Trail Runner Nation

Sally McRae and Billy Yang were in Northern California for the Western States 100 training weekend as they are preparing for their race in 36 days. So we bribed them with sushi to join us for a podcast. We gave Sally the task of jotting down 5 topics on her flight.....and that's where it all begins..... Massages Self defense apparati What animal are you most afraid of? Sally's bear encounter. See the video HERE Strength training Ann Trason as a coach! etc. etc. Take the boys as they forecast how many times Sally laughs - the answer will be revealed at the end of the podcast.

Trail conversation with Don and Scott

Travis Macy, professional ultra-endurance athlete, coach, teacher, husband and father of two joins us to talk about his new book, "The Ultra Mindset: An Endurance Champion's 8 Core Principles for Success in Business, Sports and Life". This book is a set of simple principles for daily life that includes embracing fear, rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, and mastering the art of asking for help. "We constantly send our kids -and ourselves- the message that if you struggle something is wrong. If you're doing something right, it will feel nice and easy; it will be fun. Struggle should be halted as soon as possible at all times because it will probably lead to suffering and, even worse, failure. The problem with the message above is that it flies in the face of what we know to be the truth about learning and general process, namely, that if you never struggled, growth is almost impossible because lack of growth only shows complacency with in a comfort zone." - The Ultra Mindset The book is available at most book outlets including Amazon and available to listen on Audible.

Ryan Sandes joins us to talk about his recent FKT at Cape Town Table Mountain. We talk about training, racing, mental toughness and how running can prepare us for life's challenges. And a host of other topics that happen when your sitting down and chatting with a runner for 60 minutes! Find Ryans Website here at RyanSandes.com

Warren Pole joins The Nation to discuss the finer DOs and DON'Ts of Ultra Running. We build on an article from Competitor Magazine, "Dos and Dont's From Top Ultramarathoners" and an article from Outside Magazine, "Hal Koerner's Ultrarunning Commandments"

John Hinds is the founder and owner of Cadence® Insoles. He has been involved in athletics since he was a kid and in search of the perfect insole ever since. For the last 22 + years he has been a physical therapist focusing on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, helping people get back on their feet as quickly as possible. John joins The Nation to answer some of these questions: Who should use insoles? Who shouldn't? Who should go the the podiatrist? Does my foot weaken and become dependent? When can you use an over-the-counter insole? Do they wear out? Do I need to spend my whole paycheck to get good insoles? How do insoles differ? How are Cadence® Insoles different? Get a 15% discount on Cadence® Insoles when you purchase on their online store and enter coupon code: TRN15

One part of the Ultra 168 team, Marcus Warner, joins The Nation to discus an article they wrote. Dan and Marcus reside in the drop bear capital of the world, Sydney, Australia. They began the blog/website to share their passion for the trails and has evolved into a great resource for our community, wherever in the world you live. Video of Marcus being chased by a bear on the Western States Trail. Like them on Facebook Follow them on Twitter

The Nation has received some opposing views from our latest podcast, "You Can Help Save the Pacific Crest Trail". Mike Miller, an environmental biologist and trail runner, joins us for a different view of the PCTA's recent stance on trail racing. What do you think?

Candice Burt joins us to share the news and point us to the petition The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is lobbying and advising the USDA Forest Service to ban recreational events on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). If they succeed, no new trail running events nor growth of existing events will be allowed on the PCT. Our existing trail running events could also be in jeopardy of receiving future permits. Read about the PCTA's stance HERE Please join The Nation by speaking out against this ill-advised policy by Signing the petition that Candice Burt created Consider posting on the PCTA facebook page and commenting on their post about their stance with your opinion. The more we express ourselves, the more the PCTA and USDA Forest Service will understand our point of view and the size of the trail running community Call Beth Boyst, the Pacific Crest Trail Administrator for the USDA Forest Service: bboyst@fs.fed.us (707) 562-8881 to express your concerns Share your concern with your social media group and encourage them to stand with The Nation! Right now the PCT is being threatened, tomorrow it could be your favorite trail or race!

Join Coaches Emily Harrison and Ian Torrence teach us why patience is important in Ultrarunning. Guest host is Sycamore: If you are looking for a coach, they can be found at McMillan Running You can read Ian's article, "Patience and the Ultramarathoner"