Trail Runner Nation is devoted to sharing knowledge and advice to the trail running community - from beginners to the pros! We offer tips and discussion regarding race nutrition, pacing strategy, mental focus and much more from well-respected members of the trail community.
Trail Runner Nation
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953 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Trail Runner Nation is devoted to sharing knowledge and advice to the trail running community - from beginners to the pros! We offer tips and discussion regarding race nutrition, pacing strategy, mental focus and much more from well-respected members of the trail community.
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Publishing Since
11/28/2011
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Recent Episodes
July 15, 2026
Has Trail Running Lost Its Soul? | EP 790
<p>Trail running has grown from a small community of passionate runners into a global sport, bringing bigger races, better gear, international competition, and more opportunities than ever before. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchmadexperience/">Gaël Dutigny</a> shares a firsthand account of witnessing UTMB from its very first edition in 2003 and reflects on how its evolution mirrors the growth of trail running itself. The conversation explores both sides of that growth, from crowded lotteries and commercialization to innovations in equipment, race organization, and worldwide access to incredible events. Along the way, Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss what makes iconic races so special, why local races still matter, and how runners can stay connected to the welcoming culture that first drew so many to the trails. It's a thoughtful discussion about preserving the soul of trail running while embracing the sport's exciting future.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Links:</h5> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Gaël Dutigny's <a href= "https://substack.com/@gaeldutigny">Substack</a></li> <li><a href= "https://subscriber.ultrarunning.com/archive/issue/april-may-2026">UltraRunning Magazine</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>EPISODE SPONSORS</strong><br /> <a href="https://tifosioptics.com/">Tifosi Optics</a> - 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.<br /> If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new <a href= "https://tifosioptics.com/products/sanctum-sl">Sanctum SL glasses</a>!</p> <p><a href="https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/pages/trn">Stone Creek Coffee</a>: Start every adventure with <strong>One More Mile</strong>, 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 <strong>20%</strong> with code <strong>ONEMOREMILE20</strong>. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.</p> <p><strong><a href= "https://page.run-motion.com/trail-runner-nation/">RunMotion Coach</a>:</strong> 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.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Timestamps</strong></h1> <p><strong>00:00 | How UTMB Began</strong><br /> Gaël shares what it was like covering the very first UTMB in 2003 and why the race immediately felt different from anything else in endurance sports.</p> <p><strong>11:00 | From Local Race to Global Icon</strong><br /> How UTMB grew from an adventurous mountain race into one of the biggest brands in trail running.</p> <p><strong>26:00 | Has Success Made Trail Running Harder to Access?</strong><br /> The discussion turns to lotteries, qualifiers, and whether iconic races have become too difficult for everyday runners to experience.</p> <p><strong>37:00 | The Benefits of Growth</strong><br /> Why commercialization has also brought lighter gear, better shoes, safer races, and more opportunities for runners around the world.</p> <p><strong>46:00 | You Don't Need UTMB to Belong</strong><br /> A reminder that unforgettable trail running experiences can still be found at local races and on your favorite hometown trails.</p> <p><strong>1:00:00 | Protecting the Spirit of Trail Running</strong><br /> Gaël, Don, and Scott discuss how runners can embrace the sport's growth without losing the welcoming community that makes trail running unique.</p>
July 9, 2026
You're Probably Using Caffeine Wrong | EP 789
<p>Caffeine is one of the most researched performance enhancers in endurance sports, yet most runners know surprisingly little about how to use it effectively. In this conversation, <a href= "https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/pages/trn">Stone Creek Coffee</a> founders Eric Resch and Amy Balestrieri separate the science from the myths, discussing when caffeine actually helps performance, why timing matters more than quantity, and how too much can hurt your sleep and recovery. They also explore why that morning cup of coffee is about far more than caffeine, touching on the rituals, psychology, and community that make coffee such an important part of endurance culture. Along the way, you'll learn about caffeine tolerance, race-day strategies, common misconceptions like dehydration, and even what goes into producing a truly great cup of coffee. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to make caffeine work for you and a new appreciation for the cup of coffee that starts so many great adventures.</p> <p><strong>EPISODE SPONSORS</strong><br /> <a href="https://tifosioptics.com/">Tifosi Optics</a> - 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.<br /> If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new <a href= "https://tifosioptics.com/products/sanctum-sl">Sanctum SL glasses</a>!</p> <p><a href="http://altrarunning.com/">ALTRA</a>: 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. <br /> Learn more about <a href= "https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/pages/the-altra-fit.">Altra Fit</a>. Feel the Altra Difference and use code <strong>TRN10</strong> for 10% off your first order at checkout at <a href="http://altrarunning.com/">altrarunning.com</a>. Stay Out There with Altra.