Trail Runner Nation

Trail Runner Nation is devoted to sharing knowledge and advice to the trail running community - from beginners to the pros! We offer tips and discussion regarding race nutrition, pacing strategy, mental focus and much more from well-respected members of the trail community.

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600 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes600

Newest first

Friday · 51 min
13 Miles. 7 Stops. One Ironing Board | EP 792
When a routine trail run leads Don and Scott to discover runners carrying ironing boards into the woods, they uncover the surprisingly real world of Extreme Ironing and the inaugural Iron X trail race. In this lighthearted episode, they talk with the race’s creators about how the event began, why fun and community still matter in trail running, and why sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.
July 23 · 1 hr 8 min
More Data. Better Gear. Slower Runners? | EP 791
This episode challenges the idea that more data, technology, and fueling automatically make us better runners. Dr. Phil Maffetone explains why aerobic development, metabolic health, and smarter use of data may be the keys to running faster, staying healthier, and becoming a more complete athlete.
July 15 · 1 hr 12 min
Has Trail Running Lost Its Soul? | EP 790
Trail running has grown from a small community of passionate runners into a global sport, bringing bigger races, better gear, international competition, and more opportunities than ever before. Gaël Dutigny shares a firsthand account of witnessing UTMB from its very first edition in 2003 and reflects on how its evolution mirrors the growth of trail running itself. The conversation explores both sides of that growth, from crowded lotteries and commercialization to innovations in equipment, race o
July 9 · 1 hr 3 min
You're Probably Using Caffeine Wrong | EP 789
Caffeine is one of the most researched performance enhancers in endurance sports, yet most runners know surprisingly little about how to use it effectively. In this conversation, Stone Creek Coffee founders Eric Resch and Amy Balestrieri separate the science from the myths, discussing when caffeine actually helps performance, why timing matters more than quantity, and how too much can hurt your sleep and recovery. They also explore why that morning cup of coffee is about far more than caffeine,
July 3 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race
Marc Hopkins, author of Hard Things, set out to write a book about running the Bigfoot 200, but what emerged was something much deeper. In this conversation, he shares how endurance running became the lens through which he uncovered old stories about self-worth, fear, identity, and the belief that one more finish line would finally make him enough. Together, we explore why runners chase hard things, the difference between simply enduring life and living with purpose, and how the trail can expos
June 24 · 1 hr 11 min
EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need
What if getting older doesn't mean doing less, but doing it better? In this installment of the Aging as an Athlete series, legendary ultrarunner Krissy Moehl welcomes longtime climber and Patagonia ambassador Kate Rutherford for a conversation about longevity, purpose, and evolving with age. Kate shares how decades of climbing taught her that technical skill, efficiency, and joy can eventually outweigh youthful strength and endurance. The discussion explores everything from body awareness and re
June 19 · 1 hr 11 min
EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States
Western States is more than a 100-mile race. For many ultrarunners, it's the unofficial holiday that defines the season. In this annual Trail Runner Nation tradition, Andy Jones-Wilkins returns to break down the 2026 Western States field, explain the stories behind the biggest contenders, and help everyday runners understand who to watch when race day arrives. Along the way, the conversation explores the race's unique culture, its history, the lottery system, the legendary Golden Hour finish, an
June 11 · 1 hr 12 min
EP 785: Why Fitness isn't Enough
What separates great ultrarunners from everyone else isn't just fitness. It's how they think. In this conversation, legendary coach and runner Ian Sharman shares the philosophy behind his new book The Art of Ultrarunning, explaining why execution, adaptability, and purpose matter just as much as training miles. Through stories from his Grand Slam of Ultrarunning record, hard-earned racing mistakes, and years of coaching athletes of every level, Ian reveals how to stay motivated, pace smarter, a
June 5 · 1 hr 9 min
EP 784: The Future of Trail Running Is Being Decided Right Now
Tim Tollefson returns to Trail Runner Nation for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes trail running special and what happens as the sport continues to grow. Using a "Wheel of Trail Running" format, the discussion lands on two big topics: cultivating the next generation of trail stewards and the ongoing professionalization of trail running. Tim shares how his work with Runners for Public Lands and Mammoth Trail Fest has changed the way he views trails, volunteerism, and the responsibility
May 29 · 44 min
EP 783: The Supplement Runners Should Consider
Creatine has long been boxed into the weight-room world, but this episode opens the door to a much bigger conversation for trail runners and endurance athletes. Creatine is something surprisingly simple, "right within the reach of a glass," that may help athletes become stronger, faster, healthier, and more resilient. We discuss with Dr. Dan Pardi, Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life Sciences, whether this familiar supplement can support not just performance, but long-term health and better dail
May 21 · 1 hr 3 min
EP 782: Fear Isn't the Enemy
Writer and ultrarunner Gaël Dutigny joins us to talk about his Ultra Running Magazine article, "Fear Isn't a Weakness," and why fear may be one of the most misunderstood tools in endurance sports. Gaël shares how, even after finishing UTMB four times and racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and even Iraq during wartime, fear still shows up before and during big efforts. The conversation reframes fear not as something to suppress, but as information that can sharpen decision-making, expose your
May 14 · 1 hr 8 min
EP 781: The Finish Line That Changed Everything
ode we are joined by Brian Morrison, author of Given to Fly: A Story of Tragedy, Triumph, and Realization at Western States 100, about one of the most unforgettable finishes in ultrarunning history. Brian takes listeners back to the 2006 Western States 100, where he was leading the race before collapsing on the Placer High School track just steps from victory, later being disqualified because he received assistance crossing the finish line. The conversation explores how Scott Jurek's belief in h
May 6 · 57 min
EP 780: The Woman Who Ran 600 Miles
Megan Eckert returns to Trail Runner Nation after an extraordinary stretch in endurance racing, including a third place at Cocadona 250, setting a women's world record at Big's Backyard Ultra and becoming the first woman to run more than 600 miles in six days. She explains why backyard ultras are less about speed and more about solving the strange little puzzle of time, sleep, food, heat, pacing, and decision-making, one hour at a time. The conversation gets into what happens when the body start
May 1 · 54 min
EP 779: The Hidden Performance Cost of Sun Damage
Returning guest, coach Colleen Miracle, joins us to talk about something many trail runners know they should care about but often ignore: sun protection. The conversation is based on Colleen's UltraSignup article "Why Ultrarunners Face a Higher Risk of Skin Cancer and Decreased Running Performance." Colleen shares her own experience with stage-one skin cancer on her lip, which began as what looked like a small freckle but turned out to be a wound that would not heal. The episode gets practical f
April 23 · 1 hr 13 min
EP 778: Audio Magazine- The Run That Changes Your Brain
Audio Magazine episode! Long-time friend, Warren Pole joins us to trade ideas, stories, and thought-provoking topics from the world of endurance sports. We talk about everything from whether races should ban in-race filming to the surprising ways ultrarunning might temporarily damage red blood cells and what that means for recovery. Warren brings a sharp perspective on long-term health, framing running as an investment that compounds over time, especially when paired with better nutrition. The
April 17 · 1 hr 9 min
EP 777: Inside the Toughest Era of Ultrarunning
In this episode, we sit down with ultrarunning legend Hal Koerner and Ian Sharman to go beyond the race results and into the stories hidden between the aid stations. Hal reflects on the gritty era of ultrarunning when gear was simpler, races were rougher, and success often came down to who could stay calm while everything else unraveled. The conversation explores their approach to downhill running, how they learned to descend with confidence, and why many runners sabotage themselves by braking t
April 9 · 1 hr 2 min
EP 776: Build Stronger Feet Before They Fail
In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Tonya Olson, we shift from fixing foot problems to preventing them by building stronger, more resilient feet before race day disaster strikes. Tonya explains that the biggest mistake runners make is not paying attention to their feet until something hurts, even though their feet have been quietly sending signals for months, like tiny grumpy trail prophets. The discussion explores how calluses, hot spots, toenails, and skin changes can reveal weaknesses in
April 3 · 1 hr 2 min
EP 775: I Spent $4,500 on One Race
What are some of the real costs of running an ultra? In this episode, ultra runner and coach Colleen Miracle talks about this, and it turns out the race entry is just the first pebble in the avalanche. We discuss the hidden expenses that pile up around an A-race: travel, nutrition, coaching, shoes, gear, hotels, rental cars, and the tiny financial gremlins that quietly multiply in the dark corners of race prep. Colleen shares that one of her hundred-mile races carried a $4,500 receipt, but sh
March 26 · 1 hr 4 min
EP 774: Aging As An Athlete- The Truth About Longevity in Running
What if your best performance isn't behind you… it's just different now? In this Aging as an Athlete episode, Krissy Moehl joins again as co-host in a discussion with Bryce Thatcher. Bryce Thatcher is a trail-running pioneer and founder of UltrAspire, who has spent over 40 years innovating hydration gear while living and embodying a lifelong commitment to mountain running and human-powered adventure. We explore what it really takes to stay connected to trail running over decades. Bryce shares
March 19 · 1 hr 7 min
EP 773: Why We Choose to Suffer (And Love It)
In this episode, we are joined again by coach Adam Kimble to explore the book, The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning by Paul Bloom, and discuss why endurance athletes voluntarily seek discomfort in pursuit of meaning, growth, and satisfaction. We discuss the concept of "benign masochism," highlighting how pain and pleasure are deeply intertwined in long races and hard efforts. We talk about internal versus external motivation, the power of anticipation, and how re

Trail Runner Nation

13 Miles. 7 Stops. One Ironing Board | EP 792

More Data. Better Gear. Slower Runners? | EP 791

Has Trail Running Lost Its Soul? | EP 790

You're Probably Using Caffeine Wrong | EP 789

EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race

EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need

EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States

EP 785: Why Fitness isn't Enough

EP 784: The Future of Trail Running Is Being Decided Right Now

EP 783: The Supplement Runners Should Consider

EP 782: Fear Isn't the Enemy

EP 781: The Finish Line That Changed Everything

EP 780: The Woman Who Ran 600 Miles

EP 779: The Hidden Performance Cost of Sun Damage

EP 778: Audio Magazine- The Run That Changes Your Brain

EP 777: Inside the Toughest Era of Ultrarunning

EP 776: Build Stronger Feet Before They Fail

EP 775: I Spent $4,500 on One Race

EP 774: Aging As An Athlete- The Truth About Longevity in Running

EP 773: Why We Choose to Suffer (And Love It)