Trail Mix Running Podcast

TMRP is a podcast about all things ultramarathon and trail running with stories from the back of the pack at your local race to the biggest podiums around the world.
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Our goals are to have fun, help our listeners become better runners with ultrarunning tips on training and gear, bring on endurance athletes for conversations that are different than you might be used to, and ultimately use this podcast as a platform to project ourselves into American pop culture before a glorious spiral back to the bottom dredges of society.
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Throw us on for your next run or drive!
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Life is short, run far.

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 38 min
Local Legend #4 - Nick Petterson
Let's be honest, with no disrespect to any Local Legends that have joined us so far, Nick is pushing the boundaries of what a guest for this type of episode represents. As we get to in the first minute of the episode, Nick was technically nominated as a LL from a previous guest, but his resume, and prowess on the trails make hima threat to win any race he signs up for. Nick is fresh off of a win at the Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra where he ran a whopping 262.5 miles. This year has also included wins at the Rocky Raccoon 100 and Grasslands 100, as well. Catch Nick in action next (after a quick training run at the Berlin Marathon) at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Championships where he will represent Team USA, and for the love of all things holy, if you work for a running company, or Noosa, please sponsor this man. Nick's Instagram Nick's Strava Be sure to like, follow and comment to help grow the show! See everyone next week!
July 22 · 1 hr 27 min
The Mental Side of Trail Running with Nickademus de la Rosa
We're back with episode 22 of the Trail Mix Running Podcast. In this episode the guys cover everything going on in the world of running from backyard ultras, High Lonesome and Vermont 100s, and other, equally as important nonsense that happened in the past week. Also, congratulations to Nick whose family grew by four legs when they adopted WIlson. For this week's interview, Nick and Steven talked to Nickademus de la Rosa. Nickademus has his MS in Sports Psychology and is a very accomplished ultra runner in his own right. These days he focuses on helping athletes thrive under the external and self imposed pressures of performing at their best. This is the third installment of our Four Pillars of Ultra Running and we know you'll love it. If you like what you hear drop a 5-star review and be sure to follow/subscribe to the show. See you next week! Nickademus on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ultrademus/ Imperfect Mental Performance - https://imperfectmentalperformance.com/
July 15 · 1 hr
Hardrock 100 Recap with Professional Crew Member (and Nick's wife) Brooke Parsons
Are we ever ready to turn the page? After two episodes about Hardrock 100 this recap will be our last piece on it for 2026. Sad. Luckily we're joined by none other than Brooke Parsons who (along with Nick and about 10 others) crewed Tara Dower at Hardrock. We talk about the race and then get the inside scoop from Brooke and Nick about what it's like being on the other side of the rope with an elite runner at one of America's most prestigious trail ultras. If you enjoy the episode drop a five star rating, and leave us a comment about who you would like us to have on as a guest in the coming months. Life is short, run far.
July 8 · 1 hr 21 min
Careth Arnold
Holy Moly EPISODE 20!! We celebrate this momentous occasion with none other than Careth Arnold. We shared some time while she was at her final training camp before the Hardrock 100. For those that don't know, Careth Arnold, is an elite trail runner who has made her name at some of the toughest, fastest, and most prestigious ultramarathons around the world. We cover life as a professional mother and trail runner, her training philosophies, what keeps her pushing forward, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode drop us a 5-star rating wherever you're listening and be sure to follow so you never miss a thing! Thanks! Careth on Instagram Return to Run Podcast
July 1 · 34 min
Local Legend #3 - Arleigh Atkinson
What is up everyone? We are back with episode 19 of Trail Mix Running Podcast with our THIRD Local Legend, Arleigh Atkinson. Arleigh is an accomplished ultramarathoner who has been putting it down on trails across the US for over a decade. We cover some of Arleigh's memorable moments on the trails and what keeps her going; from her local 'gaggle' of running friends, to the strength she finds in accomplishing difficult goals that she sets for herself. If you like this episode (obviously) throw a 5-star rating wherever you listen. Do you know someone who is a Local Legend? Nominate them to be a guest on TMRP here.
