Trail Runner Nation (general)

Are you ready to take your running game to the next level? Whether you're gearing up for marathons, ultra-races, or simply looking to improve your endurance, this is the episode you don't want to miss. In this special rerun edition from two years ago, we dive into the valuable insights shared by the renowned runner and coach, Andy Jones-Wilkins. Get ready as we explore the seven simple yet powerful rules that can transform your long runs from good to extraordinary. But hold on, these rules are just the beginning! We'll be sure to follow up with more episodes to keep you on track for success. So, lace up your shoes, tune in, and let's embark on the journey towards long run excellence!

  1. Don’t run a single hill (the definition of a hill varies by fitness level)
  2. Run all downs, (unless the hill taxes the knees, quads, or risk a fall)
  3. Start early with a purposeful walk/run rhythm.  Keep the body fresh, do not put yourself in a catch up position.   EVERY time you shift from a run to a walk, use this mantra, “Walk with purpose!”   Walking with a purpose is effective and a strategy.  
  4. Manage the aidstations, show up with a plan. Let a volunteer fill your hydration. Next, take care of your gear and medical.  Select your fuel, eat it as you walk out.  (No loitering). You cover an enormous amount of ground when you purposefully walk.  
  5. Monitor anything that feels slightly off; calories, hydration, electrolytes, salt on face, salt on shirt, color of urine, cramping, stomach, apply lube to anything hot (chaffage) and listen to negative mental chatter.  Negative chatter is your body’s way of telling you that you need to change something, if you push through the early warning sign, catastrophe is around the corner.
  6. Give yourself permission to back off your effort and recapture anything that isn’t working or needs correcting. Most issues can be solved by backing off the pace.  Give it time and you can return to your gameplan.  SCOTT has a story for this one
  7. Trust your math.  Stay with your plan.  Worrying requires energy.  You need that energy to finish the run (Do all the math before the run) and share it with your crew/pacer.

Don’s video from Moab 240 we mentioned

Check out Andy's new podcast, currently in season 2: "Crack a Brew with AJW".
Hire Andy as a coach! or check out his weekly Tap Room at iRunFar

Visit HVMN.com/TRAILRUNNER to get 30% off your first subscription order!

 

Direct download: TRN_Rerun_7_Simple_Rules_AJW.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:02pm CDT

In this episode we speak with Bryce Thatcher, the founder of UltrAspire and a true pioneer in the world of hydration packs.

Bryce has been a runner for over 40 years and has always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and sport. In the early 90s, he noticed a gap in the market for hydration systems that were specifically designed for trail runners. With this in mind, he set out to create the perfect hydration pack that would allow runners to carry everything they needed on their long runs, while still maintaining optimal hydration levels.

Over the years, Bryce's designs have evolved and he has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of hydration technology. He has introduced innovations like the soft flask, which allows runners to carry their water without the added weight and bulk of traditional water bottles.

Today, Bryce's company, UltrAspire, is a leader in the world of hydration packs and his designs are used by top athletes all over the world. In this episode, we will dive deep into the evolution of the hydration pack and how it has changed the game for trail runners everywhere.

HERE is a video that tells Bryces story very well.

Direct download: TRN_w_Bryce_Thatcher.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:56am CDT

In this episode, we're excited to talk about the Petersen Ridge Rumble coming in April in Oregon, a trail race that's not your typical distance. This race, put on by seasoned ultra runner Sean Meissner, challenges runners with unique course lengths of 20 & 40 miles, rather than the standard half marathon, marathon or ultra distances

But why race a non-normal distance? As trail runners, we often seek out new challenges and experiences on the trails. Running a non-normal distance, like the Petersen Ridge Rumble, allows us to step outside of our comfort zones and push ourselves in new ways. These races can also offer a more personalized experience, with a smaller field of runners and a unique course layout.

In this episode, we'll dive into the details of the Petersen Ridge Rumble, exploring the course terrain and the challenges it presents, as well as hearing from Sean Meissner himself about what inspired him to create this non-normal distance race.

