The Trail Life Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Brittany, an elite ultra runner and coach with Peak Run Performance. Brittany shares her journey from discovering running in high school to becoming a notable figure in the ultra running community. She discusses her experiences with different races, her love for trail running, and the challenges she faced including severe injuries that led to hip surgeries and an ankle fracture. Brittany reflects on her comeback and the mental resilience required to overcome setbacks. She also touches on her coaching philosophy, the importance of strength training, and her goals for the future, including her aspirations to compete in unique international races. This inspirational story highlights Brittany's dedication, resilience, and passion for running and coaching.@runhappybPeak Run Performance | Professional Online Running and Nutrition Coaching

In this episode, we welcome Jesse Ellis, an accomplished ultra runner and professional photographer. We delve into his journey from running school track and cross-country to becoming a key figure in the ultrarunning community. Jesse shares how he got into trail running, his experiences running and photographing races like Western States and Broken Arrow, and how he balanced his passion for running with building a successful photography business. We explore his transition from photographing weddings to capturing iconic shots of ultra runners, his commitment to portraying every runner's story, and his future aspirations in live streaming races. Jesse also discusses the importance of family, the dynamics of managing his growing team, and his plans for personal fitness and race goals.Instagram: @trailwhisperer

In this episode of Ultra Buds Unleashed from the Trail Life podcast, guest host Izzy B interviews Chris Raup, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of the Warrior Trail Foundation. Chris shares his inspiring journey from discovering ultra running in his early 50s to completing some of the toughest 200-mile races. Chris discusses the mission of the Warrior Trail Foundation, which provides recreational therapy, coaching, and mental health services for veterans and their families. The conversation covers how trail running has been transformative for Chris and others dealing with PTSD, MST, and physical disabilities, offering a new sense of purpose and community. Chris also recounts the experience of supporting elite runner Jeff Browning’s FKT on the Colorado Trail as a fundraiser for the foundation and outlines upcoming events and ways people can support the cause.Instragram: @warriortrailfoundationWebsite: Warrior Trail Foundation00:00 Introduction to Ultra Buds Unleashed01:29 Chris Raupp's Journey into Ultra Running08:46 The Birth of the Warrior Trail Foundation15:48 Challenges and Growth of the Foundation20:04 Jeff Browning's Colorado Trail FKT25:42 Reflecting on an Unforgettable Week26:08 Behind the Scenes: Social Media and Teamwork26:46 Scott Jurek's Surprising Snack27:47 The Power of Community Support28:41 Announcing the Foundation's Mission30:02 Expanding Coaching Programs32:25 Challenges Faced by Veterans34:52 The Wander Project Partnership36:34 Upcoming Fundraising Events43:45 Race Schedule and Veteran Participation47:24 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of the SWCHBAK Chronicles, host Michelle is joined by special guest co-host Isabella Janovick and guest Alyssa Clark, an accomplished endurance athlete. They discuss Alyssa's various achievements, including her first-place finish in the SD100, her love for heat over cold weather, and her experiences training and competing in ultra-endurance events. Alyssa also shares insights into her beginnings in endurance sports, her inspirations, and the physical and mental challenges of completing 200-mile races. The episode provides tips for heat management during races and explores the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), encouraging more women to participate.00:00 Introduction to the Trail Life Podcast00:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Alyssa Clark02:16 Alyssa's Experience at SD 10003:21 Heat Training Tips and Techniques08:35 Upcoming Races and Training Plans13:26 The Role of Treadmills in Training19:41 Alyssa's Journey into Endurance Sports26:00 Meeting Callie Vinson and Race Stories26:19 Training and Attempting 200-Mile Races27:41 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Ultra Running30:15 Crew and Pacer Experiences35:40 The Impact of Ultra Running on the Body40:54 Encouraging Women to Set FKTs46:30 Pet Stories and Wrapping Up

In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:20 DMV Experience02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running14:20 Facing a Major Setback18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment20:00 The Journey of Recovery23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race27:29 The Ultra Running Community32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the final episode of 2023, I am joined by Spring Energy Founders Rafal Nazarewicz and Adam Goleniewski but talk about how Spring Energy got its starts and how they created the flavor profiles. Thank you to Rafa and Adam for delivering a product that is widely loved and enjoyed by the trail running community.myspringenergy.com

I am once again joined by our friend Jason Hardrath to discuss his current film and adventure.... Journey to Infinity.This conversation focuses on the first ever international infinity loop on Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. We discuss Jason's past experiences on the mountain, his high-altitude sickness, and the journey along the way with partner climbing/running Nathan Longhurst.The movie is current available for viewing on YOUTUBEWelcome back to the Trail Life... Jason Hardrath

In this episode I am joined by fellow race director Megan Dehaan. She is her to tell the story of the Crazy Mountain 100 and its humble beginnings. As I learned this is one of the most unique Western States Qualifiers you will find... start line on a private ranch a finish line held in a ghost town, and everything native lands and mountain crossings in between. Want to learn more about the event and see some images then go to the website CrazyMountain100 (crazymountainultra.com) or follow her on instagram @crazymountainultra

In this episode i sit down we the BEST in the business.... Race photographer, storyteller, and ultra runner Howie Stern. We talk about his trail running beginnings and how we got started in race photography. Welcome to the Trail Life... Howie SternFollow Howie on IG @howiesternphoto

I am joined by the owners of Run Tri Bike, Aum Gandhi and Jason Bahamundi. We talk about how their digital magazine began, and how the fireside chats platform have given endurance athletes of all levels a voice in the community. Follow them here-INSTAGRAM: @RUNTRIMAGYOUTUBE: RUNTRIMAGWEBSITE: RUN TRI MAG

In this episode.... Sally McRae returns to discuss her new book, her Cocodona documentary, and strength training for trail runners. Overall... Choose Strong is the theme for this episode!*Special Note... this is NOT a Cocodona Recap. Sally's Cocodona Recap LISTEN HERESally's Choose Strong Book PURCHASE HERESally's Cocodona 250 Doc WATCH HERE

I am joined by 2023 Cocodona 250 Women's Champion... Sarah Ostaszewski. She talks her journey into trail running, and how it led to her victory at this year's Cocodona=-0987` event. She recaps her race, and some of the stories along the way. Please enjoy... Welcome to the Trail Life, Sarah Ostaszewski. follow on Instagram @sarahostaszewski

Episode 100is here!! Thank you everyone for the support.In this episode I am joined by author, speaker, triathlete, and ultra runner David Richman to talk about his trail running journey and "Winning in the Middle of the Pack" (running your own race, defining your own success, and not the success defined by someone else).We also discuss his cycling journey across America, which was inspired by his 2nd book "Cycle of Lives"His books are available on Audible and Print found HERE