Trail Runner Nation

In 2022, we will be doing a monthly episode focused on Training Principles.  In this episode, we start with the principle of Quality Training. We have invited four experts to give their take on quality training: Sally McRae: strength training = injury prevention Sally's Web site Patrick Reagan: disciplined recovery runs Patrick's coaching site Adam Kimble: variety Adam's coaching site Ian Sharman: have a purpose Ian's coaching site

David Horton is a 5-time finisher and won the first two Hardrock 100 races.  He has competed in over 160 ultras with 40 wins. He is one of 14 finishers of the iconic Barkleys Marathon.  But wait, he has also set speed records on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Coast Trail and one of the fastest transcontinental runs.  David is a Professor of Health Sciences at Liberty University where he shares his passion for endurance sports with its students and encourages them to aspire to more. In this episode David shares some of his philosophies and passion for trail running. David also directs the Hellgate 100k. Listen to our first interview with David back in 2014 at the Hardrock 100

"You're off to Great Places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so...get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss Trail running is more than exercise, it is moving meditation with nature. Do you want some of this? Are you considering trail running? You might have some apprehensions. In this episode we talk with long time trail runners Brian Metzler and Doug Meyer about trail running basics from where to find a trail to running gear, fueling and safety.  Their stories and step by step process will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to begin your journey on the trail.  Already a long-time veteran?  You might be able to recall some of the stories where you learned the importance of hydration, fueling, alluding bears, etc. Doug and Brian recently published, "Trail Running Illustrated: The Art of Running Free", a great reference for anyone that enjoys or wants to enjoy the trail. Here are the links to Brian's previous episodes: Kicksology: They Hype, Science, Culture & Cool of Running Shoes Pack Burro Racing - A Kick in the Ass  

Since it is gift-giving season, we thought we would throw out some ideas to The Nation in a unique way, by doing a gift exchange with Andy Jones-Wilkins! Here are some of the gifts: Book, Running & Being by George Sheehan Sundial  Snittens Holy Hiker Bidet Petzl Iko headlamp A race bib/entry Hire Andy as a coach! or check out his weekly Tap Room at iRunFar

Patrick Reagan has twenty years of running experience and had been coaching endurance athletes for ten years.  But in 2021 he found himself in a funk that he couldn't figure out.  In this episode, Patrick explains that his increased fatigue and changing emotions were a result of low ferritin and iron levels.  He reveals what changes he made and how he is coming back to his real self. Patrick runs professionally for Hoka One One and GU Energy Labs.  Here are his recent accomplishments: 2017 finished 12th at Comrades Marathon in South Africa 2017 first 100-mile @ Javelina Hundred, won and set course record in 13:01.14 AND defended his title in 2018 and 2019 2019 USATF 100-mile champ and CR at Brazos Bend 100 2019 1st WS100 (8th place) 2021 19th WS100 Be sure to check out his new coaching website.  Lives in Savannah, CA with wife Adrienne, 2 dogs and 2 cats

Bon Courage is an essential French expression for offering verbal support before or during a difficult task.  Similar to the English, "good luck" but with a twist.  Luck is outside of our control, where courage is something we can control. Returning Guest,Hillary Gerardi, joins us to discuss her philosophy of building courage with "little c's and BIG "C's".        

Dr. Gordon Harvey is a Professor of history at Jacksonville State University.  He is also a seasoned ultra runner with dozens of finishes under his belt.  He has a pendant that says, "Memento mori and memento vivere" - Remember that you must die, and remember to live. Gordon joins The Nation to talk about his recent experience training and running the Pinhoti 100.  This was a race to prove that his first 100-mile finish wan't a "fluke".  But there were obstacles and set backs in his training, including a heart attack and surgery less than one year before the race.  Gordon shares his not-so-unique story with us and helps us understand and cope with the process and the result. Read more about his Pinhoti 100 journey HERE Be sure to sign up for a 30-day free trial of Open, a mindfulness studio by going to Open-together/trn and using the code TRN

Our first live recording where Nation Members could join the audience and listen while we record & ask any questions they have for Don, Scott and frequent-guest Andy Jones-Wilkins. Hire Andy as a coach! or check out his weekly Tap Room at iRunFar

Ultrarunner and Psychologist, Jill Colangelo, recently published her thesis discussing the relationship of mental health and ultra endurance sports.  Some of you may have even participated in her study!  We discuss how prevalent mental illness is in our sport and how we can balance our passion with healthy living.  You can read her paper HERE. For more information or to talk with Jill visit her web site.  

The central governor theory is based around the premise that the brain will override your physical ability to run and “shut the body down” before you're able to do serious or permanent damage to yourself. Dr. Joe Uhan, founder of Uhan Performance in Eugene (Physical Therapy, Coaching, Running Analysis) and is studying manual therapy fellow-in-training at Johnson & Johnson Physical Therapy in Steamboat Springs, CO. Topics we cover in part 2: The central governor has a purpose and we have to listen to it. Learned pain patterns You become more sensitive to common pain points. Your governor becomes hyper sensitive, and more threatened. Can you "synthetically mask" the central governor?  Does the governor actually know whats going on?  Can your central governor fail you? Can that work to your advantage? Can you train your central governor with Psychology? PMA goes a long way. What's happening to the governor when we have peaks and valleys in our run? Maybe it's a committee of governors... What is the something that all the top runners have in common that amazes you? We referenced the article Joe wrote in irunfar