Sean is a USATF certified coach and coaches at Sharman Ultra Coaching. Sean has run over 230 ultras and has won at least one ultra every year since beginning.

Direct download: TRN_w_Sean_Meissner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm CDT

Aid Stations are so important at a race.  They have evolved with trail running over time combining medical help, shelter, therapy, and all-you-can eat buffets. Sarah Lavender-Smith joins us to discuss how they have evolved and how to use them efficiently.

Here is her article that spurred the discussion.

Check out all her newsleter, Colrado Mouintain Running & Living

Check out on of Sarah's fall races, Hanging Flume 50K

We encourage you to check out all of our partners and their excellent products and services.  A new one we want to make you aware of is Wonderful Pistachios.  It might be your newest and favorite trail snack.

 

Direct download: Anatomy_of_an_Aid_station_w_Sarah_Lavender_Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32am CDT

We've all heard that we should build a good "base".  In this episode we devine what base building is and how to make it a fundimental part of our training.  

Our experts for this episode are Ian Sharman, Krissy Moehl, Dr. Phil Maffetone, and Ellie Greenwood.

Links:

Direct download: TP_Base_Training.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:18am CDT

Hillary Allen was on the top of her sport, Skyrunning, when she fell 150 feet off an exposed ridge, breaking two ribs, fracturing her back, ruptuing a ligament in her foot and breaking both wrists.  She joins The Nation to discuss the mindset of injury recovery, why having a support system matters, and the importance of balance in athletics. LINK to her Tedx CU talk

LINK to Hillary's web site

Get her Book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds

Direct download: Hillary_Allen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:57pm CDT

Since it is gift-giving season, we thought we would throw out some ideas to The Nation in a unique way, by doing a gift exchange with Andy Jones-Wilkins!

Here are some of the gifts:

Hire Andy as a coach! or check out his weekly Tap Room at iRunFar

Direct download: AJW_Gift_show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:20am CDT

Patrick Reagan has twenty years of running experience and had been coaching endurance athletes for ten years.  But in 2021 he found himself in a funk that he couldn't figure out.  In this episode, Patrick explains that his increased fatigue and changing emotions were a result of low ferritin and iron levels.  He reveals what changes he made and how he is coming back to his real self.

Patrick runs professionally for Hoka One One and GU Energy Labs.  Here are his recent accomplishments:

  • 2017 finished 12th at Comrades Marathon in South Africa
  • 2017 first 100-mile @ Javelina Hundred, won and set course record in 13:01.14 AND defended his title in 2018 and 2019
  • 2019 USATF 100-mile champ and CR at Brazos Bend 100
  • 2019 1st WS100 (8th place)
  • 2021 19th WS100

Be sure to check out his new coaching website

Lives in Savannah, CA with wife Adrienne, 2 dogs and 2 cats

Direct download: Patrick_Reagan_w_new_credits.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:45am CDT

Dr. Gordon Harvey is a Professor of history at Jacksonville State University.  He is also a seasoned ultra runner with dozens of finishes under his belt.  He has a pendant that says, "Memento mori and memento vivere" - Remember that you must die, and remember to live.

Gordon joins The Nation to talk about his recent experience training and running the Pinhoti 100.  This was a race to prove that his first 100-mile finish wan't a "fluke".  But there were obstacles and set backs in his training, including a heart attack and surgery less than one year before the race.  Gordon shares his not-so-unique story with us and helps us understand and cope with the process and the result.

Read more about his Pinhoti 100 journey HERE

Be sure to sign up for a 30-day free trial of Open, a mindfulness studio by going to Open-together/trn and using the code TRN

Direct download: Gordon_Harvey.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:07pm CDT

Here are the items we talked about

Hire Andy as a coach! or check out his weekly Tap Room at iRunFar

Direct download: AJW_DROPBAG.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm CDT