed Something Different
After years of racing at a high level, Sophie realized she was operating on autopilot and needed a challenge that could bring uncertainty, learning, and joy back into running.
12:12 – Infertility, Running and Her Relationship With Her Body
Sophie opens up about infertility, IVF, and how the experience left her angry and disconnected from her body before the Via Alpina helped change that relationship.
20:00 – What 29 Days Really Looked Like
Zoe describes watching Sophie get up and do the work day after day, while Sophie shares the low moments, frustration, pain, and perspective that kept her moving.
25:12 – How Do You Fuel for a Month?
Sophie breaks down the surprisingly broad menu that powered the effort and explains why years of practicing 80 to 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour made eating almost automatic.
28:41 – “A Bad Moment Does Not Make a Bad Day”
Sophie explains how food, music, distraction, and experience help her escape negative headspaces, plus the crucial difference between can't continue and simply don't want to.
41:51 – When the Plan Falls Apart
Storms, vehicle problems and forest fires force the team to adapt, leading to a broader conversation about trusting your support system and learning to build a different life when the original plan changes.
48:20 – Not Every Problem Needs to Be Fixed
Sophie explains one of the most meaningful lessons from her infertility experience: sometimes people don't need solutions, they simply need someone willing to sit with them and acknowledge how hard things are.
53:15 – The Courage to Try Something That Scares You
Sophie closes with advice for anyone who feels stuck: try something new, choose something that scares you, and focus on having the courage to begin rather than obsessing over the outcome.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 1 min
August 14Sometimes You Have to Borrow Belief | EP 794
We often think of ultrarunning as an individual pursuit, but Eric Strand’s Western States story proves that the strongest performances are rarely solo efforts. After cracking a rib, falling multiple times, and watching his sub-30-hour goal slip away, Eric reached mile 78 convinced he wouldn’t make it. His pacers refused to believe that story, helping him stop negotiating with himself, stay focused on the mile he was in, and keep moving forward one step at a time. Along the way, the conversation explores what separates a great pacer from an average one, how trust and preparation begin long before race day, and why different moments require different kinds of encouragement. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest gift another runner can give you is believing in you until you’re able to believe in yourself again.
LINKS
Video of Eric Finishing WS100
Eric's Race Report
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.
Instant Hydration
Timestamps
00:00 | When Belief Runs Out
Eric introduces the moment at mile 78 when he thought his Western States dream was slipping away.
08:00 | Borrowing Someone Else’s Confidence
Eric explains how his pacer shifted his mindset from making excuses to focusing on the mile directly ahead.
15:30 | What Makes a Great Pacer
The conversation explores communication, trust, and why every runner needs something different during difficult moments.
30:00 | Managing Pain Without Giving Up
Eric shares how his pacers helped him push through cracked ribs, multiple falls, and overwhelming fatigue without losing sight of the finish.
39:00 | Lessons for Every Pacer
Practical advice on pacing strategy, communication, course knowledge, and common mistakes that can make or break a race.
48:00 | A Son’s Push to the Finish
Eric reflects on the emotional role reversal of having his son pace him over the final miles and what that experience meant.
55:00 | Why No One Finishes Alone
The discussion closes with a broader lesson about crew, volunteers, family, and the trail running community that makes extraordinary accomplishments possible.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 7 min
August 07 The Hidden Performance Killer Nobody Trains For | EP 793
