EP 765: Aging as an Athlete - Quinn Brett on Redefining Life as an Athlete After Injury
Release Date: 01/23/2026
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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%...
info_outline
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_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode, we sit down with our special co-host, Krissy Moehl, and with climber, endurance athlete, and paraplegic adventurer Quinn Brett 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 it affects her body, and how it reshaped the way she sees herself and the world.
But this episode is not about loss. It’s about endurance redefined.
Drawing on her background in psychology, yoga, and ultra-endurance sport, Quinn shares how the mindset she built as an athlete now fuels her recovery and her future. Endurance, she explains, is no longer measured in miles or summits, but in the daily choice to keep moving forward, mentally and emotionally.
The conversation weaves through the realities of aging, injury, and reinvention, highlighting the role of community, purpose, and curiosity in building a meaningful next chapter. Quinn’s eyes are firmly on the horizon, with goals that include open-water swimming and even triathlons, proof that adventure doesn’t end when life changes direction.
This episode is a reminder that while our bodies evolve and our paths shift, the spirit of an athlete, the drive to explore, and the courage to adapt can remain boundless.
Gold Nuggets
-
Aging and injury can redefine, not diminish, the athlete’s journey
-
Understanding spinal cord injuries fosters empathy and support
-
Endurance is as much mental as it is physical
-
Community, mindset, and purpose are essential for long-term resilience
Links that you should check out:
- Unite 2 Fight CureCast Podcast
- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
- An Accidental Life movie on Amazon Prime
- The Tour Divide film
- Quinn's Website
- Krissy's Website
Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.