Trail Runner Nation

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation , we invite you to be the guest as we discuss the transformative power of running and highlight its profound impact on mental health, physical fitness, and personal growth. Through personal stories, we explore how trail running provides an escape, fosters resilience, and strengthens community connections. We also discuss the importance of mental toughness, th...

James Lawrence , the Iron Cowboy , joins The Nation to talk about his extraordinary journey in endurance sports, including his world-record-setting Ironman triathlons. James reflects on overcoming early struggles, the transformative power of mindset, and how embracing suffering shaped his resilience. He highlights the importance of community, gratitude, and hope, sharing emotional stories like hel...

There is an unwritten code of ethics promoting health, respect, and community support. in trail running.  It has existed for longer than any of us.  As a tribe or community, we need to know, share, and protect this code.  Coach Jimmy Dean Freeman rejoins us after many years to help us understand part of this code.  The SoCal Coyotes running club created a short list of some of these codes.  This i...

In this   Ask the Coaches episode, three coaches from Sharman Ultra Coaching, Ian Sharman , Dr. Matt Laye , and Jackson Brill  bring topics that they regularly encounter with their athletes. The conversation dives into the importance of mental toughness in ultra running , offering practical training strategies and insights on managing expectations during races.  Episode Sponsors: Janji , Use code...

In this episode, we play a game of "brilliant" or "bullshit" based on ten essential skills or knowledge areas that our "guest", Chat GPT, feels that every trail runner must know.  Topics include embracing mud, barefoot running, hydration timing, and the value of technical gear, complemented by personal anecdotes and insights. The conversation highlights balancing technology with intuition, the ben...

There are so many new studies and scientific discoveries that it's tough for us runners to discern what is fact and what is fiction.  That's why we enjoy every discussion we have with Alex Hutchinson . He dispels the fake news and brings to us the latest and greatest in athletic research in his "Sweat Science" column at OutsideOnline.com.  In this episode, we discuss a few of his recent articles o...

Have you ever wondered if you're leaving free speed on the trail every time you hit a downhill? Today, we'll show you how mastering the art of downhill running can not only save your legs but also transform your races—because downhill running isn't just about gravity; it's about strategy, skill, and confidence. Coach Ian Sharman offers invaluable insights for trail and ultra runners. We discuss es...

Are the diet myths you've believed holding you back from peak performance, or could eating more actually be the key to running stronger and feeling better? In this episode, Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn , creators of the podcast  Your Diet Sucks , explore the critical role of nutrition in endurance sports. They discuss common diet myths, the importance of individualized nutrition, and the impact of s...

Sometimes, life's greatest challenges lead to its most meaningful moments and change our lives. Dion Leonard joins The Nation to tell one of his stories that might motivate you to embrace resilience, foster kindness, and value the connections that make life extraordinary. Ultra-runner and author Dion Leonard shares his journey through his remarkable transformation from an overweight, heavy-drinkin...

Drop bags are a crucial tool for ultra runners, serving as lifelines that ensure access to essential items like hydration, nutrition, and comfort gear during long races. TRN friend and regular guest, Krissy Moehl and Kelly Kelly Swanson join our virtual run today to discuss the use of drop bags in ultra running. Kelly is the co-host of a new podcast, Drop Bag , and creator of the Ultraplanner , a...

What happens when the chaos of touring musicianship meets the grit of ultra-running? In this inspiring episode, we welcome ultra runners, musicians, and friends Kyle Whalum, Brad Sample, and Caleb Gilbreath to share their unique journey through the Pinhoti 100 ultramarathon and beyond. The conversation explores the parallels between music and running, highlighting the importance of self-discovery,...

Should we consider slowing down to Zone 1 for most of our training?  Returning guest and Brad Kearns , co-author of Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom, and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy--One Step at a Time , and long-time advocate for rethinking training principles. Building on our  previous conversation with Mark Sisson , Brad explores the misunderstood world of aerobic cond...

