Trail Runner Nation

Have you ever wondered if you’re leaving free speed on the trail every time you hit a downhill? Today, we’ll show you how mastering the art of downhill running can not only save your legs but also transform your races—because downhill running isn’t just about gravity; it’s about strategy, skill, and confidence. Coach Ian Sharman offers invaluable insights for trail and ultra runners. We discuss essential techniques to overcome fear, manage muscle fatigue, and master quick feet for navigating technical terrain safely. Ian shares strategies to turn downhill sections into race-winning opportunities, highlighting the importance of consistent effort, decision-making, and tailored fueling strategies. The conversation emphasizes running gear's impact on performance and safety, particularly shoes and explores how practicing falling can reduce injury risks. Listeners are encouraged to embrace new challenges, enjoy the playful side of running, and build confidence through practice and preparation for downhill racing. Check out Sharman Ultra Coaching and get a gift card for your friend! Episode Sponsors: JanjiTRAILRUNNER INFERNO by Running Scared MediaHoliday shokzTRN10Trail Triage ap

Are the diet myths you’ve believed holding you back from peak performance, or could eating more actually be the key to running stronger and feeling better? In this episode, Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn, creators of the podcast Your Diet Sucks, explore the critical role of nutrition in endurance sports. They discuss common diet myths, the importance of individualized nutrition, and the impact of social media on body image and eating disorders among athletes. The conversation highlights why fueling for performance should take priority over aesthetics, the pitfalls of restrictive dieting, and the value of listening to your body. They also touch on food justice, the role of organic food, and the evolving science of recovery nutrition. With their journalism and sports nutrition background, they’re on a mission to simplify nutrition, promote a healthier relationship with food, and debunk the noise surrounding endurance athletes’ diets. Zoë Rom is an award-winning journalist and ultra-runner with a master’s in environmental journalism and author of Becoming a Sustainable Runner. Kylee Van Horn is a registered dietitian and founder of Fly Nutrition, specializing in helping athletes fuel for performance and challenge harmful dietary norms in sports. Her new book, Practical Fueling for Endurance Athletes: Your Nutrition Guide for Optimal Performance is available for preorder and release on March 3, 2025. Both are amazing trail runners who talk our language. Episode Sponsors: Janji INFERNO by Running Scared MediaHolidayLiquid IVTRAILRUNNERTifosi OpticsTrail Triage ap

Sometimes, life's greatest challenges lead to its most meaningful moments and change our lives. Dion Leonard joins The Nation to tell one of his stories that might motivate you to embrace resilience, foster kindness, and value the connections that make life extraordinary. Ultra-runner and author Dion Leonard shares his journey through his remarkable transformation from an overweight, heavy-drinking smoker to a decorated endurance athlete. Dion shares the pivotal moments that defined his path, including a half-marathon bet that set him on the road to health and his life-changing encounter with a stray dog named Gobi during the Gobi Desert ultramarathon. Dion reflects on the themes of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of kindness—lessons that extend far beyond the trails. Check out his New York Timse best-selling book, Finding Gobi: A LIttle Dog with a Very Big Heart. Learn more about Dion Leonard HERE Episode Sponsors: Janji ShokzTifosi OpticsAquaTruTrail Triage ap

Drop bags are a crucial tool for ultra runners, serving as lifelines that ensure access to essential items like hydration, nutrition, and comfort gear during long races. TRN friend and regular guest, Krissy Moehl and Kelly Kelly Swanson join our virtual run today to discuss the use of drop bags in ultra running. Kelly is the co-host of a new podcast, Drop Bag, and creator of the Ultraplanner, a tool that can help you organize your next ultra adventure or race. They explore the logistics and planning required, sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned from their experiences as runners and race directors. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, including packing essential items like hydration, nutrition, and comfort items that can enhance a runner’s experience. They delve into the challenges of race-day adaptability, particularly when drop bags don’t arrive as expected, and offer practical tips on labeling, weatherproofing, and lightening the load for volunteers. The hosts also emphasize the emotional aspects of racing, such as carrying sentimental items for motivation and creating connections within the running community. This episode underscores the value of preparation, humor, and giving back, all while fostering camaraderie among runners. Krissy and Kelly have put together a great book bundle that includes: - "Run Your First Ultra" by Krissy Moehl - "Ultraplanner" by Kelly Swanson - Performance Enhancing Kokopelli tattoos from Trail Runner Nation - Stickers from Drp Bag Podcast and Salty Britches Episode Sponsors: JanjiBlack Friday, Janji is offering 40% off sitewide through Sunday December 1 ShokzSpecial BOGO special during Black FridayHUELTrail Triage ap

