Back on the Free Outside podcast, I’m catching up with Will Murray after a wild eight months. Since Black Canyon he’s gone all-in: new coach (CTS’s John Fitzgerald), smarter long runs, and a rock-solid mindset that turned Javelina into a masterclass in steady, no surges. We talk about why he wore a pack while the front pack rocked belts (spoiler: seven bottles a lap and an ice pocket), how he practices mantras on long runs, and the simple crew rule that keeps big races from falling apart: do simple better. Will opens up about the detour through AFib, an ankle injury, a bout of giardia, and how cycling + hiking rebuilt fitness and trust. We also wander into big ideas—Western States, training camps, and what a Grand Tour of trail running could look like. It’s process over hype, and it’s really, really good.

Chapters

00:00 Intro & catching up

05:30 All-in since Black Canyon

08:30 Why get a coach (CTS/John)

11:00 Race plan: steady, no surges

13:30 Lap themes & mindset

15:30 Pack choice & hydration (7 bottles/lap)

18:00 Mantras in training

20:30 Crew: “Do simple better”

23:00 AFib, ankle, giardia detour

26:00 Rebuilding with cycling & hiking

29:00 Western States lessons

32:00 Future goals & balance

34:00 Shoes talk (Catamount, super shoes?)

36:00 Stage-race / team ideas

38:00 Wrap & outro

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Do Simple Better: Will Murray on winning Javelina 100