EP 746: Five Biomarkers That Can Affect Your Running
Trail Runner Nation
In this rerun episode, we dig into the science behind what’s happening inside our bodies with registered sports dietitian . Ashley highlights five key biomarkers that endurance athletes should pay attention to—explaining why they matter, what healthy ranges look like, and what steps we can take if our numbers are off. From performance to recovery, these biomarkers influence how well we train and how resilient we are to stress and fatigue. Ashley also shares practical strategies athletes can use to optimize their nutrition and overall health. With her background as a private practice...
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EP 745: The Overlooked Training Hacks That Make You Faster and Healthier
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we sit down with , Head Coach and Executive Director of , aka Hoka NAZ Elite, to uncover how professional runners train—and how everyday runners can apply the same strategies. Ben shares why success isn’t only about big workouts, but also about the fundamentals: getting enough sleep, fueling properly, and building strength without needing a fancy gym. He emphasizes the importance of stretching and mobility, as well as truly respecting easy days to allow the body to recover and adapt. Listeners will also learn how pros approach pacing and why managing effort can make the...
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EP 744: Aging Athlete - Mindset and Motivation
Trail Runner Nation
What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? 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. In this fourth episode of The Aging Athlete series, we sit down with , a leading voice in reshaping how we think about performance, aging, and the female athlete. In this episode, she shares her personal...
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EP 743: The Birth of the First Sports Nutrition Bar
Trail Runner Nation
What if one simple idea could transform the way athletes fuel their bodies? In this episode, we explore the birth of the very first sports nutrition bar back in the 1980s—a product that forever changed performance and recovery. Can you guess what it is? You’ll hear the story behind its creation from one of its creators, Jennifer Maxwell, from the spark of inspiration to the trial-and-error experiments that nearly derailed it. Along the way, the creators faced unexpected setbacks that tested their resolve, but ultimately paved the way for a groundbreaking innovation. More than just a snack,...
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EP 742: Training the Panic Out: How Astronaut-Level Preparation Builds Confidence on the Trail
Trail Runner Nation
What do launching into orbit and starting a grueling mountain ultra have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we draw from Ryan Holiday’s y and NASA’s astronaut training to explore how familiarity—not bravado—builds confidence on the trail. Just as astronauts rehearsed every scenario to make the unknown feel routine, trail runners can train for the unexpected: long stretches without aid, bad weather, gear failures, or the mental fog of mile 90. We discuss how to simulate race conditions, build mental protocols for problem-solving, and control the factors within your...
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EP 741: Trail Runner Nation: A Journey Through Time
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we reflect on the evolution of trail running and the Trail Runner Nation podcast over the past 14 years. We reflect on some clips from our very first episode, , published in November of 2011. We discuss the changes in trail running gear, the importance of community and knowledge sharing, and the technological advancements that have shaped the TRN podcasting journey. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a gathering place for runners and the role of the podcast in fostering a sense of belonging within the trail running...
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EP 740: The Aging Athlete - Hormone Health
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. In this second episode of the Aging Athlete Series, we’re joined by to...
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EP 739: Effortless Efficiency: Biomechanics in Running
Trail Runner Nation
What if the key to becoming a stronger, more resilient runner isn’t about pushing harder, but moving smarter? In this episode, we’re joined by , ultramarathoner and movement coach behind . With a background in aerospace engineering, Sam blends biomechanics, breathwork, and mindfulness to help runners reconnect with their core, activate their glutes, and move with intention. We explore how awareness, not intensity, leads to pain-free and efficient movement, both on and off the trail. Sam shares practical tips for posture, breathing, and body alignment that can transform your running...
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EP 738: The Comfort Crisis - Reclaiming Happiness
Trail Runner Nation
Over two years ago, we introduced the concept of Misogi—doing something so challenging it changes you—through Michael Easter’s book Now, we’re revisiting it with fresh eyes and deeper insights. In a world built for convenience, what does it truly mean to seek out discomfort? And how can that mindset shape us into stronger runners—and better people? Join coach, , and us as we explore boredom, solitude, hunger, and the wild places that force us to grow. Here is the link to that Adam talked about. Photo Credit: Episode Sponsors: , Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off : Get 15% off Get...
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EP 737: Cutting Through the BS
Trail Runner Nation
Join us as we have an insightful conversation with renowned coach . We discuss how to navigate the world of running advice with a critical eye and how his coaching philosophy has evolved. How to identify credible running advice and avoid misinformation. Find out more about Ian at Episode Sponsors: , Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off , Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order 20% off with code TRN , get 40% off your first order with code TRAIL Get our new
info_outlineWhat if there was a way to instantly diagnose and address running issues right on the trail?
In this episode, we talk about the new Trail Triage app. We speak with the team that developed the app answering these and other key questions:
- What is Trail Triage?
- Why was it developed?
- How can it help me on my training runs and racing?
- How do I access it?
- Where does the content come from? Can I trust it?
- How much does it cost?
Trail Triage is an innovative new tool that can assist runners, pacers, crew, and aid station volunteers tackle common challenges during runs. Trail Triage is a free mobile app that currently identifies 13 common issues a trail runner might be faced with. The app then helps you diagnose the issue, and provides some solutions that might help and let you know if it is serious enough to DNF or not.
This is the team who brought this vision to life:
• Bob Crowley, who sparked the original idea;
• Dr. John Anderson, a seasoned emergency physician whose medical insights are woven into the core of the app; and
• Scott Vosburg, the tech wizard who turned these ideas into reality.