EP 657: From Start to Finish: Laying out Your Running Calendar
Release Date: 01/05/2024
EP 764: From Fringe to Mainstream: The State of Trail Running in 2026
Trail Runner Nation
What happens when a once-fringe sport starts to go mainstream — and can it grow without losing its soul? In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we sit down with , founder and CEO of and publisher of , to explore the State of Trail and Ultrarunning in 2026. Jamil shares a 30,000-foot view of how the sport has evolved over the past decade, from participation and media coverage to rising expectations around professionalism and athlete experience. We discuss the emergence of 200+ mile races, the power of livestreaming and storytelling, and how technology is changing how runners train,...
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EP 763: The Most Underrated Training Skill: Consistency
Trail Runner Nation
This is a previously recorded episode of Trail Runner Nation, but its message remains just as relevant today. In this conversation, we’re joined by to explore the often-overlooked power of consistency in running and training. Instead of chasing perfect workouts or peak moments, we discuss how small, repeatable efforts add up over time to build durability, confidence, and long-term progress. Adam shares insights on staying consistent through busy schedules, low-motivation days, and inevitable setbacks. Whether you’re training for your first trail race or a 100-miler, this episode reminds...
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EP 762: From Webster to Singletrack: The Trail Runner Dictionary Game
Trail Runner Nation
Today’s episode is all about having some fun on the trail. We are joined by and , and we’re playing the classic “dictionary game” — taking random words from a 1931 Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and turning them into something every trail runner can relate to. It’s playful, a little ridiculous at times, and guaranteed to make you laugh while nodding along. Lace up, play along, and enjoy this one. Check out more about Katie Asmuth on her podcast, "" The Hire AJW as a ! And read his weekly article in the Or tune into the podcast. Episode Sponsors 20%...
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EP 761: Take This 33-Question Test to See What Kind of Trail Runner You Really Are
Trail Runner Nation
In this lighthearted, game-show–style episode, we try and answer the age-old question: Am I really a trail runner? Audience participation is a must as we work through 33 humorous and painfully relatable statements covering gear habits, weather and suffering, aid stations, trail culture, injuries, and even bathroom logistics. You keep score to discover whether you’re a noob, veteran, grizzled trail runner, or full-blown OG. Along the way, we share personal stories, questionable decisions, and plenty of laughs that anyone who’s spent time on the trail will recognize. It’s participatory,...
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EP 760: No Bib, No Finish Line: Iron Mike Wardian’s Wildest Running Adventures
Trail Runner Nation
Iron returns to Trail Runner Nation for a conversation that celebrates running beyond race bibs and finish lines. From running across the United States to circumnavigating islands and turning family vacations into adventure runs, Mike shares the stories that shaped his love for exploration and curiosity. Along the way, he recounts funny and unexpected moments—wildlife encounters, small-town hospitality, and situations only he seems to find himself in. The episode highlights how adventure, creativity, and community often matter more than pace, podiums, or results. It’s a reminder that some...
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EP 759: Stop Running Yourself Into the Death March (Do This Instead)
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked performance tools in ultrarunning: not running. Coach and elite ultrarunner explains how active recovery, power-hiking, and weight-vest hiking help athletes build durability, reduce muscle damage, conserve glycogen, and avoid the dreaded late-race death march. We break down why power-hiking is a smart performance strategy used by elites, when hiking becomes more efficient than running, and how small training adjustments can dramatically improve long-race outcomes. Ian also shares practical guidance on using weight vests wisely and why...
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EP 758: Ox Blood to Aid Stations: The Wild Evolution of Endurance Nutrition
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we talk with exercise scientist , author of the article “Protein While Racing, Training Runs to Predict Performance & Progressing to Ultra.” Starting from the wild story of Milo of Croton—an ancient athlete who drank ox blood and ate raw animal flesh—we trace how endurance nutrition has swung from carb-loading to fat-adaptation and ask where protein fits in today. Dr. Tiller explains why small amounts of protein during long races can help with muscle damage and taste fatigue, how to “train your gut” just like your legs, and why aid station real food matters...
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EP 757: Thanksgiving on the Trails: Entrees, Sides & Sweet Treats of Running
Trail Runner Nation
Today we’re cooking up something a little different—a Trail Runner Nation–style feast inspired by the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. Just like families gather to celebrate gratitude and good food, we’re gathering around the podcast table to share the habits, ideas, and rituals that make us better runners. And who else should be joining us be A. Jizzle Wizzle, Coach In this playful, feast-themed episode, each host brings an entrée, side dish, and dessert—but instead of turkey and pie, we’re talking about the practices that nourish our training, support our goals, and add a...
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EP 756: Aging as an Athlete- Smarter, Stronger, Longer
Trail Runner Nation
In this seventh installment of Aging as an Athlete series, Scott, Don, and Krissy sit down with elite ultrarunner and longtime coach to explore what it really means to run well as the years go by. Ian shares insights from 20+ years of racing—including a marathon course record he set after turning 45—and lessons learned from coaching athletes across all ages and abilities. He offers a preview of his upcoming book, where he dives into topics like identity, adventure, and avoiding burnout. Together, we unpack how runners can evolve their training, protect their joy for the sport, and...
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EP 755: The Breakthroughs Hiding in Plain Sight
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we sit down with the new book author to explore what truly drives joy, consistency, and long-term progress in running. Floris shares the patterns he’s uncovered after years of conversations with athletes, coaches, and researchers—stories of everyday runners who transformed their lives through simple habits, sustainable training, and a kinder relationship with themselves. We talk about why self-compassion is one of the most overlooked performance tools, how slowing down can actually speed you up, and why being present in the moment matters more than chasing the perfect...
info_outlineIn 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 sport and the enriching experience it offers beyond mere competition. Special attention is given to alternative ways of experiencing races, like pacing or participating in training camps. The episode also explores the attraction to the iconic 100-mile race belt buckle and discusses the transition from ultra-distances to marathons. Concluding with thoughts on the longevity of a running career, the speakers share their perspectives on how runners can continue to improve with age. They stress the need for balance in life, considering factors like work, family, and hobbies, and the importance of taking a long-term view when setting running goals. The episode underscores the significance of flexibility in race planning, intentional rest, and the surprising benefits that can emerge from taking time off, both for preventing injuries and enhancing overall performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Goal Setting: The importance of having clear goals and backup plans when planning your race year.
- Race Selection: Looking beyond popular lotteries and qualifiers to choose races that offer personal enjoyment and significance.
- Beyond Competition: Finding joy in trail running outside the competitive arena, including alternative experiences like pacing or training camps.
- Personal Enjoyment in Racing: Choosing races based on what brings personal satisfaction rather than solely for achieving specific goals.
- Longevity in Running: Understanding the potential for improvement with age and prioritizing well-being.
- Balancing Life and Running: Maintaining a healthy balance with work, family, and other interests while pursuing running goals.
- Long-term Perspective: Adopting a broader view when setting goals and planning for the future.
- Flexibility in Planning: Being adaptable in race planning to accommodate changing circumstances.
- The Role of Rest: Emphasizing the importance of intentional rest and recovery to prevent injury and sustain performance.
- Surprising Benefits of Time Off: Recognizing how taking breaks can lead to improved outcomes and performances.
Check Stefanie's article we referenced in Trail Runner Magazine, "Building a Race Calendar for the Year Ahead"
Find out more about Stafanie and her coaching at Stefanieflippin.com and her podcast, "Making Strides"
Find out more about Ian and his other coaches at SharmanUltra.com
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