To really understand who we are as a running community—What drives us, what connects us, and why we keep pushing our limits, we have to look back. Long before ultras, Strava segments, or finish-line belt buckles, there was pedestrianism—a 19th-century spectacle where athletes raced for six days straight inside smoky arenas, cheered on by thousands.

Our resident ultrarunning historian, Davy Crockett, is back to introduce us to one of the most unforgettable figures from that era.  Peter Napoleon Campana—better known as Old Sport.  Davy just published another book, Old Sport Campana: Ultrarunning;s Most Popular and Amusing 19th Century Runner in his historical series that brings  Campana’s story to life and helps us explore what it reveals about the roots of our sport—and why looking back just might help us better understand who we are today.

Links to check out:

• Grand Canyon History
• Ultrarunning History Podcast
• American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame

Episode Sponsors:

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

We all know that nutrition is essential for peak performance—but for young athletes, it’s so much more than just fuel. In this episode, we’re joined by expert coach and author Michele Pettinger to explore how nutrition supports adolescent athletes as they navigate growing bodies, shifting hormones, academic pressures, and evolving relationships. Michele shares insights from her book on how parents, coaches, and mentors can guide youth through healthy meal planning, hydration, and recovery. We also discuss the impact of energy drinks, body image concerns, and the early signs of nutritional issues. With practical tips and a focus on lifelong habits, this conversation is a valuable guide for anyone helping young athletes thrive—on and off the field.

Michele's new book, The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition: How to Fuel Your Body to Train Smarter, Run Faster, and Recover Quicker.

Check out Michele's website: P3 Running

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• AmShokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

Are you fueling your endurance training the right way—or are outdated carb myths holding you back? In this episode, we’re joined by sports dietitian Bob Seebohar to explore the evolving science behind carbohydrate consumption in endurance sports. We discuss how nutrition periodization, metabolic flexibility, and gut training can transform both performance and recovery. Bob challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to sports nutrition, emphasizing the need for personalized plans that align with each athlete’s physiology and goals. From managing GI distress to optimizing glycogen storage and understanding blood sugar dynamics, this conversation dives deep into how and when to use carbs for peak athletic output. 

Here is the LINK to the new research we mentioned.

Check out these links too:

• All Around Snack Co.
• 3rd Edition of Bob's book
  • on Amazon Metabolic Efficiency Training: Teaching the Body to Burn More Fat
  • on Bob's site Metabolic Efficiency Training: Teaching the Body to Burn More Fat
• Bob's Web site: Enrg Performance
• Inside Sports Nutrition Podcast

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Peluva, 15% off with code TRAILRUNNER
• Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER
• Wonderful Pistachios
• Oikos Triple Zero
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

What if we told you that putting yourself in controlled, uncomfortable situations—like ice baths, fasting, or extreme endurance events—could make you a better runner and a better human?

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, Don and Scott explore the science and strategy of discomfort, challenging the idea that comfort is always the goal. They discuss how modern “comfort culture” may actually be dulling our resilience, while ancient traditions, military training, and endurance sports all use discomfort as a tool for mental and physical growth. Ice baths become a central metaphor for controlled suffering—revealing how pain and discomfort, when approached intentionally, can lead to enhanced focus, discipline, and personal transformation.

We break down the difference between pain and discomfort, sharing stories and science that show how embracing the latter can sharpen performance and mindset. We also reflect on how community support can strengthen our ability to endure, and how this mental training often matters just as much as the physical. If you’re ready to rethink the role of suffering in your training—and your life—this conversation will help you turn discomfort into your greatest asset.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• FREE! Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app