Trail Runner Nation

In today's episode, we are going to open the bookstore and review the book  "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Dr. Peter Attia. This book offers a radical approach to longevity, emphasizing proactive, personalized strategies over the reactive methods of mainstream medicine. Today, we'll focus on four key chapters that explore innovative nutrition, optimal exercise and sleep, and the cr...

We return to our 'Endurance Of The Trail" Series in this episode with our friend Major Brian "Tosh" Chontosh, United States Marine Corps, Retired.  He recounts his extraordinary journey of participating in The World's Roughest Row , rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean with his team of former Navy SEALs despite their lack of prior experience in ocean rowing. He delves into the rigorous trai...

In this episode, we dive into the unique intersection of everyday vocabulary and the expansive world of trail and ultrarunning. We are joined by the ever-insightful Warren Pole and the ultrarunning sage, Andy Jones-Wilkins , for a lighthearted yet profound discussion that ties the randomness of language to the trails we cherish. There are times in our running careers when the only thing we think a...

Dive into the Thrilling World of Ultra Running with Historian Davy Crockett ! Join hosts us in an exhilarating journey through the untold history and fascinating evolution of ultra marathons. Discover the legendary races that shaped the sport: from the historic Comrades Marathon to the enigmatic Barkley Marathons . Learn about the earliest ultra runners, their unique mindset, and how their challen...

In this bonus episode, we are talking about metabolism.  We have learned a lot of great information, strategies, and tactics while we have been partnered with MetPro, an innovative program offering personalized health and fitness strategies and coaching. The episode features insights from Mike, who shares his successful journey with MetPro in achieving weight loss and enhanced training. Amber Vela...

This episode is focused on the fuel that drives endurance athletes. It's a world where what you eat isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's about strategy, precision, and sometimes, survival. Joining us from Australia are two experts of sports dietetics, Steph Gaskell and Alan Mccubbin, co-hosts of "The Fueling Endurance" podcast . Steph, a trail runner herself, is an expert of exercise-induced g...

Dr. Latt Mansor joins The Nation to discuss how metabolic flexibility and fat adaptation can significantly improve endurance running performance. He discusses the roles of different fuel sources, emphasizing that fats and ketones are more efficient for endurance athletes than proteins. Additionally, Dr. Mansor highlights the benefits of exogenous ketones like Ketone IQ for enhancing athletic perfo...

In this episode, we talk about the strategic aspects of building a race calendar, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and having backup plans. Coaches Ian Sharman and Stefanie Flippin join us to help us understand some ways to approach building a race calendar.  The conversation goes beyond just focusing on popular races or qualifiers, highlighting the enjoyment of trail running as a...

In this year-end episode of Trail Runner Nation, we thought we'd publish the last audio magazine for the year. Joining us to create the articles for this edition is  Crack-a-Brew podcast host and coach , Andy Jones-Wilkins . Audio Magazine is where we each "write" two magazine articles.  The created titles for these articles are somewhat disconnected.  After introducing the article with the title,...

In this episode, Matt Fitzgerald and Ryan Whited discuss their book ' Pain and Performance: The Revolutionary New Way to Use Training as Treatment for Pain and Injury' focusing on training as treatment. They emphasize the effectiveness of using exercise to heal exercise-related pain and injuries. The conversation also delves into understanding pain as a valuable tool, the influence of expectation...

This episode explores a unique perspective on risk-taking and personal growth. Our world has become a comfort zone, where taking risks is often avoided, leading to a softer, more complacent society. But what if the key to unlocking success and joy lies in stepping into vulnerability and embracing challenges? To shed light on this intriguing idea, we're joined by Bob Crowley and Adam Kimble . They'...

Are you navigating the intricate trails of ultra running, seeking to debunk common myths and embrace effective strategies? Join us as we delve into the world of trail and ultra running with Stefanie Flippin .  Stefanie is a coach , freelance writer, podcaster ( Making Strides ), and...did we mention she is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and runs her own private practice.  In 2021, she wo...

Are you grappling with the challenge of balancing your career aspirations, family responsibilities, fitness goals, and other personal pursuits? You're not alone.  Nick Jonsson , a figure synonymous with achieving an enviable equilibrium in life, faced similar challenges. As a top executive and an accomplished triathlete, Nick's journey to find balance wasn't straightforward. Today, he's here with...

