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_outlineTrail 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. Gaël Dutigny 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 iconic races so special, why local races still matter, and how runners can stay connected to the welcoming culture that first drew so many to the trails. It’s a thoughtful discussion about preserving the soul of trail running while embracing the sport's exciting future.
Links:
- Gaël Dutigny's Substack
- UltraRunning Magazine
EPISODE SPONSORS
Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!
Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.
RunMotion Coach: Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.
Timestamps
00:00 | How UTMB Began
Gaël shares what it was like covering the very first UTMB in 2003 and why the race immediately felt different from anything else in endurance sports.
11:00 | From Local Race to Global Icon
How UTMB grew from an adventurous mountain race into one of the biggest brands in trail running.
26:00 | Has Success Made Trail Running Harder to Access?
The discussion turns to lotteries, qualifiers, and whether iconic races have become too difficult for everyday runners to experience.
37:00 | The Benefits of Growth
Why commercialization has also brought lighter gear, better shoes, safer races, and more opportunities for runners around the world.
46:00 | You Don’t Need UTMB to Belong
A reminder that unforgettable trail running experiences can still be found at local races and on your favorite hometown trails.
1:00:00 | Protecting the Spirit of Trail Running
Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss how runners can embrace the sport’s growth without losing the welcoming community that makes trail running unique.