The Midpacker Podcast (Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows)
Explore every episode of The Midpacker Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Aug 2023 | #7 Vivian Tang | Through Example and Creating Inclusivity on the Trails | 01:18:51 | |
In this episode of the MidPacker pod brought you by FreeTrail, with generous support from Vacation Races, Troy Meadows talks with Vivian Tang about acting locally while thinking globally when it comes to empowering the BIPOC community to embrace the trails. Vivian is a clinical pharmacist, trail runner, and community organizer. She is very passionate about inclusion in trail running and we dive deep into a few topics including the treatment of a group of BIPOC spectators at this year's Boston Marathon and the presence in past years of a confederate flag license plate at the Barkley Marathons. While this plate has not been displayed in years, pictures still surface every fall when the race is held. We discuss the feeling that this brings up in her and other BIPOC individuals and why it is important to have open communication and discussion about topics like these in order to find common ground and create safe places for creating the inclusion we want to see in the sport. Vivian also co-leads a trail running club for women of color in Portland, OR, through Trail Mixed Collective, an organization focused on increasing access to outdoor sports for women of color. We discuss the need to act locally and think globally when it comes to making the trails a welcoming place for everyone. I commend Vivian for being willing to have an open conversation on a hard topic and leading by example when it comes to being the change she would like to see in the world of trail running. IG@VivianWTang https://www.trailmixedcollective.com https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/18/sports/gary-cantrell-barkley-marathons.html If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | #24 Zach Friedley | Being An Adaptive Athlete, Not Saying No For An Answer, & Trail Blazing | 01:34:15 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Zach Friedley. Zach is an advocate, race director, trail runner, and Adaptive athlete running for On. The conversation starts out with Troy telling the serendipitous story of how they got met and then they dive into how Zach came into trail running. How Zach fell into the perfect relationship with On Running. How the brand really gets it from an athlete's point of view and how they show up for Zach in a major way. They discuss some of the difficulties that Zach has had with the UTMB organization when running the MCC event the last 2 years and the disappointment he felt with the work he has done working with UTMB to try to make their events more accessible for adaptive athletes. We dive into his desire next year to run the in the Golden Trail Series and some of his goals around those events. Lastly, we talk about Born to Adapt and the event that he will be putting on in New Zealand with Adaptive Athletes empowering that community to keep pushing toward their life and endurance goals! The work Zach has done and is doing in our sport is truly inspiring.His willingness to not take no for an answer and lean in to do very hard but impactful work to make our community more inclusive is something that we can all learn from.The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of opportunity Zach’s Links IG - @zachary_movement TikTok - @trailblader Things we talked about in the episode Born to Adapt Born to Adapt YouTube Video Trail Runner Article - UTMB Has a New Adaptive Athlete Policy. Some Say It’s Lacking. If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | |||
| 14 Sep 2023 | #12 Heidi Garner | Finding Your Stoke Again, Volunteerism, & Building a Small Business Around Your Art | 01:27:00 | |
The MidPacker pod is brought to you by FreeTrail with generous support from Vacation Races. Today on the Pod, Troy Meadows talks to his dear friend Heidi Garner. Heidi is a mother, community organizer, artist, entrepreneur, and Trail and UltraRunner. They talk about how Heidi has found balance in raising several children with her running goals. How she has used her passion for endurance sports to give back to her local community as a board member of the youth swim league that her children are a part of and with a program that she founded that works with local schools to teach young children the joy of running. They discuss her need to take a step back from racing and training recently as she reevaluates her “why” for running and resets the stoke for an upcoming adventure trip to the Grand Canyon. Lastly, they talk about the small cottage business, Heidi Garner Studio, that she has formed around her art and the love of the trails and how she was able, through a chance encounter, to give Bronco Billy a trucker hat with some of her Grand Canyon art on it. If you follow Jeff Browning on IG or FB, you have likely seen him running the trails wearing it. Talking with Heidi about her work for her local community and how she juggles all the things was super inspiring. Hopefully, it kindles the fire in you to give back to your local community. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Heidi Garner. Heidi was gracious enough to give a discount to our listeners. Check out her website: heidigarnerstudio.com Use code: midpacker for 10% off your order. Heidi Links Website:heidigarnerstudio.com If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 02 Aug 2024 | #50 Elliot Matson | Becoming a FOLK LORD, Creative Pursuits, & Embracing Community | 01:31:22 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "Folklore is for legendary days." "A Folk Lord to me is like a consummately curious individual that loves being out in nature." In this conversation, Troy Meadows interviews Elliot Matson, the founder of Folk Lord, about his running journey and his passion for writing. They discuss Elliot's experience with bikepacking, his love for trail running, and his creative writing projects. They also touch on the importance of balance and prioritizing different aspects of life. Elliot Matson discusses his brand, Folk Lord, and the unique approach he takes to trail running apparel. He wanted to create clothing that didn't look like typical athletic wear and that had a different vibe he calls Leisletic. The brand is all about the joy, weirdness, and bizarreness of trail running, and it pays homage to the Pacific Northwest and its folklore. Elliot talks about the process of creating the brand, finding a manufacturer, and the challenges he faced. He also discusses the content he creates for the brand, including the Creature Feature on the website, which highlights different stories and legends each month. Elliot Matson discusses the vision for the brand, Folk Lord, and his approach to building a community around it. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creating a brand that people can connect with. Elliot also talks about his plans for the future, including volunteering at Hood Hundredand his upcoming 35 mile PCT section run. Eliot's Links IG: @wearfolklord Website: wearfolklord.com
PROMO CODE - FOLK10 Things we talked about on the show Elliot’s Audio Books Michelle Bouquet MPP Episode #47 Timefulness - Marcia Bjornerud Forest Park Portland, OR - BPA RD Elliot actually have a video about it on Instagram in a series I started called "Trails Hiding in Plain Sight" Where Elliot was running when he announced Folklord in - this video. PROMO CODE - FOLK10 If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube running, bikepacking, trail running, writing, balance, prioritization, Folk Lord, trail running apparel, unique approach, joy, weirdness, bizarreness, Pacific Northwest, folklore, brand creation, manufacturing, challenges, content creation, Creature Feature, stories, legends, branding, storytelling, community, Folklore, running, volunteering, trail run, Portland | |||
| 02 Sep 2023 | #10 Jessica Grinspan | Dealing with Injury & Aligning Running with Social Advocacy | 01:45:12 | |
The MidPacker pod is brought to you by FreeTrail with generous support from Vacation Races. Today on the pod Troy Meadows sits down with Jessica Grinspan. Jessica is a public health researcher, trail runner, and ultrarunner from Philadelphia, PA, with a passion for aligning running pursuits with social advocacy. She is also a vibrant member of the FreeTrail community and an active member of the mental health channel in the FreeTrail Pro Slack community. In today's episode, they discuss how Jessica got into the trails. A recent injury that will likely lead to surgery with an extended recovery process and how she will cope with having to let go of running for a few months in the healing process. They also discuss a few other topics outside of running, like the fact that she used to be a lead singer in a symphonic metal band and how she gives back to her community by volunteering in an a cappella group to sing oldies to seniors in nursing homes. We also dive into ways Jessicain has aligned her running goals around raising money for charity, including raising over $1,000 for front-line workers during the pandemic while running the Quarantine Backyard Ultra in 2020 and raising awareness to get people out to vote in the last election cycle when she set up and ran what she called Propel the Vote. Jessica is also a member of Team "Jess Do It" and the Jess Backyard, a group of women named Jessica who met through running the Great Virtual Race in May 2020, where participants ran the equivalent distance of running across the state of Tennessee. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Jessica Grinspan. If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Websit | |||
| 05 Mar 2025 | #70 Sarah Scozzaro | The Power of Strength Training, Resilience, & Toe Yoga | 01:25:14 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO HAVE JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES AS PARTNERS IN 2025 “Strength training isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about building durability so you can do what you love for longer.” - Sarah Scozzaro In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Sarah Scozzaro, a seasoned ultrarunning coach and strength training specialist. Sarah's journey from a young runner in Northern California to a dedicated coach offers listeners a blend of inspiration and practical insights.Listeners seeking to incorporate strength training into their routines or those navigating injury recovery will find Sarah's insights particularly valuable. Her story exemplifies perseverance and the transformative power of embracing challenges. Sarah's Journey and Achievements:
Sarah’s Links: Sponsor Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com, Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Keywords: ultrarunning, strength training, injury prevention, resilience, Hardrock 100, UTMB, Javelina Jundred, coaching, endurance sports, trail running | |||
| 20 Jan 2024 | #30 Mathias Eichler | Trail Running Film Festival, The Original Singletrack Podcast, Speculation and Collusion about UTMB | 02:24:31 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Mathias Eichler, a race director, podcast host, and trail runner. They discuss Mathias' background, his love for running and trails, his involvement in the Trail Running Film Festival, being a race director and owner of Rock Candy Running events, and his podcast, the original Singletrack Pocdcast. They also talk about the challenges of balancing work, family, and running, and Matthias' goals for 2024. The conversation delves into the grassroots nature of trail running events and the impact of corporate influence, particularly in the context of UTMB and Ironman. T he discussion explores the differences between European and American trail running cultures and the challenges of preserving the grassroots spirit while growing and expanding events. The conversation also touches on the importance of effective communication and the need for unity within the trail running community. Mathias Personal Links IG - @einmaleins Things we talked about on the show Chapters 03:34 Finding Running and Trails 10:16 Running in Europe vs. America 13:37 The Trail Running Film Festival 23:40 Rock Candy Running Events 32:13 The Singletrack Podcast 46:41 Balancing Work, Family, and Running 59:57 Goals for 2024 01:31:44 Personal Feelings about UTMB 01:32:28 European Perspective on UTMB 01:34:24 Broken Arrow Race 01:37:57 Grassroots Events and Relationships 01:38:24 Defining Grassroots Events 01:38:54 Hard Rock and Western States as Grassroots Events 01:39:21 UTMB's DNA 01:41:19 Possibility of European and American Grassroots Events 01:42:43 UTMB and Vale Resort Partnership 01:43:46 Different Cultures in Europe and America 01:45:37 UTMB's Grassroots Status 01:46:04 UTMB's Growth and Corporate Influence 01:47:48 Ironman's Influence and Brand Partnerships 01:48:16 Different Cultures in Europe and America 01:48:45 European Infrastructure and Culture 01:49:31 Limited Opportunities for Large Events in America 01:53:46 UTMB's Desire for a Race in Canada 01:54:32 Ironman's Influence and Brand Partnerships 01:55:22 UTMB's Communication and PR 02:07:41 Trail Running Culture and Communication If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | Mali Noyes 64 | Free Skiing, Ultra Running, Building Your Personal Brand, & The Mali Channel | 01:29:05 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out the MPP Merch drop! https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services In this episode Troy Meadows talks with Mail Noyes of Salt Lake City, Utah. Mali Noyes shares her journey as a dual athlete, excelling in both freeride skiing and ultra running. She discusses her upbringing in Sun Valley, Idaho, her transition from Nordic skiing to freeride competitions, and the balance she finds between her nursing career and her athletic pursuits. Mali emphasizes the importance of loving the process of training and the perspective her nursing career provides, especially when faced with the challenges of ultra running. In this conversation, Mali Noyes shares her experiences in ultra running, particularly focusing on her journey through various races, including Speed Goat and CCC. She discusses her training methods, the challenges she faced during races, and the mental barriers that come with endurance sports. Mali also reflects on her background in skiing and how it influences her approach to running and mountain challenges. They also talk about the WURL, a Salt Lake Route developed by the icon Jared Campbel that links all the peaks that circle Little Cotton Wood Canyon. Mali Noyes discusses her journey as an athlete that works on two sports: backcountry skiing in the winter and ultra running in the summer, the importance of coaching and community support, and her venture into content creation. They discuss her new youtube channel, The Mali Channel, and she emphasizes the need for athletes to build their personal brand and control their media presence in today's digital age. The discussion also touches on the challenges of authenticity in content creation and the importance of consistency in achieving success.Mali’s Links Instagram: @malinoyes YouTube: @malinoyes https://www.youtube.com/@malinoyes Favorite Trails in SLC - Silver Fork and Days Fork https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/silver-fork-trail Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Mali Noyes, dual athlete, freeride skiing, ultra running, nursing, endurance sports, balance, training, competition, skiing culture, ultra running, Speed Goat, CCC, training, nutrition, mental barriers, skiing, endurance sports, race experience, ultra running, content creation, personal branding, coaching, community, athlete journey, vulnerability, long distance running, YouTube, storytelling | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | #62 Mick Sullivan | Great Grand Masters UTMB Champion, Running Ultras in your 60's, & Living An Enduring Life | 01:30:09 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Fill out the Asheville Trail Trips Questionnaire HEREhttps://forms.gle/1VR8RvMdZroVGnGK6 MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services “Running a big ultra is a lot like conducting an Orchestra” "It's a real head game that you have to manage." On this episode of the Midpacker Pod, Troy Meadows interviews Mick Sullivan, an avid trail runner who began his journey into endurance sports later in life. Mick shares his experiences with trail running, the challenges he faced, and the importance of strength training and technique. He discusses his participation in the TDS and UTMB races, detailing the lessons learned from each event and the strategies he employed to improve his performance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mental preparation, the role of aid stations, and the importance of gradual evolution in fitness training. In this conversation, Mick Sullivan and Troy Meadows discuss the intricacies of ultramarathon running, focusing on the mental and physical challenges faced during long races, particularly at night. They share personal experiences of managing fatigue, the importance of nutrition, and strategies for maintaining endurance. Mick also reflects on his adventures beyond running, including trekking in Nepal and sled hauling in Antarctica, showcasing a life filled with exploration and resilience. Things we talked about on the show Herbert Krabel - Powering the Pack, FreeTrail Article Freetrail Pod Episode with Jeff Browning Main Range Trail - Snowy Mountains Australia If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube trail running, endurance sports, ultra running, fitness journey, strength training, race preparation, TDS, UTMB, running technique, mental strategies, ultramarathon, night running, nutrition, endurance, adventure, mental strategy, aging athletes, trail running, race strategy, personal stories | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | #8 Mat Glaser & Maureen Cane | Life Design, Moving to France, PTL and TOR | 01:21:05 | |
This episode of the MidPacker pod is brought you by FreeTrail, with generous support from Vacation Races, With all the UTMB festivities right around the corner, the stoke is super high to have this week's guest on the pod. In this Episode Troy Meadows talking with dear friends Mat Glaser and Maureen Cane. A year ago, Mat took a sabbatical from his job as a Teacher in Berkley, and together, he and Maureen moved their family of 4 to a sleepy village outside of Chamonix, France, to explore the mountains and embed themselves into French mountain culture. We talk about some challenges of living abroad and some hoops they have had to jump through while settling in. We also talk about the adjustments that have had to be made with their two boys, both middle school age, and what it has been like immersing them into French schools and French culture. We dive deep into their individual running goals. Matt is making a second attempt on the PTL LA PETITE TROTTE À LÉON, an off-piece route around Mont Blanc that goes on the entire UTMB week. Maureen is taking her 3rd crack at TOR, or Tor Des Geants. We hone in on what being in the European mountains means to them while they prepare for their epic journeys. We also talk about Matt betting on himself and starting his own coaching business, Flow State Running, a move that ultimately allowed them the ability to make this amazing move to the French Alps. I am so impressed with these two and their ability to design a life worth living with their family in mind as they tackle big audacious goals. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did with Mat and Maureen. IG STRAVAMat Glaser Flow State Running website: https://flowstaterunning.com Mat's Blog: https://goingdownthetrailfeelingbad.com If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | #1 Matt Hoadley | Addiction, Sobriety, Running, and Meditation | 01:23:36 | |