June 24 · 1 hr 38 min
All things Hardrock 100 with Howie Stern
Okay, first things first - we went long with the intro. While we do think you'll love it - if you want to get to the Howie interview it starts at 42:05. In episode 18 of Trail Mix Running Podcast Nick and Steven cover Steven's dog bite situation, Nick's recent travels, and all the news about Broken Arrow Skyrace, Tahoe 200, and Western States. Then, for the interview the guys talk to endurance athlete, Silverton local, photographer, and Hardrocker, Howie Stern. If you like what you hear drop us a 5-star rating, and throw a comment about who you would like to hear us talk to next! See you next week. 🤘
June 17 · 36 min
Nonprofit Spotlight - Rachel Bambrick from Women In Ultrarunning
In this weeks episode we share some time with Rachel Bambrick, founder and Executive Director of Women In Ultrarunning. We cover Rachel's start in running and what she saw that made her want to advocate for women by starting WIU. We also cover the impact that WIU is aiming to make in the sport, what an equitable landscape looks like, and how anyone can help advocate for the cause. Be sure to drop a comment on the episode, and the most helpful things you can do is to leave a 5-star rating and follow the show. Thanks so much and we'll see you next week!
June 10 · 1 hr 27 min
Coree Woltering
This week, Nick and Steven kick things off with a recap of some fun they had on the track before diving into bear attacks in Glacier National Park, the ongoing Cam Hanes and Sage Canaday drama, updates from Western States and Hardrock, and news on killer efforts and the new longest unsupported FKT ever set. Then we sit down with professional trail runner and Merrell Team Manager Coree Woltering. We talk about his packed schedule, FKTs on the Ice Age Trail and Pinhoti Trail, balancing life as both an elite athlete and team manager, and what continues to motivate him after years in the sport. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to follow, rate, and share the show with a friend.
June 3 · 36 min
Local Legend #2 - Chad Salyer
Trail Mix is now a weekly endeavor! We're switching from every two weeks to every Wednesday to bring our listeners more of the content they have been asking for. In this episode of Trail Mix, Nick and Steven sit and share some time with Chad Salyer, an ultra runner from the DFW area of Texas. We talk with Chad about finding running when life threw some changes his way, and how he uses a purpose bigger than himself to push through when the going gets tough. We will be fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help support Chad's cause. Thanks for listening! Leave a 5-star rating and drop a comment if you have a few seconds.
May 27 · 1 hr 33 min
"Professor" Carl Stanfield
In episode 14 of TMRP Nick and Steven sit with "Professor" Carl Stanfield who completed the Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking in 2022, where he hiked the entirety of the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest Trails (plus some bonus miles that we cover in the episode. Prior to the interview, Nick and Steven talk about everything going on in the world of trail running. What's that? You love the podcast? Thanks! Go ahead and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and throw a comment about what you'd love to hear us cover in the next episode. Thanks for joining us on this ride and have a great week!
May 13 · 1 hr 37 min
Talking Nutrition with Vic Johnson
If you're reading this stop what you're doing and follow the podcast if you haven't already. _____ In this episode of TMRP Nick and Steven are joined by Vic Johnson (instagram.com/mountain.sports.dietician) to talk about the part of trail running that impacts every athlete - nutrition. The trio covers general nutrition guidelines, race week prep, intra-event fueling, and post race recovery. This is part two of TMRP's four part "Four Pillars of Trail Running" series where we cover different aspects of effective running. Before Nick and Steven are joined by Vic they breakdown all the Cocodona excitement including Rachel Entrekin's amazing performance. The guys also cover other trail running news, Nick's upcoming triathlon, and all sorts of other goodies. Find us on Instagram at instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast to stay up to date with the show.
April 29 · 1 hr 28 min
Sage Canaday
Sage Canaday (instagram.com/sagecanaday) joins Nick and Steven for episode 12 of TMRP to talk about his life on and off the trail, his company, Higher Running, and how his health has impacted his views about success, life, and risk taking. Before the interview starts, the guys cover a couple updates from episode 11, everything going on at the Boston and London marathons, recent ultramarathon news, robots, new movie scripts we're considering for the 2027 Trail Running Film Festival, and Steven even shares some updates about his leg saga (electric, I know). Follow us at instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if you're not a buster. See you in two weeks!
April 15 · 1 hr 34 min
Dr. Kameron Harder
This week, Nick and Steven sit down with Dr. Kameron Harder, founder of Ridge Athletics, Doctor of Physical Therapy, strength coach, and endurance athlete, to talk about what it really takes to stay durable as a runner. From injury prevention and rehab to building strength that actually translates to performance, Kam breaks down the biggest mistakes runners make when it comes to staying healthy and getting stronger. The conversation dives into how strength training fits into a serious running schedule, what athletes often misunderstand about pain and recovery, and why durability might be the biggest performance advantage in the sport. Whether you’re training for your first trail race, chasing a PR, or just trying to stay consistent without getting sidelined, this episode is packed with practical takeaways from one of the best minds working with runners today. https://www.instagram.com/ridgeathleticsaz https://ridgeathleticsaz.com/
April 1 · 1 hr 31 min
Mike McKnight
Just days after we sat down with Mike, he went out and did exactly what he said he would do: win the Arizona Monster 300 and set a new course record in the process. Covering 304 miles through the Sonoran Desert in 3 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes, Mike averaged roughly 80 miles per day on one of the toughest multi-day races in the country. In this episode, we talk about the path that led him here and what keeps him moving forward. We also cover his first attempt at race directing, his love for a certain Ford Mustang, and what’s so special about raw milk. With six races over 200 miles plus the iconic Hardrock 100 on his 2026 calendar, Mike is setting up for a massive year. We had a blast talking with Mike and we hope you enjoy the listen. Follow the podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.
March 18 · 1 hr 33 min
Tara Dower
In this episode of TMRP Steven and Nick cover what they've been staying busy with, yet another road race finish debacle, the Arizona Monster 300, more label accuracy problems and...arsenic found in our favorite snacks?? They also talk about the upcoming Trail Mix aid station at the Grasslands Trail Race. This episode’s guest is none other than FKT and ultra running icon Tara Dower. The trio covers what she’s been up to since Javelina, balancing life, training, and internal pressure, the rapid progression of trail running, her YouTube channel Tara Treks, her summer race and FKT plans, and her podcast with Arlee Hiskey, DNF Diaries - plus plenty more along the way. Thanks for dropping by. If you had fun with us, be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating. Tara's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/ https://www.youtube.com/@taratreks https://www.instagram.com/dnf.diaries
March 4 · 1 hr 15 min
Talking Trail Running Film Festival with Executive Director Mathias Eichler
Episode 8 of the Trail Mix Running Podcast is here. Nick and Steven kick things off by talking about how their 2026 is shaping up, interesting gear choices from the Black Canyon 100K, records falling at the Jackpot 100, and how much longer Zach Bitter’s 100-mile record might stand. They also cover octogenarian speedster Gary Patton, chaos in Atlanta at the Women’s USATF Half Marathon Championship, and whether spring is actually here to stay (sorry, East Coasters). Then they’re joined by Mathias Eichler, Executive Director of the Trail Running Film Festival, to talk about the festival’s past and future, how he sees TRFF shaping the running zeitgeist, what makes a great running film, the tradeoffs of corporate backing in creative work, and whether a zombie film has ever been submitted. If you’re enjoying the show, toss us a five-star rating after you finish the episode.
February 18 · 1 hr 6 min
Recent Races, Public Lands, and Blaze Trails Running Race Directors Anne and Chris Barnwell
In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven break down recent racing action across the trail and ultra world, including the Black Canyon 100K, the Barkley Marathons, Rocky 50, Race Purse updates, and the Austin Marathon. They also dig into important updates impacting Texas State Parks and debate Steven’s top three public lands in Texas. The episode wraps up with a conversation with Anne and Chris Barnwell, race directors of Blaze Trails Running and hosts of the Grasslands Trail Race - an Ultrarunning Magazine Old School Ultra taking place on March 21 in Alvord, Texas. The group talks about race founder Suzi Cope, what makes Grasslands special, and what runners can expect on race day.
February 4 · 1 hr 14 min
Dan Green
In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with 2025 Cocodona 250 champion and course record holder Dan Green (Interview starts at 25:16). The trio talks about Dan’s path to Cocodona, the subtle running culture differences between West Virginia and France, the positive peer pressure that comes from a strong running group (text message group), his thoughts on being a professional runner, the infamous crosswalk incident, and what actually makes the perfect pair of tights. Drop a flag in the comments to let us know where you’re listening from, and if you like what you hear, a five-star rating would mean the world to us. Chapters 00:00 - Intro/Ouachita Switchbacks 50k/Steven Finally Fell 04:26 - Nick's Burrito League Experience/Cultural Phenomenon 13:15 - Trail Mix Aid Station at Grasslands Ultra/What Makes A Good Aid Station?/A Teaser of What's to Come? 16:00 - Looking Back on Calling Our Shot w/ Meg Eckert 17:33 - This Is Now A Taipei 101 Podcast 22:35 - Intro'ing Dan Green 25:16 - Dan Green Interview
January 21 · 49 min
Finding Our Stride
In this episode of TMRP, hosts Nick and Steven share listener milestones reflecting the growth of the show and finally come to a conclusion on what actually counts as a fall while trail running. They also talk about the Freetrail and UltraRunning Magazine’s respective Trail Runner and Ultra Runner of the Year lists. Other topics include Nike ACG’s rave fashion roots, the annual sponsorship shuffle, whether or not they think they’re influenceable, dream sponsors, and the debut of a new segment: Local Legends. Thanks for joining us for Episode 5. If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a comment with your favorite part of the episode and consider dropping a five-star review - it helps more than you might think. See you in two weeks! 🤘 00:00 - Intro/Growth Numbers/We're on Apple Podcasts Now 02:20 - Falling Into Place/We Love Burritos 06:50 - Nick is Fast(ing)/Starting Resolutions 12:19 - Steven's First Race of 2026 13:13 - Trail/Ultra Runner of the Year 2025 (Freetrail and UltraRunner Magazine) 17:20 - Signing Season/Is Nike Moving In?/Are We Influenceable? 24:06 - NEW SEGMENT - Local Legends/An Ask For Our Listeners 28:34 - Local Legend #1 Erica Garner
January 7 · 1 hr 20 min
Running Into 2026: Lessons and Goals with Meg Eckert
In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by teacher, coach, and women’s six-day distance world record holder Meg Eckert for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to what they’re chasing in 2026. Meg shares what excites her about running, her favorite song to put on when she's hitting a steep mountainside trail, and what she thinks about the potential of multi-day efforts as the sport continues to evolve. Together, they explore lessons learned, goals worth pursuing, and what it means to stay curious and motivated over the long haul. Find Meg online at www.instagram.com/_megeckert. Chapters 00:00 – Intro / First Group Run of 2026 02:32 – Falling vs. Stumbling / WWDGD 04:40 – Denton’s Dummest / Keep Austin Weird 07:17 – Christmas Traditions / Hydration / HansIsYoungAndFit 10:15 – Our GOAT Ann Trason / Running Before Garmin 13:59 – WTF Chipotle / Palo Duro Listener / Lotteries / Bandit Running Leadville 19:02 – Meg Eckert Introduction / Goals vs. Resolutions / Backyard 101 24:09 – Meg Eckert Interview