EP 657: From Start to Finish: Laying out Your Running Calendar
Release Date: 01/05/2024
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...
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EP 754: Aging as an Athlete: The Power of Adaptation
Trail Runner Nation
What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this new episode of The Aging Athlete series, co-hosts as we sit down with to talk about her journey through adversity as she is aging and how to adapt to life's circumstances, making her "obstacles the way". Shawn Cheshire is a blind athlete who has achieved remarkable feats in biking and trail running. We walk through Shawn's journey of losing her sight, her transition to becoming a competitive athlete, and her record-setting adventure on the Wonderland Trail. The discussion emphasizes the importance of...
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EP 753: Point–Counterpoint: Trail Truths Debated
Trail Runner Nation
In this “Point–Counterpoint” episode, we are joined by coaches from two teams— ( & ) and ( & )—to debate hot-button trail topics. They tackle gadgets vs. going by feel (most land on the fence, with Scott pledging a watch-free run), active recovery vs. full rest (consensus: gentle movement wins “if done well”), and competition/professionalization vs. community (community edges out, though competition drives innovation and visibility). A rapid-fire round on race fees concludes that higher prices can be worth it when safety, marking, and aid are rock solid, but swag bloat...
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EP 752: Train Slow, Race Fast and Train Your Brain: Maffetone Returns
Trail Runner Nation
returns to revisit the MAF Method—training by low heart rate (≈180 minus age)—with Don sharing how it saved his a 100-mile race. Phil explains why most endurance performance is aerobic and how building that system (plus cleaning up diet) beats “no-pain-no-gain.” The episode pivots to his new brain-health research: refined carbs and excess body fat can impair the brain, but the good news is the brain is highly resilient and improves quickly when you remove junk sugars and eat healthy fats. Practical takeaways include using a heart-rate monitor to measure progress, prioritizing diet...
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EP 751: “It IS Your Day” with The Queen, Meghan Canfield
Trail Runner Nation
Have you ever heard a runner drop out of a race and say, “It just wasn’t my day”? Well, —known to the trail world as The Queen—has something to say about that. She argues, “Of course it’s your day! It’s certainly not anyone else’s.” In this episode, Meghan joins us to explore what that really means. Inspired by her recent article in titled “Adventure of Life,” Meghan shares how every long run, race, or adventure mirrors the journey of life itself. Things rarely go exactly as planned—both on the trail and off it—but those unexpected detours aren’t signs to...
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EP 750: Aging Athlete- How to Fuel Your Runs at Different Ages
Trail Runner Nation
What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this sixth episode of The Aging Athlete series, co-hosts as we sit down with to discuss the fuel behind performance and longevity. • In past Aging Athlete episodes, we’ve explored how to train smarter as we age, not harder—covering topics like ◦ adapting your training plans, ◦ hormone optimization, ◦ navigating menopause, ◦ and shifting recovery strategies. Meredith has over 100 ultra finishes and three Ultraman finishes, including a 5th place at the world...
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EP 749: The Pendulum of Running-Lessons from 19 Episodes with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella
Trail Runner Nation
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella returns for his 19th visit (first joined us in 2012) to unpack the “pendulum swings” in running— from minimalist to maximal shoes, handhelds to hydration vests, and data-free runs to tech-heavy biometrics. He shares how his natural-footwear ethos (and ) started before the trend, why different terrains and athletes may benefit from different shoes, and why rotating options can build stronger, more resilient feet. We talk about rucking with a weighted vest as a low-impact way to boost strength, bone density, and aerobic fitness—especially for masters runners— plus...
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EP 748: Endurance Meets History: Honoring California’s First Pioneer Crossing
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we welcome back Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer, co-founders of , who’ve shown us how endurance fitness can unlock incredible adventures beyond racing. This fall, they and a team of veteran endurance athletes will bring history to life with a never-before-attempted 120-mile horseback crossing of the Sierra Nevada, retracing the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party’s path. Over five days, they’ll ride from Donner Lake to Auburn, uncovering long-lost routes, reflecting on the grit of California’s pioneers, and honoring one of America’s most harrowing journeys. This isn’t...
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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