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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marc explains why comparison steals joy and why every runner, regardless of pace or body type, belongs on the trail.

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.

What separates great ultrarunners from everyone else isn't just fitness. It's how they think. In this conversation, legendary coach and runner Ian Sharman shares the philosophy behind his new book The Art of Ultrarunning, explaining why execution, adaptability, and purpose matter just as much as training miles. Through stories from his Grand Slam of Ultrarunning record, hard-earned racing mistakes, and years of coaching athletes of every level, Ian reveals how to stay motivated, pace smarter, and perform your best when everything starts falling apart. The discussion goes well beyond racing, exploring consistency, ego, resilience, and why success often comes from making better decisions instead of simply pushing harder. Despite your experience or goals, this episode offers practical lessons that can improve both your running and the way you approach challenges off the trail. Learn more about Ian at Sharman Ultra.

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!

Timestamps:

00:00 | Why "The Art" of Ultrarunning?
Ian explains why successful racing is about combining science with execution and why ultrarunning is as much an art as it is physiology.

09:00 | Finding Your Purpose
The conversation explores why every run should have intention and how a meaningful "why" helps runners push through difficult moments.

20:00 | Adapting When Goals Slip Away
Ian discusses how successful runners adjust expectations during a race instead of giving up when their original goal becomes unrealistic.

39:00 | Consistency Beats Hero Workouts
Why small, repeatable actions build stronger athletes than occasional epic training sessions, and how consistency shaped Ian's career.

47:00 | Training Is Practice for Decision Making
Running isn't just building fitness. Every workout teaches pacing, body awareness, problem solving, and race execution.

56:00 | The Grand Slam Battle with Nick Clark
Ian shares the remarkable story of chasing the Grand Slam record through four 100-mile races while battling one of his closest competitors every step of the way.

1:01:00 | Racing Yourself Instead of Your Competition
One of the episode's biggest lessons: take care of your own race first, then compete when the time is right. Execution nearly always beats emotion.

Tim Tollefson returns to Trail Runner Nation for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes trail running special and what happens as the sport continues to grow. Using a "Wheel of Trail Running" format, the discussion lands on two big topics: cultivating the next generation of trail stewards and the ongoing professionalization of trail running. Tim shares how his work with Runners for Public Lands and Mammoth Trail Fest has changed the way he views trails, volunteerism, and the responsibility runners have to give back to the places they love. The conversation explores everything from carrying a small saw on training runs to the challenges and opportunities created by big sponsors, larger race organizations, and growing prize purses. Throughout the episode, Tim makes a compelling case that trail running's future depends on balancing growth with the community values that built the sport. It's an honest look at how runners can help preserve trail culture while welcoming more people into it.

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!

Timestamps
00:00 | Welcome Back, Tim Tollefson. Tim shares updates from Mammoth Lakes and explains why the Eastern Sierra continues to inspire his running and community work.
05:45 | California Carpet and Gravel Running. A conversation about trail surfaces, the rise of gravel running, and how the sport continues to evolve.
11:45 | Why Trail Stewardship Matters. Tim discusses his work with Runners for Public Lands and why every runner should consider giving back to the trails they use.
22:00 | How Runners Can Get Involved. Practical ways to participate in trail work, volunteer projects, and local stewardship efforts.
30:00 | The Professionalization of Trail Running. The group explores sponsorships, prize money, corporate investment, and how the sport has changed over the past decade.
43:00 | Building Mammoth Trail Fest. Tim shares the vision behind Mammoth Trail Fest and how community, storytelling, and stewardship shape the event.
53:00 | What Trail Running Could Look Like in 2036. A look ahead at the future of the sport and the values Tim hopes will remain at its core.

Creatine has long been boxed into the weight-room world, but this episode opens the door to a much bigger conversation for trail runners and endurance athletes. Creatine is something surprisingly simple, "right within the reach of a glass," that may help athletes become stronger, faster, healthier, and more resilient. We discuss with Dr. Dan Pardi, Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life Sciences, whether this familiar supplement can support not just performance, but long-term health and better daily function. For runners who usually think about carbs, hydration, shoes, and mileage first, creatine offers a different kind of performance question: what if strength, recovery, and durability start with something small and easy? It's a practical topic for athletes who want to keep moving well, aging well, and showing up stronger on the trail.

Links

• Qualia Life Instagram
• Try Creatine out with a 15% discount HERE

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!

Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page

TimeStamps

00:02 – Welcome to Trail Runner Nation Scott opens the episode by inviting listeners into the conversation and setting the tone around becoming faster, healthier, and stronger athletes.

00:21 – Why Creatine Matters for Runners Don introduces creatine as the central topic and frames it as a surprisingly accessible tool that could support performance and health.