Matthew Hoadley is a trail runner and ultra runner based in Massachusetts. He is a recovering alcoholic, community organizer, and race director for the Womp Romp 50k and 10 miler. He is also a big part of the Freetrail Community helping to facilitate the Mental Health Office hours, a subgroup within Freetrail. He has also written a piece published by Freetrail titled “We get to do this'' on his struggles with addiction and how running and meditation has helped to change his relationship with himself. Today we dive deep into Matt's story including some darker times in his past as he struggled with addiction and ultimately finding sobriety, running, and meditation. IG @WompRomp Rester for the Womp Romp race series HERE If you are enjoying the content please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased we donate $1 to runners for public lands Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T’s. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year giving you access to the Freetrail slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 28 Dec 2023 | #27 Christopher Thomas | Competing as a Grandmasters Ultrarunner, Getting Your Mojo Back, Fueling for Success | 01:44:35 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with his longtime friend Christopher Thomas, an experienced ultra runner who was pivotal in helping Troy early on with his journey to running Ultras. Chris shares his journey and recent success in trail and ultra running. He discusses his early experiences and how he got into the sport. Christopher highlights the importance of proper nutrition and how it has been a game-changer for him. He also shares his race highlights and achievements, including his recent races at Silver State 50-Miler and Tahoe Rim Trail 100. This part of the conversation concludes with his experience at UTMB 100k Porte Viarte Mexico. Christopher shares his role in crewing and pacing for international runners at Western States. He also talks about his experience as the course director for the Canyons 100K race. Christopher shares his upcoming races and goals, including his plan to run the Lake Sonoma 100K. Finally, he discusses the balancing act of managing work, family, and training. In this conversation, Christopher Thomas discusses his work and lifestyle as a custom home builder and ultra trail runner. Christopher also shares how he balances work and family, including taking care of his elderly mother and aunt. Christopher concludes with advice for trail runners and shares his contact information for those who want to connect with him. Chris’s Links IG - @Burroslocos Chris’s Nutrition Coach Vic Johnson IG - @mountain.sports.nutritionist Chris’s Running Coach Things we talked about on the pod Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Getting into Trail and Ultra Running 06:34 First 50K 09:01 Running with the Red Antler Running Crew 19:27 Importance of Proper Nutrition 35:27 Silver State 50-Miler and Tahoe Rim Trail 100 42:38 UTMB Mexico 46:35 Family Support and Involvement 53:11 Volunteering at Western States 55:02 Course Director at Canyons 100K 01:04:18 Upcoming Races and Goals 01:08:23 The New Canyons 100K Course 01:18:01 Running Lake Sonoma 100K 01:20:37 Balancing Work, Family, and Training 01:30:36 The Ultra Trail Running Community 01:31:32 Advice for Trail Runners 01:36:12 Acknowledgment to Rabbit If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | #3 Doug Mayer | The Race that Changed Running | 01:48:13 | |
In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Doug Mayer to talk about his new book: The Race That Changed Running The Inside Story of UTMB. Doug is a journalist who has written content for Trail Runner Magazine, Ultra Runner Magazine, and Ultra Sign Up. In his former life Doug was a PRoducer on the NPR show Car Talks. He is also the founder of Run the Alps, a trail running guide service based in Chamonix, France, the place where Doug calls home. His location in France and a cultivated relationship with UTMB founders Catherine and Michel Poletti has given Doug unfettered access to tell the story of UTMB in an unadulterated straight forward way. His own personal experience, 100s of hours of interviews, and contributions from 16 professional athletes including Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, Katie Schide, and Krissy Moehl makes him uniquely positioned to tell this story. We dive deep into the growth of the UTMB event, some of the changes that they have implemented over the years and the difference between the US Ultra Scene and the European one. Including Doug's little race that he directs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire the state were he grew up and his home away from Chamonix. Doug is no slouch either and has completed numerous trail running routes in his home state of Newhampure as well as completing all of the UTMB events as well as the Tor des Géants twice! Here are some of Doug’s other book titles: Run The Alps Switzerland: 30 Must Do Trail Runs Here is where you can find Doug If you are enjoying the content please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased we donate $1 to runners for public lands Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T’s. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year giving you access to the Freetrail slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | #17 Timothy Lock | Talking Sustainability How You Should Think About Your Footprint as a Runner | 01:45:08 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the pod Troy Meadows talks with Tim Lock. They focus a lot of the conversation on sustainability and practical ways to minimize your carbon footprint. Tim is an architect and partner at a firm called OPAL where their focus is on sustainable building design. Tim is a subject matter expert in sustainability and they go deep on this topic. Tim is also a husband, father, and trail runner who loves the ultra side of the sport. They touch on Tim’s background growing up in Maine, what got him into running, and how he balances the demands of a very busy work life with showing up for his family and getting in some training. Toward the end of the episode, They dive into a few questions on what trail and ultrarunners should be thinking about concerning our actions and how they impact the planet. Coach Sasha Teninty - IG @sasha.teninty On Running Cyclon Program Recyclable shoe Got Sneakers - Mail in shoe recycling program Timothy Lock Personal Links IG - @timothylock LinkedIn - Timothy Lock If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | #67 Andy Glaze | Finding Joy in Movement, Mental Toughness, & Running 100-Mile Weeks | 01:36:12 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merchhttps://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services STOKED TO HAVE JANJI ONBOARD AS A PARTNER IN 2025 "I don’t do this because it’s smart—I do it because I love it. But I’ll be the first to tell you, don’t do what I do." "If running goes away, I’ll figure something else out. It’s not about the miles—it’s about movement, and what it does for your mind and body." On this Episode Troy Meadows talks with Andy Glaze Andy Glaze is not your average runner—he’s a relentless ultra-endurance athlete, a firefighter, and a social media sensation known for his mind-blowing weekly mileage. Whether it's back-to-back 100-mile weeks or tackling extreme endurance events, Andy embodies the spirit of perseverance and consistency. In This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Andy Glaze:
Sponsor Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out atjanji.com Use the codeMIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life -https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail -https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links:Instagram |Patreon |SubStack Troy Meadows Links:Instagram |Twitter |Website |Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 06 May 2024 | #43 Jacky Hunt-Broersma | Surviving Cancer, Finding the Trails, & Run Streaking | 01:10:08 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE “You guys are capable of so much more than what you think you are.” On this episode Troy Meadows talks with Jackie Hunt-Broersma, a professional ultra runner and cancer survivor, shares her journey of becoming an amputee and finding her passion for running. She discusses the challenges she faced in getting the right prosthetics and the need for better support and accessibility for adaptive athletes. Jackie also talks about her experience running 104 marathons in 104 days and the mental and physical resilience required for such a feat. She emphasizes the power of the mind and the importance of listening to your body. Jackie also shares her 21 km streak to celebrate being 21 years cancer-free and to support others going through cancer. Jacky shares that during her 250-day run streak, she ran more than the planned 21 kilometers per day, often running ultras instead. She ran races like YETI and UMSTED, as well as random 50Ks as training runs. After completing a 100-mile race, she would still run 13 miles the next day. Jacky explains that the mindset of an ultra runner is to have a mission and a goal, and even if it's painful, they push through and keep going. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving in ultra running and how each race presents unique challenges. Jacky's Links IG - @ncrunnerjacky X - @ncrunnerjacky Website - https://www.ncrunnerjacky.com/ Want to support Adaptive Athletes consider making a donation to these organizations @moveforjenn - IG Challenged Athletes Foundation - CAF Things we talked about on the show Freetrail Article - Runs Because She Is Alive by Herbert Krabel If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube ultrarunning, cancer survivor, amputee, prosthetics, adaptive athletes, support, accessibility, mental resilience, physical resilience, marathon streak, cancer, run streak, ultras, 100-mile race, mindset, problem-solving | |||
| 02 Mar 2024 | #35 Justine Bello | Running While Being A Single Parent, The Power of Your Support Group & Knowing When To DNF | 01:19:26 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Set up a free exploratory call with Troy HERE. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Justine Bello, a trail runner and single mother, who shares her journey of discovering her love for running, finding balance between parenting and running, and her experience at the Grand Canyon, the moment that she realized that trail running was possible for her. She also discusses her project to map drinking fountains in Washington, DC and the importance of having a support network. Justine highlights the impact of having a coach and shares her experience running the Grindstone 100K race. Justine shares her experience at the Grindstone 100K race, where she faced challenges and made the decision to DNF. She reflects on the importance of working through lows and knowing when to listen to her body. Justine discusses her future race plans and the balance between racing and parenting. She also highlights the significance of the Free Trail Fems and Free Trail Mental Health groups in her life. Takeaways
Justine’s links Things we talked about on the show The Public Water Project Ricky Gates Every Street Project, YouTube Video Cabin Fever 50k in Feb (Fayetteville, WV) Promise Land 50k (outside of Lynchburg, VA) If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 16 Apr 2025 | #75 Deanna Doane | Florida Trail FKT, Run Bum Races, & Trail Stewardship | 01:27:27 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStack You support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT
"You can have thousands of reasons to quit but you only need one reason to keep going." In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with ultrarunner and trail steward Deanna Doane, who recently set a new supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 1,100-mile Florida Trail. Averaging 57 miles per day over 19 days, Deanna's journey took her through swamps, prairies, and forests, showcasing her resilience and love for the trail Athlete Spotlight: Deanna Doane
Motivational Takeaways
Relevant Links Partner Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.comGet the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.
Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 23 Apr 2025 | #76 Sam Pate | Building Bear Butt Wipes, Trail Dad Life, & Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit | 01:16:40 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStack Support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT "Bear Butt Wipes started as a necessity and grew into a community-focused brand." In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Sam Pate, a father of three, HVAC business owner, ultra runner, and the force behind Bear Butt Wipes. Sam shares his journey from a former football player to a sub-3-hour marathoner and ultra podium finisher. He discusses how he balances early morning training sessions with family life and entrepreneurship. Sam also delves into the origins of Bear Butt Wipes, a biodegradable product designed for trail runners, and how it's gaining traction in the running community. Athlete Highlights:
Motivational Takeaways:
Relevant Links:
Partner Links: Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Keywords: Sam Pate, Bear Butt Wipes, trail running, ultra running, No Business 100, Lake Sonoma, Cocodona 250, entrepreneurship, family life, biodegradable products | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | #46 Teresa Bowser & Troy Meadows | Quest For The Crest, Running In Western NC, & Exploring The Blue Ridge | 01:26:14 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "I just heard like the polls clicking in the background and I just got poll hangry." In this Episode Troy Meadows and Teresa Bowser discuss their experience running the Quest for the Crest 50k, sharing insights on the technical terrain, steep climbs, and challenging weather conditions. They also explore the unique running community and trail access in Western North Carolina. Troy and Teresa discuss their experience during a race, covering topics such as using poles, climbing, descending, aid stations, and the challenges of the course. They share insights on hydration, nutrition, and the mental and physical demands of the race. Troy and Teresa discuss their experiences at the Quest for the Crest 50K race, sharing details of the challenging course, aid stations, and the mental and physical struggles they faced. They also talk about their post-race recovery and future race plans. Teresa's Links IG - @teresabowserfitness Things we talked about during the episode. Optimal Human Health https://www.optimalhumanhealth.com/ If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube trail running, ultra running, Western North Carolina, Quest for the Crest, technical terrain, steep climbs, running community, trail access, race experience, race, poles, climbing, descending, aid stations, hydration, nutrition, mental challenges, physical demands, ultramarathon, trail running, race experience, mental toughness, post-race recovery, future races | |||
| 25 Oct 2023 | #18 Hillary Li & Celeste Banks | Trail Sisters Boston | Diversity & Inclusion | Run Club Culture | 01:47:30 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the Midpacker Pod Troy Meadow talks with Hillary Li and Celeste Banks. These ladies are trail runners and ultra runners who are passionate about creating diversity and inclusion on the trails. They recently took over the leadership roles at the Trail Sisters Boston Chapter and are eager to share their love of the trails with the Boston community. The conversation dives into the Boston-run club culture. Some of the clubs that made them feel extremely welcome when they first got to the city and some of the takeaways that they are going to try to implement with Trail Sisters Boston. They also talk about what it means to be a no-drop run club as well as some other ways that they intend to show up for the community as they work toward creating a more diverse and inclusive club. They also touch on some of the systemic issues that the BIPOC community faces with feeling welcomed on the trails and in running groups in general. The stoke is high for the greater Boston run scene as these ladies bring a passion and joy for running to the table that is super infectious and I can't wait to see where they take the Trail Sisters Boston club in the coming months and years. LINKS Running While Black - Alison Marielle Désir IG If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | |||
| 30 Mar 2024 | 39 Brooks Bash | 100 Marathons in 100 Days, Earthy Energy & Getting Back To Wild | 01:14:22 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode Troy Meadows talks with Brooks Bash.Brooks shares his running journey, including his transition from triathlon to trail running and his aha moment when he fell in love with trail running. He also discusses his experience of running 100 marathons in 100 days as a way to promote his startup, Earthy. Brooks talks about the challenges in the supplement industry and the mission of Earthy to provide clean and transparent organic supplements. Brooks Bash discusses his journey to completing 100 marathons in 100 days to raise money for Earthy, and the mental and physical challenges he faced. He also shares his upcoming participation in the Speed Project, the Unsanctioned Race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. He also talks about the importance of managing all aspects of life and the support he receives from his partner. Brooks emphasizes the value of therapy in maintaining a healthy relationship and finding balance. He shares his plans for future challenges, including the John Muir Trail and the Grand Canyon, and encourages listeners to follow their own passions and listen to their inner calling. Takeaways
Brooks Links IG - @brooksbash - USE CODE MIDPACKER FOR 25% OFF - West Coast Tour Canada to Mexico If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 16 Aug 2024 | #52 Sarah Bergeron Larouche | Going All In On Trails, Running Postpartum, & Norda 665 Fam | 01:11:31 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE “I let my running come to me.” On this episode of the pod Troy Meadows talks with Sarah Bergeron Larouche, a Canadian athlete and new mother, Sarah shares her journey in trail running and the challenges of balancing motherhood and training. She discusses her background in cross-country skiing and how it helped develop her endurance and training discipline. Sarah talks about the technical and wet trails in Quebec and the competitive trail running scene in Canada. She also opens up about her struggles with pregnancy and miscarriages, as well as her postpartum experience and the importance of listening to her body and asking for help. She shares her journey of coming back to running after having her daughter and the challenges she faced. She leans in with an amazing message for how she dealt with her postpartum journey: “I let my running come to me.” Sarah reflects on the joy of being a mother and the special moments of crossing the finish line with her daughter. Sarah talks about her favorite races and her goals for the future, including her desire to run longer distances. She also discusses her partnership with Norda and the importance of durability in running shoes. Sarah shares her experience as a coach and the balance she strives to achieve between being an athlete, coach, and mother. She emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork in managing these roles. Sarah’s Links Things we talked about on the show Nick and Willamette Norda Founders If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube running, motherhood, cross-country skiing, Quebec, Canadian trail running scene, pregnancy, postpartum, listening to your body, support system, finishing races with daughter, running, motherhood, coaching, Norda, durability, balance, ultrarunning, trail running, ultra runner, trail runner | |||