This episode focuses on the intersection of coaching, athlete training, and the utilization of cutting-edge technology to enhance performance. What is the role of the plethora of tech devices and data analytics we now have? We are joined by two luminaries in the field, Joe Friel and Dirk Friel . Joe is a lifelong athlete with a masters degree in exercise science and has written the Training Bible...

This is a episode on our series we call, Endurance off the Trail, where we look at other endurance sports and see what we can learn from them to make us better trail runners.   In this episode, we talk about the endurance event that preceeded the Western States Endurance run, The Tevis Cup .  This is a 100-mile endurance event that follows the Western States trail by man and their partner horse. W...

In this episode, we are rejoined by Dr. Matt Laye —an endurance athlete with a PhD in medical physiology and an assistant professor of physiology at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine . As we explore the critical role of sleep in running performance and recovery, Dr. Laye unpacks the science behind why a lack of sleep can be a runner's downfall. With his experience as a coach at Sharman Ult...

Today we're unpacking the transition from long-distance to explosive short runs. Curious about the differences and how to adapt? We've got you covered. Addie Bracy from Sharman Ultra , a sports psychologist and author, joins us again, making her sixth appearance. Also with us is Ian Sharman , head coach at Sharman Ultra , an ultrarunning record holder with achievements that are literally out of th...

Today, we're going to explore the microscopic powerhouses that fuel every step of our runs: mitochondria. Often referred to as the 'batteries' or 'powerhouses' of the cell, these tiny organelles are where the magic happens when it comes to producing the energy we need, whether we're pushing up a steep incline or sprinting towards the finish line. Dr. Mark Cucuzzella rejoins us to help us understan...

All winners have common threads that they do differently than everyone else.   Lanny Bassham , a 2-time Olympic medalist and 4-time world champion has discovered a formula to prepare mentally to be a champion.  Since retiring from competition, he has continued as a coach to many World and Olympic champions, Fortune 500 companies, the United States Secret Service, the US Navy SEALS, the United Stat...

In today's episode, we have an incredible story of determination and endurance. Meet Kristian Morgan , a British ultra-runner who has recently achieved a remarkable feat on the famous Appalachian Trail in North America. Kristian set a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) by completing the 2,200-mile trail in just 45 days, 4 hours, and 27 minutes. Battling through challenging weather conditions and treache...

Our reoccuring episode series where we bring on some great running coaches and ask them questions about running. In this episode, we asked TRN listeners via social media what questions you need answers to. We dive into heart rate zones, heat aclimation with sauna, and race strategy Our coaches in this episode are: Jenny Guilty Jenny Guilty of Abbotsford, BC, is an acclaimed ultra-trail runner whos...

This is the second of our series of episodes called "Endurance off the Trail" where we dive deep into the world of endurance sports outside of trail running. Our mission? To uncover the similarities we share and the differences that set us apart. We believe that by exploring the nuances of other endurance disciplines, we can enrich our own experiences on the trail. In this episode, Liz Stephen , a...

In this episode, we delve deep into the often-overlooked synergy between road and trail running with Coach Ian Sharman . As head coach at Sharman Ultra and a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner, Ian brings a unique perspective, showcasing the merits and benefits of embracing both terrains in training. From the physiological adaptions and mental resilience fostered in each discipline to actionable...

Today, we've got an extraordinary guest who truly personifies the spirit of relentless improvement— Mika Thewes . She has not only completed the grueling Bigfoot 200 ultra-marathon five times but has also managed to get faster with each and every race! In this episode, we'll delve into Mika's journey from her first Bigfoot 200 to her recent defending win and course record. How does one continuousl...

In this must-listen episode of Trail Runner Nation, we explore the enigmatic "Pain Cave"—a space every runner knows but wishes to avoid. Our exceptional panel includes ultra-marathon champions Jeff Browning , Michael Wardian , and Courtney Dauwalter , as well as sports science expert Alex Hutchinson . They join us to dissect this complex topic in a three-part discussion: Defining the Pain Cave, Na...