Trail Runner Nation

What are some of the real costs of running an ultra?

In this episode, ultra runner and coach Colleen Miracle talks about this, and it turns out the race entry is just the first pebble in the avalanche. We discuss the hidden expenses that pile up around an A-race: travel, nutrition, coaching, shoes, gear, hotels, rental cars, and the tiny financial gremlins that quietly multiply in the dark corners of race prep. Colleen shares that one of her hundred-mile races carried a $4,500 receipt, but she emphasizes that ultras can also be done on a shoestring with borrowed gear, local races, and simple nutrition. We wrestle with whether modern technology and gear have improved the sport or turned it into a glittering outdoor equipment bazaar with carbon-plated everything and hydration packs that resemble small spacecraft. Along the way, we celebrate community-driven "fat ass" races, the value of supporting race directors and small local events, and the idea that the memories, friendships, and growth from an ultra often outlast whatever else you could have bought with the money. In the end, the episode asks a bigger question: Is running expensive, or is it one of the best investments we make in ourselves?

Colleen's article in Ultrarunning Magazine

Check out Boundless Coaching

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 If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page

TIme Stamps

00:00 – The Real Cost of an A-Race Scott and Don introduce the idea that race fees are only the tip of the iceberg floating through your checking account like a frozen credit card statement. Travel, gear, coaching, food, and training all add up fast.

04:00 – Colleen's $4,500 Race Receipt Colleen explains how she calculated the true cost of one of her hundred milers, while also making the case that ultras can be done far more cheaply depending on your choices.

08:00 – Do You Really Need Expensive Gear? The conversation turns to GPS watches, hydration packs, carbon shoes, sunscreen, and whether trail running has become an arms race made of nylon, foam, and marketing copy.

18:00 – Why Race Fees Keep Rising Scott, Don, and Colleen discuss what race directors are actually paying for: permits, insurance, aid stations, safety, volunteers, swag, and the complicated circus tent behind every starting line.

23:30 – Fat Ass Races, Community & "Fat Heart" Running A joyful detour into old-school, low-cost grassroots races where the start line might be a stop sign and the bib comes from someone's home printer. Colleen proposes a better name: "Fat Heart Race."

27:00 – If You Could Go Back, Would You? The group debates whether they would trade today's expensive high-tech gear for the simpler, cheaper days of Timex watches, syrup bottles, and Snickers bars.

39:00 – Is It Worth the Money? The closing reflection: maybe the finish line medal isn't what you're really paying for. Maybe you're buying purpose, discipline, memories, friendships, and the version of yourself that only appears after a few predawn training runs and a questionable amount of squirrel's nut butter.

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What if your best performance isn't behind you… it's just different now? In this Aging as an Athlete episode, Krissy Moehl joins again as co-host in a discussion with Bryce Thatcher.

Bryce Thatcher is a trail-running pioneer and founder of UltrAspire, who has spent over 40 years innovating hydration gear while living and embodying a lifelong commitment to mountain running and human-powered adventure.

We explore what it really takes to stay connected to trail running over decades. Bryce shares how a deep love of the outdoors and the human-powered movement form the foundation for long-term engagement in the sport. The conversation moves into how motivation evolves from personal performance to purpose, service, and community, while also addressing the tension between modern convenience and the sport's rugged roots. We reflect on gear innovation, race culture changes, and the importance of maintaining responsibility, resilience, and self-reliance on the trail. Bryce offers powerful insights on longevity, consistency, and adapting expectations as we age without losing joy. Ultimately, the episode is about staying grounded in your "why" while evolving with each season of life

Episode Sponsors:

Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page

TImestamps:

02:30 – What Creates Longevity in the Sport Love of the outdoors + human-powered movement as the foundation for staying in trail running long-term.

08:00 – Origins, Gear Evolution & Finding Your "Why" Early days of the sport, how gear has changed, and the risk of losing intrinsic motivation.

13:30 – Redefining Performance: From PRs to "FK Me" Shifting from peak performance to personal best for your current stage of life.

19:00 – Has Trail Running Lost Its Edge? Discussion on race culture, aid stations, responsibility, and the tension between convenience and adventure.

27:00 – Solo vs Community: The Balance That Sustains Us Running as meditation vs shared experience, and why both matter for longevity.

34:00 – Adapting as You Age: Training, Gear & Recovery Cross-training, strength work, and evolving expectations to stay healthy and consistent.

55:00 – Advice to Your Younger (and Older) Self Consistency, simplicity, and long-term thinking as the keys to a lifetime in the sport.

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In this episode, we are joined again by coach Adam Kimble to explore the book, The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning by Paul Bloom, and discuss why endurance athletes voluntarily seek discomfort in pursuit of meaning, growth, and satisfaction. We discuss the concept of "benign masochism," highlighting how pain and pleasure are deeply intertwined in long races and hard efforts. We talk about internal versus external motivation, the power of anticipation, and how reframing challenges can shape both performance and mindset. We explore flow state, decision-making under fatigue, and why doing hard things helps us better appreciate everyday life. Ultimately, the episode reflects on how endurance sports create community, reveal character, and provide a powerful lens for understanding human behavior and purpose.

Check out more about Adam and hire him as a coach HERE

Sponsors:

• Tifosi Optics - check out how to win a free pair of the new Sanctum SL and how to get a discount
• Peluva - let your feet be feet!

TimeStamps

00:00 – Intro & Book Overview: Introduction to The Sweet Spot and why endurance athletes are drawn to discomfort and meaning.

03:20 – First Impressions of the Book: Initial reactions and key takeaways about doing hard things and personal growth.

05:50 – What is "Benign Masochism"? Exploring voluntary suffering and why difficult challenges feel rewarding.

08:10 – Internal vs External Motivation: Do we pursue hard goals for ourselves or for recognition from others?

15:30 – Pain, Pleasure & the "Ikea Effect": Why effort increases satisfaction and meaning in achievement.

21:10 – Pain as Presence & Mental Focus: How physical discomfort brings runners into the present moment.

26:50 – The Power of Anticipation & Race Anxiety: Mental rehearsal, visualization, and preparing for both highs and lows.

33:20 – Stoicism, Problem Solving & Simple Rules: Decision-making strategies when things go wrong during races.

41:45 – The Paradox of Effort in an Easy World: Why modern comfort drives us to seek difficult challenges.

48:30 – Reframing Struggle & Perspective on the Trail: How mindset shifts can turn suffering into forward progress.

55:00 – Intention Over Perfection: Why showing up with purpose matters more than executing a flawless race.

59:30 – Meaning, Community & Final Quotes: Closing reflections on bonding, humanity, and why endurance sports matter.

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In this episode, we are joined by Michael Miller to discuss his book Run Like a Rarámuri : Stories and Wisdoms from the Sierra Tarahumara and Running Long and his deep connection to the Indigenous Rarámuri "running people" of Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara. Drawing on years spent living among the community, Michael shares how running is woven into their social fabric as a celebration of resilience, nature, and togetherness rather than competition or performance. The conversation explores powerful cultural concepts like korima, the practice of sharing without expectation, and how movement in nature can restore balance and contentment in modern life. Michael also reflects on the legacy of Micah True (Caballo Blanco) and the evolution of the Ultramarathon Caballo Blanco race, which now brings together runners from around the world while supporting local communities. We consider what trail runners can learn from the Rarámuri about simplicity, presence, and reconnecting with the deeper purpose of running. Ultimately, the discussion suggests that "running like a Rarámuri" is less about technique and more about learning to live with gratitude, connection, and joy.

Check out the non-profit True Messages for more information and how to support these projects, and these other links:

• Ultra Caballo Blanco

• Copper Canyons

• Entre Amigos Camps

• Instagram

Sponsors:

• Tifosi Optics - check out how to win a free pair of the new Sanctum SL and how to get a discount
• Peluva - let your feet be feet!

Timestamps

• 0:00 Intro to Michael Miller and Run Like a Rarámuri

• 2:05 What makes the Ultramarathon Caballo Blanco unique

• 6:15 Who the Rarámuri are and how Born to Run shaped their global story

• 14:10 Running as culture: traditional games, community, and connection

• 20:06 Michael's personal journey to the Sierra and why this became a passion project

• 29:37 Training vs. lifestyle: how the Rarámuri develop endurance naturally

• 34:52 Is the book about running… or about living?

• 44:42 Korima explained: sharing, gratitude, and the social fabric of the Rarámuri

• 51:11 Supporting the community: nonprofit work and how listeners can help

• 58:13 Closing reflections on Micah True's legacy and running free

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In this episode of Trail Runner Nation's Aging as an Athlete series, along with Krissy Moehl, we welcome elite ultrarunner and therapist Darcy Piceu for a thoughtful conversation about longevity in endurance sports. Drawing on more than two decades of racing at the highest level, Darcy explains that there is no "magic pill" for staying in the sport long term, emphasizing instead the importance of self-care, strength work, listening to the body, and adapting training as athletes age. The discussion explores the mental side of endurance, including acceptance of changing performance, learning to manage negative thoughts during long races, and developing the wisdom that comes from decades of experience. Darcy also shares how mindfulness and time in nature play a powerful role in both mental health and athletic performance, something she incorporates into her therapy practice. We reflect on the evolving identity of an athlete over time, balancing competitiveness with enjoyment, family life, and other pursuits beyond running. We highlight that staying in the sport for decades is less about chasing podiums and more about cultivating resilience, perspective, and a lasting love for the trail.

Check out Darcy's Therapy practice, "Therapy in Action" or get in touch with her [email protected].

If you're in Bellingham, WA in March and want to help out at Chuckanut 50k, click here to volunteer.

Episode Sponsor:

Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

1:00 – Darcy's Background: Elite Runner and Therapist

3:30 – What Creates Longevity in the Sport?

6:00 – The Mental Side of Aging as an Athlete

9:00 – Mindfulness, Stress, and Mental Training

12:45 – Mental Toughness in Ultrarunning

17:30 – The Power of Nature and Trail Therapy

23:00 – Managing Focus During Long Races

29:00 – Racing for the Podium vs Racing for the Experience

31:30 – How Darcy Found Ultrarunning

35:30 – Hardrock, Motherhood, and Career Balance

38:30 – Training Philosophy for Longevity

41:00 – The Wednesday Women's Run in Boulder

44:00 – Identity Beyond Running

48:00 – What Makes a Race Truly Successful?

52:30 – Advice to Younger and Older Versions of Yourself

56:30 – The Mental vs Physical Performance Question

1:00:15 – Therapy in Action and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we sit down with filmmaker Dylan Harris to talk about his powerful new film, The Cut-Off. Instead of following the front of the pack, the film shines a light on the runners fighting the clock at aid stations, chasing the courage it takes simply to continue. Dylan shares the inspiration behind the project, the stories that moved him most, and what the back-of-the-pack reveals about grit, community, and the true spirit of trail running. This conversation is a reminder that endurance isn't just about speed; it's about persistence, heart, and refusing to quit when the margin gets thin.

Links:

• SomoCollective: Dylan's production company
• Arivaipa Running: Producer and site of the film, Cocadona 250
• Lucy's Dad Film: another of Dylan's films

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

Time Stamps

1:30 – Introducing Dylan Harris and the story behind The Cut-Off5:00 – Why focus on back-of-the-pack runners? 10:30 – The emotional reality of chasing aid station cutoffs 18:00 – Stories from filming: moments of grit, struggle, and triumph 26:00 – What the back-of-the-pack reveals about trail culture 34:00 – The community factor: volunteers, crews, and fellow runners 42:00 – Lessons from the film for everyday runners 50:00 – Where to watch The Cut-Off and what's next for Dylan 55:00 – Final thoughts and closing

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In this episode, we are joined by Cliff Pittman, Coaching Development Director for CTS. We take a practical look at VO₂ max and what it really means for everyday runners. We explore whether this popular performance metric is truly essential, how much it matters for trail and ultra athletes, and where it can be misunderstood or overemphasized. The conversation cuts through the numbers to focus on what actually helps runners train smarter, stay healthy, and improve long-term performance. If you've ever wondered whether your VO₂ max score is a guiding light or just another shiny data point, this episode brings clarity and perspective from the trail.

• What is VO2 max and why does it matter for ultra runners?
• The accuracy and limitations of wearable VO2 max estimates
• How VO2 max relates to performance, aging, and training adaptability
• The concept of fractional utilization versus maximum effort
• Strategies for incorporating VO2 max training into your season
• Cross-training options like cycling and swimming for low-impact VO2 max work
• Monitoring progress with lab versus field testing and subjective feedback
• The importance of training variety and maintaining the entire aerobic engine
• Practical workout templates: intervals, recovery, and dosage over seasons
• How strength training and muscle mass influence VO2 max

00:00 - Overview of the podcast topic: VO2 max importance for ultra runners 02:31 - Christian Blumenfeldt's unbelievable VO2 max of 101.1 — reality versus perception 03:26 - Simplified definition of VO2 max — oxygen consumption capacity of the body 04:43 - Limitations of wearable VO2 max estimates and lab versus field testing accuracy 05:34 - Why VO2 max is only part of the performance equation, not the whole story 07:13 - How VO2 max predicts short race performance but less so in ultradistance events 08:11 - The impact of fatigue resistance, durability, and fueling on ultramarathon success 09:31 - The significance of fractional utilization (operating below VO2 max ceiling) 10:13 - Can VO2 max be manipulated through training? Early season versus peak preparation 12:00 - The endurance spectrum: training both VO2 max and aerobic base for a well-rounded system 13:35 - Visualizing training as a string; raising ceiling versus improving utilization 14:34 - Should runners push to their VO2 max ceiling or focus on fractional utilization? 17:17 - Training strategies: balancing intensity, recovery, and avoiding injury during VO2 max work 20:04 - Substituting high-intensity VO2 work with cross-training (cycling, swimming) to reduce impact 21:28 - Monitoring other critical metrics: lactate threshold, recovery pace, subjective feedback 23:53 - The significance of individualized, periodized VO2 max training blocks 26:42 - The importance of patience, gradual progression, and listening to your body 28:55 - How to incorporate VO2 max sessions into your weekly plan: frequency, duration, and recovery 33:16 - The role of training specificity and modality as competition approaches 41:38 - Maintaining fitness and VO2 max as we age through consistent, varied training 43:33 - Linking strength training and lean muscle mass to VO2 max improvements 46:51 - Cross-training options and managing impact: cycling, swimming, hill repeats 48:37 - Final tips for beginners and experienced runners on starting VO2 max work safely 52:12 - The future of training: evidence-based approaches and coaching support at CTS

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In this episode, Alex Hutchinson rejoins Trail Runner Nation discuss why muscle is the real engine behind endurance, performance, and long-term health, especially as runners get older. The conversation explores

• how and why we lose muscle over time,
• why this decline matters for speed, resilience, and injury prevention,
• and the encouraging truth that much of it is reversible.

Alex explains the critical role of strength training, the importance of intensity and progressive load, and how endurance athletes can balance running with the work needed to maintain power. The discussion also challenges common myths about aging, showing that performance losses are not inevitable but often the result of training gaps rather than biology alone. For aging athletes and lifelong runners, this episode offers a practical roadmap for staying strong, capable, and competitive for decades.

This discussion began from Alex's review of Michael Joseph Gross' book, "Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives"

• The evolving understanding of muscle as a core component of human health, not just aesthetics or performance.
• Historical perspectives on muscle research, from ancient Greece to misconceptions over the centuries.
• The modern shift towards heavy lifting among elite athletes and implications for older adults.
• The inspiring work of Maria Fiaturone Singh on elderly resistance training and outcomes in musculoskeletal health.
• Practical advice for incorporating strength training into daily life with minimal equipment.
• The psychological and physical joys of feeling the movement of heavy lifting with purpose.
• How resistance training enhances posture, independence, and injury prevention in aging.
• Personal journeys—from bodybuilding to running, and reintegration of strength work in midlife.
• Overcoming mental barriers to strength training: finding routines you enjoy and tracking progress.
• The importance of consistent, accessible strength habits like bodyweight exercises and small routines.

• 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Why muscle matters for longevity and performance
• 03:04 - Historical insights on human perceptions of muscle across centuries
• 06:07 - The pioneers redefining muscle's role in aging and health span
• 09:49 - Debunking myths about muscle decline after 60 and implications for older adults
• 13:23 - The prejudice within medicine and sports communities against strength training
• 14:37 - Maintaining posture and independence through muscle health
• 18:11 - How elite athletes have adopted heavy lifting techniques
• 21:23 - Personal stories: Don's bodybuilding background and Alex's running evolution
• 24:39 - The joys of feeling powerful and acting upon the environment through strength
• 28:09 - Practical tips for integrating resistance exercises into everyday routines
• 34:30 - How tracking progress enhances motivation and long-term adherence
• 39:38 - Finding your personal motivation and joy in strength training
• 41:33 - Quick resistance exercises on the trail or at home
• 43:23 - The impact of efficient strength habits on overall well-being

• Stronger: A Scientist's Guide to the Power of Muscle — by Michael Joseph Gross
• The Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
• The Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map
• Outside Online Sweat Science

• Twitter
• Instagram
• AlexHutchinson.net

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

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Discover proven strategies to prevent foot issues and optimize your performance in ultra running. Dr. Tanya Olson joins us to share expert insights on foot care routines, products, and techniques that keep feet healthy and injury-free.

Key Topics:

• The importance of planning a comprehensive foot care strategy before race day
• Modern products and methods for preventing blisters, maceration, and toenail damage
• Why traditional remedies like duct tape and Vaseline are outdated
• The role of socks, shoes, and foot anatomy in maintaining foot health
• How to implement a foot care plan during training and races
• Techniques for treating blisters, including when and how to lance safely
• The benefits of toe caps, specialized socks, and footwear modifications
• Adjusting foot care strategies for different terrains, elevations, and conditions
• The significance of monitoring foot response post-run to fine-tune care routines
• Don't wait for problems: proactive measures to keep your feet in top condition

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to foot care for ultra runners

00:45 - Common foot problems and why they're preventable

02:10 - Modern advancements in foot care products

03:25 - The pitfalls of using duct tape and Vaseline

04:30 - Developing a personalized foot care plan

06:00 - Managing moisture and preventing maceration

07:45 - Addressing sweaty feet and saltwater effects

09:00 - Tips for taping and preventing blisters during races

10:00 - Specific techniques for treatment and prevention

15:00 - How terrain, elevation, and running style influence foot care

20:00 - Toenail health and corrections for injuries

25:00 - When and how to lance blisters safely

30:00 - Post-race foot monitoring and adjustments

35:00 - The importance of education and continuous improvement

38:00 - Future resources and part two of this series

Resources & Links:

• Fixing Your Feet Seventh Edition by Dr. John Vonhof & Dr. Tonya Olson
• Footcare- YouTube Channel
• Footcare Products Tonya Recommends
• Dr. Tanya Olson's website
• Kinesiology Tape for Foot Care
• Salty Britches Skin Barrier Ointment
• Toe Caps (Toe Condoms) – Pressure Relief
• Alpaca Fiber Socks (Hollow Brand)
• Mastisol Skin Adhesive

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

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This episode brings back Trail Runner Nation's Point–Counterpoint format, with coaches Ian Sharman, Annie Hughes, Jeff Browning, and Trish Ahrends stepping into the debate arena. Responding to listener feedback, this episode leans hard into our long-held "experiment of one" philosophy. Each coach is assigned a position and must defend it, whether they personally agree or not. Training myths, sacred cows, and well-worn advice get put on trial through experience, evidence, and strong opinions. The result is fast-paced, thoughtful, and occasionally spicy. Pick a side, challenge your assumptions, and enjoy the debate.

Need coaching? Try giving these coaches a try:

• GiddyUp Ultra
• Sharman Ultra

Proof that Ian met David Beckham

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

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