Trail Runner Nation

Scott and Don review the Karhu Flow Trail.  The shoe proves to be a strong performer on and off the trail.  At 9.0 oz and a 2.5mm drop the shoe satisfies the minimalists requirements.   Bidirectional lugs for trail traction on the up and downhill side of the moutain.  The upper sports an airy mesh on the top with the lower 1/3 a solid material to hold out unwanted debri and water.   Using the grading TRN grading scale of 4-37 kokopellis the Karhu Flow Trail earns a 34.

Chris Vargo is relatively new to the trail running scene, but has quickly found his place at the front of the pack; including a 3rd place finish at the 2013 North Face Endurance 50 Mile in San Francisco. You can watch a great video of the 2013 TNF50 lead runners HERE. Chris talks about how he started in trail running, his training including pool runnning, his successes, the TNF50 race, and overcoming his alcoholism.

Chris can be found on Facebook and Twitter and will soon have a blog.

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Download a free audio book at Audible

On the evening of two of the most popular 100-mile race lotteries (Western States 100 and Hardrock 100), Andy Jones-Wilkins and Craig Thornley (race director) join the Nation to discuss the mystic and draw of Western States 100, the new 2015 qualifying standards, "micro competitions", the future of ultrarunning, and how to maintain longevity in the sport.

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Coach Sally McRae joins Trail Runner Nation and opens up the official TRN Grab Bag: running topics that are in the news or on our mind.

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Download a free audio book at Audible

Dr. Maffetone teaches us that

• the brain's role is often overlooked in training and racing,
• how to improve brain function through biofeedback stimulation, and
• how to develop and maintain a better athletic brain.

Buy Dr. Phil Maffetone's Big Book of Endurance Training and Running

Buy The Big Book of Health and Fitness

Previous Podcast with Dr. Maffetone:

• Speed up by Slowing Down
• Eat to Win
• Transcription of Eat to Win

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Ian Torrence has won 51 ultras and run over 170. He coaches for McMillan Running. Ian joins us to talk about what you need to do to prepare for cold weather running - starting from the head to the toes. He recaps his successful inauguration of the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra, a 100-mile ultra or relay event.

Here is Ian's earlier podcast:: How to Build a Bonkproof Body

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Download a free audio book at Audible

Warren Pole joins the Nation in person! The authorities let Warren and his wife, Erica, into the U.S. with their TRN work visa. We were able to not only have a great trail running discussion, but also break bread and share 18 miles of the Western States trail with him (with no bonking).

Candice Burt, RD, announces a great new RACE for 2014!

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

It has been 8 months since we last talked to Anna Frost (check out her original podcast HERE). She has been recovering from a couple debilitating injuries, but has continued to tour the globe representing TEAM SALOMON. She talks about her most recent trip to Morocco, where she trained with Mohammad Ahansal, 18-time finisher of the Marathon des Sables (winning 4 times and coming in 2nd ten times).

Anna talks candidly about how she learned to take time off so that she could heal and what kind of cross training she did to try and keep in shape. And find out what her next great adventure is.

Visit Anna's BLOG and take a look at Anna's cool JEWELRY.

You can follow Anna on Facebook or Twitter.

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Anton has come off a busy year of running and training culminating in the release of the Joel Wolpert film, "In the High Country". (A MUST have $15 purchase)

Tony talks about:

• his mountain running life-style and philosophy
• running form - efficient and quick
• making the movie
• his Nolan's 14 adventure
• running and racing in Europe

HERE is the link to the first of three videos about Tony's attempt at Nolan's 14 this summer

HERE is the link to one of our favorite videos of Tony running.

HERE is the link to his Blog, "Riding the Wind"

JB Benna, producer of the film Unbreakable, is also a heck of a runner. He proved this in October 2013 by breaking the 175 mile unsupported Tahoe Rim Trail FKT at 58h 43m 12s! JB attempted the run in honor of Michael Popov, the previous record holder, who passed away tragically in 2012. JB explains Why and his training, race, fuel, and hydration strategies, lessons learned and how he became friends with his individual body parts.

Check out the other cool films JB has produced at Journey Film

Here is a map of the Tahoe Rim Trail

Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition

Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl