Trail Runner Nation

We return to our 'Endurance Of The Trail" Series in this episode with our friend Major Brian "Tosh" Chontosh, United States Marine Corps, Retired.  He recounts his extraordinary journey of participating in The World's Roughest Row, rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean with his team of former Navy SEALs despite their lack of prior experience in ocean rowing. He delves into the rigorous training, preparation, and dietary strategies that underpinned their endurance feat. Tosh underscores the critical role of team cohesion and the strategic guidance from their campaign manager. He reflects on the mental resilience needed to surmount challenges and draws parallels between his rowing venture and ultra-running principles, particularly in nutrition and the necessity to eschew distractions for peak performance. The discussion also explores the mental rigors of the Atlantic crossing, the imperative of setting clear goals, and the congruence between one's actions and objectives. Tosh concludes by touching on the broader implications of his experiences for physical endurance and leadership. **BEFORE YOU LISTEN, watch this 45-minute video documentary of their experience.** Check out his past episode about the shipping container challenge Check out his website Crooked Butterfly where you can learn more about the HardWay Project and his podcast by the same name. Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji LMNT Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this episode, we dive into the unique intersection of everyday vocabulary and the expansive world of trail and ultrarunning. We are joined by the ever-insightful Warren Pole and the ultrarunning sage, Andy Jones-Wilkins, for a lighthearted yet profound discussion that ties the randomness of language to the trails we cherish. There are times in our running careers when the only thing we think about is running and everything we see or experience we relate to running. In that spirit, Trail Runner Nation podcast periodically produces an episode where we pick a random word out of a dictionary and relate that to trail and ultrarunning.  Check out Warren's company, 33 Fuel and Andy's coaching at Carmichael Training. Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji HVMN AG1 Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

Dive into the Thrilling World of Ultra Running with Historian Davy Crockett! Join hosts us in an exhilarating journey through the untold history and fascinating evolution of ultra marathons. Discover the legendary races that shaped the sport: from the historic Comrades Marathon to the enigmatic Barkley Marathons. Learn about the earliest ultra runners, their unique mindset, and how their challenges differ from those faced by today's athletes.  Explore the global impact of ultra running, featuring stories from the Redwood Indian Marathon that showcased Native American excellence, and the JFK 50's evolution from a boys club event to America's oldest ultra race.  This episode isn't just about endurance – it's a journey into the heart of ultra running, revealing the allure, history, and soul of this incredible sport. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual listener, there's something for everyone in this captivating conversation. Don't miss out on these extraordinary tales that bring the world of ultra marathons to life!  About Davy • David "Davy" R. Crockett, a veteran ultrarunner since 2004 • has completed over a hundred 100-mile races.  • He combined his running passion with history by organizing the "Pony Express Trail 50 and 100" in Utah  • launched ultrarunninghistory.com and the Ultrarunning History Podcast in 2018.  • As the Director of the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame since 2020, Crockett has authored several books on ultrarunning history and 19th-century American westward migration.  UltraRunninghistory.com Crockettclan.org/blog Other Ultrarunning History Series books: Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History Strange Running Tales: When Ultrarunning was a Reality Show Running 100 Miles: Part One - A History (1729-1960) Running 100 Miles: Part Two - A History (1761-1976) Running 100 Miles: Part Three - A History (1977-1979) Classic Ultramarathon Beginnings: The Barkley Marathons, Comrades Marathon, London to Brighton, JFK 50, Spartathlon, and others Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji HVMN AG1 LMNT Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this bonus episode, we are talking about metabolism.  We have learned a lot of great information, strategies, and tactics while we have been partnered with MetPro, an innovative program offering personalized health and fitness strategies and coaching. The episode features insights from Mike, who shares his successful journey with MetPro in achieving weight loss and enhanced training. Amber Velasquez, a MetPro coach, and Angelo Poli, the founder, both emphasize the program's unique approach to nutrition and fitness. They discuss how MetPro uses metabolic profiling to tailor meal plans and exercise routines to individual needs, focusing on understanding metabolic thresholds and adaptation. The conversation underscores the significance of adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, trusting the process, and the impact of MetPro beyond just weight loss, including improved overall health, energy levels, and body composition. The episode concludes with an invitation for a free metabolic consultation with a MetPro expert, highlighting its benefits for both general fitness enthusiasts and performance-focused athletes, especially those in endurance sports. To take advantage of this metabolic assessment, click HERE If you would like, Coach Amber can answer any questions directly: Amber Velasquez, MHS, RD, LD, CPT amber@metpro.co 530-720-0930 https://metpro.co/coach-amber

