Trail Runner Nation

What shoe did you run your first trail run in? What shoe do you currently pine for? We all love our shoes and probably have an unhealthy collection of shoes. Brian Metzler, a running shoe geek for his entire life, joins The Nation to talk about SHOES....Oh the glorious shoes. Over his life he has run over 75,000 miles and tested more than 1500 pairs. As founding editor and associate publisher of Trail Runner Magazine and contributor at many other running magazines, he has a unique view of the history of shoes. He finally wrote a book about shoes. The history of shoes, why we are emotionally attached to them, their evolution, injury, and what we can expect in the future. Buy the book HERE

Throughout your running experience, you might have experienced or are experiencing a running layoff due to many different reasons. Sally McRae, The Yellow Runner , and Andy Jones-Wilkins, join The Nation to explore this topic: Why do they occur, how to cope with them, and how to overcome the layoff. They offer some good principles that can help you stage a comeback and how to help others in their's. There is a bonus at the end of the podcast where we talk about vomit etiquette. AJW's Coaching AJW's Tap Room Sally's Coaching Check out this short VIDEO to learn more about Sally

Avid Runner and Author, Alex Hutchinson joins The Nation to discuss: Eliud Kipchoge's recent How to Talk Yourself Into Better Endurance Did Scientists Really Find a Speed-Boosting Microbe? How Jell-O Could Speed Up Recovery Listed to our podcast series with Andy Jones-Wilkins and Magda Boulet as we discuss each chapter of Alex's Book, "Endure: Mind,Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance": Podcast #1: The Unforgiving Minute, The Conscience Quitter, Heat, Belief Podcast #2: The Central Governor Theory, Pain and Training the Brain Podcast #3 : Oxygen, Fuel, and Zapping the Brain What Defines our Limits - with Alex Hutchinson Follow Alex on Twitter Check out Sweat Science

Dr. Jay Dicharry rejoins The Nation to talk about biomechanics and how to work on the BASE of our form, the FEET. Jay says that we can improve our efficiency and running economy up to 10% if we have correct foot mechanics, not to mention reducing many of the common over-use injuries. Here are some photos of drills we discussed: Jay established his reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the University of Virginia's SPEED Clinic. He now resides in Bend, OR where he is the Director of REP Lab where Jay blends clinical practice and engineering to better understand overuse injuries and helps prevent them before they become a problem. 2 previous podcasts with Jay: -Making running more fun (2013) -How to Rewire our Running (2018) Check out MOBO Board and get a discount! Dr. Jay's Blog: An Athletes Body Dr. Jay's Instagram

Sunny Stoeer lived her life the 'right' way including an MBA from Harvard Business School and a successful career as a strategy consultant. She always felt happier outside pursuing running, climbing and mountaineering. She took a risk and decided to leave behind the career in consulting and took up the dirtbag life and has found joy doing the things she loves. We discuss some of the things that she learned from Harvard Business School can translate to Ultrarunning, adventuring and chasing FKTs Check our her women-focused high altitude climbing adventures at AWExpeditions Instagram Facebook

Karl Meltzer just won his record 41st 100-mile race in October at the Cloudsplitter 100- the most of any other person! He joins The Nation with Andy Jones-Wilkins to discuss one way to potentially shave HOURS off your next 100-mile finish. His philosophy: KISS- Keep is Stupid Simple. Trail running is a very simple and primitive sport that we might be making way too complicated and difficult. Making choices in your gear, drop bags, crew, pacing and aid station management can shave hour(s) off your time. It might make it a more enjoyable experience too. Check out Karl's Coaching Services Karl's Speadgoat Races AJW's Tap Room AJW's Coaching AJW's Almanac Podcast

Explorer, endurance athlete, mentor, coach, teacher...... All of these titles come to mind with we think of Ray Zahab. Ray has been encouraging and mentoring other to push beyond their perceived limits for nearly 15 years with his personal expeditions, his expeditions with youth ambassadors, directing races, or guiding groups to remote places. He created a company called "Impossible 2 Possible" = I2P that has influenced youth and teachers through expeditions in remote places throughout the world. Ray explains that many people under estimate themselves and that taking risks and doing hard things brings fulfillment, joy and a desire to help others achieve great things. Follow Ray on his social channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter I2P Twitter I2P Instagram I2P Facebook

Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed is a new book by New York Times Deputy Editor Matthew Futterman Matt, a avid runner, tells the story of the evolution of running from the 1950s, when it was just as odd to see a naked person walking down the street as it is to see someone running, until today. He describes this evolution of speed and endurance through the story of Bob Larsen, a hall of fame track field coach. He explains what we have learned about running science through the experience that Coach Larsen had coaching the small-town Jamul Toads to a national championship and coaching the great Meb Keflzighi's amazing career. Instagram

We have all had disappointing finishes or the feeling of not accomplishing a goal. How do you deal with these setbacks or roadblocks? Bob Crowley discusses how he handled a disappointing DNF at Tor Des Geants in 2018. He brings part of his team, Coach Meghan Laws, and Crew Cheif, Donna NiCuarta, to the table to help explain how he was able to evaluate, rebuild, train and execute his second attempt this year. The Trail Animals running club

Patrick Reagan has had a fun year from defending his win at at Javalina Jundred, setting a personal best at the Hoka 100K Challenge, and placing 8th at his first attempt at Western States 100. Our conversation with Patrick include how he has learned from mentors along the way, his love for running long distances, how he takes breaks, etc. Check out his web site and coaching at PatricReaganRunning.com Or follow him on social media Facebook Instagram