Trail Runner Nation

Dr. Mark Cucuzzella returns for his 19th visit (first joined us in 2012) to unpack the “pendulum swings” in running— from minimalist to maximal shoes, handhelds to hydration vests, and data-free runs to tech-heavy biometrics. He shares how his natural-footwear ethos (and Two Rivers Treads) started before the trend, why different terrains and athletes may benefit from different shoes, and why rotating options can build stronger, more resilient feet. We talk about rucking with a weighted vest as a low-impact way to boost strength, bone density, and aerobic fitness—especially for masters runners— plus the value of short, fast strides to keep leg speed with age. On fueling, Mark reframes the carbs-vs.-keto debate around individual metabolic health and race-day pragmatism: maintain blood glucose, experiment cautiously, and avoid one-size-fits-all prescriptions. Big takeaway: be an experiment of one—choose the tools, shoes, and fueling that keep you healthy, happy, and on the trails for life. LInks to stuff we talked about: Dr. Tim Noakes article on hypoglycemia Mark Sisson's free ebook on minimal footwear Dr. Mark's Battle of the shoes article Don mentioned the 8:20 video of running form that Dr. Mark produced More information about Mark  Book www.runforyourlifebook.com Personal site www.drmarksdesk.com Education Site: www.naturalrunningcenter.com Store:  www.tworiverstreads.com Event Series www.freedomsrun.org   Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN Bear Mattress, get 40% off your first order with code TRAIL Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

In this episode, we welcome back Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer, co-founders of History Expeditions, who’ve shown us how endurance fitness can unlock incredible adventures beyond racing. This fall, they and a team of veteran endurance athletes will bring history to life with a never-before-attempted 120-mile horseback crossing of the Sierra Nevada, retracing the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party’s path. Over five days, they’ll ride from Donner Lake to Auburn, uncovering long-lost routes, reflecting on the grit of California’s pioneers, and honoring one of America’s most harrowing journeys. This isn’t just an expedition—it’s endurance sport meeting living history. Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply.... and they are on sale!

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this fifth episode of The Aging Athlete series, Krissy Moehl co-hosts as we sit down with Jeff Browning—coach, ultrarunner, and one of the sport’s most consistent and ageless performers. Jeff shares how he has adapted his training across decades, balancing intensity with recovery to stay competitive deep into his 50s. He talks about the importance of nutrition, mindset, and smart planning as the body changes, offering practical lessons that apply at any age. His story is proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means evolving. Tune in for insights on how to adjust your training and embrace the long game on the trail. Learn More about Bronco Billy at: giddyupultra.com Instagram YouTube Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat - THEY'RE on SALE!

In this rerun episode, we dig into the science behind what’s happening inside our bodies with registered sports dietitian Ashley Reaver. Ashley highlights five key biomarkers that endurance athletes should pay attention to—explaining why they matter, what healthy ranges look like, and what steps we can take if our numbers are off. From performance to recovery, these biomarkers influence how well we train and how resilient we are to stress and fatigue. Ashley also shares practical strategies athletes can use to optimize their nutrition and overall health. With her background as a private practice dietitian, UC Berkeley instructor, and lead nutritional scientist at InsideTracker, Ashley brings both scientific depth and real-world application. Whether you’re chasing new PRs or aiming for long-term health, this conversation offers valuable insights every runner can put into practice.  Check out her private practice Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Rosario, Head Coach and Executive Director of Hoka Northern Arizona Elite Team, aka Hoka NAZ Elite, to uncover how professional runners train—and how everyday runners can apply the same strategies. Ben shares why success isn’t only about big workouts, but also about the fundamentals: getting enough sleep, fueling properly, and building strength without needing a fancy gym. He emphasizes the importance of stretching and mobility, as well as truly respecting easy days to allow the body to recover and adapt. Listeners will also learn how pros approach pacing and why managing effort can make the difference between struggle and breakthrough. No matter your age, background, or ability level, these simple yet powerful habits can help you run stronger, faster, and further. This episode shows that elite training principles aren’t reserved for pros—they’re tools that anyone can use to reach their goals. Learn more in the book he co-authored with Matt Fitzgerald, In their new book, Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow): Elite Tools and Tips for Runners at Every Level,  they help us understand that we can reach our potential if we include some of these training techniques and strategies. Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat- THEY'RE on SALE!

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. In this fourth episode of The Aging Athlete series, we sit down with Selene Yeager, a leading voice in reshaping how we think about performance, aging, and the female athlete. In this episode, she shares her personal journey from elite triathlete and gravel cyclist to trail runner, navigating midlife hormonal shifts. As the host of Hit Play Not Pause and coauthor of ROAR and Next Level, Selene opens up about redefining success, adjusting training and nutrition, and managing the mental side of aging. She offers practical, empowering insights drawn from science, storytelling, and her own lived experience. We also talk about the changes she’s noticed in her own training and mindset while preparing for an ultra. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, Selene’s message is clear: your best athletic years might still be ahead. Check out her new book, "Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond" Her Live Feisty Website Episode Sponsors Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Scarpa, Find your perfect shoe for the trails that lie ahead Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Oikos Triple Zero Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply

What if one simple idea could transform the way athletes fuel their bodies? In this episode, we explore the birth of the very first sports nutrition bar back in the 1980s—a product that forever changed performance and recovery. Can you guess what it is? You’ll hear the story behind its creation from one of its creators, Jennifer Maxwell, from the spark of inspiration to the trial-and-error experiments that nearly derailed it. Along the way, the creators faced unexpected setbacks that tested their resolve, but ultimately paved the way for a groundbreaking innovation. More than just a snack, this bar reshaped the entire sports nutrition industry and sparked a wave of creativity that continues today. Join us for a story of grit, vision, and the power of an idea that fueled athletes worldwide. Jennifer continues to share the reason why she is back in the business with a yummy and healthy NEW product, JamBar! Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN Visit Electrokare before September 5th to get your spot Oikos Triple Zero Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

What do launching into orbit and starting a grueling mountain ultra have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we draw from Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way and NASA’s astronaut training to explore how familiarity—not bravado—builds confidence on the trail. Just as astronauts rehearsed every scenario to make the unknown feel routine, trail runners can train for the unexpected: long stretches without aid, bad weather, gear failures, or the mental fog of mile 90. We discuss how to simulate race conditions, build mental protocols for problem-solving, and control the factors within your grasp. By exposing yourself to stress in training—whether it’s night running, solo efforts, or challenging terrain—you build emotional muscle to stay calm when it matters most. The obstacle isn’t the mountain ahead—it’s the panic in your chest, and with the right preparation, you can take its power away. It isn't too late to help out the California Biodiversity Project that Adam is supporting.  All you do is collect soil samples from the trails you are running! Check out more about Adam Kimble HERE  Episode Sponsors Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off Oikos Triple Zero Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  FLASH SALE! $25!!!!

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we reflect on the evolution of trail running and the Trail Runner Nation podcast over the past 14 years. We reflect on some clips from our very first episode, Podcast Numero Uno, published in November of 2011.  We discuss the changes in trail running gear, the importance of community and knowledge sharing, and the technological advancements that have shaped the TRN podcasting journey. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a gathering place for runners and the role of the podcast in fostering a sense of belonging within the trail running community. Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER Oikos Triple Zero Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

What does it mean to be a trail runner in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—or even your 70s? How do years of pounding dirt, chasing summits, and chasing goals shape our bodies, minds, and identities? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. In this second episode of the Aging Athlete Series, we’re joined by Dr. Kelly Casperson to explore how hormone health influences endurance, recovery, and overall well-being as we age. Dr. Casperson, a board-certified urologist and women’s health advocate, brings her expertise to topics often overlooked in athletic circles—like menopause, libido, and the misunderstood role of hormone therapy. We dive into the physiological shifts that both male and female athletes face and how understanding these changes can help extend performance and vitality on the trails. From the importance of early hormone support to the mental health implications of declining hormone levels, we'll talk about aging with strength and knowledge.   Learn more from Dr. Casperson: Book, You Are not Broken: Stop Should-ing All Over Your Sex Life Pre Order the new Book, The Menopause Moment: Midset, Hormones, and Science for Optimal Longevity (releasing on Sept 16, 2025 Her Website Her YouTube Channel Her podcast, You Are Not Broken The M-Factor Documentary we mentioned Episode Sponsors Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off Electrokare - memberships available until September 5th Oikos Triple Zero Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply