Trail Runner Nation

We posted a video on April 9th about Josh Spector's experience running his first 135-mile race, The Brazil 135.  To date it has had over 2 Million views - because it is that good!  Josh's first 135-mile run was on an unfamiliar course in a foreign country,  he talks to us about the difference between 100-milers and running 135 miles, how to prepare yourself for running in a foreign country, and how to enjoy the journey. Josh is currently training for the grueling Badwater 135 this summer. Josh's Blog, Twitter, and Facebook Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Many athletes fail to make progress or they see their fitness regress due to three main factors: You become injured You are training improperly You’ve simply lost the desire to train, or train like you used to Dr. Stephen Gangemi, the Sock Doc,  joins The Nation to discuss the science behind motivation.  From your brain to your gut, we will discuss the physiological and mental aspects of motivation and how you can regain the Eye of the Tiger! Here are the links to the first two articles that are the basis of this podcast: Athlete Motivation Part 1: It's In Both of Your Brains Motivation Part II: Healing and Optimizing Your Two Brains Motivation Part III: Why Your Motivation Stinks, Literally Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Many athletes fail to make progress or they see their fitness regress due to three main factors: You become injured You are training improperly You’ve simply lost the desire to train, or train like you used to Dr. Stephen Gangemi, the Sock Doc,  joins The Nation to discuss the science behind motivation.  From your brain to your gut, we will discuss the physiological and mental aspects of motivation and how you can regain the Eye of the Tiger! Here are the links to the first two articles that are the basis of this podcast: Athlete Motivation Part 1: It's In Both of Your Brains Motivation Part II: Healing and Optimizing Your Two Brains Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

One of your most important tools as a runner is your feet. You need to take care of them or your training/race may be foiled. John Vonhof literally wrote the book on how to take care of your feet: "Fixing Your Feet".  This book is now in the FIFTH edition!  John joins The Nation to discuss the basic principles of foot care: How you can have healthy & happy feet Footwear Insoles Gaiters Blister prevention and treatment What to keep in a foot care kit Taping your feet You can learn more by visiting his website HERE. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Jared Campbell paid his $1.60 and a pack of cigarettes for his third attempt and second finish at the 2014 Barkley Marathons, a niche race in a niche sport.  Since the race's inception in 1986, only fourteen runners out of about 800 have completed the 100 mile race within the official 60 hour cut-off.  Jared is one of two racers that have finished the race twice.  Jared joins The Nation to discuss one of the most difficult trail races and his view on training. You can learn more about Jared at his blog, Door5 and read more about his race at Barkley Marathons HERE. Watch the 2014 Barkley Marathons Movie TRAILER and find out more about the movie HERE Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Dr. Mark joins us again to cover some interesting topics: America College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world’s authority on exercise and health,  just released an article, "How to Select a Running Shoe", refining their position. Should you follow your doctor's treatment recommendations blindly?  What questions should you ask and what drugs to be careful of as a runner.  There was an article in Runners World talking about some medications you should avoid as a runner. Breathing is an important component in endurance sports.  Can we learn to breath better?.  What are things to consider and what are some exercises to learn to breath better?   Check out this video of some exercises you can do. A few ways to help you improve your running gait: You need to check out THIS WEBSITE.  You can get a PHd in running gait from these videos.  Another LINK that has more gait analysis information. Where to find Dr. Cucuzzella: Boston Marathon: Monday, April 21 Harpers Ferry Half Marathon: Saturday, May 10 Two Rivers Trea

Dr. Ryan Green is a certified athletic trainer and holds a doctorate in kinesiology.  He is a father, husband, runner and cancer survivor.  He recently discovered the benefits of tacking a running break.  We covered the following topics: Running Breaks - how long and how? Are their benefits to stretching? How should you warm up or should you? (Dr. Green's warm up lunge series) How to treat injuries? Ice Cup Massage Visit Ryan's running store at Varsity Sports. Visit Ryan's new web site: www.RunDocRyan.com Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

If you could run one last 100 miler with a personal-best time and then never run again OR you could be guaranteed to be able to run three miles a day for the rest of your life, but never run another 100, what would you choose? Andy Jones-Wilkins answers this question and other philosophical questions.  AJW will be running his tenth and final Western States 100 this June.  He has remained a competitive threat in this event and a HUGE fan of this race and trail running.  We talk with Andy about two of his recent blog posts on iRunFar: Problem Solving on a Run Stillness on The Run Other topics covered: How do you get your kids involved in running? What is the "Sawchuk Seven" and is it true? "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

George Plomarity, Patagonia's Team Sports Sales and Marketing Rep, joins The Nation to talk about their marketing campaign called #sufferbetter.  We discuss what this means to the ultra runner and how you can share your experiences with the community and possibly win a full Patagonia kit.  Post your story and photos on Twitter or Instagram and you will be registered for a monthly drawing. "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

"One of the most wonderful things that has happened to the world is Trail Running", says Gordy Ainsleigh in a face to face conversation we recently enjoyed.  Gordy talks about where ultra trail running has gone and his thoughts on where is is going.  He talks about his passion for the sport and his secret to life-long running.  He answers some of the Nation Members' questions too.  Find out why Gordy believes in cotton t-shirts, grape juice and beards - even in the summer months. Gordy has finished Western States 100 twenty-two times, most recently in June, 2007, though he unofficially completed the race in just over 30 hours (the official cuttoff) in 2010.  his fastest time is 20:55 in 1984, after starting 8 minutes late. "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Karl Meltzer is the record holder for the most 100-mile trail wins and most 100-mile wins in one season.  He joined the Nation with a studio audience the day before Way Too Cool 50K to discuss his race strategies: How does he break up a 100-mile race How does he alter his training when he is injured How has his training changed over the years His multi-day records and upcoming attempt to break the 2200-mile Appalachian Trail record How is a multi-day race different mentally and physically from a 100-mile race He also talks about Wings For Life World Run coming up on May 4th.  100% of the $50 race fee goes to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Check out this video of Karl's Red Bull Human Express, his 2064-mile Pony Express record run in 2010. Check out our video simulcast HERE "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

We talk with three of Nike's newly-formed Trail Elite Team: Sally McRae, Chris Vargo, Alex Varner, and Team Manager: Pat Werhane.  This interview was recorded the afternoon before Chris and Alex finished #1 and #2 at a 1200-participant, Way Too Cool 50K.  Some of the topics we discuss are: How to adjust for weather or course conditions? Is there race-day cooperation between team mates? Trusting your training Pre-race pump up songs Sally: “Back it up” by Gwen Staphanie Chris: “Helecopter” by Bloc Party Alex: “The Sign” by Ace of Base       uhhhhh, yea :) Core strength exercises Check out our video simulcast HERE "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Nation member, Candice Burt joins us to discuss a recent lighthearted  blog post she wrote on how ultra runners take things to excess.   DUH!   That's who we are.  Fun article about people that make up excuses for not racing well. Here are some of the races she directs: Tahoe Rim 200 mile race Bellingham Trail Marathon  Bellingham Trail Running Series Cle Elum Ridge 50k & 25K Rainshadow Running "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Ultra Trail Running is distinctly different in culture and mental preparation than other running or endurance sports.  Veteran Trail Ultra Runner, Bob Crowley, visits with the Nation about what is unique about this sports culture. Is there a difference between "doing" an ultra run and "being" an ultra runner? What are some of the tenets of the trail running culture? Are we losing the ultra trail running culture with the mass appeal and participation recently? How can we keep the culture? How does this culture helps us prepare mentally for the experiences that accompany a long trail race An interesting perspective from Geoff Roes in his article, "Ultrarunning is Dead" Join the Trail Animals Running Club "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Ashley Walsh has been busy weaving a tapestry of trail philosophy on her blog AshRuns100s, training and racing.  In fact, she recently killed it at Pistol 100 Mile in TN, where she won with a sub 20-hour finish!  You gotta run this one just for the buckle!         Grab bag topics include: Motivation vs. Commitment There is a season for everything How to guarantee a DNF Gear or no Gear? Ashley, always up for a challenge, was dared by her husband, Dan, to include this list of words. Did she succeed?         "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

