Trail Runner Nation

This coming weekend is the 50th anniversary of the one of the most legendary ultramarathons in the world - the Western States 100.

As we have done almost every year, we are joined by our good friend, Andy Jones-Wilkins, to review some of the names and stories of the 381 racers that will be running in 2023.

For half a century, this race has tested the limits of human endurance, attracting elite runners from around the globe who crave the ultimate challenge.

Over 80% of these racers have never run the race before.  We'll dive into the profiles of some of the top athletes who are expected to battle it out on the trails. From the seasoned veterans who have conquered this race before to the rising stars who are hungry for their moment of glory, we'll analyze their strengths, strategies, and previous performances to forecast who might emerge victorious in this landmark anniversary edition.

But it's not just about the winners; the Western States 100 is a tapestry of captivating stories. We'll uncover tales of courage, resilience, and the sheer human spirit that propel runners through the intense physical and mental challenges they face on this arduous course. 

You can follow along on the live broadcast or the live splits and results

#seeyouatstates

Direct download: TRN_Western_States_Prognostication_2023.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 7:39pm CDT

Frosty, Anna Frost, a trail running icon who has conquered the most challenging trails while inspiring countless runners along the way.

In this episode we delve into a topic that is very close to her heart - maintaining a relationship with running as life takes unexpected turns. From her days as an elite pro trail runner to embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood, and now as a successful business owner, Anna has navigated these trails with grace and determination, keeping nature and trail running as a core part of her existence.  However it was not without challenges.  She shares the obstacles she faced and the beautiful solutions she discovered to help you navigate your own life trails without succumbing to injury or burnout.

Join Anna on one of her many adventures around the world at Trail Run Adventures.  This week they are in Madeira.  In July they have trips to Chamonix, Silverton and Norway!

Also check out the New Zealand Black Currant supplement that Anna talked about CurraNZ.  Get 20% off with code TRN20!

Direct download: TRN_w_Anna_Frost.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 7:14pm CDT

Dr. Joe Uhan, a renowned physical therapist, board-certified orthopedic specialist, functional manual therapist, and USATF Level 2 coach. Oh, and did I mention he's an accomplished runner too?

He's here to share his unique perspective on the iconic Western States 100, a race that he has not only experienced firsthand but has an intriguing take on. Today, we'll be discussing why many have referred to Western States as a "killing machine," and more importantly, how to tame or silence this relentless beast. We reference the great two-part article Joe wrote at iRunFar nine years ago:

But don't worry if you're not one of the lucky 381 runners who will be tackling Western States this year. Our conversation will offer valuable principles that can help you in your own runs and races, no matter the distance or terrain.

How to Silence the Killing Machine:

  • Step 1: Prepare to Problem Solve
  • Step 2: The Mental Taper
  • Step 3: Turning Inward
  • Step 4: Presence and Perspective
  • Step 5: Don't. Panic.
  • Step 6: The Will to Finish Trumps All
  • Step 7: Like a Marble in the Groove

Learn more about how Joe can help you with gait analysis, coaching, or therapy visit UhanPerformance.com

Direct download: TRN_w_Joe_Uhan_updated_goodr_ad.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 6:25pm CDT

Regardless of your age, all of us are getting older.  Do nutritional needs change as we age? 

As trail runners, we know the incredible impact that nutrition can have on our performance. But as we age, our bodies undergo changes that require a more strategic and mindful approach to fueling ourselves for the long run. That's why, in this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of longevity nutrition strategies, focusing on those specifically designed for the aging athlete.  Returning TRN friend, Bob Seebohar, helps us uncover some strategies.

Here is the link to the study Bob mentions about Daily Energy Expenditure Through the Human Life Course

Bob developed the groundbreaking Metabolic Efficiency training approach, which helps athletes to optimize their nutrition and fueling strategies to achieve their performance goals. He has also authored several books on sports nutrition, including "Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes" and "Metabolic Efficiency Training: Teaching the Body to Burn More Fat".

Bob Seebohar is a board certified specialist in sports dietetics, exercise physiology, and an NSCA certified strength and conditioning coach.  He is also the sports dietitian for the University of Denver women's gymnastic team and the University of Denver Athletics Department.

If you want to learn more about Bob and his services including his books, articles, coaching services, nutrition and more, visit ENRGPERFORMANCE.  He is also the co-host of the podcast Inside Sports Nutrition with Dina Griffin.

Check out the tasty healthy snacks he invented at All-Around Snack Company.

He has been on TRN a couple other times including these great episodes:

EP 517: Eat to Train 
EP 583: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Nutrition 
EP 598: Intermittent Fasting- Will it Help or Hinder our Performance? 
EP 612: The Science of Creatine and Brain Function for Athletes

Direct download: TRN_w_Bob_Seebohar.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 12:24am CDT

Join us on this episode as we delve into the world of endurance training and racing with the legendary Dr. Phil Maffetone, one of the most influential figures in endurance sports.

Christopher McDougall, acclaimed trail runner and author, hails Dr. Maffetone as the ultimate source of clarity and wisdom in the field.

Mark Allen, the six-time winner of the Hawaiian Ironman, sets the stage for an unparalleled level of athletic performance that awaits you.

Dr. Maffetone's groundbreaking book, "The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing," spanning 509 pages, serves as our focal point for this conversation. Learn how these endurance training methods have propelled countless athletes to achieve their highest potential.

Be sure to explore Dr. Maffetone's website, a treasure trove of invaluable information for athletes seeking optimal performance.

During the podcast, we highlight the 5-Minute Power Break, a technique that utilizes respiratory bio-feedback. For a quick demonstration, check out the 6:19 video we mentioned.

Discover how to calculate your own Maximum Aerobic Training Heart Rate, a crucial metric for optimizing your training sessions and reaching peak fitness.

Remember to subscribe and leave us a review to support the show. Lace up your trail shoes and get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of endurance training with Dr. Phil Maffetone!

If you heard our ad regarding Ketone-IQ by HVMN, you can get 20% off by visiting HVMN.com and using the promo code TRN

Direct download: TRN_Rerun_Phill_Maffetone.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 9:14am CDT

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

We are thrilled to have our dear friend and returning guest, Patrick Reagan, joining us once again. With over a decade of experience as an elite athlete and coach, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation. Accompanying him is his remarkable athlete, Lotti Brinks, who has been setting the trail running world on fire this year. Lotti's incredible achievements include podium finishes at renowned races like the Javelina Jundred (1st GP, 2nd overall), Bandera 50k, Gorge Waterfalls 100k, and Tillamook Burn 50m. Together, Patrick and Lotti will take us on a captivating journey of their coach-athlete dynamic and share the insights and experiences that have fueled Lotti's extraordinary success.

In this episode, we will dive deep into the coach athlete relationship, exploring the fun factor of running, the winning perspective, and the delicate balance between expectations and wants when it comes to hiring a coach.

Patrick will share his expertise and insights on how having a coach can not only enhance your performance but also bring the fun back into your training. We'll discuss the importance of maintaining a winning perspective and how a coach can help you develop a mindset that pushes you to achieve your best.

We'll also address the common question of expectations versus wants when considering a coach. Are you looking for someone to guide you towards your desired outcomes, or are you seeking a coach who can help you discover and exceed your own expectations? Patrick and his athlete will shed light on this topic and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

So, lace up your trail running shoes, get ready for an insightful conversation, and let's embark on a journey that explores the joy, winning mindset, and aligning expectations with desires in the coach athlete relationship. 

Check out 
- Patrick's web site
- Lotti and her husband's knife shop: Amelio Knives

 

Direct download: TRN_w_Patrick__Lottie-4.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 11:08am CDT

In this episode, we're joined by three incredible coaches - Ian SharmanDr. Joe Uhan, and Dr. Matt Laye, as well as our very own ChatGPT, a powerful language model that uses AI to provide insights and answers to our burning questions.

Together, we'll tackle some of the most common running myths and misconceptions that are often heard in the trail running community. From wearing a mask to simulate high altitude to carb-loading and hydration, we'll be covering a wide range of topics to help you separate fact from fiction.

Ian Sharman, Joe Uhan, and Dr. Matt Laye are all experienced athletes and coaches with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the world of running, and they'll be sharing their insights and personal experiences to help you make informed decisions about your training and racing.  We will have them critique answers to common running myths as generated by the AI engine, ChatGPT.

So, join us as we delve into the world of running myths and learn how to become a smarter, more informed runner. Tune in to this episode of Trail Runner Nation and be sure to let us know what you think!

Check out Ian and Dr. Matt at Sharman Ultra

Check out Dr. Joe at Uhan Performance

Check out Dr. Matt at Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Direct download: TRN_Coach_GPT-2.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 7:11pm CDT

On this episode, we're joined by Christopher McDougall, the author of the best-selling book Born to Run. Christopher's new book with coach Eric Orton, "Born to Run 2 - The Ultimate Training Guide.", which is a practical guide to running for everyone from amateurs to seasoned runners, about how to eat, race and train effectively.

Chris was one of our first guests when we started the podcast and we talked about his first book and how we are designed to run long distances. Now 14 years after the book was published, we ask Chris if he believes we are still born to run.

Check out the Born to run Xero Shoe
Check out the Born to Run Ultramarathon Extravaganza
Learn more about Chris and his great books at his web site

If you heard our ad regarding Ketone-IQ by HVMN, you can get 20% off by visiting HVMN.com and using the promo code TRN

Direct download: TRN_w_Chris_Mcdougal_Janji_Fixed.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 11:35am CDT

Welcome to a new episode of Trail Runner Nation, the podcast that explores the sport of trail running and beyond. In this grab bag episode, we have our good friend Andy Jones-Wilkins, a frequent contributor over the years and host of the new "Crack a Brew with AJW" podcast. Season 2 of his podcast will be starting soon.  Don't miss an episode.  If you haven't listened to season 1, check out the great discussions he has with RD, Craig Thornley, Jim Walmsley, Anton Krupicka, Courtney Dauwalter, Ellie Greenwood, Nikki Kimball and Arlan Glick!

In this episode, we ask Andy what he learned from his first season.  He drops hints to his season 2 guests.  We also delve into various topics that are related to running and life. We talk about the Cactus Roulette, a crazy race at Clinton Lake State Park in Lawrence, Kansas.  Also mentioned is the resource book Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhof now in its 7th Edition.  Check out his website.  Find out why Andy and Don owe Scott a HUGE apology!

 

So whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newbie, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage and tune in to Trail Runner Nation, where we explore the trails and the many paths that life can take us.

Direct download: Trn_Grab_bag_w_AJW.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 9:30pm CDT