Trail Runner Nation

Matt Fitzgerald (sports nutritionist, writer, athlete, coach) will be releasing a new book in May, "Running the Dream; One Summer Living, Training and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age". We talk to him about his journey as he trains with Hoka's NAZ elite team of professional runners in Flagstaff, AZ. He also has launched an interesting cool new running camp concept, "Endeavorun". Check it out.

There are many high profile races out there and many of those are very difficult to get into. The good news is there are many GREAT races that you might not know about. It the New TRN produced podcast, Trail Hacks highlights one of these amazing races. We speak with the Race Director to better understand the characteristics of the race. We then get with a veteran runner to give us a hack or two that might help us successfully complete the race. In our inaugural Trail Hacks Podcast, we speak with Scotty Kumar, producer of the award winning podcast Ten Junk Miles. His team runs the Badger Trail Races held on August 1-2. Register HERE Be sure to subscribe to Trail Hacks podcast where ever you listen or visit www.trailhacks.run

Don found a recent article, "13 Things You're Probably Doing That Are Sabotaging Your Run" by Erin Kelly on Bustle.com We decided to make a game to discuss the points. TRN friends:Donna NiCuarta and Warren Pole join us to debate the pros and cons of each point.

There is a correlation between motivation and self-discipline in successful runners. Coach AJW joins The Nation to discuss what motivation and discipline is, how we can use it, and how to improve it. Here are the links that we discussed Gene Hackman's motivational speech in Hoosiers Brad Kerns Morning Routine Podcast on Vulnerability Podcast Anatomy of a DNF AJW's Coaching AJW's Tap Room

If you have been trail running for a while, you inevitably have been mentored by others with a lot of experience and wisdom. This is where Trail Runner Nation was born - to provide a venue to share this knowledge with a broader audience. Stephanie Howe joins us to discuss some of the great golden nuggets of knowledge that we have learned. Make sure you check out Stephanie's web site for coaching or nutritional consultation. Instagram Facebook Twitter Nathan Sports Vapor Howe Cliff Bar The North Face

Nearly 8 years ago we recorded a podcast where we talked about the SoCal Coyotes' philosophy. These tenants are common throughout our tribe. Coach Jimmy Dean Freeman joins us to discuss its relevance eight years later. Click HERE to watch the video Click HERE to listen to the original podcast

In this edition of Grab Bag, Alex Hutchinson and Matt Laye join us as we try an find out the truth behind: Over breathing? Can we become so efficient that we are burning less energy than a sedentary person? Is there a benefit to stretching? How does your microbiom affect health? Can smiling improve performance? Do we have limits to the number of calories we can process? Links that of stuff we talked about: Stronger by Science Podcast https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6934128/ https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1907805 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31872558 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed term=gut%20microbiota%20fermentation%20determines%20the%20efficacy%20of%20exercise%20for%20diabetes%20prevention&cmd=correctspelling Matt Laye is an endurance athlete and PhD in medical physiology and an assistant professor of health and human performance at The College of Idaho. Matt is a coach at Sharman Ultra and a regular contributor to Ultrarunning Magazine, Visit Matt's Blog: Laying It Down Follow Matt on Facebook and on Twitter Alex Hutchinson is an avid runner and author. We did a series of podcasts on his book, Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance What Defines our Limits - with Alex Hutchinson Follow Alex on Twitter Check out Sweat Science

Dr. Phil Maffetone helps us understand the difference about over-weight and over-fat. We discuss why is so difficult to lose weight because our understandings may be in error. If we lose excess fat, we will become healthier and more efficient runners. Book: Overfat Pandemic - Exposing the problems and its simple solution for everyone who needs to eliminate excess body fat Article: "Six Reasons Weight-Loss is so Darn Difficult" Other Dr. Maffetone podcasts: Daydreaming is Healthy for Runners Dr. Phil Maffetone Unplugged Dr. Phil Maffetone was RIGHT all along! Take Your Shirt Off and Get Some Vitamin D - with Dr. Phil Maffetone Phil Maffetone: How can Rhythm Improve Your Efficiency? Breaking the 1:59 marathon with Dr. Phil Maffetone Dr. Phil Maffetone - Building a Better Athletic Brain Phil Maffetone transcribed! Eat to Win with Dr. Phil Maffetone. Dr. Phil Maffetone - Speed up by slowing down Get the Maffetone App HERE Take the 2 Week Test Get a taste of Dr. Maffetone's best articles HERE Phil Maffetone's MUSIC

Ellie Greenwood elaborates on a few recent articles she wrote in Ultrarunning Magazine: Reigniting Your Passion, November 2018 Finding Gratitude in Slower Times, September 2019 Band of Runners, November 2019

Matt Fitzgerald (sports nutritionist, writer, athlete, coach) has been doing some endurance writing with his 2019 published "Life is a Marathon: A Memoir of Love and Endurance". In May, he will be releasing, "Running the Dream; One Summer Living, Training and Racing with a Team of World-Class Runners Half My Age". We talk to him about his journey as he trains with Hoka's NAZ elite team of professional runners in Flagstaff, AZ. Having fun helps us become better runners Judgement is more important than toughness Depletion runs He also has launched an interesting cool new running camp concept, "Endeavorun". Check it out.

