Trail Runner Nation

What if there was a nutrition training program that is NOT a calorie-deficient diet, NOT low-carb / Atkins-like, NO need to count calories, and requires NO special foods or supplements? Our favorite nutritionist, Sunny Blende, teaches us how to train our metabolism: increase our fat burning enzymes so we can be efficient running machines! Sunny's Metabolic Efficiency article Phil Maffetone's 180-Formula Bob Seebohar's book "Metabolic Efficiency Training" Matt Fitzgerald's book "Racing Weight Cookbook" Vitargo and Ucan Outro Song by DJ A Smooth Other Podcasts with Sunny: Unbreakable review with Sunny Blende Ultrafuel for Ultrarunners - Sunny Blende Fueling for your first Ultra - Sunny Blende Metabolic Efficiency Training with Sunny Blende and Tim Flemming Sunny Blende - Fueling In The Heat "Race Course in Review" by Vasque Running Shoes Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Trail Runner Nation's Southern California corespondent, Jimmy Dean Freeman, joins the Nation to discuss new year's resolutions and goal setting. Stuff we referenced:  Vanessa Rodriguez wrote for Active.com, "7 Ultrarunning Myths That Hold you Back". "Mind the Gap" from Jimmy's blog. Ted Video: Derek Sivers: "Keep your goals to yourself" Never too old to start: Fauja Singh, the guy who ran his first marathon at age 89! Helen Klein, now 91, started running at age 55.  She is the oldest woman to run a sub 24-hour 100-mile race. She finished the Grand Slam at age 66. Here are SOME steps we came up with to achieving your running goals: Set the goal - don't worry about the myths that hold you back or what other people say Identify the obstacles that might get in your way - plan how you will overcome them Break the goal into smaller, more realistic goals Do something everyday that get you closer to that goal Adapt the plan as necessary Celebrate along the way Check out our new sponsor's, "Race Course in Review"

Dr. Robert Portman is and exercise scientist and coauthor of three books, Nutrient Timing The Performance Zone Hardwired for Fitness and has authored hundreds of articles on how nutrition can improve fitness, health and athletic performance. Dr. Portman teaches us that there are five macro-nutrients that an endurance athlete needs to know how to use: Water, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, and electrolytes.  By knowing WHEN and HOW MUCH to use  the macro-nutrients,  we can raise our performance, avoid bonking and G.I. distress. Once we understand how to utilize these macro-nutrients, there are micro-nutrients that can further tweak and enhance our performance. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Portman has reshaped sports nutrition and the development of energy products with proven performance and recovery benefits, including: Endurox R4, Accelerade and now Body Glove SURGE, an energy shot for endurance athletes. Unsure of how much hydration and nutrition to use on your next workout?  Check out The Portman Calculato

With over 20 books written for the endurance athlete, Matt Fitzgerald is one of the sport's leading authors.  Some of his other best sellers are: Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance Iron War-Dave Scott, Mark Allen, & the Greatest Race Ever Run The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster Matt talks to us about his book, "Run-The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel".  Some topics include: Should a dose of suffering be included in your training? The Black Box of ingredients that you open on race day How to learn to train your body by listening to it Follow Matt on Twitter or on Facebook Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Italian Nation Member, Monica, paints a picture of Italian trail running!  Monica lives in the middle of some amazing mountain running.  She explains trail running culture, race demographics and gear choices of Italian runners. One of the forty-seven ultras in 2014 is the Tour Des Geants, a 330 KM (205 mile) race with a 150 hour time limit. Book a trip to Italy and Corri di più!!

Class is in session.  Dr. Mark talks about Cadence: what is the most efficient, how to determine yours, does it make a difference if you are tall or short? Breathing: what is the most effective way to breath?  How to practice and what are the benefits? How long does it take to change body composition? Treadmills What are the latest trends in running shoes that he saw at 2013 The Running Event Here are some valuable links: Dr. Mark's video on the "Natural Running Principles"  Natural Running Center The self propelled treadmill: Samsara Fitness' Trueform Running University Healthy Running Two Rivers Treads running store Dan Lieberman's new book, "The Story of the Human Body" Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Download a free audio book at Audible

Chris Vargo is relatively new to the trail running scene, but has quickly found his place at the front of the pack; including a 3rd place finish at the 2013 North Face Endurance 50 Mile in San Francisco.  You can watch a great video of the 2013 TNF50 lead runners HERE.   Chris talks about how he started in trail running, his training including pool runnning, his successes, the TNF50 race, and overcoming his alcoholism. Chris can be found on Facebook and Twitter and will soon have a blog. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Download a free audio book at Audible

On the evening of two of the most popular 100-mile race lotteries (Western States 100 and Hardrock 100),  Andy Jones-Wilkins and Craig Thornley (race director) join the Nation to discuss the mystic and draw of Western States 100, the new 2015 qualifying standards, "micro competitions", the future of ultrarunning, and how to maintain longevity in the sport. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Coach Sally McRae joins Trail Runner Nation and opens up the official TRN Grab Bag: running topics that are in the news or on our mind. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Download a free audio book at Audible