If "ultra running is 90% mental and the other 10% is in your head", shouldn't we train our brain?  Is there a repeatable process for winning? Lanny Bassham went from a kid that others said would never compete as an athlete to a 2-time Olympic medalist and 4-time world champion with four world records.  All winners have common threads that they do differently than everyone else.  He has discovered a formula to preparing mentally to be a champion.  Since retiring from competition, he continues as a coach to many World and Olympic champions, Fortune 500 companies, the United States Secret Service, the US Navy SEALS, the United States Army Marksmanship Unit, the US Marine Corps Marksmanship Unit, and the FBI. "With Winning in Mind" is in it's third edition and is a MUST read for all Nation Members. Learn more at Lanny's web site:  Mental Management You will learn about the three circles of the Mental Management System three phases of a task goal getting how to use rehearsal as a mental tool How an imagined impri

Get out your dictionary and slow down the playback on your MP3 player!  Ben Greenfield, fitness expert and top ranked Iron-Man triathlete teaches about Cold Thermogenisis Exercise throughout the day How Fasting can help you turn your body into a fat-burning machine How to "Grease your Groove" The importance of breathing correctly Ben can be found on four of his own podcasts: Endurance Planet Git Fit Guy Ben Greenfield Fitness Rock Star Podcast You can also find other valuable articles and tools on many of his web sites: Ben Greenfield Fitness Quick and Dirty Tips Endurance Planet Pacific Elite Fitness Rock Star Triathlete Academy Super Human Coach Network Here are some of the links to information that we talked about Fasting e-book by Dr. John Berardi "Running on Air" book by Budd Coates Nose Breathing Benefits by Dr. John Douillard Cold Vest Power Lung Elevation Training Mask "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headl

What if there was a nutrition training program that is NOT a calorie-deficient diet, NOT low-carb / Atkins-like, NO need to count calories, and requires NO special foods or supplements? Our favorite nutritionist, Sunny Blende, teaches us how to train our metabolism: increase our fat burning enzymes so we can be efficient running machines! Sunny's Metabolic Efficiency article Phil Maffetone's 180-Formula Bob Seebohar's book "Metabolic Efficiency Training" Matt Fitzgerald's book "Racing Weight Cookbook" Vitargo and Ucan Outro Song by DJ A Smooth Other Podcasts with Sunny: Unbreakable review with Sunny Blende Ultrafuel for Ultrarunners - Sunny Blende Fueling for your first Ultra - Sunny Blende Metabolic Efficiency Training with Sunny Blende and Tim Flemming Sunny Blende - Fueling In The Heat "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Trail Runner Nation's Southern California corespondent, Jimmy Dean Freeman, joins the Nation to discuss new year's resolutions and goal setting. Stuff we referenced:  Vanessa Rodriguez wrote for Active.com, "7 Ultrarunning Myths That Hold you Back". "Mind the Gap" from Jimmy's blog. Ted Video: Derek Sivers: "Keep your goals to yourself" Never too old to start: Fauja Singh, the guy who ran his first marathon at age 89! Helen Klein, now 91, started running at age 55.  She is the oldest woman to run a sub 24-hour 100-mile race. She finished the Grand Slam at age 66. Here are SOME steps we came up with to achieving your running goals: Set the goal - don't worry about the myths that hold you back or what other people say Identify the obstacles that might get in your way - plan how you will overcome them Break the goal into smaller, more realistic goals Do something everyday that get you closer to that goal Adapt the plan as necessary Celebrate along the way Check out our new sponsor's, "Race Course in Review"

Dr. Robert Portman is and exercise scientist and coauthor of three books, Nutrient Timing The Performance Zone Hardwired for Fitness and has authored hundreds of articles on how nutrition can improve fitness, health and athletic performance. Dr. Portman teaches us that there are five macro-nutrients that an endurance athlete needs to know how to use: Water, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, and electrolytes.  By knowing WHEN and HOW MUCH to use  the macro-nutrients,  we can raise our performance, avoid bonking and G.I. distress. Once we understand how to utilize these macro-nutrients, there are micro-nutrients that can further tweak and enhance our performance. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Portman has reshaped sports nutrition and the development of energy products with proven performance and recovery benefits, including: Endurox R4, Accelerade and now Body Glove SURGE, an energy shot for endurance athletes. Unsure of how much hydration and nutrition to use on your next workout?  Check out The Portman Calculato