Libsyn Directory

EP 478: Your Best Running Companion

Release Date: 07/03/2020

EP 731: Ice, Mind, Body - The Ice Bath Effect

Trail Runner Nation

Can three minutes in freezing water reduce inflammation, boost testosterone, and improve your relationships? We talk with Dr. , co-founder of , about the powerful impact of cold plunge therapy on physical and mental wellness. Dr. Seager shares how cold exposure helped him overcome a midlife crisis and prostate health concerns, offering both scientific insight and personal stories. We explore how cold therapy reduces inflammation, supports testosterone levels, and activates the calming dive reflex. The conversation emphasizes the psychological benefits of ice baths, from mental resilience to...

EP 730: The Aging Athlete Series - Introduction

Trail Runner Nation

What does it mean to be a trail runner in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—or even your 70s? How do years of pounding dirt, chasing summits, and chasing goals shape our bodies, minds, and identities? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon . Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. We’ll hear from veteran runners, sports scientists, strength coaches, dietitians, and...

EP 729: The Golden Retriever Mindset - Lesson's from a 22 Year-old

Trail Runner Nation

At just 22 years old, is attempting to become the youngest person to complete sixteen 100-mile races in a single year—all while working full-time. In this episode, Nicholas shares what drives him to chase such an audacious goal, from his first marathon a little over a year ago to a solo Backyard Ultra and beyond. He opens up about the mental resilience it takes to keep showing up, the role of community and technology in his training, and how he balances recovery, work, and high-mileage weeks. With a “golden retriever mindset” and a deep love for nature, Nicholas reflects on the joys and...

EP 728: Be Kind to Yourself-Secret Weapon at Arizona's Monster 300

Trail Runner Nation

In this episode, ultra-endurance athlete recounts her transformative experience running the , a race that pushed her beyond her limits. She talks about her essential strategies for success in ultra-running, including the importance of sleep, hydration, nutrition, and terrain research. Lucja highlights how positive self-talk, mental resilience, and a supportive community played key roles in overcoming physical and emotional challenges. Her journey from a non-athlete to a seasoned ultra-runner offers inspiration and practical insights for anyone facing extreme endurance events. The episode also...

EP 727: Endurance Beyond the Finish Line

Trail Runner Nation

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we explore the gritty world of endurance sports with ultrarunner and guest , author of . The conversation weaves through incredible feats like the Boston Double—an underground marathon challenge—and the icy realm of cold water swimming, examining the physical and mental resilience these sports demand. Shannon shares powerful stories from her book, reminding us that endurance is less about podiums and more about perseverance, preparation, and inner drive. They highlight the deeply personal nature of endurance, the role of community support, and...

EP 726: Ultrarunning’s Past Was Wilder Than You Think

Trail Runner Nation

To really understand who we are as a running community—What drives us, what connects us, and why we keep pushing our limits, we have to look back. Long before ultras, Strava segments, or finish-line belt buckles, there was pedestrianism—a 19th-century spectacle where athletes raced for six days straight inside smoky arenas, cheered on by thousands. Our resident ultrarunning historian, , is back to introduce us to one of the most unforgettable figures from that era. Peter Napoleon Campana—better known as Old Sport. Davy just published another book, his historical...

EP 725: What Every Young Athlete—and Parent—Should Know About Nutrition

Trail Runner Nation

We all know that nutrition is essential for peak performance—but for young athletes, it’s so much more than just fuel. In this episode, we’re joined by expert coach and author to explore how nutrition supports adolescent athletes as they navigate growing bodies, shifting hormones, academic pressures, and evolving relationships. Michele shares insights from her book on how parents, coaches, and mentors can guide youth through healthy meal planning, hydration, and recovery. We also discuss the impact of energy drinks, body image concerns, and the early signs of nutritional issues. With...

EP 724: Why Most Athletes Get Carbs Wrong

Trail Runner Nation

Are you fueling your endurance training the right way—or are outdated carb myths holding you back? In this episode, we’re joined by sports dietitian Bob Seebohar to explore the evolving science behind carbohydrate consumption in endurance sports. We discuss how nutrition periodization, metabolic flexibility, and gut training can transform both performance and recovery. Bob challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to sports nutrition, emphasizing the need for personalized plans that align with each athlete’s physiology and goals. From managing GI distress to optimizing glycogen storage...

EP 723: The Power of Discomfort

Trail Runner Nation

What if we told you that putting yourself in controlled, uncomfortable situations—like ice baths, fasting, or extreme endurance events—could make you a better runner and a better human? In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, Don and Scott explore the science and strategy of discomfort, challenging the idea that comfort is always the goal. They discuss how modern “comfort culture” may actually be dulling our resilience, while ancient traditions, military training, and endurance sports all use discomfort as a tool for mental and physical growth. Ice baths become a central metaphor...

EP 722: The Explorer's Gene: Understanding Our Drive for Adventure

Trail Runner Nation

What drives us to venture into the unknown—even when there’s no finish line or prize at the end? In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we sit down with author and science journalist to explore the ideas behind his new book, . From ancient Polynesian voyages to backyard adventures with his kids, Alex uncovers how the drive to explore is deeply rooted in both our biology and our upbringing. We discuss how exploration shapes personal growth, why uncertainty triggers our motivation, and how everyday choices can satisfy our innate desire for discovery. Make sure you have his...

More Episodes

This is an episode we have been wanting to do for a long time. We love our dogs and they love to join us on the trails. However, there are many questions that come up concerning the safety of our companions.

Ultrarunner and dog-lover, Victor Ballesteros and Veterinarian, Dr. Xuân Mai Võ, join us to talk about their passion for the trail, outdoors, and their furry companions. Some of the topics covered:

What breads are the best?
Where to find a good trail running dog?
When can our pups start running? How far?
Safety concerns for our dogs. How to deal with heat
What can we learn from our pets?
Canicross (Canicross USA)

Some additional resource links:

For the BEST sports bags visit Victor's company, Victory Sport Design and get 15% off with code trnpups

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