Trail Runner Nation

Emily Halnon joins The Nation this week. She is a trail runner and mountain athlete from Eugene, Oregon. Emily shares her awe-inspiring journey of setting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 460-mile Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Driven by the desire to honor her late mother, Andrea, who inspired her to start running, Emily talks about the mental and physical preparation required for such a formidable challenge. She tells her story in the new book, To the Gorge - Running, Grief, Resilience, & 460 Miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. She highlights the importance of having a strong ‘why,’ a supportive crew, and the deep connection she felt with her mother throughout the run. Emily discusses the profound impact of running on processing emotions and healing through grief, emphasizing the vital role of community, pacers, and crew in providing emotional support. Join us as Emily explores the significance of embracing the unknown, pushing through difficult moments, and the powerful growth that comes from these experiences. You can follow Emily on Instagram

We mentioned the charity that Emily supported on her adventure Brave Like Gabe.

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

AND!!!!!  Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage

Direct download: TRN_w_Emily_Hanlon.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 6:48pm CST

In this Trail Runner Nation podcast episode, Jay Dicharry talks about the newly updated edition of his book “Running Rewired,” offering valuable insights on how to combat overuse injuries and optimize movement patterns for better running performance. He emphasizes the need for building a strong body through targeted exercises, as running alone isn’t enough to enhance muscle strength, bone density, and tendon capacity. Jay discusses the role of neuroplasticity in creating new physical connections in the brain by focusing on movement patterns. He provides practical tips for improving running form and mechanics, highlights the importance of strength training and precision movements, and stresses the significance of managing cumulative stress load to prevent overtraining. Jay also touches on the benefits of plyometric exercises, proper nutrition for bone health, and the Mobo board for improving foot stability and proprioception.

Check out Jay's MoBo Board and get a discount!

HERE is the link to the video, "Untll the Wheels Fall Off" with Tony Hawk that we talked about.

The paper Jay mentioned, "No Strain, No Gain"

Here is the link for the IOC Consensus Statement on REDs from 2023

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

AND!!!!!  Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage

Direct download: TRN_w_Jay.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 4:41pm CST

In this episode, Coach Ian Sharman talks about the art and strategy of long-term planning in trail running, emphasizing patience and consistency for sustainable gains. Drawing from his own experiences, Ian shares how he improved his marathon times and became a successful ultra runner through diligent training. He advises runners to set long-term goals and adapt to the physical demands of trail running while listening to their bodies to prevent injuries. Ian highlights the importance of seeking advice from experienced runners and being open to learning and adjusting training plans. The conversation covers topics like the timing for replacing old running shoes, the differing rates of cardiovascular and soft tissue development, and the mental challenges in running, including the psychological impact of DNFs. Ian and the hosts also discuss the mutual respect among runners of varying abilities, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the sport. Learn more about Ian and Sharman Ultra Coaching.

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

AND!!!!!  Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage

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Direct download: TRN_w_Ian.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm CST

Join ultra runners Jennifer Russo and Megan Eckert to discuss backyard ultras, a niche of ultra trail running. They explain that backyard ultras are last-man-standing races where runners complete a 4.167 mile lap every hour until only one person is remaining. Jennifer holds the world record with 74 yards (308 miles) set last month at Capital Backyard Ultra in Lorton, VA. She beat the previous record of 68 laps set in 2020 by Courtney Dauwalter, while Megan won her first backyard ultra at Saguaro Showdown last month with the 4th highest total "yards" 65. They discuss the unique challenges of these races, the mental fortitude required, and the importance of pacing and strategy. They also highlight the sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Backyard ultras are gaining popularity globally, with more women participating and the yardage increasing. The sport is characterized by its unique format, where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour until they can no longer continue. The mental and physical challenges of the race, including sleep deprivation and hallucinations, make it a unique and intense experience. Crew support is crucial in helping runners stay motivated and get back on the course. 

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

AND!!!!!  Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage

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Direct download: TRN_Backyard_Ultras.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 3:09pm CST

In this episode, we sit down with the accomplished ultramarathoner, Hayden Hawks. Hayden shares his remarkable journey of overcoming a knee injury in 2023 and his triumphant return to the 2024 Western States 100, where he improved his time by 83 minutes and finished third. He opens up about his challenges during his recovery, the importance of patience, and the mental lessons that transformed his mindset. Hayden discusses his shift from focusing solely on winning to embracing gratitude and enjoying the process, which has fueled his success in trail running. He also discusses his nutrition and hydration strategies to optimize performance and recovery. Links to learn more about Hayden and his training camp:

Hawks Running
Wild Equador training camp on Oct 26-Nov 3

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

AND!!!!!  Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage

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Direct download: TRN_w_Hayden_Hawks.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 6:25pm CST

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