In this lighthearted, game-show–style episode, we try and answer the age-old question: Am I really a trail runner?

Audience participation is a must as we work through 33 humorous and painfully relatable statements covering gear habits, weather and suffering, aid stations, trail culture, injuries, and even bathroom logistics. You keep score to discover whether you’re a noob, veteran, grizzled trail runner, or full-blown OG.

Along the way, we share personal stories, questionable decisions, and plenty of laughs that anyone who’s spent time on the trail will recognize.

It’s participatory, self-aware, and a reminder that trail running is as much about community and mindset as miles and pace. Grab your scorecard (or fingers), protect your dignity, and find out just how trail you really are.

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• NEW partner: Check out the coaching platform  Good Coach App.  You can use it for free for up to 2 athletes, with no trial period. Coaches get 50% off for three months with code trn2026.
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  

Iron Mike Wardian returns to Trail Runner Nation for a conversation that celebrates running beyond race bibs and finish lines. From running across the United States to circumnavigating islands and turning family vacations into adventure runs, Mike shares the stories that shaped his love for exploration and curiosity. Along the way, he recounts funny and unexpected moments—wildlife encounters, small-town hospitality, and situations only he seems to find himself in. The episode highlights how adventure, creativity, and community often matter more than pace, podiums, or results. It’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful runs happen when there’s no clock and no competition.

Learn more about Mike at his website 

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply.... and they are on sale!

In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked performance tools in ultrarunning: not running. Coach and elite ultrarunner Ian Sharman explains how active recovery, power-hiking, and weight-vest hiking help athletes build durability, reduce muscle damage, conserve glycogen, and avoid the dreaded late-race death march. We break down why power-hiking is a smart performance strategy used by elites, when hiking becomes more efficient than running, and how small training adjustments can dramatically improve long-race outcomes. Ian also shares practical guidance on using weight vests wisely and why your slowest mile often matters more than your fastest.

Find out more about Ian at Sharman Ultra Coaching

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• NEW partner: Check out the coaching platform  Good Coach App.  You can use it for free for up to 2 athletes, with no trial period. Coaches get 50% off for three months with code trn2026.
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  

In this episode, we talk with exercise scientist Dr. Nick Tiller, author of the Ultrarunning Magazine article “Protein While Racing, Training Runs to Predict Performance & Progressing to Ultra.” Starting from the wild story of Milo of Croton—an ancient athlete who drank ox blood and ate raw animal flesh—we trace how endurance nutrition has swung from carb-loading to fat-adaptation and ask where protein fits in today. Dr. Tiller explains why small amounts of protein during long races can help with muscle damage and taste fatigue, how to “train your gut” just like your legs, and why aid station real food matters more than we think. We also touch on creatine—why it works, why it may not be ideal for most endurance runners—and how to use science and healthy skepticism to cut through the wellness and nutrition noise on the trail.

Find out more about Dr. Nick

• Author, The Skeptic’s Guide to Sports Science
• Columnist, Skeptical Inquirer, Ultra-Running Magazine
• Website: www.nbtiller.com

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.