What happens when the chaos of touring musicianship meets the grit of ultra-running? In this inspiring episode, we welcome ultra runners, musicians, and friends Kyle Whalum, Brad Sample, and Caleb Gilbreath to share their unique journey through the Pinhoti 100 ultramarathon and beyond. The conversation explores the parallels between music and running, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, inner rhythm, and passion over competition. From battling imposter syndrome to embracing spontaneity, the guests reflect on personal growth, the beauty of simplicity, and finding harmony in life’s challenges. Their documentary Rhythm in the Darkness captures the profound connections between endurance, creativity, and community. Be SURE to listen past the end credits for one of the songs from the documentary. Click here for the Official Rhythm In The Darkness Soundtrack EP their band, DFL: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rhyt... https://open.spotify.com/album/4YHJe4... Here are links to Brad Sample's solo work Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off OneSkin: Get 15% off with code TRN Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN20 Trail Runner Nation's Trail Triage app

Should we consider slowing down to Zone 1 for most of our training? Returning guest and Brad Kearns, co-author of Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom, and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy--One Step at a Time, and long-time advocate for rethinking training principles. Building on our previous conversation with Mark Sisson, Brad explores the misunderstood world of aerobic conditioning. We discuss what elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge are getting right—and what most recreational runners are missing—by focusing on slow, low-intensity efforts. Brad challenges the hype around Zone 2 training and shares insights on polarized training, resilience, and the surprising value of walking. Brad highlights the importance of building an aerobic base, using zone one training to prevent injuries, and balancing high-intensity workouts with sustainable practices. He also discusses how outdoor adventure sports can foster a deeper connection to nature and improve overall health. With insights into training philosophy and the value of recovery, this episode offers actionable advice for runners of all levels. Learn more about Brad at BradKearns.com Check out the B.Rad podcast too Episode Sponsors: JanjiHUELKetone IQTrail Triage ap

How does the foot arch function in running? How does the big toe play a crucial role in foot health and running efficiency? Dr. Matthew Silver returns to The Nation to answer these questions and help us understand practical ways to activate and strengthen our arches, shedding light on how different shoe types—especially the trend of high-stacked shoes—impact our feet over time. This episode will help you make smarter choices for long-term running performance . Dr. Matthew Silver, physical therapist and author of Built to Run: The Runner’s Guide to Fixing Common Injuries, Resolving Pain, and Optimizing Running Performance Now and For Life Check out Dr. SIlver's website to sign up for his newsletter and for more information or consultation: Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance Here is the link to Barefoot Science orthotics that Matt talked about Episode Sponsors: Janji ShokzAmazfitAquaTruTrail Triage ap

Yara agronomists recently collaborated with one of our retail partners, AgRx, to conduct an 80-acre field trial on an avocado field in California. The results were dramatic increases in fruit set and quality and overall profitability for the grower. Listen to Sunny Brucker, PCA CCA with AgRx, Eddie Muro, Yara sales agronomist, and Patricia Dingus, Yara regional sales manager as they discuss how Calcium Nitrate was the right choice for this grower. You might be able to glean some gold...

Candice Burtjoins us from Hawaii, where she is preparing for her third running of theHURT 100. Faith Lehman (Goss)comes out of retirement to join in this not-so-heated debate about the pros and cons of being in a relationship with an ultra-runner. Check out all of Candice'sRACESincluding the second running of theTahoe 200and the brand newBigfoot 200/120race in the Pacific Northwest. Candice runs forUltimate Direction....

Dr. Nicholas Romanov is a two-time Olympic coach and creator of thePose Methodof running, which uses gravity as the primary force for forward movement, instead of muscular energy. He is a world-renowned sports scientist who as consulted with elite athletes, professional sports teams, and the National Triathlon teams of Great Britain, United States, Mexico and Russia. Supported by his latest research, his new thoroughly-illustrated book, "The Running Revolution: How to Run Faster, Farther,...

Bob Crowley has been trail running for over 21 years. Josh Katzman for 7 years. Both are members of the massive Trail Animals Running Club - a running club that has grown to exceed over 2500 member in the U.S.A. They join the Nation to discuss trail culture. Are we at risk of losing the unique culture that welcomed us all in? Will the culture change as the sport continues to grow? How can we maintain the culture?

Bill Katovsky: In a world that you may not feel in control, you have control to change your body and your fitness

We catch up with Jimmy Dean Freeman who is part of a relay team consisting of 7 ultrarunners running nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica California to help spread the message to elementary school children about fitness, self confidence, setting goals and realizing personal achievement. Jimmy experiences are grand as he is escorted by police, becomes part of a hootenanny, saves a turtle and he is only 1/2 way home!