Trail Runner Nation

The trail doesn't come with directions. Jimmy Dean and Kate Freeman join the regular podcast crew to discuss the do's and don'ts of trail conduct. Tune in and compare your trail manners with the opinions of the TRN podcast team.

Mike Morton, age 40, seems to be one of the top ultra runners lately. But some of you may be thinking his name sounds familiar. You’re right. Mike Morton, at the age of 25, was the first place finisher and set a new course record at Western States in 1997 but somewhat mysteriously disappeared from the ultra scene soon afterward. Where did he go? Faith, Don and Scott were honored to speak with Mike shortly after his record-breaking Umstead 100 mile race about his "sudden" comeback, his selfless service to his country and his super-human speed that has been bottled up.

Dr. Cucuzzella prescribes "Speed-play" and warns against "Speed-work." "If it's not fun, I'm not doing it." He has run 19 Boston Marathons, including a 2:37 at the age of 44. Maybe it's time to Speed-play? We cover a lot of ground on this podcast so plug in and hold on.

Join Don and Scott as they chat with Faith, fresh out of her first 50 miler. There were hamburgers, chafage, post-race blackouts and more! Listen to get the scoop.

Join co-hosts Scott, Jimmy Dean and Don as they provide Faith with some quality race-day strategy for her first 50 mile race, along with great contributions from the Trail Runner Nation community.

What was your longest back-to-back training run? How about a 40+ mile back-to-back-to-back. Repeated for 65 days. With no support! We talk to a record-holding fastpacker and trail runner to uncover how to take ultra-running to the extreme and see what other things we can learn from him.

Scott, Faith and Don take on blogger Will Cooper's Nine and a Half Ways To Keep Running Real. He lists his top suggestions that every trail runner should follow. We turn each one inside out as we talk through them.

Ultra Runner of the Year Dave Mackey discusses his training, Hoka shoes and his race day fueling. All we need now are his legs, heart, lungs and will-power. Dave also discusses balance as he juggles family, graduate school and training! Rumor has it several trail runners have spotted Dave's moisture wicking cape that he tucks beneath his shirt.

Running Economy? What??? That's right, go faster and farther with less work! Dr Cucuzzella has your prescription. Get ready to hit the pause/rewind button because the Doctor is in and ready to unload some serious information onto Trail Runner Nation!

Dr. Gangemi, AKA The Sock Doc, joins us as we discuss shoes, orthotics, ice, stretching and more. The Sock Doc is an accomplished athlete and an expert in soft tissue management and body mechanics. Sounds like a guy we would like to take on a run.

The Kokopelli has held a prominent role in folklore, culture and traditions. Many authorities believe this celebration is justified as it is probable the Kokopelli allowed the homo erectus to avoid extinction. On such authority is Professor Richard Nelson. His research has provided the first look at the powers of the Kokopelli. Dr. Nelson shares with us the benefits of applying and wearing the Performance Enhancing Temporary Tattoo available exclusively on our site.

Super carbs and super starches can be super confusing, but not for Sports Nutritionist Sunny Blende. She gives us the skinny on a new performance enhancing fuel source. Not convinced? We learn that ultrarunner of the year Dave Mackey used this new product at Bandera 100K.

Steven Sashen, the founder of Invisible Shoes and author of the popular 'Sh*t Barefoot Runners Say' video, joins us for an insightful discussion on topics including invisible shoes, running on a foot of cotton, a thin sheet of stainless steel and broken glass... Did I forget anything? About a million other disconnected tangents... Oh yeah, stay tuned at the end for a special bonus track where we keep the mic live for a post interview discussion!

When we say "Patagonia", you think of "The Mountain" or "The Gear". If Mark Hofmann and George Plomarity from Patagonia Outdoor Clothing and Gear have anything to say about it...the answer is "The Gear". George and Mark have plenty to say as we discuss the equipment that makes us want to run to the trail.

SoCal Coyotes Running Team's lead dog and every runner's coach Jimmy Dean Freeman joins us to discuss...well we may have to listen again to know exactly what we discussed! Take this podcast to the trail head and hang out with us as we chat about...stuff.

Johnny West is loose with information as we discuss athletic compression apparel. What are the advantages to this gear? Come to think of it, all of the Superheros have worn compression gear...

You may never lace up a pair of shoes the same after you listen to this podcast. Disclaimer: This podcast may be hazardous to the health of your traditional running shoe, orthotics and even your socks. Runners proceed with extreme caution.

Have you ever considered what a coach could do for your Trail Game? Join champion ultra runner and ultraMOM Liza Howard as we discuss the advantages of a coach and how to locate the right one for you. Guess what...Liza Howard has a coach too! Liza can be found at http://www.lizahoward.com

TRN has a WEB Ninja and now a GEAR Ninja? What's next... Well what's now is an introduction to "The Trail Runners GEAR Tester". James turns gear upside down and inside out to get to the bottom of it all. Don't make a purchase until you consult your Gear Ninja.

We have the chance to ask National Best Selling author and trail runner Christopher McDougall, "Why are we Born To Run?" Christopher doesn't stop with the WHY - he throws in some WHAT and HOW too. We discuss some of his "Aha" moments writing his book Born To Run. Grab some chia seeds and join us.