Most runners focus on pace, heart rate, and fueling, but heat may be the hidden factor that determines whether a great race turns into a survival march. In this conversation, CORE endurance performance lead Aline Barre explains how the body regulates temperature, why overheating steals blood away from your muscles and gut, and how even well-trained athletes can unravel when heat gets ahead of them. She shares simple, research-backed ways to become heat adapted using overdressed runs, saunas, hot baths, and smart scheduling, while also explaining why hydration, electrolytes, and cooling strategies matter just as much. The discussion also explores CORE’s non-invasive temperature sensor, how monitoring heat strain can help runners avoid crossing the point of no return, and why “cooler is faster” isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s physiology. This episode offers practical tools that can make running in the heat feel far more manageable.
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100.
Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra.
RunMotion Coach: Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Instant Hydration:
Timestamps
00:00 | Why Heat Matters More Than You Think
Scott and Don introduce the episode and explain why heat may be one of endurance sports’ biggest overlooked performance limiters.
07:00 | How to Become Heat Adapted
Aline explains how overdressed runs, saunas, and hot baths help your body adapt in as little as 10 to 14 sessions.
16:30 | Measuring Core Temperature
The conversation explores why core temperature matters, how it differs from skin temperature, and how runners can monitor heat strain in real time.
22:00 | Cooling Strategies That Actually Work
Ice bandanas, pre-cooling, slushies, wet clothing, and aid station tactics that help keep performance from falling apart.
31:30 | Common Heat Training Mistakes
Why hydration, electrolytes, recovery, and smart scheduling matter just as much as simply running in hot weather.
38:00 | Heat Training Beyond Hot Weather
Can heat adaptation improve altitude performance? Aline shares surprising research and explains how long heat adaptations last.
44:30 | Practical Tips for Your Next Hot Race
The episode wraps up with actionable advice on clothing, cooling methods, and how to avoid crossing the overheating threshold on race day.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 2 min
July 3113 Miles. 7 Stops. One Ironing Board | EP 792
What would you think if you arrived at a trailhead and saw runners strapping full-size ironing boards to their backs? That’s exactly how Don and Scott discovered Iron X, a 13-mile extreme ironing race through the trails of Auburn, California. Race creator Ben Mitchell and participant Brian Goldman explain the surprisingly real world of extreme ironing, the rules of carrying an ironing board through the wilderness, and the seven checkpoints where competitors must stop and iron their shirts in places ranging from the American River to an abandoned car. But beneath the absurdity is something that feels increasingly important in trail running: grassroots events built around community, creativity, and simply having a good time. The conversation also explores the challenges facing small race directors, the value of low-key “fat ass” events, and Brian’s work helping financially struggling runners participate in the sport. It’s a reminder that some of the best trail running experiences may have nothing to do with qualifying points, lotteries, or prestigious finish lines, and everything to do with showing up, finding your people, and not taking yourself too seriously.
LINKS
IroningMan - the official Extreme Ironing Site
Sign Up for next year's Iron X
- Mendocino Running Festival
Mile Madness Endurance Run
Skybreaker Racing
- Run Free Foundation - a non-profit to help runners overcome the financial barriers of running
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together
Timestamps
00:00 | Ironing Boards at the Trailhead
Don and Scott explain how a normal weekend trail run turned into the discovery of a 13-mile race involving runners carrying full-size ironing boards.
03:10 | How Iron X Was Born
Race creator Ben Mitchell explains how the strange sport of extreme ironing inspired him to create his own trail-running version in Auburn.
08:11 | Seven Stops and a Lot of Ironing
Ben breaks down the course and its required ironing locations, including standing knee-deep in the American River and ironing on an abandoned car.
13:12 | The Surprisingly Real World of Extreme Ironing
The group explores the history, rules, and wonderfully strange culture behind taking ironing boards into places they were never designed to go.
23:07 | Why Trail Running Needs More Weird Races
The conversation shifts from ironing to something bigger: the value of fun, inexpensive grassroots events in an increasingly commercialized sport.
30:52 | The Heart of Grassroots Trail Running
Ben and Brian discuss fat ass races, the challenges of putting on small events, and why these gatherings can represent trail running at its purest.
36:28 | Making Trail Running More Accessible
Brian shares the mission behind the Run Free Foundation and his efforts to help runners who can’t afford the increasingly high costs of gear, races, and travel.
45:01 | Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously
The episode closes with the biggest lesson from Iron X: trail running can help us discover ourselves, build community, and occasionally carry an ironing board through the woods just because it’s fun.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
52 min
July 23More Data. Better Gear. Slower Runners? | EP 791
Runners have more data, technology, nutrition products, and training advice than ever, so why does Dr. Phil Maffetonebelieve many of us are actually getting slower and less healthy? In this wide-ranging conversation, Phil challenges the resurgence of high-carbohydrate fueling, explains why building a strong aerobic system still matters, and shares how he used heart-rate training decades before it became mainstream. He breaks down the Maffetone Method, why runners should measure training by time rather than miles, and how slowing down today can ultimately help you run faster tomorrow. The conversation also explores the difference between collecting data and actually using it intelligently, along with Phil’s belief that diet and metabolic health can quietly undermine even the best training plan. And in classic Phil fashion, the discussion eventually wanders into music, creativity, awareness, and why becoming a better runner may require developing more of yourself than just your legs.
LINKS TO CHECK OUT
More about Maffetone Method and the Two-Week Test
Maffetone Music - where most of the updated research is published and, of course, his music
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100.
Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra.
RunMotion Coach: Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps
02:12 | What Runners Are Still Getting Wrong
Phil argues that despite decades of new research and technology, runners continue to repeat many of the same mistakes around training and nutrition.
03:18 | The Return of High-Carb Fueling
The conversation tackles the trend toward extremely high carbohydrate intake during endurance events and Phil’s strong disagreement with the direction it’s taking.
09:08 | The Heart-Rate Experiment That Changed Everything
Phil tells the story of putting an early heart-rate monitor on Mark Allen and asking one of the world’s best triathletes to dramatically slow down in order to eventually get faster.
14:44 | Are We Using All This Data Wrong?
With runners surrounded by watches and metrics, Phil explains why collecting numbers is very different from using them intelligently.
18:32 | How the Maffetone Method Actually Works
Phil explains aerobic heart-rate training, why runners shouldn’t necessarily train together at the same pace, and why he prefers measuring training by time instead of mileage.
27:28 | Are Today’s Runners Actually Healthier?
Despite record-breaking performances at the elite level, Phil argues that the broader running population is getting slower and points to metabolic health and excess body fat as major concerns.
46:16 | Want to Be a Better Runner? Do More Things
The conversation expands beyond training as Phil explains how music, creativity, awareness, and a more varied life can contribute to becoming a better athlete and a more complete human.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 9 min
July 15Has Trail Running Lost Its Soul? | EP 790
Trail running has grown from a small community of passionate runners into a global sport, bringing bigger races, better gear, international competition, and more opportunities than ever before. Gaël Dutigny shares a firsthand account of witnessing UTMB from its very first edition in 2003 and reflects on how its evolution mirrors the growth of trail running itself. The conversation explores both sides of that growth, from crowded lotteries and commercialization to innovations in equipment, race organization, and worldwide access to incredible events. Along the way, Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss what makes iconic races so special, why local races still matter, and how runners can stay connected to the welcoming culture that first drew so many to the trails. It's a thoughtful discussion about preserving the soul of trail running while embracing the sport's exciting future.
Links:

Gaël Dutigny's Substack

UltraRunning Magazine

EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.

RunMotion Coach: Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps
00:00 | How UTMB Began Gaël shares what it was like covering the very first UTMB in 2003 and why the race immediately felt different from anything else in endurance sports.

11:00 | From Local Race to Global Icon How UTMB grew from an adventurous mountain race into one of the biggest brands in trail running.

26:00 | Has Success Made Trail Running Harder to Access? The discussion turns to lotteries, qualifiers, and whether iconic races have become too difficult for everyday runners to experience.

37:00 | The Benefits of Growth Why commercialization has also brought lighter gear, better shoes, safer races, and more opportunities for runners around the world.

46:00 | You Don't Need UTMB to Belong A reminder that unforgettable trail running experiences can still be found at local races and on your favorite hometown trails.

1:00:00 | Protecting the Spirit of Trail Running Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss how runners can embrace the sport's growth without losing the welcoming community that makes trail running unique.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 13 min
July 09 You're Probably Using Caffeine Wrong | EP 789
Caffeine is one of the most researched performance enhancers in endurance sports, yet most runners know surprisingly little about how to use it effectively. In this conversation, Stone Creek Coffee founders Eric Resch and Amy Balestrieri separate the science from the myths, discussing when caffeine actually helps performance, why timing matters more than quantity, and how too much can hurt your sleep and recovery. They also explore why that morning cup of coffee is about far more than caffeine, touching on the rituals, psychology, and community that make coffee such an important part of endurance culture. Along the way, you'll learn about caffeine tolerance, race-day strategies, common misconceptions like dehydration, and even what goes into producing a truly great cup of coffee. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to make caffeine work for you and a new appreciation for the cup of coffee that starts so many great adventures.

EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra.

Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.

RunMotion Coach: Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps 00:00 | Why Caffeine Matters to Endurance Athletes
The discussion begins with why caffeine has become such a staple of trail running and what science actually says about its performance benefits.
07:00 | Coffee Is More Than Just Caffeine
Eric and Amy explain why your morning coffee ritual is as much psychological as it is physiological.
14:00 | How to Use Caffeine for Training and Racing
Practical advice on timing, dosage, long runs, and race-day strategies to get the most from caffeine.
20:30 | Busting Common Coffee Myths
The group tackles questions about dehydration, dark vs. light roast, caffeine levels, and energy drinks.
29:00 | From Coffee Farm to Your Mug
A behind-the-scenes look at how specialty coffee is grown, sourced, roasted, and why quality matters.
38:30 | Finding the Right Coffee Routine
The conversation shifts back to runners, covering caffeine tolerance, sleep, recovery, and building a routine that works for your body.
55:00 | Introducing The Long Run Blend
Eric and Amy share the story behind Stone Creek Coffee's custom Trail Runner Nation blend and why it was designed specifically for endurance athletes.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 4 min
July 03 EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race
Marc Hopkins, author of Hard Things, set out to write a book about running the Bigfoot 200, but what emerged was something much deeper. In this conversation, he shares how endurance running became the lens through which he uncovered old stories about self-worth, fear, identity, and the belief that one more finish line would finally make him enough. Together, we explore why runners chase hard things, the difference between simply enduring life and living with purpose, and how the trail can expose what's really driving us. Marc also opens up about surviving a 99% heart blockage, learning when grit is a strength and when it's time to stop, and why vulnerability may be the toughest skill endurance athletes ever develop. If you've ever wondered why you run, or found yourself learning more about your life than your splits during a long run, this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.

EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There™ with Altra.

Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.

RunMotion Coach: Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps 00:00 | Why We Chase Hard Things
Marc explains how a book about the Bigfoot 200 became an honest look at identity, purpose, and the reasons we pursue difficult goals.
08:00 | Enduring vs. Endurance
The conversation explores the difference between simply surviving life and intentionally moving toward something meaningful.
18:30 | The Finish Line Won't Make You Whole
Marc shares how he believed one more race would finally prove his worth, and why that mindset eventually fell apart.
30:30 | Lessons From a 99% Heart Blockage
A life-threatening diagnosis forced Marc to rethink strength, vulnerability, and what it really means to listen to your body.
43:30 | The Pebble in Your Shoe
A simple refrigerator magnet from Marc's childhood became one of the biggest life lessons in the entire book.
49:00 | Why the Next Finish Line Isn't the Answer
The hosts discuss identity, self-worth, and why chasing bigger races can never solve what's happening inside.
53:30 | When Can You Finally Call Yourself a Runner?
Marc explains why comparison steals joy and why every runner, regardless of pace or body type, belongs on the trail.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 7 min
June 24 EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need
What if getting older doesn't mean doing less, but doing it better? In this installment of the Aging as an Athlete series, legendary ultrarunner Krissy Moehl welcomes longtime climber and Patagonia ambassador Kate Rutherford for a conversation about longevity, purpose, and evolving with age. Kate shares how decades of climbing taught her that technical skill, efficiency, and joy can eventually outweigh youthful strength and endurance. The discussion explores everything from body awareness and recovery to nutrition, community, and why learning to focus on what truly matters becomes one of the greatest athletic advantages. Whether you're a runner, climber, or simply hoping to stay active for life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on growing older without giving up adventure.