Dr. Maffetone teaches us that the brain's role is often overlooked in training and racing, how to improve brain function through biofeedback stimulation, and how to develop and maintain a better athletic brain. Buy Dr. Phil Maffetone's Big Book of Endurance Training and Running Buy The Big Book of Health and Fitness Previous Podcast with Dr. Maffetone: Speed up by Slowing Down Eat to Win Transcription of Eat to Win Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Ian Torrence has won 51 ultras and run over 170.  He coaches for McMillan Running.  Ian joins us to talk about what you need to do to prepare for cold weather running - starting from the head to the toes.  He recaps his successful inauguration of the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line Ultra, a 100-mile ultra or relay event.         Here is Ian's earlier podcast:: How to Build a Bonkproof Body Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Download a free audio book at Audible

Warren Pole joins the Nation in person!  The authorities let Warren and his wife, Erica, into the U.S. with their TRN work visa.  We were able to not only have a great trail running discussion, but also break bread and share 18 miles of the Western States trail with him (with no bonking).   Candice Burt, RD, announces a great new RACE for 2014! Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

It has been 8 months since we last talked to Anna Frost (check out her original podcast HERE).  She has been recovering from a couple debilitating injuries, but has continued to tour the globe representing TEAM SALOMON.  She talks about her most recent trip to Morocco, where she trained with Mohammad Ahansal, 18-time finisher of the Marathon des Sables (winning 4 times and coming in 2nd ten times). Anna talks candidly about how she learned to take time off so that she could heal and what kind of cross training she did to try and keep in shape.  And find out what her next great adventure is. Visit Anna's BLOG and take a look at Anna's cool JEWELRY. You can follow Anna on Facebook or Twitter. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Anton has come off a busy year of running and training culminating in the release of the Joel Wolpert film, "In the High Country".  (A MUST have $15 purchase) Tony talks about: his mountain running life-style and philosophy running form - efficient and quick making the movie his Nolan's 14 adventure running and racing in Europe HERE is the link to the first of three videos about Tony's attempt at Nolan's 14 this summer HERE is the link to one of our favorite videos of Tony running. HERE is the link to his Blog, "Riding the Wind"

JB Benna, producer of the film Unbreakable, is also a heck of a runner.  He proved this in October 2013 by breaking the 175 mile unsupported Tahoe Rim Trail FKT at 58h 43m 12s!  JB attempted the run in honor of Michael Popov, the previous record holder, who passed away tragically in 2012.  JB explains Why and his training, race, fuel, and hydration strategies, lessons learned and how he became friends with his individual body parts. Check out the other cool films JB has produced at Journey Film Here is a map of the Tahoe Rim Trail Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Candice Burt, elite trail runner and active blogger, recently created a glossary of terms that trail runners use.  For example: Paleo Bonk FKT Minimalist Finally, there is a simple dictionary for you to share with your non-trail running friends and family so they can join in the conversation and understand what you are trying to communicate. Candice's blog can be found HERE Check out the races that she directs / co-directs at Bellingham Trail Running Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Download a free audio book at Audible

Keith Hatfield Keith is a certified physician assistant of 15 years  who had a 10 year career as a certified athletic trainer prior to that, including two years working in professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals organization.  He discusses the following common lower leg ailments that runners might experience: Runner's Knee IT Band (stretch video) Meniscus Pain Planter Faciiatis As an athlete, Keith suffered from planter faciiatis and tried most of the products that help stretch the foot.  Out of necessity, he invented the Hatfield Strap. If you suffer from planter faciiatis, you might want to give his sit strap a try. Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Stephanie Howe, exercise physiologist, North Face elite runner, and coach, discusses nutrition with us.  Stephanie is a coach with Rebound Oregon with Jay Dicharry (his podcast) Diet fads Super foods losing weight vs. improving fitness: how and when to focus on each Fish oils which carbs should you use when training/racing? iRunFar interview with Stephanie Howe after winning Speadgoat 50K on 2 weeks training after and injury. Stephanie's Blog Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl

Your race is a couple days away and you find out that the temperature is going to be unseasonably hot.  How should you change your race strategy?  Sunny Blende discusses what you should change and how the heat will affect you.  She also teaches us that heat acclimatization will benefit us in multiple ways even if our race isn't hot!  We reference the article that Sunny wrote for the September 2013 issue of UltraRunning Magazine. Here is a list of our other podcasts with Sunny: December 4, 2011 Unbreakable Review February 21, 2012 Ultrafuel for Ultrarunners June 5, 2012  Fueling for your First Ultra September 21, 2012 Metabolic Efficiency Training We also mentioned the Australian, Cliff Young.  Here is a video.

Jimmy Dean Freeman sets his sites on the  2014  Last Great Race .   This race combines 6 of the toughest 100M races  in the same year.  In preparation JDF shares his experiences at running AC and Leadville within 13 days of one another.    Oral Hydration Salts Jimmy Dean's Blog Inpired Running Closing Song:  Son's Gonna Rise by Citizen Cope Take the Tailwind Challenge at: Tailwind Nutrition    Check out the cool headlamps made for trail running at Petzl Get your FREE audio book download at Audible