This episode is focused on the fuel that drives endurance athletes. It's a world where what you eat isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's about strategy, precision, and sometimes, survival. Joining us from Australia are two experts of sports dietetics, Steph Gaskell and Alan Mccubbin, co-hosts of "The Fueling Endurance" podcast. Steph, a trail runner herself, is an expert of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. She's on a mission to unravel the mysteries of how our guts betray us during a run and how to keep the digestive peace. Then there's Alan, a man who can talk about sodium and hydration. With a background in mountain biking and sailing, he knows the fine line between staying hydrated and hitting a wall. Takeaways Dehydration can increase the risk of gut symptoms and impact digestion, absorption, and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting may provide temporary relief from gastrointestinal stress, but it does not eliminate the underlying issue. Cramping can be caused by a combination of factors, including hydration, electrolyte balance, neuromuscular responses, muscle fatigue, and psychological stress. Sweat rate and electrolyte loss are not always correlated, and individual variations exist in sweat sodium concentration. Find out more about Steph and Alan at Fueling Endurance and check out their book! Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji UCAN PATH Projects HVMN Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

Dr. Latt Mansor joins The Nation to discuss how metabolic flexibility and fat adaptation can significantly improve endurance running performance. He discusses the roles of different fuel sources, emphasizing that fats and ketones are more efficient for endurance athletes than proteins. Additionally, Dr. Mansor highlights the benefits of exogenous ketones like Ketone IQ for enhancing athletic performance, aiding in recovery, and potentially improving sleep and symptoms of Alzheimer's. This episode is a deep dive into the science of metabolism in endurance sports and offers practical insights into how athletes can optimize their energy use for peak performance.   Dr. Latt Mansor is a renowned expert in physiology and metabolism with a PhD from Oxford, specializing in diabetic heart metabolism under low oxygen conditions, and has extensive experience consulting with elite sports, military, and clinical groups.   Takeaways Metabolic flexibility is the body's ability to utilize different fuel sources at different times. Becoming fat-adapted allows endurance athletes to tap into their fat storage more readily, improving performance and endurance. Protein is primarily used as building blocks for the body and is not an optimal fuel source. Ketones, naturally produced during fasting or a ketogenic diet, can provide an alternative fuel source for the brain and other organs. Ketones can help balance glycogen in the body Exogenous ketones, such as ketone esters, can be used as a supplement to increase blood ketone levels and improve performance and recovery. Taking these before bed can improve sleep quality and aid in recovery. Ketones have been found to help people with sleep apnea and diabetes sleep better. Anecdotal reports suggest that exogenous ketones may improve symptoms of Alzheimer's. When choosing ketone products, it's important to consider the active ingredients and quality. Transparency and scientific validation are crucial in substantiating product claims. Consumers should be cautious of cheaper products and prioritize quality and effectiveness. Cutting through the noise and finding the truth requires careful evaluation and experimentation. Tune into Dr. Latt's podcast, HVMN (Health via Modern Nutrition) Podcast.  It covers a wide range of topics related to metabolism and health. To find out more about Ketone IQ, you can save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at HVMN.com/TRAILRUNNER   Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji AG1 LMNT Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this episode, we talk about the strategic aspects of building a race calendar, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and having backup plans. Coaches Ian Sharman and Stefanie Flippin join us to help us understand some ways to approach building a race calendar.  The conversation goes beyond just focusing on popular races or qualifiers, highlighting the enjoyment of trail running as a sport and the enriching experience it offers beyond mere competition. Special attention is given to alternative ways of experiencing races, like pacing or participating in training camps. The episode also explores the attraction to the iconic 100-mile race belt buckle and discusses the transition from ultra-distances to marathons. Concluding with thoughts on the longevity of a running career, the speakers share their perspectives on how runners can continue to improve with age. They stress the need for balance in life, considering factors like work, family, and hobbies, and the importance of taking a long-term view when setting running goals. The episode underscores the significance of flexibility in race planning, intentional rest, and the surprising benefits that can emerge from taking time off, both for preventing injuries and enhancing overall performance. Key Takeaways: Goal Setting: The importance of having clear goals and backup plans when planning your race year. Race Selection: Looking beyond popular lotteries and qualifiers to choose races that offer personal enjoyment and significance. Beyond Competition: Finding joy in trail running outside the competitive arena, including alternative experiences like pacing or training camps. Personal Enjoyment in Racing: Choosing races based on what brings personal satisfaction rather than solely for achieving specific goals. Longevity in Running: Understanding the potential for improvement with age and prioritizing well-being. Balancing Life and Running: Maintaining a healthy balance with work, family, and other interests while pursuing running goals. Long-term Perspective: Adopting a broader view when setting goals and planning for the future. Flexibility in Planning: Being adaptable in race planning to accommodate changing circumstances. The Role of Rest: Emphasizing the importance of intentional rest and recovery to prevent injury and sustain performance. Surprising Benefits of Time Off: Recognizing how taking breaks can lead to improved outcomes and performances. Check Stefanie's article we referenced in Trail Runner Magazine, "Building a Race Calendar for the Year Ahead" Find out more about Stafanie and her coaching at Stefanieflippin.com and her podcast, "Making Strides" Find out more about Ian and his other coaches at SharmanUltra.com Find out more about this episode's sponsors: Janji PATH Projects AG1 Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this year-end episode of Trail Runner Nation, we thought we'd publish the last audio magazine for the year. Joining us to create the articles for this edition is Crack-a-Brew podcast host and coach, Andy Jones-Wilkins. Audio Magazine is where we each "write" two magazine articles.  The created titles for these articles are somewhat disconnected.  After introducing the article with the title, the other two guess what the article is about, and then the author summarizes the article with some group discussion.  Play along and see if you guess what the articles are about! Here are the titles of this issue: Out With the New, In With the Old That's Not My Beat Hold Onto Your Wallet I REALLY Don't like to Drive That Far It’s Fun Until it Isn’t? Deep Thoughts By Nick Saban Find out more about this episode's sponsors: AG1 Janji MetPro Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.  