CTS Training Director, Jason Koop, joins The Nation to talk about his new podcast Koopcast and some good tactics to start the new year off right. Check out Jason's book, "Training Essentials for Ultrarunning" Jason Koop is the Head Coach for CTS-Ultrarunning. He is the author of 'Training Essentials for Ultrarunning' which has become the benchmark book for ultramarathon training. During his coaching career, he has managed over 100 endurance coaches and several hundred atheltes of all types, abilities and sports. He is also an accomplished ultrarunner in his own right having finishes in some of the most difficult races on the planet including the Badwater 135, Hardrock 100, Leadville Trail 100, Wasatch 100, Bear 100 and Western States 100

Don and Scott review the podcasts from 2019 and the many amazing guests that have joined us and helped us become better, smarter, more efficient runners. What were your favorite gold nuggets?

AJW joins us for a quick recap of 2019 performances in ultrarunning. It includes his picks for Ultrarunner of the year (female and male) Performance of the year (female and male) Rookie of the year (female and male) Surprise of the year (female and male) Most inspirational Please check out Andy's coaching services and his weekly Tap Room article! AJW's Coaching AJW's Tap Room

Dr. Mark joins us to chat about many thinks including: Shoe Doping -Can shoe technology help us run faster? Check out his article New York Times article on the Vapor Fly "Shoe Dog - A Memoir by the Creator of Nike" Active Life's Kone-X mat Noboso proprioceptive insoles Jay Dicharry's MoBo Board Review. You can get a 10% discount on our partners page How to improve your running form with the TruForm Runner. You can get 10% discount with the code TRT10 at TruFormRunner.com Dr. Mark's Run for Your Life Podcast Dr. Mark's book, "Run for Your Life" Make sure you watch his 8:25 Video that show the principles of natural running. Be sure to spend some time learning at The Natural Running Center web site. Visit Two Rivers Treads running store either in person or call them and ask them some questions!

Ian Sharman, Joe Uhan and Matt Laye return to Trail Runner Nation to discuss some interesting topics including: Assessing your running stride yourself. Article by Joe Identifying ourselves as ultra runners (see Ian's article in this month's Ultrarunning Magazine) Challenges of Cold Weather Running (see Matt's article in this month's Ultrarunning Magazine) Visit College of Idaho with Assistant Professor, Matt Laye Sharman Ultra - Endurance Coaching Uhan Performance

Last year Katie Arnold won the Leadville 100. She also recently published her first book, Running Home, a Memoir. Katie writes about her journey in this life so far while weaving in many common threads, one of those is her passion for the outdoors and trail running. We talk about how running has helped her navigate her life, the ups, downs and heartbreaks. Running is a way she was able to disconnect AND connect.

What shoe did you run your first trail run in? What shoe do you currently pine for? We all love our shoes and probably have an unhealthy collection of shoes. Brian Metzler, a running shoe geek for his entire life, joins The Nation to talk about SHOES....Oh the glorious shoes. Over his life he has run over 75,000 miles and tested more than 1500 pairs. As founding editor and associate publisher of Trail Runner Magazine and contributor at many other running magazines, he has a unique view of the history of shoes. He finally wrote a book about shoes. The history of shoes, why we are emotionally attached to them, their evolution, injury, and what we can expect in the future. Buy the book HERE

Throughout your running experience, you might have experienced or are experiencing a running layoff due to many different reasons. Sally McRae, The Yellow Runner , and Andy Jones-Wilkins, join The Nation to explore this topic: Why do they occur, how to cope with them, and how to overcome the layoff. They offer some good principles that can help you stage a comeback and how to help others in their's. There is a bonus at the end of the podcast where we talk about vomit etiquette. AJW's Coaching AJW's Tap Room Sally's Coaching Check out this short VIDEO to learn more about Sally

Avid Runner and Author, Alex Hutchinson joins The Nation to discuss: Eliud Kipchoge's recent How to Talk Yourself Into Better Endurance Did Scientists Really Find a Speed-Boosting Microbe? How Jell-O Could Speed Up Recovery Listed to our podcast series with Andy Jones-Wilkins and Magda Boulet as we discuss each chapter of Alex's Book, "Endure: Mind,Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance": Podcast #1: The Unforgiving Minute, The Conscience Quitter, Heat, Belief Podcast #2: The Central Governor Theory, Pain and Training the Brain Podcast #3 : Oxygen, Fuel, and Zapping the Brain What Defines our Limits - with Alex Hutchinson Follow Alex on Twitter Check out Sweat Science

Dr. Jay Dicharry rejoins The Nation to talk about biomechanics and how to work on the BASE of our form, the FEET. Jay says that we can improve our efficiency and running economy up to 10% if we have correct foot mechanics, not to mention reducing many of the common over-use injuries. Here are some photos of drills we discussed: Jay established his reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the University of Virginia's SPEED Clinic. He now resides in Bend, OR where he is the Director of REP Lab where Jay blends clinical practice and engineering to better understand overuse injuries and helps prevent them before they become a problem. 2 previous podcasts with Jay: -Making running more fun (2013) -How to Rewire our Running (2018) Check out MOBO Board and get a discount! Dr. Jay's Blog: An Athletes Body Dr. Jay's Instagram

Sunny Stoeer lived her life the 'right' way including an MBA from Harvard Business School and a successful career as a strategy consultant. She always felt happier outside pursuing running, climbing and mountaineering. She took a risk and decided to leave behind the career in consulting and took up the dirtbag life and has found joy doing the things she loves. We discuss some of the things that she learned from Harvard Business School can translate to Ultrarunning, adventuring and chasing FKTs Check our her women-focused high altitude climbing adventures at AWExpeditions Instagram Facebook

Karl Meltzer just won his record 41st 100-mile race in October at the Cloudsplitter 100- the most of any other person! He joins The Nation with Andy Jones-Wilkins to discuss one way to potentially shave HOURS off your next 100-mile finish. His philosophy: KISS- Keep is Stupid Simple. Trail running is a very simple and primitive sport that we might be making way too complicated and difficult. Making choices in your gear, drop bags, crew, pacing and aid station management can shave hour(s) off your time. It might make it a more enjoyable experience too. Check out Karl's Coaching Services Karl's Speadgoat Races AJW's Tap Room AJW's Coaching AJW's Almanac Podcast

Explorer, endurance athlete, mentor, coach, teacher...... All of these titles come to mind with we think of Ray Zahab. Ray has been encouraging and mentoring other to push beyond their perceived limits for nearly 15 years with his personal expeditions, his expeditions with youth ambassadors, directing races, or guiding groups to remote places. He created a company called "Impossible 2 Possible" = I2P that has influenced youth and teachers through expeditions in remote places throughout the world. Ray explains that many people under estimate themselves and that taking risks and doing hard things brings fulfillment, joy and a desire to help others achieve great things. Follow Ray on his social channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter I2P Twitter I2P Instagram I2P Facebook

Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed is a new book by New York Times Deputy Editor Matthew Futterman Matt, a avid runner, tells the story of the evolution of running from the 1950s, when it was just as odd to see a naked person walking down the street as it is to see someone running, until today. He describes this evolution of speed and endurance through the story of Bob Larsen, a hall of fame track field coach. He explains what we have learned about running science through the experience that Coach Larsen had coaching the small-town Jamul Toads to a national championship and coaching the great Meb Keflzighi's amazing career. Instagram

We have all had disappointing finishes or the feeling of not accomplishing a goal. How do you deal with these setbacks or roadblocks? Bob Crowley discusses how he handled a disappointing DNF at Tor Des Geants in 2018. He brings part of his team, Coach Meghan Laws, and Crew Cheif, Donna NiCuarta, to the table to help explain how he was able to evaluate, rebuild, train and execute his second attempt this year. The Trail Animals running club

Patrick Reagan has had a fun year from defending his win at at Javalina Jundred, setting a personal best at the Hoka 100K Challenge, and placing 8th at his first attempt at Western States 100. Our conversation with Patrick include how he has learned from mentors along the way, his love for running long distances, how he takes breaks, etc. Check out his web site and coaching at PatricReaganRunning.com Or follow him on social media Facebook Instagram

Ian Sharman, Joe Uhanand Matt Layereturn to Trail Runner Nation to discuss some interesting topics including: Poles or No Poles? Strength or mobility work, which is preferred? Should you specifically work to improve your form? Mechanical efficiency & metabolic efficiency? Visit College of Idahowith Assistant Professor, Matt Laye Sharman Ultra - Endurance Coaching Uhan Performance

