Trail Runner Nation

Amy Albu is an ultra verteran. Despite her youthful age, Amy has been running for 21 years and has 16 Mountain Masochist finishes to her name, including a recent 4th place in 2015. She is also the women's leader in the Beast Series and one race away from setting a new women's record. It is hard to believe, but in February 2014, she snapped her lower leg and ankle during a race. We talk to Amy about her injury, surgery, recovery and return to running at an elite level. Andy Jones-Wilkins is the executive producer and Tap Room host for this podcast. He compares his diagnosed end-stage arthritis and current recovery from hip socket resurfacing surgery. Need a good orthopedist? Try AJW's Doc, Dr. Thomas Gross of Midlands Orthopaedic Need a good Physical Therapist? Try AJW and Amy's PT, Eric Magrum at HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehab at the University of Virginia.

December means a lot of things, for Ultra Runners it is the Lottery Season. WS, Leadville, Hardrock and others. With 3.515 people in the drawing and nearly 250 slots open Jimmy Dean throws a twist and challenges us to come up with reasons why we should be pleased if we miss getting our ticket pulled. Join WS runners Jennifer Benna, Katie Desplinter and Billy Yang as we wrestle this topic. Jennifer Benna's Blog and the home of the film centered around the 2010 WS100 and the amazing race finish here at Journey Films Katie DeSplinter Blog here at Breaking & Excellent Points Billy Yang Films . You can find his Western Time film covering Sally McRae's attempt to land a top 10 finish. Billy Yang's Film - From Squaw to Auburn the story of Billy's 2015 Western States 100 #WinADateWithBillyYang Jimmy Dean Freeman, TRN SoCal Correspondent, Coach and lead Dog at So Cal Coyotes RunningJimmy Dean Freeman's Inspired Running Blog

The Nation has no geographic boundaries, although it is easy to stay in our own "world". Today Ultra Runner and Coach, Sondre Amdahl, joins The Nation to educate them on the world of ultra running. Sondre is an elite runner and coach from Norway. He recently finished 4th in the Ultra-Trail World Tour (UTWT). Ian Sharman also joins as co-host to help us understand what this race is. The Ethics of UTWT are Equality in Sports Self Respect Respect for others and the environment

Gia Madole began running ultras two years ago. In 2014, she WON the Tahoe 200 mile endurance run and followed up by winning the Bigfoot 200-mile endurance run in August. Gia joins The Nation to adapt your training and race strategy for a 200 mile race. How much should you run weekly? What pace? Race strategy How much should you sleep Crewing? Gia is a coach a G-Fit

On November 7, 2015, Don Freeman toed the line of the 15th annual Rio Del Lago 100 Endurance Run on a whim, with a strong base and years of experience, but with little focused training. He created a specific race day strategy and then executed the plan with the discipline of a seasoned Yogi. Andy Jones-Wilkins, Sally McRae, and a surprise visit from Ann Trason join The Nation to find out how a plan and execution can help anyone looking to accomplish the extraordinary.

Ultrarunning champion and coach, Ian Sharman, joins The Nation to announce his Golden Ticket Race Series of Western States 100 qualifying races. We also explore the following: U.S. Skyrunning Series How to determine the right coach for you Heart Rate training Pitfalls to avoid Judging your intensity Keys to successful downhill running.

Photographer, musician, ultra runner, dirtbag, 7-time Hardrock 100 finisher, Howie Stern joins The Nation to talk about caring for your trail running dogs hydration dog pace canine nutrition verbal leash how to dirtbag 101 trail / ultra photography

Ultra Race Director and Covergirl, Candice Burt, joins The Nation for our first edition of our Audio Magazine. Tune in to hear more about: How to dress for wet/cold weather "Where the Wild Things Are" Time to Get Strong Training Your Diaphram article Progressing from 100 milers to 200 milers Check out: Candice's Blog Candice's Races

Author, Nutritionist, endurance athlete and coach, Matt Fitzgerald, joins the Nation to talk about what motivates us and how to train our brain to push our limits to a higher level. In his new book, "How Bad Do you Want It: Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Muscle", he relates exciting stories of athletes that have pushed beyond their mental limits to achieve extraordinary results. As Matt relates what recent studies in neuroscience has taught us and how we can incorporate that into our training. This is all woven into a dozen heart-pounding stories of endurance athletes.

Marty Dugard is a runner, he coaches the JSerra High School Running Lions Cross Country teams, and is a New York Best-Selling author of over 14 books. So it made sense for him to put pen to paper and speak about something he is passionate about. But he did it from a different angle than most. His book "To Be a Runner doesn't refer to becoming a better runner - or even a runner at all. It is about the process of seeking that better version of ourselves through the daily, mind-altering discipline of challenging personal limits." Coach Dugard captures some of the essence of WHY we run: what motivates us, what hurts us, what drives us to wake up before the sun and race up a hill to reach a summit that cannot be seen with a headlamp. If you are a runner, you will find a kinship with this book. If you aren't a runner, you will understand why people run. Keep Pushing...Always! Check out his other books HERE