EP 770: Racing the Clock: Life at the Cutoff
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we sit down with filmmaker to talk about his powerful new film, . Instead of following the front of the pack, the film shines a light on the runners fighting the clock at aid stations, chasing the courage it takes simply to continue. Dylan shares the inspiration behind the project, the stories that moved him most, and what the back-of-the-pack reveals about grit, community, and the true spirit of trail running. This conversation is a reminder that endurance isn’t just about speed; it’s about persistence, heart, and refusing to quit when the margin...
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EP 769: Is Your Watch Lying? The Truth About VO₂ Max and Real Fitness
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, we are joined by , Coaching Development Director for . We take a practical look at VO₂ max and what it really means for everyday runners. We explore whether this popular performance metric is truly essential, how much it matters for trail and ultra athletes, and where it can be misunderstood or overemphasized. The conversation cuts through the numbers to focus on what actually helps runners train smarter, stay healthy, and improve long-term performance. If you’ve ever wondered whether your VO₂ max score is a guiding light or just another shiny data point, this...
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EP 768: Is Muscle the Missing Piece in Your Training?
Trail Runner Nation
In this episode, rejoins Trail Runner Nation discuss why muscle is the real engine behind endurance, performance, and long-term health, especially as runners get older. The conversation explores how and why we lose muscle over time, why this decline matters for speed, resilience, and injury prevention, and the encouraging truth that much of it is reversible. Alex explains the critical role of strength training, the importance of intensity and progressive load, and how endurance athletes can balance running with the work needed to maintain power. The discussion also challenges common myths...
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EP 767: Duct Tape Is Dead: Modern Foot Care for Long Miles
Trail Runner Nation
Discover proven strategies to prevent foot issues and optimize your performance in ultra running. joins us to share expert insights on foot care routines, products, and techniques that keep feet healthy and injury-free. Key Topics: The importance of planning a comprehensive foot care strategy before race day Modern products and methods for preventing blisters, maceration, and toenail damage Why traditional remedies like duct tape and Vaseline are outdated The role of socks, shoes, and foot anatomy in maintaining foot health How to implement a foot care plan during training and races...
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EP 766: Running Advice Under Fire - A Point-Counterpoint Debate
Trail Runner Nation
This episode brings back Trail Runner Nation’s Point–Counterpoint format, with coaches , , , and stepping into the debate arena. Responding to listener feedback, this episode leans hard into our long-held “experiment of one” philosophy. Each coach is assigned a position and must defend it, whether they personally agree or not. Training myths, sacred cows, and well-worn advice get put on trial through experience, evidence, and strong opinions. The result is fast-paced, thoughtful, and occasionally spicy. Pick a side, challenge your assumptions, and enjoy the debate. Need coaching?...
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EP 765: Aging as an Athlete - Quinn Brett on Redefining Life as an Athlete After Injury
Trail Runner Nation
In this powerful episode, we sit down with our special co-host, and with climber, endurance athlete, and paraplegic adventurer for a conversation that stretches far beyond sport. We explore what happens when the body changes, identity is shaken, and resilience becomes a daily practice. Quinn’s story is one of dramatic transformation. Once a climber, guide, and search-and-rescue professional, her life changed forever after a catastrophic fall on El Capitan in 2017 that left her with a T11 ASIA A spinal cord injury. With honesty and clarity, Quinn explains what that diagnosis means, how...
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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,...
info_outlineIn this “Point–Counterpoint” episode, we are joined by coaches from two teams—Sharman Ultra (Ian Sharman & Ellie Greenwood) and Giddy Up Ultra (Jeff Browning & Trish Arends)—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 and accessibility are real concerns. Throughout, the value of a coach emerges as a recurring theme—helping athletes tailor decisions to personality, history, and goals.
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