</p> <p><a href="https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/pages/trn">Stone Creek Coffee</a>: Start every adventure with <strong>One More Mile</strong>, 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 <strong>20%</strong> with code <strong>ONEMOREMILE20</strong>. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.</p> <p><strong><a href= "https://page.run-motion.com/trail-runner-nation/">RunMotion Coach</a>:</strong> 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.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Timestamps</strong></h1> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>00:00 | Why Caffeine Matters to Endurance Athletes</strong></h3> <p>The discussion begins with why caffeine has become such a staple of trail running and what science actually says about its performance benefits.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>07:00 | Coffee Is More Than Just Caffeine</strong></h3> <p>Eric and Amy explain why your morning coffee ritual is as much psychological as it is physiological.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>14:00 | How to Use Caffeine for Training and Racing</strong></h3> <p>Practical advice on timing, dosage, long runs, and race-day strategies to get the most from caffeine.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>20:30 | Busting Common Coffee Myths</strong></h3> <p>The group tackles questions about dehydration, dark vs. light roast, caffeine levels, and energy drinks.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>29:00 | From Coffee Farm to Your Mug</strong></h3> <p>A behind-the-scenes look at how specialty coffee is grown, sourced, roasted, and why quality matters.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>38:30 | Finding the Right Coffee Routine</strong></h3> <p>The conversation shifts back to runners, covering caffeine tolerance, sleep, recovery, and building a routine that works for your body.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>55:00 | Introducing The Long Run Blend</strong></h3> <p>Eric and Amy share the story behind Stone Creek Coffee's custom Trail Runner Nation blend and why it was designed specifically for endurance athletes.</p>
July 3, 2026
EP 788: The Hardest Part Wasn't the Race
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/author_marc">Marc Hopkins</a>, author of <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Things-Marc-Hopkins/dp/B0GYQL3KG8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JGEKRSBPOVTC&sprefix=hard+things+book+marc+hopkins%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1"> Hard Things</a>, 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.</p> <p><a href="https://tifosioptics.com/"><strong>EPISODE SPONSORS</strong><br /> Tifosi Optics</a> - 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.<br /> If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new <a href= "https://tifosioptics.com/products/sanctum-sl">Sanctum SL glasses</a>!</p> <p><a href="http://altrarunning.com/">ALTRA</a>: 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. <br /> Learn more about <a href= "https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/pages/the-altra-fit.">Altra Fit</a>. Feel the Altra Difference and use code <strong>TRN10</strong> for 10% off your first order at checkout at <a href="http://altrarunning.com/">altrarunning.com</a>. Stay Out There™ with Altra.</p> <p><a href= "https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/products/trail-runner-nation">Stone Creek Coffee</a>: Start every adventure with <strong>One More Mile</strong>, 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 <strong>20%</strong> with code <strong>ONEMOREMILE20</strong>. Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together.</p> <p><strong><a href= "https://page.run-motion.com/trail-runner-nation/">RunMotion Coach</a>:</strong> 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.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Timestamps</strong></h1> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>00:00 | Why We Chase Hard Things</strong></h3> <p>Marc explains how a book about the Bigfoot 200 became an honest look at identity, purpose, and the reasons we pursue difficult goals.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>08:00 | Enduring vs. Endurance</strong></h3> <p>The conversation explores the difference between simply surviving life and intentionally moving toward something meaningful.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>18:30 | The Finish Line Won't Make You Whole</strong></h3> <p>Marc shares how he believed one more race would finally prove his worth, and why that mindset eventually fell apart.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>30:30 | Lessons From a 99% Heart Blockage</strong></h3> <p>A life-threatening diagnosis forced Marc to rethink strength, vulnerability, and what it really means to listen to your body.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>43:30 | The Pebble in Your Shoe</strong></h3> <p>A simple refrigerator magnet from Marc's childhood became one of the biggest life lessons in the entire book.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>49:00 | Why the Next Finish Line Isn't the Answer</strong></h3> <p>The hosts discuss identity, self-worth, and why chasing bigger races can never solve what's happening inside.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>53:30 | When Can You Finally Call Yourself a Runner?</strong></h3> <p>Marc explains why comparison steals joy and why every runner, regardless of pace or body type, belongs on the trail.</p>
953 total episodes available
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- What is Trail Runner Nation?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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