Returning guest and renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry returns to unravel the truths and myths around stretching, mobility, and shoe selection for runners. Jay sheds light on the debate between static and dynamic stretching, highlighting how dynamic stretching can better prepare runners for performance and injury prevention. He distinguishes between flexibility (passive) and mobility (active control), emphasizing that mobility training, joint stability, and motor control are crucial for long-term success in distance running. The conversation also explores footwear’s role, with insights into the benefits and risks of minimal and super shoes and how each type can impact running biomechanics. Jay encourages runners to focus on strength and mobility exercises to support muscle mass, bone density, and efficient movement. Runners will leave with actionable tips to improve their range of motion, prevent injury, and make informed choices about stretching and footwear for their unique needs.

• Check out this video Jay produced on the MASTERCLASS on Super Shoes For Runners
• By his 2nd edition of his amazing book, Running Rewired: Reinvent Your Run for Stability, Strength, and Speed, 2nd Edition
• Find out more about Jay and his services at An Athlete's Body
• Get 10% off a Mobo Board HERE

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• HUEL, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• Ketone IQ
• Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

For our 700th episode, we convinced our good friend Andy Jones-Wilkins to take some time off from recording his podcast, Crack A Brew with AJW, and his coaching to join us for a new episode type that we call "Trick or Treat." Each participant shares a story, and the others must guess if it’s a Trick (lie) or a Treat (truth). We had a blast making it—hope you enjoy it!

Hire AJW as a coach! and read his weekly article in the AJW's Taproom

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Amazfit - get 15% off their new T-Rex 3
• Air Doctor: use code TRAILRUNNER for up to $300 off air purifiers
• Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

“True will is quiet humility, resilience, and flexibility; the other kind of will is weakness disguised by bluster and ambition.” - Ryan Holiday

This is the final episode of a 3-part series, where we review  Ryan Holiday's powerful book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage. Holiday, an expert on Stoicism, outlines three essential steps to overcoming challenges—Perception, Action, and Will. In this episode, we focus on Will, essential for overcoming adversity.  

If perception and action are the disciplines of the mind and the body, then WILL is the discipline of the heart and the soul.: WILL is the inner fortitude, acceptance of fate, and the relentless pursuit of enduring challenges with grace. Will is the one thing that we control completely, always.

We are joined again by Coach Adam Kimble. In this section Holiday emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resilience in overcoming adversity.  This section is about how we respond when we’ve done all we can through perspective and action, yet still face hardships beyond our control. Holiday focuses on the development of willpower, endurance, and the ability to accept and withstand external challenges with grace.

Part 1: EP 693: Perception: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Part 2: EP 696: The Power of Action

Learn more about Coach Adam Kimble HERE

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• HUEL, 15% off with code TRAIL
• Ketone IQ
• Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

In this episode, we explore the relationship between nutrition and running with registered dietitian Jason Levee. We cover meal prep strategies, the importance of fiber for overall health, and how hydration impacts performance. Jason emphasizes balancing family health with healthy eating habits, providing practical tips on fueling before and after workouts. The discussion also highlights the value of a healthy relationship with food and making nutritious choices even when life gets busy. Listeners will learn how nutrition can enhance physical and mental performance for runners and their families.

Check out Whole Family Health, where Jason specializes in helping busy families and athletes find practical ways to prioritize nutrition.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - get 15% off their new T-Rex 3
• AquaTru: use code TRAILRUNNER for up to 20% off any water purifier
• Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

Why are there so many fast finish times this year?  How can you get faster?

In this episode, we explore the recent trend of record-breaking performances in ultra running, examining the key factors driving these improvements. We talk about the impact of advancements in equipment, nutrition, and coaching on performance, as well as the importance of mental training and recovery strategies. The conversation highlights how consistent training and the right fueling techniques can enhance endurance and lead to personal breakthroughs. Success comes through adopting a holistic approach to ultra running, combining the right gear, structured training, and mental resilience for long-term success.

Our coaches who lead this discussion are 

Krissy Moehl, the recent voice of UTMB simulcast, coach, author, race director, etc.
Ian Sharman, "freaking fast runner" with over 250 marathon and ultra finishes and world record-holder as the fastest marathon dressed as Elvis
David Roche, coaching alongside his wife, Megan.  Oh, by the way, he just broke the 19-year-old course record at Leadville 100 in his first attempt at that distance.  Wanna learn more?  Check out our interview about how he did it.

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• Tifosi Optics
• Ketone IQ

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