Trail Wisdom Weekly Podcast

Wouldn't it be nice if every race came with sunshine and perfect conditions?Well, that's not reality.After more than 120 mm (4 inches) of rain fell before our local Solstice 5K, race day arrived wet, windy, and cold. I still showed up. It turned into a great reminder that bad weather running isn't about toughness. It's about preparation, judgment, and knowing how to stay comfortable when conditions are less than ideal.In this episode, I share practical lessons from a soggy race day, including why cotton is rotten, how to stay warm even when your feet are wet, when it makes sense to test new gear, and the safety items I carry year-round.We also talk about trail etiquette, why I stay off single-track when it's saturated, and how to make smart decisions when Mother Nature decides to write her own race-day plan.Because running fits into life, not the other way around.Trail Wisdom Weekly ConversationWould you still head out if the weather forecast called for wind, rain, and cold temperatures?Reply and let me know: what’s your weather limit? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Sometimes the race doesn't happen.I was packed, registered, and on my way to one of my favorite races—Crazy Muley 27K in Alberta's sand dunes—when a trailer tire blew and changed the course of my weekend.At first, I was disappointed. I was gutted. I had trained, planned, and looked forward to this race for months.But as I reflected on the week leading up to it, I started to see a pattern: a neck issue, a hip twinge, unusual fatigue, and a body asking for more recovery.In this episode, I share the story of my DNS (Did Not Start), the emotions that came with it, and the realization that sometimes the thing we need most isn't another finish line—it's recovery.Questions to consider: Have you ever DNS'd a race? Looking back, were there signs you missed? Has life ever forced you to slow down when you didn't want to? Was it the right decision in the end?Sometimes recovery arrives disguised as disappointment.Because running fits into life, not the other way around. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, Sherri sits down with Jason Bahamundi of Run Tri Bike and the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse to talk about what it really feels like to run Cocodona 250 in 110 hours.Together they dive into:Training for a 250-mile race without massive mileageWhy mindset matters more than paceThe brutal reality of climbing Lane MountainSleep strategy during multi-day ultrasFueling with oatmeal mush, maple syrup & potatoes, pickle juice, and hot dogsRecovery, swelling, and post-race exhaustionBurnout and post-race bluesWhy “hard” becomes relative after an event like CocodonaThe emotional finish line experienceEveryday athletes vs elite performance cultureDNFs, identity, and learning to give yourself graceWhy Jason may never run Cocodona again — despite loving the experienceThis conversation goes far beyond ultrarunning. It’s about resilience, perspective, recovery, and what happens when you discover you’re capable of more than you thought possible.Connect with Jason:Instagram / YouTube / @runtrimagWebsite: RunTriMagEmail: jason@runtrimag.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

What makes someone keep moving for 250 miles across Arizona? In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I talk about the Cocodona 250 — a brutal ultramarathon crossing mountains, heat, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and everything in between. But this conversation isn’t really about mileage.It’s about why people choose hard things.I share reflections on:* Rachel Entrekin’s historic outright win* The emotional “golden hour” finish of Wayne Amos* Why endurance sports are deeply personal* The difference between comfort and meaning* Why outsiders often question what they don’t understand* What “hard” means for different people* Why your reason for doing something matters more than anyone else’s opinionThis episode is for runners, walkers, hikers, and anyone standing at the edge of something difficult, wondering:“Could I do that?”Your hard thing doesn’t have to be 250 miles.It just has to matter to you.Mentioned in this episode* Cocodona 250 Official Website* The Cutoff documentary by Aravaipa Running* Watch Wayne Amos cross the Cocodona 250 finish line during the final golden hour. One of the most powerful endurance moments I’ve ever seen. Wayne Amos 125-Hour finish* Steve Magness — Do Hard ThingsComing SoonI’ll also be bringing on a future guest who completed Cocodona 250 in 110 hours to talk about what the race is really like from the inside out.Trail Wisdom Weekly is real talk for runners, walkers, and hikers 35+ who are in it for the long game — in sport and in life.Because getting race-ready takes more than just running the miles. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

We like to think we show up to a race, run it, and leave with a medal and a smile.But races have plans for us.In this episode, I share the story of Iron Horse Ultra: the cold morning, the course, the waiting, the running… and what unfolded along the way.What people see is the start and the finish. What they don’t see are the moments in between—the meltdowns, the aloneness, the unexpected.Sometimes, a race becomes something else entirely.This one gave me the space and opportunity to say goodbye.If you’ve ever had a race meet you where you are, or give you something you didn’t know you needed, this one is for you.Read the full story on Substack:The Race That Let Me Say Goodbye This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

What if walking is part of being a runner?In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I share how I went from power walker to ultramarathoner—and why walking isn’t a weakness, it’s part of the process.Walking, hiking, shuffling, climbing… it all counts.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “less than” or don’t belong because you walk during your runs, this episode is for you.→ Read the written version: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Episode 1: Is It Too Late to Start Running?Is it too late?Too late for the Olympics? Probably.Too late to move your body, build endurance, feel strong, or become someone who runs?Not even close.In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I unpack the real meaning behind the “too late” question and the fears hiding underneath it:Regret vs discomfortWhat we’re actually afraid ofWhy age isn’t the barrier we think it isWhy being “slow” is not failureWhy finish lines aren’t the only measure of successAnd the question that hit hardest:If you didn’t try — would you regret it?If you’re asking whether it’s too late, something in you still wants it.Maybe the real question isn’t “Am I too late?”Maybe it’s “What am I waiting for?”📖 Related essay: Mud Chicken — The Event That Changed Everything This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com