Kate is a long time professional climber, artist, advocate for wilderness, eater of leafy organic greens, president of Farm To Crag, and product line manager at Patagonia. Her passion for climbing has taken her all over the world including first ascents on Fitz Roy in Patagonia, Kenya, Iran, and Venezuela, a free ascent of El Capitan's Free Rider. She has had the opportunity to work with some amazing organizations, including Patagonia, La Sportiva, Edelrid, Black Diamond, Clif Bar, the Access Fund, and the American Alpine club. The combination of climbing, a biology degree from the Colorado College, rural homesteading in Alaska, subsistence hunting and fishing, carrots from Mom's garden, and watching organic regenerative agriculture's ability to combat climate change, has led me to co-found Farm to Crag. It is the perfect blend of climbing, stories, farms, maps, organic greens, environmental activism, and dinner parties.

Check out Farm to Crag
Episode Sponsor: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN Stay Out There™ with Altra.

Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with The Long Run, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code LONGRUN20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.

TimeStamps

00:00 | Growing Older Without Growing Smaller

Krissy introduces climber Kate Rutherford and explores how aging can expand our relationship with movement instead of limiting it.

09:00 | Community, Trust, and Doing Hard Things

Kate explains the unique culture of climbing and why shared challenges create lifelong bonds.

17:00 | Trading Strength for Skill

The conversation explores how technical ability, efficiency, and body awareness become greater assets than raw physical power.

28:00 | The Power of Staying Present

From climbing walls to mountain trails, focusing on the next move instead of the finish line changes everything.

39:00 | Why Power Training Matters More With Age

Kate shares how short, intentional strength work has helped her continue pursuing big mountain objectives.

48:00 | Fueling for a Lifetime Outdoors

Nutrition, recovery, and whole foods become central themes as the discussion shifts toward long-term health and performance.

56:00 | Building a Legacy Beyond Sport

The episode closes with Farm to Crag, environmental stewardship, and the idea that the greatest adventures are those that strengthen both people and places.

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1 hr 12 min
June 19 EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States
Western States is more than a 100-mile race. For many ultrarunners, it's the unofficial holiday that defines the season. In this annual Trail Runner Nation tradition, Andy Jones-Wilkins returns to break down the 2026 Western States field, explain the stories behind the biggest contenders, and help everyday runners understand who to watch when race day arrives. Along the way, the conversation explores the race's unique culture, its history, the lottery system, the legendary Golden Hour finish, and why Western States continues to hold a special place in trail running despite the sport's rapid evolution. If you're following the race from home or standing somewhere along the course, this episode provides the context that transforms names on a start list into stories worth following. By the end, you'll be just as excited for Statesmas as AJW is.
Episode Sponsor:
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TimeStamps: 00:00 | Welcome to Statesmas AJW explains why Western States has become trail running's biggest annual celebration and why the excitement starts weeks before race day.

05:00 | What Makes Western States So Special? The discussion explores the history, atmosphere, traditions, and unique energy that make this race unlike any other.

13:00 | Course Conditions and What to Expect in 2026 With virtually no snowpack and a dry trail, the hosts discuss how this year's conditions could shape the race.

19:00 | Breaking Down the Women's Race AJW highlights the favorites, dangerous newcomers, and rising stars who could battle for the podium.

42:00 | The Men's Race Preview From Jim Walmsley and Kilian Jornet to emerging contenders and dark horses, the elite field gets a thorough analysis.

56:00 | How Western States Earned Its Legendary Status The conversation dives into the lottery, qualifying system, volunteers, race traditions, and why earning a bib means so much.

1:00:00 | Final Podium Predictions AJW reveals his official picks, shares bold predictions, and offers a few runners that fans shouldn't overlook.

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1 hr 12 min

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Trail Runner Nation is devoted to sharing knowledge and advice to the trail running community - from beginners to the pros! We offer tips and discussion regarding race nutrition, pacing strategy,…