Courtney Dauwalter is the fastest woman at UTMBin 2019! She continues to impress us with her determination, resilience and GRIT. We put Courtney on the spot in this podcast by measuring her GRIT according to Angela Duckworth's GRIT Calculator. We discuss where she got her grit and how to increase ours. Take the Grit Scale Test Listen to our podcast about GRIT Past podcasts with Courtney: Courtney Dauwalter Sets the Bar at Moab 200- 238 miles in 57 HOURS !!! Intuitive Training with Courtney Dauwalter Live Audience Podcast with Maggie Gutterl and Courtney Dauwalter

Sally McRae and Billy Yang just returned from Europe where Sally ran UTMB for the fifth time. We talk to Sally and Billy about what things Americans need to know when going to Europe to run and visa versa. Check out Sally at her web site, instagram, and twitter Check out Billy Yang a his web site, instagram, and his podcast And just in case you were interested in the tiny phone:

What does it take to run 3100 miles within 52 days around a city block in Queens, NY? The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race is an annual pilgrimage that began back in 1997. It is the longest certified race in the world. Runner and Filmmaker, Sanjay Rawal, explores this race and three other cultures from around the world to understand the primal necessity of running and how these cultures connect with nature and are changed / transcending to a new level of being. It is an experience where we connect our feet with Mother Earth and our breath with the sky - being in the moment and finding joy and gratitude for that moment. We discuss the levels of running from the physical to the mental and then a newer, higher level that is meditative or spiritual. Sanjay's movie, "3100: Run and Become"is a must watch. Watch the trailer to the movie, "3100- Run and Become" You will NEED to buy the movie wherever you buy your movies. Here is the link to Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play

In 2017, Michael McKnight won the fastest cumulated time for the triple crown of 200-milers, Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, & Moab 240. Last week he set a new Bigfoot 200 record by over 4 ours finishing in 51:33 - 18 hours faster than his first attempt in 2017. We sit down with Michael and talk about how his training and strategies have changed since 2017.

Ultra Adventurer and leadership coach, Brian Chontosh, aka Tosh, join The Nation to discuss this simple but complex topic. Why is it easier to keep up? When we fall behind, we have a tendency to try and find a shortcut Good enough isn't Keeping up vs. getting ahead Check out these links: Crooked Butterfly Podcast Crooked Butterfly website Tosh's Instagram

Based on a BBC article by Ian Leslie, "Why Suffering Setbacks Could Make You More Successful",we discuss how this can be true in your training, racing, personal and professional life. Leslie argues that trauma of losing can actually do you more GOOD than harm; "turning pain into rocket fuel". Coach Ian Sharmanjoins The Nation to discuss how this trauma or setbacks can help you become a better athlete, learn how to achieve more, and become happier. check out Sharman Ultrascoaching services

Former Navy Seal, endurance athlete, and bearded king, Chadd Wright rejoins The Nation to discuss a mission-mantra that he learned on the Seal Team: Rules for Chadd's "last man standing" training mission with Jesse Itzler and Mark Brown recently: Chadd says when the run is over No Negativity Share something that you are grateful for on each lap No profanity Check out Jesse Itzler's 29O29 Challenge Sponsor: Native Deodorant use promo code TRN for 20% off first purchase

Jeff Browning shows patience and maturity as he continually places in the top 10 at some of the most competitive races. He recently finished in the top 10 for the 4th time in a row at Western States 100 in June. We talk to Jeff about His initial conversion from mountain biking to running How becoming fat adapted has helped him recover quicker His race strategy and philosophy Coaching Check out Jeff's coaching web site: GoBroncoBilly.com

The women's field at Western Statesis always very deep and exciting to watch. This year was no exception. With record low temps and a stacked women's field, the race had many surprises and nail-biting battles. Brittany Peterson battled with Clare Gallagher at this year's Western States 100 to finish a close second place. Brittany slows down just long enough to recount her epic finish at the race. Check out her technical running camp that Brittany and Cody Lind are hosting HERE Learn more about how Brittany runs fast HERE Paul and Cody's Coaching site is www.g20running.com

This year's Western States 100 did not disappoint. The course, the competition, the runners, the volunteers, the crew and pacers showed up in spades. Join AJW as we review the big stories, review AJW pre-race picks, and relive the electricity from this past weekend. Look for weekly articles from AJW in the Taproomat irunfar.

369 runners will toe the line Saturday. Each of them with a story. AJWmeets up with us at The Aid Station in Auburn, CA to preview some of those stories of note and give us his prognostications on the podiums. Join us for the first-ever 20-hour video streamcast HERE Look for weekly articles from AJW in the Taproom at irunfar.

Join us next week (June 29-30) for the first ever 20-hour video stream-castof the iconic Western States 100. We will be streaming live video from The Aid Station in Auburn. Come by and say, "Hi". We will have aid station snacks and beverages there too. We discuss the details of the stream cast and where you can join in to follow the race, your favorite runners and learn more about WSER and trail running.

A few weeks ago we interviewed Coach Scott Johnstonabout the book he co-authored with Steve House and Kilian Jornet. We now sit down with Steve to understand his contribution to this amazing book. Check out their website, Uphill Athlete, is a great resource of knowledge with over 240 articles, coaching, training plans, etc.

We unveil our new project that we are attempting the WSER18 hour podcast. Join AJW and Bob Crowley, our event producer, as we discuss what we will be attempting, what you should expect and where you can either tune in OR come by and visit while we broadcast. We will begin streaming at 5:00pm PT on race day and will continue until the last finisher crosses the line. Click HERE to watch the live video stream-cast The Auburn Aid Station Trail Animals Club UltraLive

Chadd rejoins The Nation to discuss a recent race: Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra -a Last Man Standing race. He describes what this type of race is and the mental challenges that come with a loop course with no finish line. Chadd discusses how his training as an elite Navy Seal helps him prepare and run grueling races. He explains how these techniques can help you through difficult times in a race and in life. Follow Chadd on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

Iron Mike Wardian is like the sunshine: he seems to be everywhere. Mike has been successful in every race distance. He has won the US Championships in 50K, 50M, and 100K distances. He has qualified multiple times for the US Olympic trials, and still loves running 5Ks. He has set world records as the fastest stroller marathon, 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. Last year he ran 10 marathons in 10 days (on 7 continents) - average time was sub 3 hour. So far he has RACED over 1100 miles in 2019! We sit down and talk to him about his beginnings, how he recovers magically, his secret to wellness, the amazing Hoka One One earlier this month, his passion for running and his love for the community.

Cat Bradley continues to be a rising star and we found out why when we sat down with her at Fleet Feet Sacramento for a live-audience recording. She discusses how she developed a love for the outdoors and running, how she sets audacious goals, and how she deals with set backs. Cat is a true ambassador of the trail and you will find out as you get sucked into her amazing story and personality.

Hoka One One may have kept the worlds best running secret for the world record attempt May 4th 2019. When a company like Hoka looks for the perfect race venue and finds calendar doesn't meet the criteria, they build their own event. Join us as we talk with the Senior Sports Marketing Manager, Mike McMannis and Head Product Designer Matt Head about the details behind the event and the new CARBON X shoe. You can join the event LIVE by logging into the Hoka One One FaceBook page and watch the event go down. Hoka has provided professional videographers and 4 professional commentators to give you the best seat in the house.

How does Killian Jornet train? Scott Johnston, a world class athlete and experienced coach teams up with two of the world's most experienced mountain athletes to help teach us the keys to training. Training the Uphill Athlete is the new book by Scott, Steve House and Killian Jornet. Scott discusses the keys to training for endurance and mountain performance. Check out their website, Uphill Athlete, is a great resource of knowledge with over 240 articles, coaching, training plans, etc.

Tim Twietmeyer has finished Western States 25 times under 24 hours and 5 first place finishes. Hal Hall has finished 30 Tevis Cup finishes (Western States trail horse endurance ride) with multiple 1st place finishes. Tim and Hal received a "Tile" in downtown Auburn California recognizing their contributions. We sit down and chat about the history of WS trail, training horses vs training a human. Craig Thornley RD of WS 100 helps host this podcast that was recorded live at Auburn Running Company. We had a great time, we hope you enjoy as much as we did. You can find a the live video on the WS FaceBook site.

Marty Dugard is a New York Times #1 bestselling author and a lifelong runner. He also is the coach for the JSerra High School Running Lions Cross Country teams. He is also a friend of TRN, joining us a few years ago to teach how to seek for a better version of ourselves. We discuss his newest book, To Be a Runner: How Racing up Mountains, Running with the Bulls, or Just Talking on a 5K Makes You a Better Person (and the World a Better Place) Check out his other books HERE

Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance author, Alex Hutchinson, joins The Nation to discuss endurance: what it is, what defines our limits and the science that helps us understand it. Previous Podcasts where we discuss the specific chapters of Endure: Podcast #1: The Unforgiving Minute, The Conscience Quitter, Heat, Belief Podcast #2: The Central Governor Theory, Pain and Training the Brain Podcast #3 : Oxygen, Fuel, and Zapping the Brain Check out Alex's other books: Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?: Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise Big Ideas: 100 Modern Inventions That Have Transformed Our World