Explorer, endurance athlete, mentor, coach, teacher...... All of these titles come to mind with we think of Ray Zahab.  Ray has been encouraging and mentoring other to push beyond their perceived limits for nearly 15 years with his personal expeditions, his expeditions with youth ambassadors, directing races, or guiding groups to remote places.  He created a company called "Impossible 2 Possible" = I2P that has influenced youth and teachers through expeditions in remote places throughout the world.

Ray explains that many people under estimate themselves and that taking risks and doing hard things brings fulfillment, joy and a desire to help others achieve great things.

Follow Ray on his social channels:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

I2P Twitter 

I2P Instagram

I2P Facebook

We have all had disappointing finishes or the feeling of not accomplishing a goal.  How do you deal with these setbacks or roadblocks?

Bob Crowley discusses how he handled a disappointing DNF at Tor Des Geants in 2018.  He brings part of his team, Coach Meghan Laws, and Crew Cheif, Donna NiCuarta, to the table to help explain how he was able to evaluate, rebuild, train and execute his second attempt this year.

The Trail Animals running club

Ian Sharman, Joe Uhanand Matt Layereturn to Trail Runner Nation to discuss some interesting topics including:

• Poles or No Poles?
• Strength or mobility work, which is preferred?
• Should you specifically work to improve your form?
• Mechanical efficiency & metabolic efficiency?

Visit

College of Idahowith Assistant Professor, Matt Laye

Sharman Ultra - Endurance Coaching

Uhan Performance

Former Navy Seal, endurance athlete, and bearded king, Chadd Wright rejoins The Nation to discuss a mission-mantra that he learned on the Seal Team:

Rules for Chadd's "last man standing" training mission with Jesse Itzler and Mark Brown recently:

1. Chadd says when the run is over
2. No Negativity
   1. Share something that you are grateful for on each lap
   2. No profanity

Check out Jesse Itzler's 29O29 Challenge

Sponsor: Native Deodorant use promo code TRN for 20% off first purchase

The women's field at Western Statesis always very deep and exciting to watch.  This year was no exception.  With record low temps and a stacked women's field, the race had many surprises and nail-biting battles.

Brittany Peterson battled with Clare Gallagher at this year's Western States 100 to finish a close second place.  Brittany slows down just long enough to recount her epic finish at the race.

Check out her technical running camp that Brittany and Cody Lind are hosting HERE

Learn more about how Brittany runs fast HERE

Paul and Cody's Coaching site is www.g20running.com

This year's Western States 100 did not disappoint.  The course, the competition, the runners, the volunteers, the crew and pacers showed up in spades.  Join AJW as we review the big stories, review AJW pre-race picks, and relive the electricity from this past weekend.

Look for weekly articles from AJW in the Taproomat irunfar.

We unveil our new project that we are attempting the WSER18 hour podcast.  Join AJW and Bob Crowley, our event producer, as we discuss what we will be attempting, what you should expect and where you can either tune in OR come by and visit while we broadcast.

We will begin streaming at 5:00pm PT on race day and will continue until the last finisher crosses the line.

Click HERE to watch the live video stream-cast

The Auburn Aid Station

Trail Animals Club

UltraLive

Chadd rejoins The Nation to discuss a recent race: Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra -a Last Man Standing race.  He describes what this type of race is and the mental challenges that come with a loop course with no finish line.  Chadd discusses how his training as an elite Navy Seal helps him prepare and run grueling races.  He explains how these techniques can help you through difficult times in a race and in life.

Follow Chadd on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

Iron Mike Wardian is like the sunshine: he seems to be everywhere.  Mike has been successful in every race distance.  He has won the US Championships in 50K, 50M, and 100K distances.  He has qualified multiple times for the US Olympic trials, and still loves running 5Ks.  He has set world records as the fastest stroller marathon, 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents.  Last year he ran 10 marathons in 10 days (on 7 continents) - average time was sub 3 hour.

So far he has RACED over 1100 miles in 2019!

We sit down and talk to him about his beginnings, how he recovers magically, his secret to wellness, the amazing Hoka One One earlier this month, his passion for running and his love for the community.