| 19 Mar 2025 | #72 Lauren Beihoffer | Balancing Motherhood, Coaching & Ultra-Endurance | 01:22:25 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025 "Women over 40 need to train smarter, not harder. It’s about understanding our bodies and adapting, not just grinding through the same training we did in our 20s." Lauren Beihoffer’s journey is all about reinvention, adventure, and pushing limits. A former scientist turned ultra-runner and coach, Lauren found trail running after a major life shift—one that took her from the world of academia to endurance sports. She’s since built a life centered around movement, resilience, and exploration. In This Episode:
Lauren’s Links:
Partner Links: Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com, Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 29 Apr 2024 | 42 Jen Laughlin | Building Community, Tushers 100k, & Running During Perimenopause | 01:17:36 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "If I say, okay, I'm not going to take on this race because I'm just going to wait for this to stop. I don't know when it's going to stop. So there's no point." In this episode Troy Meadows talks with Jen Laughlin. Jen is a mom, marketer, trail runner, and social media manager for Aravaipa and Squirrel's Nut Butter. She shares her journey into trail running and ultra distances, as well as her passion for engaging with the trail running community. Jen's work with social media started with Dirtbag Runners and Squirrel's Nut Butter, where she offered her services for free. She later joined Aravaipa and Run Steep Get High as a social media manager. Jen's enthusiasm and genuine support for others have made her a valuable asset to these brands. Jen discusses her experience as a mother and how she balances parenting with her running goals. She shares that while she is a competitive person by nature, she prioritizes being present for her children and doesn't focus on achieving top race times. Jen also opens up about her physical challenges due to perimenopause, including weight gain, sleep issues, and pain. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to continue running and participating in races. In this final part of the conversation, Jen and Troy discuss the challenges of menopause and how it affects running. They talk about the importance of giving oneself grace during this time and the need for more research on hormone replacement therapy. Jen shares how her running has changed and how she has embraced a slower pace. They also discuss their favorite craft beers and trails in the Phoenix area. Jens Links IG - @jenlaughlin_18 Things we talked about on the show IG - @DirtBagRunners Verrado Stairs - Victory Steps If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Jen Laughlin, marketer, trail runner, social media manager, AeroVipa, Squirrel's Nut Butter, Dirtbag Runners, Run Steep Get High, engagement, community, motherhood, parenting, balancing responsibilities, running, competitive mindset, perimenopause, physical challenges, menopause, challenges, running, grace, hormone replacement therapy, slower pace, craft beer, Phoenix area | |||
| 26 Mar 2025 | #73 Wes Plate | Cocodona 250, Arizona Monster 300, & Running 550 Miles In A Month | 01:18:52 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025 "I’m just a regular guy who got into long-distance running—and decided to share it with the world." In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Wes Plate—a filmmaker, software designer, and dedicated ultrarunner known in the community as @midpackelite. Wes shares his evolution from a tech innovator to an endurance athlete, offering insights into balancing creativity with the demands of ultrarunning. Athlete Spotlight: Wes Plate
Motivational Takeaways
Relevant Links
Partner Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Keywords Wes Plate, ultrarunning, Copper Kings 100, Cocodona 250, filmmaker, software designer, endurance sports, trail running, Butte Montana, ultramarathon, race director, community engagement, Indiegogo fundraiser, ultrarunning documentaries, MidPackElite, storytelling in sports | |||
| 16 Feb 2024 | 33 Andrew Grillos | Running Ultras After Surviving A Stroke, Fortitude As A Superpower, & Loving The Process | 01:13:08 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Email: Troy@runtraillife.com for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this Episode, Troy Meadows talks with Andrew Grillos. Andrew shares his journey of resilience and perseverance. He discusses his passion for fly fishing and trail running, as well as his experience as a fly-tying expert. Andrew also opens up about surviving a stroke just two months after finishing his first 100 milers at IMTUF having to learn to walk again and ultimately getting back to running ultra post-stroke! He emphasizes the importance of fortitude as a superpower and credits his confidence and family influence for his ability to overcome obstacles. Andrew embraces the midpacker mentality and encourages others to set goals and push through challenges. In this conversation, Andrew Grillos shares his journey of finding work-life balance and pursuing ultra running after recovering from a stroke. He discusses the changes in his life post-stroke and how he transitioned from his engineering job to pursuing his passion for fly fishing and running. Andrew emphasizes the importance of building strength and progressing gradually in ultrarunning, highlighting the need to avoid rushing into high-level competition. He also shares his upcoming race goals and his motivation to stack up as much vertical gain as possible. Takeaways
Andrew’s Links IG Things we talked about on the show Coach Emily Kipp If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | #57 Kate Arsenault | Building Rnnr, Creating True Fans, Javelina 2024 Activation | 01:06:50 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Javelina form: https://forms.gle/i84gLEUFS3858fT77 You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "Customer experience is so important when you're brand building." "Product is hard. It's not just slapping a logo on something." In this engaging conversation, Troy Meadows interviews Kate Arsenault, founder of Runner, an innovative running apparel brand. Kate shares her journey from being a special education teacher to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting her passion for running and the challenges of balancing motherhood with business. The discussion delves into the evolution of running in Kate's life, the creation of her brand, and the importance of community and mentorship in the running industry, especially for female founders. Kate emphasizes the need for fun in running and the supportive nature of the industry, while also addressing the complexities of self-distribution versus third-party logistics. In this conversation, Kate Arsenault discusses the importance of enhancing customer experience through personalized services and the challenges of product development in the running industry. She shares insights on balancing work and family life as a founder, the significance of community engagement at marathons, and the exciting plans for the upcoming Javelina Ultra Races by Aravaipa Running. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of building a brand and the dedication required to succeed in a competitive market. IG: @rnnr.co Website: https://rnnr.com/ If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 13 Apr 2024 | Chris Morrison | Being a Stay at Home Father, Creating Relatable Content, & Unintentionally Becoming An Advocate | 01:21:44 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "I started getting messages from a lot of other guys and dads who were like, hey man, I love seeing somebody who looks like me." Today on the pod Troy Meadows sits down with Chris Morrison, a stay-at-home father, ultra runner, and content creator, shares his journey of sobriety and how running has played a role in his recovery. He started running in 2012 after completing rehab for alcoholism and found it to be a healthy goal to pursue. Initially focused on road races and PR times, Chris eventually discovered the world of ultra running and trail running, which allowed him to prioritize the joy of running and being in nature over performance. As a content creator, Chris documents his running journey on Instagram, where he has built a community of like-minded individuals, particularly fathers and larger runners, who appreciate his relatable and authentic content. In this part of the conversation, Troy and Chris discuss the relatability of Chris's running videos and the experiences of being a runner. They also touch on the topic of women's safety while running and the different perspectives and experiences that people have. Chris shares his experience of being voted the best pacer in the world and talks about his role as a pacer in races. They also talk about the Man Against Horse race and the unique format of humans and horses competing against each other. Chris Morrison shares his experience of running ultras and his upcoming goal of running his first 100-mile race. He discusses the challenges and rewards of trail running, the importance of training and preparation, and the mindset needed to overcome low points during a race. Chris emphasizes that ultra running is accessible to everyone, regardless of their athletic background or time constraints. He encourages others to pursue their goals and reminds them that it's never too late to start. Chris’s Links IG - @chrismorrison_runs Things we talked about on the showUltraSignup Best Pacer Michelle Schroff - @waddellrunninglady Pete Mortimer - @pjmortimer If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Chris Morrison, stay-at-home father, ultra runner, content creator, sobriety, running journey, road races, PR times, ultra running, trail running, nature, Instagram, community, relatable, authentic, running, relatability, women's safety, pacer, Man Against Horse race, ultra running, trail running, 100-mile race, training, preparation, mindset, accessibility | |||
| 03 Nov 2023 | #19 Callie Vinson | Body Image, Crafting Meaningful Content, and Running for the Joy of Running | 01:18:05 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the pod Troy Meadows brings you a conversation with Callie Vinson. Callie is a body image advocate, trail runner, ultra runner, and creative director for a large ad agency who balances living the “Mad Men” vocational life with her love of running and the trails. In today's show, they touch on her journey of losing over 200 lbs that led her from the roads to the trails as well as her advocacy for body image and how she uses her platform to help others reframe their relationship with food, exercise, and how they look at there own bodies. They also dive into her role as a marketer and how it has shaped her approach to her own personal content. We round out the conversation with her next project, a 250+ mile FKT that she will be attempting on November 22nd. Hope you enjoy this episode, talking with Callie and her personal transformation is a powerful story worth sharing. Featured in Born to Run 2 Run Fasta - Scott Traer Coaching If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 11 Oct 2024 | #55 Checking in with Troy | Helenes Impact on Western North Carolina, Running Lake Sonoma 100k, & Joining the Javelina Live Stream | 00:23:37 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "I've never seen anything like this before." "Running is a privilege right now." In this quick check in episode Troy Meadows shares his personal experiences and observations following Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Western North Carolina. He discusses the extensive damage to the community, the challenges faced by residents, and the ongoing recovery efforts. Troy also highlights the resilience of the local community and provides updates on upcoming trail races, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during this difficult time. He then talks about his Race pivot to running the Lake Sonoma 100k and his excitement to see his Sonoma county running community again. Lastly he drops the news that he will be going to the big party in the desert, Javelina 100, to anchor the Live Stream with Chirs Warden to bring in the Middle and Back of the Pack and bask in the glow of those golden hour feels. How you can help
Troy’s Links IG - @troyontherun Website - Troyontherun.com - Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page - https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina, community recovery, trail running, Asheville, natural disaster, resilience, local support, race updates, family safety, Lake Sonoma 100k, Javelina Live Stream, trail running, ultrarunnning | |||
| 20 Apr 2024 | 41 Troy X MVD | Freetrail Memorial Day FundRaiser, Promise Land 50k, Troy's First Ultra of 2024 | 01:01:03 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "I got to run a Horton race while it's still a Horton race and Promised Land is kind of his baby." In this episode, Troy Meadows and Matt Van Delsem AKA MVD discuss Troy's preparation for the Promised Land 50K race and the history of the event. They also highlight the Annual Freetail Memorial Day fundraiser that is centered around Freetrail member Ari Sonnenberg and the Endurance Feat he does every year on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the fallen soldiers in his life. The fundraiser supports the Wounded Warrior Project and this year there is a big focus to align with running brands that are doing Memorial Day sales to support the cause. In the second part of the show they unpack all things Promise Land. The race is known for its old-school vibe and challenging course, with over 7,000 feet of elevation gain. They mention the legendary race director, David Horton, who has a long list of accomplishments in the ultra running world. The conversation covers past winners and course records, and Troy expresses his excitement for participating in the race. Troy discusses the Promise Land 50K race and his goals for the event. He talks about the technicality of the course and the challenges it presents. Troy shares his training approach and his plan to enjoy the race as a long training run for future events. He discusses his nutrition strategy and the importance of staying hydrated. Success for Troy is defined by enjoying the race, engaging with the ultra running community, and finishing in good shape. MEMORIAL DAY FUNDRAISER LINKS Ari’s Links Episode #9 of the Midpacker Pod Freetrail Articles: Austerity and Endurance: Dutch Mt Trail FKT Things we talked about on the show. Troy’s Nutrition for Promise Land If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Promised Land 50K, race preparation, Wounded Warrior Project, fallen soldiers, old-school vibe, challenging course, David Horton, race history, past winners, course records, Promise Land 50K, race goals, course technicality, swag, training approach, nutrition strategy, hydration, success | |||
| 28 Jul 2023 | #5 Travis Weller | Art, Working with Brands and Loving the Trails | 01:06:56 | |
In this episode of the MidPacker pod brought you by FreeTrail Troy Meadows talks with Travis Weller about his art and how Travis has aligned with brands in the running space merge his passions with his vocation. Travis is an artist, father, trail runner, and ultrarunner whose work with brands like the North Face and Roark has crafted a life that aligns his creative pursuits and his love of the trails. His limited run with the NorthFace Vectiv launch back in 2021 put Travis on the map with brands and that led to his current work with Roark and the Far Out Out Far line that he recently did with the adventure lifestyle brand. We talk about his passion for creating more inclusion in the sport and the recent opportunity to complete the Speed Project on Roarks relay team. The Speed Project is an unsanctioned race that starts at the Santa Monica pier in Southern California and ends at the Las Vegas Sign. Travis Links IG Ts.weller If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 06 Apr 2024 | Trailing Indicators 002 | Setting Race Day Goals, Race Day Nutrition, & What Do You Have In Your Drop Bag | 01:12:07 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In Episode 2 of Trailing Indicators Corinne Shalvoy, Troy Meadows, and Matt Van Dalsem discuss various topics related to trail and ultrarunning from the perspective of their position in the pack Front, Middle, and Back respectively. They share their personal approaches to setting goals, including time-based goals and mindset goals. They also discuss the importance of adjusting goals during a race and staying mentally strong. When it comes to fueling, they talk about their individual preferences and strategies, including homemade nutrition, aid station options, and experimenting with different fueling methods. They emphasize the importance of knowing yourself and finding what works best for you. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their approaches to fueling during long-distance races. They share their strategies for consuming calories and carbohydrates per hour, as well as their preferences for different types of fuel, such as gels, bars, and liquid calories. They also discuss the importance of training their stomachs to handle different fueling strategies and the need for experimentation during long training runs. The speakers also touch on the topic of drop bags and offer tips for packing essential items, such as extra batteries, headlamps, anti-nausea medicine, and sunscreen. They emphasize the importance of being self-sufficient and having a backup plan in case the aid station options don't work out. Finally, they remind listeners to be respectful and patient with aid station volunteers and to not let any issues with drop bags ruin their race experience. Corinne’s Links Troy’s Links MVD Links
Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube race day goal setting, race day nutrition, fueling strategies, time-based goals, mindset goals, adjusting goals, mental strength, homemade nutrition, aid station options, individual preferences, fueling, long-distance races, calories per hour, carbohydrates per hour, gels, bars, liquid calories, training, stomach training, experimentation, drop bags, essential items, self-sufficiency, backup plan, aid stations, respect, patience | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | #15 Matt Chittim | MidPack Rambling and Dissecting the Run Media Landscape | 01:42:43 | |
The MidPacker Pod is Presented by Freetrail. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Today, Troy Meadows talks with Matt Chittim. Matt should need no introduction as the host of the Rambling Runner Podcast and one of the founders and co-creatives at Relay. He is also a masters runner and father and recently started dabbling on the trails. They talk about several topics, including how Rambling Runner came to be, the new updates to the Boston Marathon qualifying standard, Matt running his first 50K, and his upcoming race at the Womp Romp 50K in a few weeks. This race is put on by OG Freetrailer and the first guest on this pod, Matt Hoadley. In true Matt Chitrim fashion, this conversation rambles along, dissecting a few run media-related topics, and these two have a fantastic time doing it. Womp Romp is Looking for volunteers for their race coming up on Oct 21st. If you are in the Massachusetts area and want to lend a hand, volunteer HERE. Squatch apple 50KRambling Runner Episode 517 Breaking Down My First Ultramarathon with Peter Bromka Rambling Runner Podcast IG If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 29 Jan 2025 | #66 Zoë Rom & Kylee Van Horn | Your Diet Sucks, Tackling Pseudoscience in Ultrarunning, Troy's Supplement Review | 01:38:24 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merchhttps://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services “The biggest gains are often not the sexiest solutions—sometimes it’s just about getting enough sleep, eating consistently, and training smart.” In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with Zoe Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the incredible duo behind the podcast Your Diet Sucks. Zoe, a journalist, ultra-runner, and comedian, and Kylee, an endurance sports dietitian and author, are here to share their journey of blending humor, science, and a passion for helping athletes navigate the often murky waters of endurance nutrition. Zoe and Kylee remind us to approach nutrition and training with humility, skepticism, and self-respect. Treat yourself like an elite athlete—no matter your pace—and focus on the fundamentals: eat well, sleep deeply, and train smart. Resources and Links: Listen to Your Diet Sucks: Your Diet Sucks Podcast Kylee’s book: Practical Fueling for Endurance Athletes Zoe’s book: Becoming a Sustainable Runner Follow Zoe Rom on Instagram:@carrot_flowers_z Follow Kylee Van Horn on Instagram: @flynutrition3 Episode Highlights: The Creation of Your Diet Sucks: Discover how Zoe’s background in science journalism and Kylee’s expertise as a registered dietitian led them to create a podcast that combines research-backed insights with engaging storytelling. Taking on Pseudoscience: Zoe and Kylee discuss their mission to combat misleading nutrition advice and empower athletes with actionable, evidence-based guidance. Learn why their format avoids interviews, focusing instead on deep dives into topics like the history of “racing weight” and nutrition myths. Balancing Big Projects: Both Zoe and Kylee open up about their experiences writing books while juggling demanding careers, offering tips on managing creative workloads and staying motivated. Humor as a Tool: Hear how they use comedy to make hard conversations about health and nutrition relatable and enjoyable, even for mid-pack athletes navigating their own fueling challenges. Actionable Nutrition Tips: From making balanced decisions about supplements to creating personalized fueling strategies, Zoe and Kylee provide insights every runner can use. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life -https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail -https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links:Instagram |Patreon |SubStack Troy Meadows Links:Instagram |Twitter |Website |Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Zoe Rom, Kylee Van Horn, Your Diet Sucks podcast, endurance nutrition, trail running, ultra-running, pseudoscience in sports, fueling strategies, sustainable running, nutrition myths, personalized nutrition, endurance sports dietitian, sports supplements, training tips for runners, balance and recovery, and evidence-based nutrition, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod, humorous podcasts, racing weight, relatable perspective. | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | 002 Revisiting Unbreakable with Hal Koerner - The Runners Perspective | 01:24:56 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE Follow MidPacker Pod on IG HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In the second episode of the MidPacker Pod Mini Series “Revisiting Unbreakable” hosts Troy Meadows and MVD, Matt Van Delsam sit down with Legend of the sport and 2 time Cougar winner Hal Koerner to get the athletes perspective as a competitor in the field and one of the stars of the the greatest movie of all time Unbreakable. In the conversation Hal covers the experience of participating in the Western States 100 race, the influence of the Unbreakable movie, the evolution of ultra running gear and strategies, and the impact of media coverage on the sport. Hal also delves into the significance of the Montreal race team and how it shared the development of ultra running as a sport in the early 2000’s. The conversation covers various aspects of the 2010 Western States race, Hal’s injury, race experiences, the impact of the race on participants, the perfect storm that was Anton, Geoff, Hal, and Kilian coming to the start line in 2010, and the enduring legacy of the event. It also delves into the themes of community, support, and the joy of trail running. The conversation highlights the significance of the race and its impact on the sport of ultrarunning. Unbreakable on YoutubeUnbreakable Digital Box Set - OVER 10 HOURS OF BONUS MATERIAL Hal’s Links IG: Field Guide to Ultra Running - Hal’s Book Things we talked about in the episode Canadian Death RaceCraig Thornley Rogue Valley Runners Siskiyou Out and Back If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 05 Dec 2023 | #21 Kyla Maher | Radical Transformation, Following Your Passions, Finding Community | 01:37:08 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the show Troy Meadows is talking with Kyla Maher. Kyla is a community organizer, and trail and ultra runner based in Bozeman Montana. She is also a content producer and the athlete manager for Janji the up-and-coming running apparel brand that in Kyla’s words is a pocket company that also makes shorts. Kyla was not always the runner she is today and they dive into her journey from being a successful entrepreneur in the yoga space to making a decision to radically change her life by closing down her businesses and spending a year in service living out of a van and teaching yoga and meditation to inmates in prisons across the country. After a year she decided that she was ready for a change and ended up in Bozman where her love of the trails found her jumping feet-first into the ultra-running community. Kyla founded of the Bozman Run Club soon after moving to the mountain town and they unpack what it has meant to her to grow that club from the ground up. They finish up the convo talking about her season of running completing at the Big Horn 50 miler, Crazy Mountain 100, Mongolian 42k, and The Bear 100. We also talk about Scummy Summer Slammer a multiday FatAss from Bozman to Yellow Stone that the Bozeman Running Club puts on. This is kind of a Fight Club kinda race, remember you don't talk about Fight Club:) Pre Show Links Ultra Crew Hub Crewing Grindstone 100 with Troy Meadows Kyla’s Personal Links IG - @kylarosemaher Show Links “You are not the slowest one. You are the one with the most potential.” Good to Great by Jim Collins Races Kyla’s Personal Links IG - @kylarosemaher If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 27 Jun 2024 | 003 Revisiting Unbreakable with Dylan Bowman - Inspiring The Next Generation | 01:31:06 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE Follow MidPacker Pod on IG HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "Let's Monday Morning Quarterback Killian Jornet's 2010 Western States. That idiot." "Harmony and I's first date was watching Unbreakable." In the third and final installment of the MidPacker Pod Mini Series “Revisiting Unbreakable” hosts Troy Meadows and MVD, Matt Van Delsam sit down with Dylan Bowman Founder of Freetrail and Broadcast host of the WSER live stream that is a 3 time Western States top ten finisher whose career took off in the years after the release of Unbreakable. Dylan has an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of Ultrarunning in the earthly 2000’s and brought a “College Gameday” vibe to the conversation that plays like 3 long time friends unpacking the movie on a weekly long run. In this episode, the hosts continue their discussion about the film 'Unbreakable' and the impact it had on the trail running community. They focus on the experiences and stories of the four main athletes featured in the film: Anton Krupicka, Geoff Roes, Hal Koerner, and Kilian Jornet. They discuss how these athletes influenced the sport and share their own personal interactions with them. They also analyze Killian Jornet's race at the 2010 Western States and the mistakes he made, such as not carrying water and taking too much time at aid stations. They focus on the early experiences and inspirations of the participants in the sport of trail running. It covers topics such as the first time they saw the movie 'Unbreakable', their introduction to Western States, the Montreal Ultra Cup team, and the influence of Scott Jurek. The conversation also touches on the legacy of David Horton, the impact of Jen Shelton, and the unique character of Ricky Gates. Unbreakable is a trail running film that had a significant impact on the sport. It captured a moment in time and showcased the legends of the sport, including Jeff Rose, Anton Krupicka, Hal Koerner, and Kilian Jornet. The film inspired a new generation of athletes and filmmakers, legitimizing the sport and paving the way for more emotional and documentary-style films. Unbreakable also played a role in the growth of trail running, with the 2021 Western States lottery having over 10,000 participants. The film remains a timeless piece of trail running history. Unbreakable Digital Box Set - OVER 10 HOURS OF BONUS MATERIAL Dylan's Links: IG: Things we talked about on the show: Leadville 100 Indulgence: 1000 Miles Under the Colorado Sky Western States Killing Machine P1 - Joe Uhan Western States Killing Machine P2 - Joe Uhan The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young Where Dreams Go To Die - Gary Robbins at the Barkley Marathons - Ethan Newberry If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 23 Feb 2024 | 34 Catra Corbett | Reborn on the Run, The 200 miler Queen, & Working Through Trauma with Running | 01:34:41 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Set up a free exploratory call with Troy HERE. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows interviews Catra Corbett, an experienced ultra runner, about her journey in trail running and her book 'Reborn on the Run.' Catra shares her background and how she got into running after overcoming addiction and personal challenges. She discusses her transition to trail running and her first ultra marathon experiences. Catra also talks about finding mental strength and using running as a way to heal from trauma. She explains the process of writing her book and the importance of sharing personal stories to inspire and help others. Catra and Troy discuss the importance of carrying a map and the art of using a map and compass in the wilderness. Catra shares her experiences of running with unconventional dog breeds, such as dachshunds, and the challenges and joys that come with it. They also discuss the importance of maintaining longevity in running through cross-training, eating healthy, and listening to your body. Finally, they explore Catra's busy race calendar and her upcoming adventures and races. Her participation in the Quad Dipsea race an event that she has finished 24 times and counting! She also emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and taking action to pursue one's dreams. Takeaways
Catra’s Links IG - dirtdiva333 TikTok - dirtdiva3 FB - Catra Corbett Website: catracorbett.com Things we talked about on the show Reborn on the Run - Catra’s Book Catra’s Race Calendar February-, Grand Masters 100, March Flat Top Mesa April - Beyond Limits Ultra 72-hour May - Coyote 2 Moons 100k, Bishop High Sierra 50m June - TBA July - Tahoe Rim Trail Fastpack 175 miles August - Oregon 200 September - Yeti 100 miler October - Moab 240, Javelina Jundred November - Quad Dipsea December - Across the years 6 days If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic Cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 12 Mar 2025 | #71 Adam Copeland | Building Tantrums, Get Out Of Your Head, & Taking The Unconventional Path | 02:00:07 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStackYou can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025 "Don’t let your brain stop you. Whether it’s running 100 miles or starting a business, the biggest hurdle is always that voice in your head saying, ‘You can’t.’ Ignore it." In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Adam Copeland, a multifaceted individual whose journey from extreme sports enthusiast to trail runner and entrepreneur offers a wealth of inspiration. Adam Copeland's journey from extreme sports to trail running and entrepreneurship offers valuable insights into the power of passion and innovation. His story encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths and pursue endeavors that align with their passions. Adam's Journey:
Adams Links:
Partner Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Keywords: Adam Copeland, Tantrums, trail running, ultra-endurance sports, Crest 6 Hydration Pack, entrepreneurship, Kanye West, skateboarding, snowboarding, triathlon, innovation, counterculture, athletic gear, performance design, trail-running community. | |||
| 21 May 2024 | #44 Bethany Taylor | Empowering Women In The Outdoors, Iron Soul Trailblazers, & Building A Business Through Your Passions | 01:29:53 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE "I'm all about chasing dreams and defying odds, pushing thresholds and capabilities." In this episode of the pod Troy Meadows talks with Bethany Taylor, an outdoor athlete and educator that just recently moved back stateside from a 1.5 year stint in Japan. Bethany shares her journey into the outdoor space and the creation of her business, Iron Soul Trailblazers. She discusses the importance of being adaptable as an entrepreneur and the challenges of balancing her business with her husband's military deployments. Bethany also emphasizes the need for women's empowerment in the outdoor industry and the importance of safety and preparedness when participating in outdoor activities. Bethany Taylor shares her passion for trail running and adventure trips, discussing the importance of safety and preparedness. She talks about her experiences hosting all-women adventure workshops and the joy of helping others overcome their fears and try new things. Bethany also mentions her upcoming trips to Iceland, Colorado, Yellowstone, and Kilimanjaro. She highlights the value of her safety course, Solo Summit's Blueprint, and the comprehensive training and information it provides. Bethany emphasizes the camaraderie and support of the trail running community and the joy of sharing experiences with fellow runners. In this conversation, Bethany and Troy discuss their love for coffee and the importance of strength training for runners. They share their favorite coffee beans and brewing methods, as well as the benefits of strength training for endurance athletes. Bethany emphasizes the need for proper fueling and protein intake, while highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong base fitness level. Bethany’s Links Website: https://www.ironsoultrailblazers.com/ Things we talked about on the show Solo Summit BluePrints - 6 week Women's Safety Course Mt Futago - Kanagawa Prefecture If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube outdoor space, outdoor athlete, outdoor educator, Iron Soul Trailblazers, entrepreneurship, balance, military deployments, women's empowerment, safety, preparedness, trail running, adventure trips, safety, preparedness, workshops, fear, travel, solo adventure, training, community, coffee, French press, brewing methods, favorite beans, strength training, endurance athletes, fueling, protein intake, base fitness, favorite trails, exploring Takeaways | |||
| 04 Jan 2024 | #28 Yan Fournier | Finding Running Late In Life, The Joy of Running Ultras with Your Kids, & Epic Adventures with Kapic 1 Expeditions | 01:28:49 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode of the pod, Troy Meadows talks with Yan Fournier. Yan is a father, trail runner, and ultra runner who does Buis Dev for SACO. A company that produces the LED technology used at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Yan and Troy met through the Freetrail community and have become good friends over the digital landscape. This year at Grindstone they got the chance to meet in person and share quite a few miles on the course. Yan Fournier shares his journey from overcoming back problems to discovering trail running and finding balance in his life. He discusses the intersection of his work in business development with his passion for trail running. Yan also talks about running with his sons and the joy of sharing the trail with them. He shares his experiences at races like Quebec Megatrail and Grindstone 100. In this part of the conversation, Yan and Troy discuss aid stations and crew support, dealing with foot problems during races, the impact of wet conditions on blisters, Yan's expedition in the Atacama Desert, and the importance of dreaming big and being consistent. In this conversation, Yan discusses his personal journal on Instagram and his involvement with Kapic 1. He emphasizes the transparency and authenticity of his Instagram account, where he shares the ups and downs of his life. Yan also highlights the Kapic 1 expeditions and coffee, encouraging others to participate and support the cause. Chapters 02:11 Overcoming Back Problems and Discovering Trail Running 07:32 Finding Balance with Trail Running and Family 11:13 Running with Sons and Staying Young 14:36 The Intersection of Work and Trail Running 19:13 The Benefits of Running for Mental Clarity 27:01 The Work of Seco and Projects Managed 30:21 Running Quebec Megatrail 37:17 Running with Troy at Grindstone 100 40:54 Aid Stations and Crew Support 45:35 Blisters in Wet Conditions 52:59 Yan's Expedition in the Atacama Desert 56:54 Impossible to Possible and Kapic 1 Coffee 01:00:27 Future Race Plans 01:12:04 The Importance of Dreaming Big and Being Consistent 01:20:18 Kapic 1 Expedition and Coffee Yan’s Personal Links IG - @trail.yan Things we talked about on the pod Howe Stern - Race Photographer If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 30 Sep 2023 | #14 Grindstone 100 Mile Recap with Troy, MVD, and Corinne | 01:26:11 | |
The MidPacker Pod is Brought to you by Freetrail. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Today we are flipping the script on you and the mics are getting turned on the host Troy Meadows! We are stoked to have Freetrailers MVD and Corinne Shalvoy host the pod to ask me about my latest 100 mile effort at the Grindstone Trail Running Festival By UTMB. They talk briefly about Troy's running background, some of his training this year and dive into how his 33 hour experience on the course played out. They finish off by discussing the differences between this year and last year which happened to be Troy's first 100 mile run on the original course prior to the UTMB acquisition of the race. Please leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. It would be a huge help to the pod. Episode 2 with Corinne Shalvoy Unsupported Lost Coast FKT write up If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 08 Sep 2023 | #11 Eugene Day | The Value of Doing Hard Things, Leadership, and Poetry | 01:43:32 | |
Today on the Pod, Troy Meadows talks with Eugene Day. Eugene is a Data Science and Discrete Event Simulation Director at Seattle Children's Hospital who loves Trail and Ultrarunning, dabbles in poetry and is always striving to be a better leader. They discuss several topics, including Eugene's Sobriety and how he decided to stop drinking. His love of poetry, he actually recites a poem he wrote in the show about his relationship as a mid-to-back of the pack runner and the crazy fast folks at the tip of the spear; see below. They dive into leadership and its role in his work life and unpack what a Discrete Event Simulation Director does for large multi-pronged organizations. We also touch on Eugene's formula for deciding how many times to volunteer at races yearly, a great minimum standard for anyone looking to give back to the community. They round out the conversation, talking about the big year he had running a 50 miler, 100 miler and completing an IronMan in one calendar year—a huge accomplishment for anyone. Things talked about on the show: "Through the Storm" Article in Ultra Runner Magazine Ethan Newberry Videos Poets
Eugene's Poem: I cannot float the way those broad-backed angels waft on floral breezes. I thrash and tumble through the hurricane, hail pelted, bruised, and graceless, leather stretched on brittle wires, veined and blood warm. What matters if a bird might snap a quill, slough it, sprout another? My wings are flesh. Once torn, they bleed and weep. I am fowler, slower, clumsy. I am heavy, ugly, coarse, and shrill. I lack their elegance, their sheer wit, their lithe agility, their nimble poise. I cannot sing their bird song. I know what I am and what I'm not. So look at me. Look at these gnarled knobby claws that tip my bones. I am a beast, yes, wire-haired and rotten-toothed and blind, but look at me and listen. Watch me beat these flimsy wings against the pitched-faced moon that haunts the storm-lashed jungles of my home. You seem to think all flying things by feathers soar, but I have dragon's wings. Like them, like you, I fly. MIT Certificate in Executive Leadership X-team by Debra Ancona Hamster Endurance Runs - Grechen Walla Eugene Links IG - @eugenedaydsc If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 03 Aug 2023 | #6 Mellisa Sorenson | Finding the Trails, Backyards Ultras, and Running with Kids | 01:24:43 | |
In this episode of the MidPacker pod brought you by FreeTrail, with generous support from Vacation Races, Troy Meadows talks with Melissa Sorenson about finding the trails, parenthood, and the backyard ultra format. Melissa is an ultrarunner, educator, and mother of soon to be 3. Having just recently found out that she is pregnant with her 3rd child. In this episode, we talk about how Melissa and her Husband got into trail running from road marathons and the challenges of running races with small children. The logistics of having children of nursing age drew her into running her first backyard ultra. A race format that allowed her to manage the logistics of racing with the needs of her children. Melissa is also an amazing member of the FreeTrail fam, and with the help of another member, Jessica Grinspan brought Trail Mix to one of our office hours. A really cool way for members to get to know each other better through using small break-out groups in Zoom. It is a cool concept that went over super well! We also discuss our mutual love of chia seeds and Melissa's slight detour into Ironman triathlon. I really appreciated Melissa's willingness to share and talk about how hard it can be for new mothers to juggle their little ones' needs with long races. Women specific needs at races is a topic that needs more attention as more women get into the sport. If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 16 Mar 2024 | #37 Cal Gates | The Blood Run, Running with Purpose, & An Unwavering Willingness to Keep Moving Forward | 01:14:18 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Cal Gates, a trail runner from Australia. Cal shares his journey into trail running and his involvement in the Blood Run, a fundraising initiative for leukemia. He discusses the challenges of balancing running, work, and family, and the importance of community in the trail running world. The Blood Run, a 250-kilometer trail run, raised over $80,000 for leukemia research. Cal also plans to organize other fundraising events, including a last person standing event and a vertical 5k challenge. In this conversation, Cal Gates discusses his upcoming adventures, including the Mansion and Tassie Trail. The Tassie Trail is a 480km trail that climbs about 30,000 feet in elevation. Cal and his friends plan to run it as a tag event, showcasing the joys and benefits of trail running. Cal emphasizes the importance of sharing the adventure and inspiring others to pursue their own challenges. He encourages people to overcome the fear of failure and lean into discomfort. Takeaways
Cal’s links@the.bloodrun Blood Run Links Website- www.thebloodrunfilm.com Sydney Showing- https://events.humanitix.com/the-blood-run-sydney just happened! Melbourne Showing- https://events.humanitix.com/the-blood-run Brisbane Showing- https://events.humanitix.com/the-blood-run-brisbane Last Person Standing- https://events.humanitix.com/tbr-last-person-standing Donation Link- Leukaemia Foundation - 250 reasons - The Blood Run Things we talked about on the show If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 30 Nov 2024 | #60 Brandon Thrower | Old Fort Strong Endurance Fest, Tanawha Adventures, Building Ultra Community In The WNC | 01:14:26 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services On episode of the pod, Troy Meadows interviews Brandon Thrower, a prominent figure in the Western North Carolina trail running scene. Brandon shares his journey into trail running, the inception of Tanawha Adventures, and the evolution of his role as a race director. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in event planning, especially in the wake of natural disasters, and the adaptability required to ensure successful races. Brandon also provides insights into the Looking Glass 100K event, emphasizing the beauty and challenges of the course. In this conversation, Brandon and Troy discuss the challenges and updates surrounding the Hellbender race and the impact of natural disasters on the local community, particularly Old Fort. They explore the balance of incorporating old and new elements into the race course, the condition of Mitchell State Park, and the community's response through the Old Fort Strong Endurance Fest. The conversation highlights the economic impact of the disaster, the fundraising goals for recovery, and the importance of creating a festival atmosphere to engage the community. Brandons Links IG: @tanawha_adventures - https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/ Website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/ DONATE: Old Fort Strong Endurance Fest - https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/NC/OldFort/OldFortStrongEnduranceFestival If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube trail running, ultra running, Tanawha Adventures, Brandon Thrower, race directing, outdoor events, Western North Carolina, endurance sports, community engagement, event planning, Hellbender, Old Fort, endurance running, community support, fundraising, natural disasters, trail running, economic recovery, event planning, outdoor events | |||
| 09 Mar 2024 | #36 Mason Boswell | Ultra Crew Hub, Ouray 100, & Giving back to the Ultrarunning Community. | 01:19:48 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this conversation, Troy Meadows interviews Mason Boswell, the founder of Ultra Crew Hub, a platform that provides resources and information for ultrarunning crews. Mason shares his background as an athlete and his transition into ultra running. He discusses the challenges of training in a flat area like Minnesota and the methods he uses to maintain his mountain legs. Mason explains the purpose of Ultra Crew Hub and how it aims to connect runners and crews, provide visual perspectives of races, and create a community within the ultrarunning world. In this part of the conversation, Mason Boswell discusses the lasting friendships that are formed through ultrarunning, highlighting the close bonds that develop between crew members and runners. He shares his experience running the Cruel Jewel race, a challenging and beautiful race in Georgia. Mason also talks about his races at Ouray, Wasatch, and the Big Alta event, providing insights into the courses and the unique experiences they offer. Mason discusses his upcoming races and his quest to qualify for the Hard Rock 100. He shares his excitement for running the Gorge Waterfalls 100K and the challenges of managing multiple races in a weekend. Mason also talks about his determination to run Hard Rock and his willingness to finish the race regardless of his age. He mentions other races he's interested in, such as the Millwood route and the Superior Hiking Trail FKT. Mason concludes by inviting the community to share their race experiences with Ultra Crew Hub. Mason's Links Things we talked about on the show UCH Episode with Troy and his DadUCH Episode Crew Mental Wellness UCH Episode with Jennifer St Amand Crewing the Wasatch 100 YouTube video Danielle Snyder: Innter Drive Wellness y, Crazy, Hard Ass - AKA: The Hard Ass WayIMTUF Revenant Ultra Adventure Run - New Zeland If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 02 Apr 2025 | #74 Josh Ross | Running Through Adversity, Embracing the Wild, & The Power of Storytelling | 01:17:41 | |
MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES "Running became my therapy, my declaration that I was still here and still fighting." In this episode, Troy chats with Josh Ross—a carpenter, hunter, writer, and ultra-runner who lives life with intention and grit. Josh started running in 2019 with a half-mile jog and hasn't looked back. After growing up in the Adirondacks and reconnecting with nature in Wyoming, running became both a passion and a path to healing—especially after a leukemia diagnosis in 2020. Instead of slowing down, Josh committed to a 103-day running streak through treatment and personal upheaval. He later tackled his first ultra, a 55K with nearly 10,000 feet of gain—winning his age group and finding community on the trail. Outside of running, Josh writes the Front Porch Journal on Substack, where he shares reflections on simplicity, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. His writing has also appeared in Orion Magazine and High Country News. This is a story of movement, mindset, and making peace with the messiness of life. Motivational Takeaways:
Relevant Links:
Partner Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder. Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order. Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Keywords: Josh Ross, ultra-running, leukemia survivor, Front Porch Journal, resilience, trail running, carpentry, hunter, writer, Substack, Adirondacks, Wyoming, Orion Magazine, High Country News | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | #53 Rachael Norfleet | The New Director of Partnerships at Aravaipa, Running Fast While Balancing Family, & Living A Beautiful Life | 01:22:29 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "We have a really beautiful life. We spend a lot of time outside. We're very busy people." "As long as you make me a really nice latte every morning, I am happy." "Maybe my first hundred mile finish would be at Javelina" On this episode of the pod Troy Meadows talks with Rachel Norfleet.Rachel is a curious and hardworking individual who has been an endurance athlete for 10 years. She has a background in swimming and triathlon, and later got into ultra running. Rachel values her family and community, and enjoys learning new things. She currently works as the Director of Partnerships at Aravaipa. In terms of her running goals, Rachel is interested in exploring her strengths in faster distances like 50K and 50 miles, while also holding space for longer and more challenging races like 100 milers and high altitude races. Troy and Rachael discuss the challenges of balancing training with family life, the importance of specificity in training, and their future race plans. They also talk about their experiences at Western States and the electric atmosphere of the race. Troy shares his upcoming race schedule, including returning to HellBender for his Hardrock qualifier and the Looking Glass 100K, while Rachael mentions her focus on 2025 and her interest in a race in the desert. In final part of the conversation, Rachael turns the rapid fire question on its head and starters asking Troy a few really good ones! Rachael emphasizes the importance of being kind, passionate, and grateful in life. Rachael’s Links IG: @rachelnorfleet Things we talked about during the show: MPP Episode #13 with Matt Feldhake Dam Hard 50K McDowell Mountain 50 Bozeman Mt - Middle Cottonwood to Saddle If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Rachel Norfleet, endurance athlete, swimming, triathlon, ultra running, trail running, family, community, learning, partnerships, Aravaipa, running goals, 50K, 50 miles, 100 milers, high altitude races, training, family life, specificity, race plans, Western States, race atmosphere, upcoming races, races, East Coast, post-race meals, trails, Bozeman, Montana, kindness, passion, gratitude | |||
| 19 Feb 2025 | #68 Dirk Friel | Building Training Peaks, Optimizing Your Training & A Life Of Endurance | 01:27:58 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merch https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services STOKED TO HAVE JANJI ONBOARD AS A PARTNER IN 2025 In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Dirk Friel, co-founder and Chief Evangelist of TrainingPeaks. Dirk's journey from professional cyclist to tech entrepreneur offers valuable insights for athletes and coaches aiming to elevate their training. Dirk Friel's Journey:
Key Takeaways:
Relevant Links: Sponsor Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com, Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links:Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links:Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Keywords: Dirk Friel, TrainingPeaks, professional cycling, ski mountaineering, endurance training, ultramarathon, coaching, data-driven training, athlete performance, training plans | |||
| 13 Oct 2023 | #16 Michael Loeffler | The Mental Side of Being an Athlete, Mammoth Trail Fest, and Canyons 100k | 01:20:51 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the show Troy Meadows talks with Michael Loeffler. Michael is a father, husband, psychotherapist, and trail and ultra runner. They tease out some actionable tips that Micheal has for fellow trail runners looking to find balance with and have clear communications and expectations with the people in their lives and their relationship with running. They also discuss some of the things he does personally to get in his training and show up for his family. They talk about the triple Michael just completed at the Mammoth Trail Fest completing the 26K, 50K, and Dragons Back Assent, and some of the work that he has done with the trail running community around that event, we also talk about the suffer fest that he endured at this year's Canyons 100k were temps topped out at 105 degrees and event say a 50% DNF rate. Freetrail article by Michael A Trail Runner's Guide to Mid-Life Michael’s Psychotherapy Practice IG If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 06 Dec 2024 | #61 Ian Morgan | Making Radical Changes, Life Design, & Appreciating The Journey | 01:16:41 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Pagehttps://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "I just got really sick and tired of being sick and tired." "We're just regular people figuring stuff out." In this episode of the Midpacker Pod Troy Meadows talks with Ian Morgan. Ian shares his transformative journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming an ultra runner, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, community, and the joy of travel. He discusses how running has shaped his life, the balance between personal and professional commitments, and the cultural experiences he cherishes while traveling. Ian emphasizes the significance of setting goals and believing in oneself to manifest dreams, all while maintaining a curious and adventurous spirit. In this conversation, Ian Morgan and Troy Meadows discuss the intersection of ultra running and lifestyle, the innovative brand Norda, and the challenges faced by athletes in maintaining health and fitness. Ian shares his personal journey, including health issues that impacted his racing schedule, and his aspirations for future races. The discussion highlights the importance of community, durability in running gear, and the evolving landscape of endurance sports. Ian's Links IG: @ian.morgan Ian’s Book: Lacing Up If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Ian Morgan, ultra running, transformation, lifestyle, travel, coaching, self-reflection, community, goals, adventure, ultra running, Norda, trail shoes, health challenges, race planning, lifestyle, endurance sports, community, personal growth, outdoor adventure | |||
| 26 Jan 2024 | #31 Josh Rosenthal | Borderlands, DFL Before DNF, & Building Community | 01:25:20 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Josh Rosenthal, an ultrarunner and entrepreneur from Salt Lake City Utah. They discuss Josh's background, his love for trail running, and his involvement in the ultrarunning community. They also explore the concept of success in ultra running and the importance of mental strength. Josh shares his experiences with DNFs and his perspective on the DFL mentality. They also talk about Josh's projects in ultrarunning including, Borderlands, the ultra community that Josh is building, Tequila Highway, which aims to gamify training and motivate runners and Wylder, an app that helps runners stay safe in the great outdoors. Josh Rosenthal discusses the importance of balancing family and high achievement. He shares his strategies for prioritizing training while still showing up for his family. Josh also talks about the significance of deep work and how it helps him be more efficient. He emphasizes the sacrifices he is willing to make to be present for his family. Additionally, Josh shares his upcoming race and training schedule, as well as his passion for trail running and coffee. In this conversation, Josh Rosenthal discusses the importance of ethical sourcing in the coffee industry and how companies like Stumptown, Intelligentsia, and Counterculture pioneered this movement and paved the way for La Barba Coffee the coffee company that he built and ultimately sold to pursue other projects. Lastly, Josh shares where to find him and his current project, the Trail Grit docu-series. Josh Personal Links IG https://www.sealevelinsights.com/about What we talked about on the show Antler.co Paris: Euntripanuer in Residence 10,000 small buisness by Goldman Sacs Natural Born Heroes - Chis McDougall 2nd book Chapters 03:00 - Getting into Trail Running 08:16 - The Wasatch 100 and the Spirit of Trail Running 11:58 - Borderlands: Building an Online Community 17:40 - DFL Before DNF: Redefining Success in Ultra Running 29:23 - Tequila Highway: Gamifying Training 34:22 - Balancing Family and High Achievement 38:49 - Creating a Balanced Life 39:19 - The Importance of Deep Work 41:26 - Making Sacrifices for Family 47:50 - Upcoming Race and Training Schedule 52:08 - Incorporating Strength Training 01:01:16 - Final Thoughts on Trail Running and Coffee 01:16:11 - Where to Find Josh and Trail Grit If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 26 Feb 2025 | #69 Jason Hardrath | Talking FKTs, SpeedMo, And The Art Of Reinvention | 01:49:05 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out "Running is just a paintbrush I use to express myself. But that doesn’t have to be my only paintbrush." In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Jason Hardrath, an endurance athlete and educator renowned for his remarkable achievements in the world of Fastest Known Times (FKTs). Jason's journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of one's passions.
Motivational Takeaways:
Relevant Links:
Sponsor Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.
