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Trail Runner Nation

Trail Runner Nation

Written by: Trail Runner Nation
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Trail Runner Nation is a gathering place for the trail and ultrarunning community. We aim to help the listener improve their running experiences through better health and fitness via expert guests. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace professional, medical, or training advice or recommendations for listeners. The views expressed in this podcast by guests are not necessarily endorsed by Trail Runner Nation, LLC.Copyright © Trail Runner Nation 2015 Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race

    EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race
    Jul 3 2026

    Marc Hopkins, author of Hard Things, set out to write a book about running the Bigfoot 200, but what emerged was something much deeper. In this conversation, he shares how endurance running became the lens through which he uncovered old stories about self-worth, fear, identity, and the belief that one more finish line would finally make him enough. Together, we explore why runners chase hard things, the difference between simply enduring life and living with purpose, and how the trail can expose what's really driving us. Marc also opens up about surviving a 99% heart blockage, learning when grit is a strength and when it's time to stop, and why vulnerability may be the toughest skill endurance athletes ever develop. If you've ever wondered why you run, or found yourself learning more about your life than your splits during a long run, this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.

    EPISODE SPONSORS
    Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
    If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

    ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100.
    Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com. Stay Out There™ with Altra.

    Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with One More Mile, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code ONEMOREMILE20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.

    RunMotion Coach: Whether you're training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure.

    Timestamps 00:00 | Why We Chase Hard Things

    Marc explains how a book about the Bigfoot 200 became an honest look at identity, purpose, and the reasons we pursue difficult goals.

    08:00 | Enduring vs. Endurance

    The conversation explores the difference between simply surviving life and intentionally moving toward something meaningful.

    18:30 | The Finish Line Won't Make You Whole

    Marc shares how he believed one more race would finally prove his worth, and why that mindset eventually fell apart.

    30:30 | Lessons From a 99% Heart Blockage

    A life-threatening diagnosis forced Marc to rethink strength, vulnerability, and what it really means to listen to your body.

    43:30 | The Pebble in Your Shoe

    A simple refrigerator magnet from Marc's childhood became one of the biggest life lessons in the entire book.

    49:00 | Why the Next Finish Line Isn't the Answer

    The hosts discuss identity, self-worth, and why chasing bigger races can never solve what's happening inside.

    53:30 | When Can You Finally Call Yourself a Runner?

    Marc explains why comparison steals joy and why every runner, regardless of pace or body type, belongs on the trail.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need

    EP 787: Aging as an Athlete- What Climbers Know About Longevity That Runners Need
    Jun 24 2026
    What if getting older doesn't mean doing less, but doing it better? In this installment of the Aging as an Athlete series, legendary ultrarunner Krissy Moehl welcomes longtime climber and Patagonia ambassador Kate Rutherford for a conversation about longevity, purpose, and evolving with age. Kate shares how decades of climbing taught her that technical skill, efficiency, and joy can eventually outweigh youthful strength and endurance. The discussion explores everything from body awareness and recovery to nutrition, community, and why learning to focus on what truly matters becomes one of the greatest athletic advantages. Whether you're a runner, climber, or simply hoping to stay active for life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on growing older without giving up adventure. Kate is a long time professional climber, artist, advocate for wilderness, eater of leafy organic greens, president of Farm To Crag, and product line manager at Patagonia. Her passion for climbing has taken her all over the world including first ascents on Fitz Roy in Patagonia, Kenya, Iran, and Venezuela, a free ascent of El Capitan's Free Rider. She has had the opportunity to work with some amazing organizations, including Patagonia, La Sportiva, Edelrid, Black Diamond, Clif Bar, the Access Fund, and the American Alpine club. The combination of climbing, a biology degree from the Colorado College, rural homesteading in Alaska, subsistence hunting and fishing, carrots from Mom's garden, and watching organic regenerative agriculture's ability to combat climate change, has led me to co-found Farm to Crag. It is the perfect blend of climbing, stories, farms, maps, organic greens, environmental activism, and dinner parties. Check out Farm to Crag Episode Sponsor: Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses! ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com. Stay Out There™ with Altra. Stone Creek Coffee: Start every adventure with The Long Run, our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save 20% with code LONGRUN20. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. TimeStamps 00:00 | Growing Older Without Growing Smaller Krissy introduces climber Kate Rutherford and explores how aging can expand our relationship with movement instead of limiting it. 09:00 | Community, Trust, and Doing Hard Things Kate explains the unique culture of climbing and why shared challenges create lifelong bonds. 17:00 | Trading Strength for Skill The conversation explores how technical ability, efficiency, and body awareness become greater assets than raw physical power. 28:00 | The Power of Staying Present From climbing walls to mountain trails, focusing on the next move instead of the finish line changes everything. 39:00 | Why Power Training Matters More With Age Kate shares how short, intentional strength work has helped her continue pursuing big mountain objectives. 48:00 | Fueling for a Lifetime Outdoors Nutrition, recovery, and whole foods become central themes as the discussion shifts toward long-term health and performance. 56:00 | Building a Legacy Beyond Sport The episode closes with Farm to Crag, environmental stewardship, and the idea that the greatest adventures are those that strengthen both people and places.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States

    EP 786: Everything You Need to Know Before Western States
    Jun 19 2026

    Western States is more than a 100-mile race. For many ultrarunners, it's the unofficial holiday that defines the season. In this annual Trail Runner Nation tradition, Andy Jones-Wilkins returns to break down the 2026 Western States field, explain the stories behind the biggest contenders, and help everyday runners understand who to watch when race day arrives. Along the way, the conversation explores the race's unique culture, its history, the lottery system, the legendary Golden Hour finish, and why Western States continues to hold a special place in trail running despite the sport's rapid evolution. If you're following the race from home or standing somewhere along the course, this episode provides the context that transforms names on a start list into stories worth following. By the end, you'll be just as excited for Statesmas as AJW is.

    Episode Sponsor:


    Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail. OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928.
    If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

    ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out - for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes means more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100.
    Learn more about Altra Fit

    Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com. Stay Out There™ with Altra.

    TimeStamps:
    00:00 | Welcome to Statesmas
    AJW explains why Western States has become trail running's biggest annual celebration and why the excitement starts weeks before race day.

    05:00 | What Makes Western States So Special?
    The discussion explores the history, atmosphere, traditions, and unique energy that make this race unlike any other.

    13:00 | Course Conditions and What to Expect in 2026
    With virtually no snowpack and a dry trail, the hosts discuss how this year's conditions could shape the race.

    19:00 | Breaking Down the Women's Race
    AJW highlights the favorites, dangerous newcomers, and rising stars who could battle for the podium.

    42:00 | The Men's Race Preview
    From Jim Walmsley and Kilian Jornet to emerging contenders and dark horses, the elite field gets a thorough analysis.

    56:00 | How Western States Earned Its Legendary Status
    The conversation dives into the lottery, qualifying system, volunteers, race traditions, and why earning a bib means so much.

    1:00:00 | Final Podium Predictions
    AJW reveals his official picks, shares bold predictions, and offers a few runners that fans shouldn't overlook.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
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