EP 657: From Start to Finish: Laying out Your Running Calendar
Release Date: 01/05/2024
Has Trail Running Lost Its Soul? | EP 790
Trail Runner Nation
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. 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 organization, and worldwide access to incredible events. Along the way, Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss what makes...
info_outline
You’re Probably Using Caffeine Wrong | EP 789
Trail Runner Nation
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, 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, touching on the rituals, psychology, and community that make coffee such an important part of endurance culture. Along...
info_outline
EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn’t the Race
Trail Runner Nation
, author of , 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 expose what’s really driving us. Marc also opens up about surviving a 99% heart blockage, learning when grit is a strength and...
info_outline
EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need
Trail Runner Nation
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 welcomes longtime climber and Patagonia ambassador 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 recovery to nutrition, community, and why learning to focus on what truly matters becomes one of the greatest...
info_outline
EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States
Trail Runner Nation
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, 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, and why Western States continues to hold a special place in trail running despite the sport’s rapid evolution. If you’re...
info_outline
EP 785: Why Fitness isn't Enough
Trail Runner Nation
What separates great ultrarunners from everyone else isn’t just fitness. It’s how they think. In this conversation, legendary coach and runner shares the philosophy behind his new book , 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, and perform your best when everything starts falling apart. The discussion goes well beyond racing, exploring consistency, ego,...
info_outline
EP 784: The Future of Trail Running Is Being Decided Right Now
Trail Runner Nation
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 and has changed the way he views trails, volunteerism, and the responsibility runners have to give back to the places they love. The conversation explores everything from carrying a small saw on training runs to the...
info_outline
EP 783: The Supplement Runners Should Consider
Trail Runner Nation
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 , whether this familiar supplement can support not just performance, but long-term health and better daily function. For runners who usually think about carbs, hydration, shoes, and mileage first, creatine offers a...
info_outline
EP 782: Fear Isn’t the Enemy
Trail Runner Nation
Writer and ultrarunner joins us to talk about his ,” 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 true “why,” and help you respect the environment you’re moving through. We also talk about the thin line between fear that freezes you and fear that helps...
info_outline
EP 781: The Finish Line That Changed Everything
Trail Runner Nation
ode we are joined by , author of , 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 him helped Brian transform from a talented but relatively unproven runner into someone who truly believed he could win Western States. But the heart of the episode is not just the...
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
Find out more about this episode's sponsors:
Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.