Keywords: Jason Hardrath, Fastest Known Time, FKT, Bulger List, Journey to 100, Athletic Brewing Company, Speedmo, trail running, mountaineering, endurance athlete, resilience, Washington peaks, paragliding, mountain sports, outdoor adventure. | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | #63 Gary Saxton | 100 Marathons after 50: A Runner's Journey of Discovery, Performance and Growth. | 01:21:17 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist Support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merch https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services “Don't be afraid to fail. Get out of your comfort zone. Push your limits.” In this episode, Troy Meadows speaks with Gary Saxton, who shares his remarkable journey from military service to earning a Harvard MBA, becoming a business executive, and ultimately becoming an accomplished runner. After the age of 50, Gary completed over 100 marathons. He discusses how his military background has influenced his business career, the challenges of balancing family and health, and the importance of community in running. Gary also reflects on his experiences as a coach and pacer, highlighting the supportive nature of the running community. He introduces his book, *100 Marathons After 50*, which details his motivations and experiences throughout his running journey. During their conversation, Gary shares insights about the marathon experience, discussing both the challenges and rewards of running multiple marathons. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the stages of running—discovery, performance, and growth—and explains how failure can lead to success. He recounts personal experiences, including running the Boston Marathon shortly after back surgery, and underscores the significance of community and the enriching experiences that come from pushing one's limits in both running and life. Gary’s Links IG: @garysruns Gary’s new book: 100 Marathons After 50: A Runner's Journey of Discovery, Performance and Growth. https://www.amazon.com/100-Marathons-After-Discovery-Performance/dp/B0DP6XTR95 Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 18 Oct 2024 | #56 Simon Guérard | Cocodona, Tor De Géants, & Loving The 100 Mile Distance | 01:25:02 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "I consider myself to be a pretty average guy." “I am the epitome of a weekend warrior” On this episode of the pod Troy Meadows has a conversation with Simon Guérard. Simone is an accomplished 100 miler runner who to date has averaged running a hundred miller a month for basically the last 4 years!! In this episode Simone shares his journey into ultra running, discussing his experiences with various races, including Cocodona and Tour des Géants. He reflects on the challenges of balancing a professional career with his passion for running, the importance of community support, and the strategies he employs for long-distance races. Simon emphasizes the significance of adventure in his running journey and provides insights into race planning, nutrition, and the unique aspects of different ultra marathons. Simones Links: IG: @runningwithsimon YouTube: Ultra Marathon Trail Running with Simon - https://www.youtube.com/@runningwithsimon Buckle Up Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buckle-up-with-simon-and-brian/id1729238599 Things we talked about on the show Quebec Mega Trail - https://ultratrailcanada.com/en TOR - https://www.torxtrail.com/en Arizona Monster - https://www.destinationtrailrun.com/arizona-monster-300 Tara’s Cactus pics - https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/p/CzEo1pdJtKx/?img_index=1 Cocodona - https://cocodona.com Destination Trails - https://www.destinationtrailrun.com Swiss 360 - https://swisspeaks.ch/360k/?lang=en Saddles 100 - https://www.saddles100.com Diagonal De Fu - https://www.grandraid-reunion.com/en Cactus to Clouds - https://fastestknowntime.com/node/1278 If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Simon Guerard, ultra running, Cocodona, Tour des Géants, endurance sports, trail running, race strategy, nutrition, running community, adventure, endurance racing, hydration strategies, ultra marathon, race planning, sleep management, injury awareness, community support, training tips, ultra running experiences, race reflections | |||
| 14 Dec 2023 | #25 Brian Peterson | Going Beyond Your Percieved Capabilities, The Javalina 100k, Trail Talk Youtube Reactions Show | 01:42:30 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Brian Peterson, an ultra runner and father based in Arizona who is also passionate about vintage clothing and Wild West culture. Brian shares his background in sports and how he discovered trail running. He talks about his experience running his first 100K and the importance of going beyond what you think you're capable of. Brian also discusses the challenges of balancing running and family life, emphasizing the need to prioritize and find a routine that works for everyone. In this part of the conversation, Troy and Brian discuss the importance of consistency in training and the need to balance work, training, and family. They also talk about their involvement in Trail Talk, a YouTube show where they discuss current topics in trail running. Brian shares his experiences running the Javelina 100K and the Javelina 100-Miler, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned. They also discuss Brian's partnership with Norda, a sustainable trail running shoe company. Takeaways Don't be afraid to go beyond what you think you're capable of in running. Finding a balance between running and family life requires prioritization and effective time management. Brain's Links IG - @wolfrunner Strava - Brian Peterson Links to things we talked about. Trail Talk Trail Running Reaction show on YouTube Black Canyon 100k pacing @Elliotcardin from Norda Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:39 Early Sports and Introduction to Running 09:23 Rediscovering Running and Trail Running 14:23 Running First 100K 28:39 Interests in Vintage Clothing and Wild West Culture 34:27 Balancing Running and Family Life 39:04 The Importance of Consistency in Training 41:03 Balancing Work, Training, and Family 43:09 The Maturity of Ultra Running 44:16 The Value of Doing the Work 48:26 Trail Talk: A Fun and Engaging Project 57:42 The Javelina 100K Experience 01:09:39 Reflecting on the Javelina 100-Miler 01:13:53 The Javelina 100K Redemption If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | |||
| 27 May 2024 | #45 Dylan Bowman | A Chance Meeting On Cal St, Building Freetrail, & Those Finish Line Feels With Your Son In Your Arms. | 01:12:32 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. FREETRAIL MEMORIAL DAY FUNDRAISER You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "You can't do everything. And I've, it's been a hard learning for me to sort of acknowledge that with my own life and reality" "Trail running will save the world." Dylan Bowman, co-founder of Freetrail, discusses his journey as a professional athlete and entrepreneur. He shares his transition from competitive running to focusing on his family and building Freetrail, a media and events company dedicated to trail running. Dylan emphasizes the importance of his team members, Harmony and Ryan, in the success of Freetrail. He also highlights the value of community and the support they receive from the trail running community. Dylan talks about the challenges and rewards of organizing events, such as the Gorge Waterfalls and Big Alta races. In this conversation, Dylan and Troy discuss Dylan's recent experiences in running and fatherhood. Dylan reflects on the challenges of balancing running with building a business and being a father. He shares his realization that he may never be a focused professional athlete again, but he can still push himself and be inspired by the new generation of athletes. They also discuss the joy and challenges of being a father and the special moments they share with their children. Dylan talks about his upcoming race in Austria and his role in the Western States broadcast. Dylan’s Links IG - @dylanbo IG - @runfreetrail Things we talked about on the show. FREETRAIL MEMORIAL DAY FUNDRAISER Ari Sonnenberg - MPP Episode #9 Travis Loncar - MPP Episode #20 Marin County - Queen Stone Fire Road If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Dylan Bowman, Freetrail, professional athlete, entrepreneur, trail running, family, media, events, community, Gorge Waterfalls, Big Alta, running, fatherhood, balance, professional athlete, business, coaching, training, race, Western States, broadcast | |||
| 07 Nov 2024 | #58 Stephen Parker | There Is No Finish, The Backyard Ultra Story | 01:36:21 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "Belgium massively punches above their weight." On this episode of the pod Troy Meadows has a conversation with Stephan Parker. Stephen Parker shares his journey from a casual runner to an author of a book about the Backyard Ultra format, “There Is No Finish”. He discusses his evolution from road running to trail running, the impact of community events like Parkrun, and the balance of family life with his passion for running. Stephen delves into the unique psychological dynamics of the Backyard Ultra, emphasizing the importance of community and support among runners. He also shares insights into the logistics and strategies of endurance running, highlighting the mental resilience required to push limits in such challenging events. In this conversation, Stephen Parker and Troy Meadows delve into the intricacies of the backyard ultra format. They discuss the importance of managing both physical and intangible needs during long races, the unique dynamics of the Belgian running community, and the evolution of world championship formats due to COVID-19. Stephen shares an extraordinary story about Greg Armstrong, who managed to euthanize a goat and remove a snake while competing in a race. The conversation also touches on personal reflections on endurance racing, future goals, and the significance of community support in achieving success in ultra-endurance events. Stephan’s Links IG: thebackyardultrastory - https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardultrastory/ Website: www.runningforever.au FB: The Back Yard Story - https://www.facebook.com/thebackyardultrastory/ Stephan’s Book: There Is No Finish https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DD42GD27/ref=nosim?tag=runningforeve-22 Things we talked about during the show: Greg Armstrong - Vol State Winner - Run For Water Mt Coot-Tha Tails Daisy Hills Forest If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Stephen Parker, Backyard Ultra, Trail Running, Endurance Sports, Parkrun, Family Life, Running Community, Mental Resilience, Ultra Running, Hash House Harriers, endurance, backyard ultra, running community, world championships, COVID impact, Greg Armstrong, personal stories, Australian Backyard Masters, mental endurance, race formats | |||
| 20 Jul 2023 | #4 Jessica Vandenbush | Creating content and having fun trail running | 01:19:02 | |
In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows talks with Jessica Vandenbush, a content creator, trail and ultrarunner, and all-around fun person. This was an enjoyable conversation centered around some of the unique things Jessica has done around building community and creating content in the running world and how she approaches balance in her life while finding time to pursue her passions.
From creating the speed dating 5k to running the Jerome Aid Station at the inaugural Cocadona 250, where the town required them to have "quiet time" during the night section, to running hard races, Jessica has a way of leaning in and finding unique ways to solve problems that always come up when you are doing hard things. Besides working for The North Face, Jessica is the Creator and Editor of Eat Clean Run Dirty, a print magazine focused on trail and ultra running, and just recently directed and produced the film Nettie from Ohio. A film about one woman's journey to get to the Western States 100 endurance run. Jessica is pushing the envelope and paving the way for female creators in trail and ultra running, a predominantly male-dominated sport. She is doing it with a fun, no-nonsense attitude that is super refreshing. IG If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 09 Feb 2024 | Trailing Indicators 001 | Race Calendar Creation, Taking an Offseason, & Speed Work is Good. | 01:02:37 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Email: Troy@runtraillife.com for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In Episode 001 of Trailing Indicators Corinne Shalvoy, Troy Meadows, and Matt Van Dalsem discuss various topics related to trail and ultrarunning from the perspective of their position in the pack Front, Middle, and Back respectively. They share their upcoming race goals and discuss the importance of the off-season for recovery and mental well-being. They also talk about structuring a race calendar based on personal goals and family commitments. The conversation highlights the importance of finding balance and maintaining motivation in the sport of trail and ultrarunning. The conversation explores training philosophy, transitioning from longer to shorter distances, and the importance of speed work. It also discusses the idea of building training plans around adventures and the importance of listening to your body and enjoying the trails. The participants find common ground in their experiences and emphasize the importance of individual motivation and enjoyment in running. Takeaways
Corinne’s Links Troy’s Links MVD Links If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 19 Jul 2024 | Trailing Indicators 003 | WSER Banter, Heat Adaptation Protocols, To Pole or Not to Pole, & What's In Your Earbuds | 01:31:05 | |
"When do you use poles? To poll or not to poll? That is the question." In this episode of Trailing Indicators, the hosts discuss their recent experiences spectating Western States. Corinne shares her experience supporting Ryan Montgomery as a member of the Feeds High Performance Team during his race a Western States and her excitement for the upcoming Hard Rock race. Troy talks about his experience listening in to the live stream and his recent races and his return to Asheville. They discuss the strategic moves made by racers at Western States, including Jim Walmsley's use of a life vest and Katie Scheid's decision to leave her gear behind at Rucky Chucky. They also highlight the intense finish between Rod Farvard and Hayden Hawks. Overall, it was an exciting and eventful race. MVD speaks to the evolution of the Live Stream Chat and the “Sally Mcrae” effect as well as the tired tropes about Goggins and they all agree that with growth comes this kind of interaction with the not so hardcore fans of ultrarunning. The conversation covers the topics of heat training and the Western States Endurance Run. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with heat training, including using hot water immersion and saunas. They also mention the benefits of heat training for blood volume adaptation and its similarity to altitude training. They emphasize the benefits of heat training for both performance and overall health. They also share their personal experiences with heat training and their plans for incorporating it into their training. Regarding the use of poles, they discuss the advantages and considerations, such as upper body strength and technique. They also mention the cultural differences in the use of poles in Europe versus the United States. Finally, they talk about what they listen to during their runs, including podcasts, audiobooks, and music. +++++ Women Can. T’s +++++ Corinne’s Links Troy’s Links MVD Links Things we talked about on the show Dauwalter’s Salomon Movie - Team Sport If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Western States, trail running, races, Hard Rock, experience, strategic moves, finish, heat training, Western States Endurance Run, hot water immersion, saunas, blood volume adaptation, altitude training, race experience, media coverage, social media comments, heat training, poles, trail running, performance, health, upper body strength, technique, podcasts, audiobooks, music | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | #13 Matt Feldhake | The Art of The Live Stream & Coming Out of Retirement | 01:41:06 | |
The MidPacker Pod is Brought to you by Freetrail. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Today on the Pod, Troy Meadows sits down to talk with Matt Feldhake. Matt is a father, husband, marketer, and trail runner. Matt is the Marketing Director at Aravaipa Running and has played a pivotal role in bringing us the amazing live stream coverage that we have all come to love from Jamil and Crew. We geeked out a lot on Marketing but also talked about Matt's running and his next race, the Georgia Death Race, which he claims is coming out of retirement. We also talk about how, as a father of 3, he juggles his family's needs with his job requirements and running goals. We hope you enjoy the episode! YouTube Links: Aravaipa Running - Black Canyon, Cocadona, Javelina Live Streams Run Steep Get High - Hardrock 2023 Mountain Outpost - Mammoth Trail Fest Live Stream If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 10 Aug 2024 | #51 Skip Brand | Founding HRC, Growing the Lake Sonoma Race Series, & Building Community | 01:27:00 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "Community is everything in the running world" In this episode Troy Meadows talks with Skip Brand, the founder of the Hillsborough Running Company (HRC), Skip shares his journey in the running community and his involvement in the Lake Sonoma 50 race series. He emphasizes the importance of community and building relationships through running.Skip took over the Lake Sonoma 50 race from John Medinger and has put his own mark on the event, creating a unique and iconic race experience. He also expanded the race series to include a marathon and a trail half for women. The races have a strong focus on giving back and supporting local charities. The conversation covers various topics related to the Lake Sonoma races, including the culture of surf contests, the history and community of the Lake Sonoma races, the challenges and experiences of running the races, and the upcoming addition of the 100-mile race. The races are known for their focus on the runner's experience, the involvement of the local community, and the support of vineyard worker kids through charity. The conversation also touches on the importance of trail work and the impact of fires on the races. In this final part of the conversation, Skip and Troy discuss their experiences in various races and the challenges they faced. They also talk about the unique aspects of trail running on the East Coast and West Coast. Skip emphasizes the importance of diversity in the running community and the need for transparency in race participation. He also shares his favorite trail to run on locally in Healdsburg. The conversation ends with Skip inviting everyone to participate in the Sufferfest races and be part of the running community. Skips Links IG - @healdsburgrunningcompany Website: https://www.healdsburgrunningcompany.com Donate to the Firefighters Run Free Gofundme Things we talked about on the show MPP #27 with Chris ThomasTropical John Redd Antler Running Keira Henninger - Lake Sonoma 100k RD Lake Sonoma 100 miler - Suffer Fest Firefighters Run Free GofundmeT If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube running, community, Lake Sonoma 50, race series, HRC, trail running, ultrarunning, relationships, marathon, trail half, giving back, surf contests, Lake Sonoma races, community, challenges, experiences, 100-mile race, runner's experience, local community, vineyard worker kids, charity, trail work, fires, races, challenges, trail running, East Coast, West Coast, diversity, transparency, favorite trail, Sufferfest | |||
| 06 Jul 2023 | #2 Corinne Shalvoy | Getting Faster with age, Making time for yourself, and a family history with the Hardrock 100 | 01:22:17 | |