How does the foot arch function in running? How does the big toe play a crucial role in foot health and running efficiency? Dr. Matthew Silver returns to The Nation to answer these questions and help us understand practical ways to activate and strengthen our arches, shedding light on how different shoe types—especially the trend of high-stacked shoes—impact our feet over time. This episode will h...

Returning guest and renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry returns to unravel the truths and myths around stretching, mobility, and shoe selection for runners. Jay sheds light on the debate between static and dynamic stretching, highlighting how dynamic stretching can better prepare runners for performance and injury prevention. He distinguishes between flexibility (passive) and mobility (active...

For our 700th episode, we convinced our good friend Andy Jones-Wilkins to take some time off from recording his podcast, Crack A Brew with AJW , and his coaching to join us for a new episode type that we call "Trick or Treat." Each participant shares a story, and the others must guess if it's a Trick (lie) or a Treat (truth). We had a blast making it—hope you enjoy it! Hire AJW as a coach ! and re...

"True will is quiet humility, resilience, and flexibility; the other kind of will is weakness disguised by bluster and ambition." - Ryan Holiday This is the final episode of a 3-part series, where we review  Ryan Holiday's powerful book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage . Holiday, an expert on Stoicism, outlines three essential steps to overcoming challeng...

In this episode, we explore the relationship between nutrition and running with registered dietitian Jason Levee . We cover meal prep strategies, the importance of fiber for overall health, and how hydration impacts performance. Jason emphasizes balancing family health with healthy eating habits, providing practical tips on fueling before and after workouts. The discussion also highlights the valu...

Why are there so many fast finish times this year?  How can you get faster? In this episode, we explore the recent trend of record-breaking performances in ultra running, examining the key factors driving these improvements. We talk about the impact of advancements in equipment, nutrition, and coaching on performance, as well as the importance of mental training and recovery strategies. The conver...

"For us is the life of action….let us rather run the risk of wearing out than rusting out." Theodore Roosevelt This is the 2 episode of a 3-part series, we dive into Ryan Holiday's powerful book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage . Holiday, an expert on Stoicism, outlines three essential steps to overcoming challenges—Perception, Action, and Will. In this e...

In this episode, Dr. Phil Maffetone takes a comprehensive look at stress management, breaking it down into physical, biochemical, and mental/emotional categories. He shares practical strategies for addressing common stressors, from eliminating physical stress like ill-fitting shoes to managing biochemical stress through diet and reducing inflammation. Dr. Phil shares his personal experiences as a...

What happens when a love for the outdoors leads to launching an outdoor gear company and then running your first ultra-marathon? In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we're joined by Tayson Whittaker , founder and CEO of Outdoor Vitals , to dive into the world of fastpacking, trail running, and backpacking. Tayson shares his inspiring journey of launching Outdoor Vitals, a company committed to p...

In this first episode of a 3-part series, we dive into Ryan Holiday's powerful book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage . Holiday, an expert on Stoicism, outlines three essential steps to overcoming challenges—Perception, Action, and Will. In this episode, we focus on Perception , the foundation of how we approach obstacles. We are joined in this series by f...

Have you ever faced the frustration of persistent running injuries that keep you from enjoying running on the trails? In this episode, We sit down with Dr. Matthew Silver , author of Built to Run , to explore practical strategies for running pain-free and overcoming common injuries. Dr. Silver delves into key topics like the importance of counter rotation, hip mobility, and the mind-body connectio...

In this episode, Coach David Roche delves into his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Leadville 100 , sharing insights into his unique approach to training, racing, and pushing personal limits. David discusses the importance of embracing failure as a pathway to success, maintaining a strong mindset, and never giving in to the urge to hike aka "Never Hike" mantra.. He also offers practical adv...

Ricky Gates discusses his latest project, The Field Guide to Classic Trails in North America Inspired by the book ' 50 Classic Climbs of North America ,' Ricky set out to create a similar guide for trail runners. The guide aims to highlight 50 must-do trails in North America that can be completed in under 24 hours. The criteria for selecting these trails include their feasibility, historical signi...