In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we invite you to be the guest as we discuss the transformative power of running and highlight its profound impact on mental health, physical fitness, and personal growth. Through personal stories, we explore how trail running provides an escape, fosters resilience, and strengthens community connections. We also discuss the importance of mental toughness, the lessons learned through training, and how running mirrors broader life experiences.

We explore how the process of running—rather than the outcome—yields the greatest rewards, from physical transformation to spiritual connection. We challenge ourselves and the tribe to embrace the journey, prioritize longevity, and find inspiration in the humbling yet empowering challenges of the trail.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

James Lawrence, the Iron Cowboy, joins The Nation to talk about his extraordinary journey in endurance sports, including his world-record-setting Ironman triathlons. James reflects on overcoming early struggles, the transformative power of mindset, and how embracing suffering shaped his resilience. He highlights the importance of community, gratitude, and hope, sharing emotional stories like helping a boy with cerebral palsy complete a triathlon and a profound moment on Mount Kilimanjaro. The conversation explores lessons of mental toughness, personal growth, and parenting, offering inspiration for achieving extraordinary goals. James also shares insights from his new book that hit the market on January 21, Iron Hope, Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible.

Check out these links:

• the documentary on Amazon Prime, "Conquer 100: The Iron Cowboy
• Video of James completing one of his most memorable full-triathlon with Dayton Hayward.
• Jame's podcast, The Grit Show
• Follow James on Instagram

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• Ketone IQ, Get 30% off your first subscription order
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

There is an unwritten code of ethics promoting health, respect, and community support. in trail running.  It has existed for longer than any of us.  As a tribe or community, we need to know, share, and protect this code.  Coach Jimmy Dean Freeman rejoins us after many years to help us understand part of this code.  The SoCal Coyotes running club created a short list of some of these codes.  This is not comprehensive but shares some of the tenants we all live by and enjoy.  We did an episode on this code, aka Coyote Bushido, back in 2012 and reviewed it on an episode in 2020 to see if it is still pertinent.

We start the conversation by talking about the resilience of the trail-running community, particularly in Southern California, as it faces challenges like natural disasters.

• Check out the SoCal Coyotes web page
• Follow the Coyotes on Instagram
• Watch the original video about the Trail Bushido HERE
• Check out the first review of the Bushido from 2020 HERE

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

In this  Ask the Coaches episode, three coaches from Sharman Ultra Coaching, Ian Sharman, Dr. Matt Laye, and Jackson Brill  bring topics that they regularly encounter with their athletes. The conversation dives into the importance of mental toughness in ultra running, offering practical training strategies and insights on managing expectations during races. 

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

In this episode, we play a game of "brilliant" or "bullshit" based on ten essential skills or knowledge areas that our "guest", Chat GPT, feels that every trail runner must know.  Topics include embracing mud, barefoot running, hydration timing, and the value of technical gear, complemented by personal anecdotes and insights. The conversation highlights balancing technology with intuition, the benefits of walking technical sections, and the freedom to personalize nutrition. We also explore evolving views on stretching and the philosophy of racing oneself rather than competing with others, offering valuable takeaways for runners of all levels.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app