In this episode, Matt Fitzgerald and Ryan Whited discuss their book 'Pain and Performance: The Revolutionary New Way to Use Training as Treatment for Pain and Injury' focusing on training as treatment. They emphasize the effectiveness of using exercise to heal exercise-related pain and injuries. The conversation also delves into understanding pain as a valuable tool, the influence of expectation and belief on pain experiences, and the potential benefits of hypnosis in pain management. Overall, the book aims to help athletes build a better relationship with pain and take control of their pain experiences. Key Takeaways: 1. Training can effectively treat exercise-related pain and injuries. 2. Pain serves as a valuable tool for understanding the body. 3. Expectation and belief significantly impact how we experience pain. 4. Hypnosis can be a useful tool for managing pain. 5. Developing a better understanding and relationship with pain empowers athletes to own their pain experiences. Find out more about Ryan's practice at Paragon Athletics Find out more about Matt's amazing running camp at Dream Run Camp

This episode explores a unique perspective on risk-taking and personal growth. Our world has become a comfort zone, where taking risks is often avoided, leading to a softer, more complacent society. But what if the key to unlocking success and joy lies in stepping into vulnerability and embracing challenges? To shed light on this intriguing idea, we're joined by Bob Crowley and Adam Kimble. They're not just enthusiasts; they're connoisseurs of ultrarunning—a sport that epitomizes risk-taking and vulnerability. Ultrarunning isn't just a physical challenge; it's a portal to self-discovery and personal betterment. Bob and Adam are here to discuss how this extreme sport can be a metaphor for life, teaching us to break free from our comfort zones and stride confidently into the unknown. Check out more about Adam and his coaching, speaking and overall adventuring at AdamKimble.com Find out more about Bob's passion with History Expeditions where he combines history and endurance adventures at HistoryExp.org