00:36 – Setting the Energy for the Conversation The hosts land the opening with a light, upbeat exchange before the main discussion begins.

Writer and ultrarunner Gaël Dutigny joins us to talk about his Ultra Running Magazine article, "Fear Isn't a Weakness," and why fear may be one of the most misunderstood tools in endurance sports. Gaël shares how, even after finishing UTMB four times and racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and even Iraq during wartime, fear still shows up before and during big efforts. The conversation reframes fear not as something to suppress, but as information that can sharpen decision-making, expose your true "why," and help you respect the environment you're moving through. We also talk about the thin line between fear that freezes you and fear that helps you function, especially in long mountain races where fatigue, darkness, cutoffs, hallucinations, and self-doubt all start stirring the pot. One of the most useful takeaways for trail runners is that mental preparation deserves the same attention as physical training, because knowing yourself may be just as important as knowing your pace, gear, or nutrition plan.

Links:

• Gaël Dutigny's Substack
• UltraRunning Magazine
• "Race to the Summit" Dean Potter's documentary on Netflix

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!

True Nutrition: Customized quality protein: Use Code TRNSummer and get 25% off between May 22-25 for their Memorial Day Sale!

Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page

Timestamps

00:00 | Is Fear Holding You Back or Helping You? Scott opens the conversation by asking whether fear on the trail is something to overcome or something that may actually guide us.

02:40 | Why Gaël Wrote About Fear Gaël explains how decades of running in mountains, deserts, jungles, and difficult environments shaped his view that fear is a deep part of the sport.

05:15 | Why Experience Doesn't Eliminate Fear Even after multiple UTMB finishes and other major races, Gaël shares why fear still shows up and why that may be healthy.

11:30 | Training Fear Before Race Day The discussion turns to how runners can practice facing fear in training, whether that means darkness, distance, terrain, isolation, or uncertainty.

21:20 | Fear as a Decision-Making Tool: How fear can sharpen awareness and help runners make better choices instead of simply pushing blindly forward.

27:15 | Mental Health as Performance Training Gaël makes the case that talking to a sports psychologist or therapist is not weakness, but another form of training for hard things.

44:20 | Fear, DNFs, and Knowing Your Why The group talks about how fear of failure, social pressure, and shallow motivation can unravel a race when things get hard.

ode we are joined by Brian Morrison, author of Given to Fly: A Story of Tragedy, Triumph, and Realization at Western States 100, about one of the most unforgettable finishes in ultrarunning history. Brian takes listeners back to the 2006 Western States 100, where he was leading the race before collapsing on the Placer High School track just steps from victory, later being disqualified because he received assistance crossing the finish line. The conversation explores how Scott Jurek's belief in him helped Brian transform from a talented but relatively unproven runner into someone who truly believed he could win Western States. But the heart of the episode is not just the collapse, it is the decade that followed, as Brian wrestled with regret, obsession, identity, family, and the need to return in 2016 to finally finish the race on his own terms. For trail runners and endurance athletes, this episode is a powerful reminder that failure is not always the opposite of success, sometimes it becomes the thing that reshapes us, redirects us, and teaches us what the finish line could never have taught alone.

Links

• YouTube video, "A Decade On" by GingerRunner
• Link to buy the Book

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!

Peluva - Footwear that let your feet be feet. Get 10% off on our DEALS page

Timestamps

00:00 – The Moment That Almost Defined Him Scott introduces Brian Morrison and sets up the unforgettable 2006 Western States finish that became the centerpiece of Brian's story.

01:48 – Scott Jurek's Belief Changes Everything Brian explains how Scott Jurek told him he could carry the torch for Seattle and win Western States, planting a belief Brian had never fully considered before.

06:34 – Training Like a Western States Contender Brian describes the intense training block with Jurek, including Mount Si repeats, hard downhill work, and the psychological shift from hoping to win to believing he could.

15:30 – Race Day: Heat, Strategy, and the Chase Brian walks through the 2006 race, from the early miles to picking up Scott Jurek at Foresthill and hunting down the leaders before the river crossing.

24:00 – The Final Miles Begin to Unravel After No Hands Bridge, Brian starts running scared, convinced Graham Cooper is closing fast, and the effort begins to push him past the edge.

28:37 – Collapse on the Track Brian reaches the Placer High School track first but blacks out, collapses repeatedly, and later learns he has been disqualified despite crossing the finish line.

38:17 – Ten Years of Haunting and the Return Brian shares how the race followed him for a decade, why he returned in 2016, and how finishing with his family finally allowed him to see the experience differently.

56:22 – Writing the Book and Finding the Realization Brian explains why he wrote Given to Fly, how the process helped him understand his deeper motivations, and why he now sees the whole experience not as redemption, but as a gift.