In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Corinne Shalvoy to talk all things trail running. Corinne is a mother, a wife, and a very fast lady running on team Aravaipa. From running her first Marathon with her husband in over 5 hours many years ago to running sub 3 hours, taking 1st place, and setting a massive PR at the Tucson Marathon last year, Corinne is an amazing ambassador for the community. We also discuss a lot about her family history with trail running and ultra running, including her uncle Rick Trulio his founding of the Imogene Pass Run and The HardRock 100 and how she keeps coming back to the race to pace and volunteer and what it means to be a member of the long-standing colorado ultra community. We touch on raising two young boys with her husband, who is also an ultrarunner, and how they balance their running and family life. We also dive deep into why it is essential to make time for yourself so you can show up as the best version of yourself in the other aspects of your life. Last year Corinne toed the line at CCC and finished 25th and 8th American, topping off a fantastic season and showing herself just how far she has come. We also discuss dealing with and recovering from a recent knee injury and how it is important to have patience and give yourself grace in the healing process. As 40-year-old athletes, we also discuss why physical therapy and strength training are so necessary as we age. Corinne is also a founding member of the Freetrail Fems, the female running group within the Freetrail community, and how important it is to provide a safe space to explore women-specific topics in trail running. IG If you are enjoying the content please consider supporting our sponsors using the links belowSponsor Links: Title Sponsor:Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathonUse code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures tripSpace is limited for these epic experiences so sign up before they sell out.Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased we donate $1 to runners for public landsUse code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T’s. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year giving you access to the Freetrail slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts.Visit Freetrail.com to sign up todayMidpacker Pod Links: InstagramTroy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | WebsiteFreetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | #23 Aum Gandhi | Living Your True Calling, Crafting A Life Of Service, The Triple Crown of 200’s | 01:13:39 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the pod Troy Meadows talks with Aum Gandhi. Aum is an entrepreneur, trail, and ultra runner based in Los Angeles. He is a partner and owner at Run Tri Bike the online site dedicated to sharing the voice of the everyday athlete and we discuss his journey from feeling trapped in a job he hated to developing a freelance relationship with Run Tri Bike that turned into an opportunity to come on full time and become a pivotal role in growing the organization. They also talk about how Aum gives back with his running by working closely with the Richstone Family Center a charity that he is super passionate about that helps at-risk children and families break the cycle of child abuse and thrive. Aum has a flag that the children created for him that he carries across the finish line of all of his races and through his running he has raised over $10,000 for this organization! We round out the conversation with Aum’s running goals for 2024, where he plans to run the Triple Crown of 200’s. We discuss mindset and how he plans to balance his hectic work weeks with the demands of training for not one 200-mile race but 3! Links to things discussed in the Pod IG Handles Run Tri Bike Article - Positivity In Endurance Sport If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 14 Nov 2024 | #59 John Kelly | Giving Back With Action , WNC Strong, & The Helene Aftermath | 01:10:22 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services "People helping people, regardless of beliefs." "The landscape has been permanently altered." “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about” In this episode of the pod Troy Meadows sits down with an absolute Legend of Ultra Running, John Kelly. They spend almost zero time talking about John’s running achievements and instead, this conversation explores the immediate response and ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. John shares his personal experiences of mobilizing community support, raising funds, and delivering essential supplies to those in need. The discussion highlights the resilience of the local community, the challenges faced in seeking help, and the long-term implications for infrastructure and the environment. Through personal stories and insights, the conversation emphasizes the importance of community solidarity and the human spirit in times of crisis. In this conversation, Troy and John discuss the impact of tourism on the local economy in Asheville, the resilience and empathy shown by the community in the face of adversity, and the role of ultra running in fostering connections among individuals. They highlight the upcoming Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival as a means to support the rebuilding of a community affected by a hurricane. John shares reflections on his recent races and the personal growth that comes from facing challenges, concluding with rapid-fire questions that reveal his thoughts on running and community. Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/oldfortstrongendurancefest John’s Links IG @randomforestrunner - https://www.instagram.com/randomforestrunner/ Website: https://randomforestrunner.com/ Scout Trail - Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail - Grandfather Mountain Cragway Trail - Grandfather Mountain Flat Top Fire Tower near Grandfather If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube community resilience, disaster response, fundraising, local relief, infrastructure recovery, personal stories, support initiatives, environmental impact, Appalachian culture, volunteer efforts, Asheville, community resilience, ultra running, Old Fort, endurance festival, tourism, empathy, local economy, personal growth, race reflections | |||
| 24 Nov 2024 | Trailing Indicators 005 | Troy & MVD Run The California Fall Classic, Corinne Crushes the Javelina 100, Troys Musing On His Live Stream Experience. | 01:40:38 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services In this episode of Trailing Indicators, hosts Troy Meadows, Corinne Shalvoy, and MVD discuss their experiences at the Fall Classic Ultramarathon and Javelina 100. They delve into the challenges of the race, including the tough course conditions, the importance of nutrition, and the camaraderie within the running community. Troy shares his personal journey through the race, highlighting moments of struggle and triumph, while Corinne and MVD provide insights into their own experiences and the overall atmosphere of the event. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers discuss various ultra-running events, particularly focusing on the California Fall Classic and the Javelina race. They share personal experiences, race strategies, and the importance of community support during races. The conversation highlights the challenges and excitement of preparing for and participating in ultra-marathons, as well as the camaraderie among runners. In this engaging conversation, Troy Meadows and Corinne Shalvoy discuss their experiences during a recent ultramarathon, focusing on race strategies, cooling techniques, pacing dynamics, nutrition management, and the impact of community support. They share memorable moments from the race, insights from the live stream, and the importance of women in sports, highlighting the camaraderie and inspiration found within the ultrarunning community. Corinne’s Links NEW Women Can Site https://custom.pressio.com/women_can_movement/shop/home Troy’s Links MVD Links If you enjoy the content, please support our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 11 Jul 2024 | #48 Victor Ballesteros | Victory Bags, Tamalpa Headlands 50k, Trails In Motion Film Tour | 01:47:19 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE “Put Some Salsa On It.” “If Running is your Church and it's your soul, why are you not going.” “You Can Show Up” Victor Ballesteros is a multi-talented individual who has a passion for running, creativity, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Victory Sports Design, a company that creates durable and functional gear bags for runners. Victor's journey as an entrepreneur began when he designed a bag for his art supplies in college and realized there was a need for better drop bags in the ultra running community. He took the opportunity to create high-quality gear bags that are built to last. Victory Bags have become a staple in the ultra running community and are highly regarded for their functionality and durability. In addition to his work with Victory Sports Design, Victor is also involved in the Trails in Motion film Tour, where he helps curate and manage the global event. Victor shares the story of how he took over Bay Trail Runners and Trails in Motion film festival after the passing of his friend Rob. He discusses the emotional significance of continuing Rob's legacy and the impact of the film festival on the running community. Victor also talks about his recent role as a race director for the Tamalpa Headlands 50K and the challenges he faced in organizing the race. He emphasizes the importance of showing up and taking care of oneself amidst personal struggles and commitments. In this final part of the conversation, Victor reflects on his recent race experience and the importance of showing up and embracing the journey. They discuss the Dipsea race and the Tour de Giants, two challenging races that hold special meaning for Victor. They also touch on the allure of ultra-distance running and the difficulty of articulating the experience. Victor’s Links IG - @victorysportdesign Website - Victory Sport Design HEADLANDS 50K Registration Sign Up HERE Things we talked about on the show. Helen Diller UCSF Cancer Research Center Favorite Trail: The Dipsea If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 25 Aug 2023 | #9 Ari Sonnenberg | Austerity, Selfless Service, Remembering the Fallen and Endurance | 01:38:59 | |
In this episode of the MidPacker pod brought you by FreeTrail, with generous support from Vacation Races, Troy Meadows has a discussion with Ari Sonnenberg.
Ari has a mindset that is very powerful, and through reckoning with a lot of trauma in his life, more than anyone should have to bear, he has managed to cultivate a thoughtful approach to mindfulness and a zeal for living with a no-nonsense attitude that only a Boy from Brooklyn can have. We dive into Ari's upbringing, his 16-year tour of duty in the military, his journey as an aesthetic monk living in India, and his travels as a monk teaching around the world. He worked extensively with the VA to work through his traumas of war and help other soldiers do the same. We also talked about his running and how endurance sports have helped him process his therapy sessions. We discuss Ari's feelings on Memorial Day and how he has used it as a way to remember his fallen brothers and sisters by doing a tough endurance project around that day and with the help of the FreeTrail community aligning with the Wounded Warrior Project to raise over $4000 for that organization. We unpack a lot in this episode and go very deep into topics that could be triggering for some audience members. Including mental health and suicidal tendencies as well as PTSD, the loss of comrades in battle, and some of the disturbing things that Ari experienced in war that affected him for years after his military duty was over. Book List All Ages: Reflections from Straight Edge Ari’s Articles on FreeTrail IG If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Title Sponsor: Vacation Races - Race in epic American National Parks or take a week-long inclusive Global running Adventure with Vacation Races - Vacation Races: Run Were You Play Use code: "freetrail15" to get 15% off any half-marathon or ultra-marathon Use code: "freetrail200" to get $200 off any Global Adventures trip Space is limited for these epic experiences, so sign up before they sell out. Visit vacationraces.com to learn more. Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Midpacker Pod Links: Instagram Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | 001 Revisiting Unbreakable with JB Benna - The Origin Story | 01:33:46 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE Follow MidPacker Pod on IG HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In the first episode of "Revisiting Unbreakable," mini series host Troy Meadows introduces the series conceived by MVD, Matt Van Delsam, exploring the film "Unbreakable'' and its significant impact on the ultra running community. The episode features JB Benna, a filmmaker and adventurer who’s work creating the film Unbreakable has notably influenced the sport. Troy shares his personal connection to Unbreakable,crediting it alongside the book Born to Run for fostering his love for ultra running. JB Benna discusses his background, combining a passion for art, entrepreneurship, and adventure, highlighting his early interest in filmmaking inspired by family trips and outdoor activities in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area. JB pursued film studies at USC, where he honed his technical skills and story structure knowledge. His early career included roles at Spyglass Entertainment and Warner Brothers, providing valuable experience in script development and video editing. A transformative hiking expedition on the Pacific Crest Trail introduced him to ultra running, leading to his first ultra marathon, the Ridgecrest 50k. This dual passion for adventure sports and filmmaking culminated in the creation of Journey Film. His first major project, "The Runner," documented David Horton's speed record attempt on the Pacific Crest Trail and found success within the ultra running community, supported by sponsors like Montrail. Subsequent projects, including filming Dean Karnass's "50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days" for The North Face, further established JB's reputation for authentically capturing the spirit of ultra running. We then dive into Unbreakable, how it came to life, the pitfalls and challenges of creating the film and the impact that it has had on the sport. JB shared some rather amazing insights into how the film was made in a time where Go Pos with built in gimbals and 4k video on Iphones was non-existent. We round out the convo talking about the decision and the impact of putting Unbreakable up on Youtube free of charge for the newest generation of trial and ultrarunner to experience. JB’s Links IG - @jbbenna @journeyfilm Things we talked about in this episode Unbreakable Digital Box Set - OVER 10 HOURS OF BONUS MATERIAL The Runner - David Horton - PCT Speed Record Ultra Marathon Man - Book 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days - Film Spirit of the Marathon Release - Screen Vision If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | #20 Travis Loncar | Building Freetrail Fantasy, Jigger Johnson 100, The Power of Doing Hard Things | 01:39:32 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. The stoke is high today as Troy Meadows brings you a conversation with Travis Loncar. Travis is a trail and ultra runner, computer programmer, and the brains behind Freetrail Fantasy the platform that allows you to pick your top finishers for some of the best trail and ultra races for great prize packages. They talk about how this platform came to be and the work that goes into the back end so that the race fields can come together so we can all get our picks in come race day. They also talk about Travis’s ultra volunteering vacation where he and his wife both bookended a week-long trip with aid station duties at Grindstone 100 and Yetti 100 in the mountains of Virginia. This a fascinating way to give back to the community as well as have a great time exploring new places.Tavis also loves to do hard things and they dive into his recent run at the Jigger Johnson a 100-mile race in the white mountains that might just be the hardest 100-mile race in North America. Travis’s willingness to give back to the community through his volunteerism and his work on Freetrail Fantasy is truly inspirational and we hope you gleaned a tactical approach to setting up your next round of picks. Links to things we talked about on the show: Barkley Marathons - The Race that Eats it’s Young Chasing Walsley non-edited version - edited version Races Books Travis’s Personal Links Twitter - Tbloncar IG - @Tbloncar If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 21 Jan 2025 | #65 Adam Lee | Community Trail Running, The Trail Running Film Fest, Jumping Feet First Into Small Town Mountain Life | 01:13:13 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merch https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services “Trail running is about more than just running—it’s about connection, exploration, and growth.” “Take the leap, even when it feels scary.” In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows chats with Adam Lee, trail running enthusiast, founder of Community Trail Running, and host of the Trail Running Film Festival in Alberta, Canada. Adam's journey is a testament to embracing new challenges, nurturing community, and finding joy in the trails. About Adam Lee Background: Adam's story begins in Ontario, where mountain biking introduced him to trails. After moving west to Vancouver, he transitioned into trail running during a half-marathon event sponsored by his employer. The shift from city life to the scenic Canadian Rockies has transformed his relationship with nature and running. Community Builder: As the founder of Community Trail Running, Adam shares stories and insights from the trail-running world. His passion extends beyond running to connecting others through shared outdoor adventures. Event Organizer: Adam is also instrumental in the Trail Running Film Festival's expansion in Canada, hosting events across Alberta, including Edmonton, Calgary, Jasper, and more. Episode Highlights The Power of Place: Adam talks about his recent move to the Rockies, settling in Crowsnest Pass, and how being closer to trails has enriched his running and lifestyle. Trail Running Beginnings: From mountain biking as a teen to his first trail race, Adam’s journey reflects the transformative power of trails and their community. Film Festival Fun: Hear about the Trail Running Film Festival’s impact in Alberta and Adam’s favorite moments from hosting events that celebrate the trail running spirit. Creative Pursuits: Learn how Adam's podcast and writing reflect his love for storytelling and his dedication to amplifying trail running's vibrant culture. Adam’s Links: IG: communitytrailrunning Community Trail Running Podcast: Listen and subscribe Things we talked about in the episode: Community Trail Running Podcast Five Peaks Trail Running Series Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 04 Feb 2025 | Trailing Indicators 06 | Winter Running, Annual Goals, & Catching Up With Corinne, Matt, & Troy | 01:10:13 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. MidPack Musings SubStack https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist You can also support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod Check Out MPP Merch https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services STOKED TO HAVE JANJI ONBOARD AS A PARTNER IN 2025 "I have a hard and fast rule that like, I'm still in shorts unless it's in the teens. So like in the twenties, I'm still wearing shorts, but I layer up hardcore." Today, we are thrilled to kick off 2025 with the latest installment of Trailing Indicators, the bi quarterly series where Troy Meadows sit down with Corrine Shalvoy and Matt Van Dalsem to unpack different ultra and trail specific topics from the perspective of the Front, Middle, and Back of the Pack where we dive into the latest in trail running, gear, goals, and the adventures that keep us moving forward. In this episode, we explore the challenges and joys of winter running. Corinne shares her strategies for staying motivated during the colder months, emphasizing the importance of community and setting personal goals. Matt offers his perspective on maintaining consistency and finding joy in the process, even when the weather isn't ideal. I also discuss my approach to winter training, focusing on the balance between rest and activity to prevent burnout. We also delve into our aspirations for 2025. Corinne is eyeing the Cascade Crest 100, aiming to reclaim a course record. Matt is rethinking his relationship with Strava, focusing more on the intrinsic joy of running. As for Troy, he is setting ambitious mileage and elevation goals, eager to push his limits and explore new trails. Sponsor Links: A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube Trailing Indicators, trail running, winter running, Corinne Shalvoy, Matt Van Dalsem, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod, Freetrail, running gear, running motivation, goal setting, endurance sports, Strava, mileage goals, elevation gain, Cascade Crest 100, Black Canyon 50K, strength training, off-season training, running community, trail racing, ultra running, cold weather running, Janji, running apparel, hydration strategies, nutrition for runners, marathon training, 100-mile races, Western States qualifier, Hardrock qualifier, running mindset | |||
| 02 Feb 2024 | #32 Joe Corcione | Overcoming Addiction, Life Design, & The Give Value First Mindset | 01:48:11 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Joe Corcione. Joe is the host of the Everyday Ultra Podcast, run coach, ultrarunner, & new husband. In the show, they discuss Joe's transformation from an unathletic and insecure individual to an ultra runner & entrepreneur. Joe shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding fulfillment through trail running. The conversation highlights the importance of giving value & building trust in entrepreneurship, as well as the role of coaching in achieving personal and athletic goals. Joe & Troy touch on the inclusivity of trail running & how anyone, regardless of their goals, can benefit from having a coach. They emphasize the importance of taking training seriously & not feeling guilty for wanting to improve, even if you're not aiming for the podium. Joe shares his journey from being a non-athlete to setting big goals like winning a golden ticket at the Javelina 100. They also discuss Joe's race calendar including Cocodona 250, Ouray 100, & Mammoth Trail Fest. In this conversation, Joe Corcione and Troy discuss the importance of volunteering and giving back to the trail-running community. They also explore the role of volunteering & crewing in gaining knowledge & experience in the sport. Joe shares his insights on work-life balance and training philosophy, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and setting boundaries. He also opens up about finding healing & consistency through trail running, particularly in times of personal difficulty. Joe's Links IG: @joecorcione @theeverydayultra Coaching inquiries: everydayultapod@gmail.com What we talked about on the pod Salley Mcgrey Bigfoot & Moab YouTube videos. Without Rules there is Chaos - Cosmo Cramer Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Background 01:21 Joe's Transformation & Journey 08:38 Leaving Wall Street & Exploring Entrepreneurship 20:08 Starting the Everyday Ultra Podcast 33:13 The Role of a Coach & the Benefits of Coaching 38:48 Adding Value & Building Community 41:17 Learning from Elite Runners 43:49 Setting Big Goals & Believing in Yourself 49:16 The Journey to a Golden Ticket 51:26 Race Calendar 56:03 Preparing for Cocodona 250 59:09 The Challenge of Ouray 100 01:08:13 Mammoth Trail Fest & Community 01:10:03 Volunteering & Giving Back to the Community 01:13:44 Work-Life Balance & Training Philosophy 01:15:01 Intentionality & Setting Boundaries 01:18:11 Finding Healing & Consistency through Trail Running If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 23 Mar 2024 | #38 Andy Pearson | Liquid Death, Vol State, & Creating Joy In Everything You Do | 01:32:42 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows interviews Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death. They discuss Andy's journey to running, his high-pressure job, and the balance between work and family life. They also delve into Andy's unique approach to creativity and how Liquid Death's unconventional marketing strategies have garnered attention. Andy shares his perspective on dealing with negative feedback and the importance of creating joy in everything they do. Andy Pearson discusses how he balances training with his responsibilities as a parent, work and getting in his training. He also shares his experience of orienteering with his son and the impact it has had on their relationship. The conversation then shifts to the Barkley Marathons and the unique challenges it presents. Finally, Andy talks about the Vol State race and the support he received from road angels along the way. In this conversation, Andy Pearson discusses the dangers of running Vol State and shares his experiences running on country roads and the challenges of dealing with traffic. He discusses his excitement for Western States and the coincidence of both him and Dom getting selected in the lottery. They also discuss Between Two Pines the Trail Running Comedy Podcast that Andy does with Dom Grossman and the fun they are having rifting with the guests that they have on each month. He also mentions his idea for a fundraising event, running 100 miles by completing laps on a dirt path in a park to support his daughter's preschool. Takeaways
Andy’s Links Things we talked about in the show Barkley MarathonsVol State Race B2P Episode with Craig Thornley Ray Miller Trail - Pt. Magu SP Malibu CA If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | #54 Kelly Newlon | RAD Boulder, Life Design, and Helping Athletes Know Their Worth | 01:31:22 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "I'm going to start a business and I'm going to feed professional athletes." In this episode, Troy Meadows interviews Kelly Newlon, founder of RAD (Real Athlete Diets). Kelly shares her journey into running and trail racing. She talks about how her love for running started at a young age and how she discovered trail running in high school. Kelly also discusses how RAD came to be and how she merged her passion for culinary arts with her love for the outdoors. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality in life design and making choices that align with your values and goals. Kelly also provides insights into contract negotiations for athletes and the value proposition they bring to brands. In this conversation, Kelly from Rad Boulder discusses athlete contracts, life design, and her involvement with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). She shares insights on negotiating athlete contracts, including the importance of knowing your worth, understanding the market, and being willing to walk away. Kelly also talks about the Do Epic Shit Awards, an initiative she started to celebrate individuals making a positive impact in the outdoor community. Additionally, she highlights her work with UNEP, where she collaborates on projects that bring awareness to environmental issues. The conversation provides actionable advice for both elite athletes and everyday individuals looking to create a fulfilling life. Kelly's Links: IG: @radboulder Website: https://www.radboulder.com/ Things we talked about on the show: Tim Tolifsons - What Goes Unsaid Free to Run Stephanie Case - Pyllars Pod EpisodeStephanie Case - Freetrail Pod Episode United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Mina Guli - Running for the water purity crisis Mina Guli - The Thirst FoundationLewis Pugh - Hudson Swim Mina Guli runs the length of the Seine River in France Favorite Trail - Longs Peak If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube running, trail running, RAD, Real Athlete Diets, culinary arts, life design, intentionality, contract negotiations, value proposition, athlete contracts, negotiation, worth, market, Do Epic Shit Awards, outdoor community, UNEP, environmental issues | |||
| 10 Apr 2025 | Trailing Indicators 07 | Big Alta recap, Tapering for Gorge Waterfalls, and Ramping up training for your Ultra A goals | 01:14:50 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES "Trusting the taper is as much a mental challenge as it is physical." – Corinne "Every race teaches you something new, no matter how many you've done." – Matt "Balancing life and training is an art form we're all trying to master." – Troy In this episode of Trailing Indicators, host Troy Meadows reconnects with regular guests Corinne Shalvoy and Matt Van Dalsem to discuss their recent racing experiences, upcoming goals and as always a handful of ultra specific topics. Episode Highlights: Matt recaps his back-to-back race weekend spectating the 50K and running 28K at the Big Alta in Marin, sharing how knowing the course gave him a midpack edge—even if his fueling plan was more of a “grab what’s at the aid station” vibe. He also drops the news that his next A-race is the Rodeo Valley 8K—which he’ll be running with his 10-year-old son! Corinne is just days away from toeing the line at the Gorge Waterfalls 100K and shares how she's navigating the taper blues while juggling coaching duties for two athletes who will also be racing. The trio dives into volume ramp-ups for summer A-goals, how to adapt strength training during big mileage weeks, and why sometimes not training is the best move after getting sick. They round things out with banter about Cocodona 250 commentary, Randy Zuckerberg’s growing presence in the ultra scene, and dream-casting “Unbreakable 2.” Discussion Topics:
Corinne’s Links Shalvoy Running - YouTube Channel Troy’s Links Relevant Links: Keywords: Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Cascade Crest 100, Big Alta 50K, Rodeo Valley 8K, trail running, race preparation, tapering strategies, balancing training and life, ultra running, Western States qualifier | |||
| 26 Jul 2024 | #49 Travis Loncar & Troy Meadows | Laurel Highlands Ultra A Beast Coast Classic in Rocksylvania | 01:25:02 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "It's a very runnable course...but it's a lot of short, punchy trail in what they affectionately call Rocksylvania ." "You just feel like you're in a mythical world." In this episode Troy Meadows and Travis Longcar talk all things Laurel Highlands. They talk about their experiences running the race, the history and vibe of the event, and the challenging terrain. They also discuss the heat and how it can affect performance. Both Troy and Travis share their highs and lows during the race and the importance of managing nutrition and hydration. Overall, they express their love for the race and the beautiful scenery along the course. The conversation covers various aspects of the Laurel Highlands Ultra, including the race course, the challenges faced by runners, the unique features of the race, and the overall experience. The hosts discuss the technical sections of the course, the beauty of the surroundings, and the camaraderie among runners. They also touch on the logistics of the race, such as crew support and drop bags. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Free Trail Fantasy platform and the recent addition of historical splits for races like Western States. Travis’s Links IG: @tbloncar MPP Episode #20 with Travis Loncar Things we talked about on the show DBo Hard Rock recap episode with JBo Fallingwater Frank Lyde Wright House Trail Talk Freetrail Fantacy League Freetrail Fantacy WSER Split Times If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
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| 25 Nov 2023 | #22 Shelby Farrell | Betting On Yourself, Living The Van Life, Long Trail FKT Atempt | 01:42:26 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Today on the Pod Troy Meadows brings you a conversation with Shelby Farrell. Shelby is a marketer, cat mom, trail runner, and ultra runner who last year took the plunge, quit her job at Coros, bought a van and with her partner Jason started living the van life with the goal of setting a new FKT on the Long Trail in Vermont. They cover a lot in this episode including how they got connected back in 2021 when she was looking to attempt an out and back of the Lost Coast. Yes, you hear that right an out and back. As many of you know on the pod the Lost Coast was a 2 year running muse for Troy and when he heard about this attempt it definitely got his brain turning. During their convo, they geek out about the Lost Coast. They talk about her solo win at The Speed Project. Dive into her marketing journey and the work that she did for Goodr and Coros before deciding to bet on herself and her running and start living the van life. They talk through the good and some of the not-so-good things about the nomad lifestyle. Rounding things out by talking about her “A” goal for 2023, setting an FKT on the Long Trail. Shelby just released a full write-up on her site about her Long Trail journey so make sure you check it out HERE. Shelby’s ability to lean in and bet on herself is a true inspiration and the stoke is high her next year exploring and living the van life. “My goal is to use my brain and body to its fullest” LINKS IG - @shelbzzf Long Trail FKT attempt write up If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 06 Jul 2024 | #47 Michele Bousquet | Finishing Her First 100 Miler, Working Through Trauma On The Trails, & Shepherding The Culture At Strava | 01:15:38 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "Finding our way to meaning and as a way to metabolize and process what is tragic." “My Superpower is a Light Heart” Michele Bousquet, the Chief People Officer at Strava, shares her journey from occasional road runner to ultra trail runner, including her experience at the Canyons 100K and her son's love for trail running. The conversation delves into the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, the joy of running, and the supportive community of trail runners. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including family, parenting, coaching, running, and culture within an organization. Michele Bousquet shares personal experiences, challenges, and insights related to these themes, providing a deep and meaningful conversation. She opens up about how trail running has played a huge role in processing the loss of her daughter Cora who passed away in 2013. The conversation covers topics related to company culture, user value, and running experiences. Michele Bousquet shares insights on building a great culture, user value, and her personal running experiences. Micheles Links Things that we talked about on the show Matt Budesa - Middle School Co-Cross Country Coach Mark Gainey - Strava Founder Michael Horvath - Strava Founder Mike Martin - Strava CEO LINK TO STRAVA CEO DARK MODE MESSAGE TCC Trail on Mt Tam - Marin County If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube ultra running, trail running, Strava, Canyons 100K, mental challenges, physical challenges, supportive community, joy of running, family, kids sports, family, parenting, coaching, running, culture, organization, values, leadership, grief, trauma, Strava, company culture, user value, running experiences, building culture, Strava, value proposition, user feedback, leadership, personal growth, ultra running | |||
| 20 Sep 2024 | Trailing Indicators 004 | UTMB Banter, Headlands 27k Banter, The Value of Having a Coach, Favorite Workout, Pole Techniques | 01:25:25 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE "I'm basically a pro athlete right now." - MVD In this episode of Trailing Indicators, hosts Troy Meadows, Corinne Shalvoy, and MVD discuss various aspects of trail running, including reflections on recent races like UTMB and the Headlands 27K, the value of coaching and structured training plans, favorite workouts, and techniques for using poles effectively in trail running. Corinne also shares insights about her new apparel venture, Women Can, which aims to empower women through storytelling and community engagement. +++++ Women Can. T’s +++++ Corinne’s Links Troy’s Links MVD Links Things we talked about on the show Corinne Shalvoy 2022 CCC results Pole Technique Video with Dylan Bowman Big Day Concepts - Cuben Fiber Pole Quiver If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube trail running, coaching, training plans, workouts, pole techniques, women empowerment, ultra running, race reflections, fitness, endurance sports | |||
| 11 Jan 2024 | #29 Deb Hamberlin | The Grand Canyon R2R2R, Balancing Work, Life, & Running, Longevity in Ultra Running | 01:34:41 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode of the pod, Troy Meadows has a conversation with Deb Hambertlin. Deb Hamberlin, an experienced ultra runner and running coach, shares her journey into trail running and her love for the Grand Canyon. She discusses her involvement in the Free Trail community and the support she receives from the Free Trail Femmes group. Deb also talks about her local running group, Team Vitesse, and her coaching business, Kestrel Coaching LLC. Deb Hamberlin shares her strategies for balancing work, family, and multiple real estate companies. She emphasizes the importance of structure, organization, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Deb also discusses the significance of making time for hobbies and fun activities, such as skiing and racing. She shares her upcoming race schedule, including the Tahoe 200 and Javelina Jundred, and highlights the challenges and rewards of participating in ultra races. In this conversation, Deb Hamberlin and Troy discuss the importance of creating longevity in the sport of ultra running. They explore the mental and physical aspects of maintaining endurance as athletes age, including the need to reframe expectations and focus on overall well-being. Deb emphasizes the importance of incorporating strength training, yoga, and cross-training to prevent injuries and maintain balance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on choosing the right races and finding satisfaction in the sport at any age. Deb’s Personal Links IG - @debrunsfar FB - debhamberlin Website - KestrelCoachingLLC.com Things we talked about on the show UESCA Ultra Running Certification Team Vitesse - Giggle Till It Hurts Chapters 02:07 Transition to Trail Running 07:12 The Grand Canyon and Ultra Running 18:08 Free Trail Femmes and Community Support 23:47 Team Vitesse and Local Running Group 32:57 Balancing Work and Coaching 41:45 Creating Structure and Organization 50:49 Balancing Business and Parenting 01:07:33 The Javelina Jundred Experience 01:10:34 The Mogollon Monster 100 01:11:46 Creating Longevity in the Sport 01:13:10 Mental and Physical Aspects of Longevity 01:14:27 Incorporating Strength Training and Yoga 01:15:49 Importance of Nutrition and Blood Work 01:18:19 Consistency in Training 01:19:39 Age and Endurance Sports 01:20:53 Reframing and Balancing Life as an Athlete 01:22:20 Choosing the Right Races If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. We donate $1 to runners for public lands with each item purchased. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | #26 Sarah Lavender Smith | Why Western States Needs to Break Up with UTMB, Increasing Women's Participation & Ultrarunning Longevity | 01:18:21 | |
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Sarah Lavender Smith, an ultra runner, writer, and horse mom based in Telluride CO, who is passionate about women's participation in ultrarunning and sharing her knowledge and experiences with the trail running community through her weekly newsletter: Colorado Mountain Running & Living ←— This is a weekly must-read!!! Sarah Lavender Smith, an experienced ultra runner and coach, discusses her background in trail running, the challenges of balancing running and family life, and the importance of longevity in the sport. She also shares insights on coaching midlife midpackers and helping road runners transition to the trails. Sarah's book, The Trail Runner's Companion, provides practical advice and training plans for trail runners of all levels. She also writes a weekly newsletter that offers valuable insights and inspiration for trail runners. In this conversation, Troy and Sarah discuss loop runs and training stimulus, the need for Western States to separate from UTMB, the impact of UTMB on independent races, increasing female representation in hard rock and Western States, the power of athletes in shaping the sport, Sarah's race calendar for 2024, Sarahs Links Website - https://www.sarahlavendersmith.com/ IG - @sarahrunning Links to things we talked about on the pod Sarah’s Articles for TrailRunner Sarah’s Articles for UltraRunner Magazine Running Up for Air Grandeur Peak 12-hour Run The Rocks Moab 3-Day Stage Race Grand to Grand Ultra Stage Race Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:10 Getting Started in Trail Running 10:06 Longevity in the Sport 18:10 Balancing Running and Family Life 25:18 Coaching Midlife Midpackers 34:21 Transitioning from Road Running to Trail Running 39:05 Writing the Trail Runner's Companion 42:36 The Trail Runner's Companion Newsletter 43:30 Loop Runs and Training Stimulus 44:26 Separating Western States from UTMB 45:20 UTMB's Influence on Independent Races 48:05 The Impact of UTMB on Grindstone 49:24 Increasing Female Representation in Hard Rock and Western States 50:31 The Power of Athletes in Shaping the Sport 53:32 Sarah's Race Calendar for 2024 If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below. Sponsor Links: Run Trail Life - This is a brand I am super passionate about because I am the Founder and Chief everything officer for RTL. Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to runners for public lands. Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more. I absolutely love this community and have personally used the training plans to get ready for my ultra efforts. Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube | |||