Trail Runner Nation

What if the key to becoming a stronger, more resilient runner isn’t about pushing harder, but moving smarter? In this episode, we’re joined by Samuel Stow [https://www.instagram.com/sam.poprunning/], ultramarathoner and movement coach behind Pop Running [https://poprunning.com.au]. With a background in aerospace engineering, Sam blends biomechanics, breathwork, and mindfulness to help runners reconnect with their core, activate their glutes, and move with intention. We explore how awareness, not intensity, leads to pain-free and efficient movement, both on and off the trail. Sam shares practical tips for posture, breathing, and body alignment that can transform your running experience.  * Find out more about Pop Running and the book, Engineering Flow State [https://go.poprunning.com.au/5-bundle-sales-page] * Follow Samuel on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/sam.poprunning/] Episode Sponsors: * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Ketone IQ [http://ketone.com/TRAILRUNNER], Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order * Tifosi Optics [https://trailrunnernation.com/deals/#Tifosi] 20% off with code TRN * Shokz [https://shokz.com/?utm_source=TRN&utm_medium=website], Use code TRN10 for 10% off [https://www.amazfit.com/trail] * Oikos Triple Zero [https://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/triple-zero/] * Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat [https://trailrunnernation.com/product/trail-runner-nation-x-rnnr-pacer-hat/]

Over two years ago, we introduced the concept of Misogi—doing something so challenging it changes you—through Michael Easter’s book The Comfort Crisis - Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy and Healthy Self. [https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Crisis-Embrace-Discomfort-Reclaim/dp/0593138767/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G3C00NLW28WG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aQfpYB2BuBM7-z8o_3dzfW2lxIfCMT9nMdh-93xOKIprjkxso1xwQdQF63BXXD1BEIJEzPBmjMFw7OSnw9tZDnJBWOxw0tcVVY3231sRrj7cIJA36Ejd4n9rZgsrcwS2jazIFDNgL9-0HhiKaxuNn1Duw-pnRNyHPtq9ydBrKzgpKfmzpuYHqz17LvV0z_9hZjSP7i3l75UatS6TJUfjqwvxVhQ0gaAv33ialMLs_cU.hqpMzQ5dPCWKAnzjHtXblEWZEaHFy5yovyYBLNeOABY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+comfort+crisis&qid=1752804207&sprefix=the+comfort+crisis%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1] Now, we’re revisiting it with fresh eyes and deeper insights. In a world built for convenience, what does it truly mean to seek out discomfort? And how can that mindset shape us into stronger runners—and better people? Join coach, Adam Kimble [https://adamkimble.com], and us as we explore boredom, solitude, hunger, and the wild places that force us to grow. Here is the link to Adventure Scientists [https://www.adventurescientists.org/adam-kimble.html] that Adam talked about. Photo Credit: Jacob Banta [https://banta.visuals] Episode Sponsors: * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Liquid IV [https://www.liquid-iv.com/], get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER [https://shokz.com/?utm_source=TRN&utm_medium=website] * Amazfit - T-Rex 3 [https://www.amazfit.com/trail]: Get 15% off * Oikos Triple Zero [https://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/triple-zero/] * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/].  Limited supply

Join us as we have an insightful conversation with renowned coach Ian Sharman [https://www.instagram.com/sharmanian/]. We discuss how to navigate the world of running advice with a critical eye and how his coaching philosophy has evolved.  How to identify credible running advice and avoid misinformation. Find out more about Ian at Sharman Ultra Coaching [https://www.sharmanultra.com/] Episode Sponsors: * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Ketone IQ [http://ketone.com/TRAILRUNNER], Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order * Tifosi Optics [https://trailrunnernation.com/deals/#Tifosi] 20% off with code TRN * Bear Mattress [https://bearmattress.com/], get 40% off your first order with code TRAIL * Oikos Triple Zero [https://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/triple-zero/] * Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat [https://trailrunnernation.com/product/trail-runner-nation-x-rnnr-pacer-hat/]

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, cognitive neuroscientist and endurance athlete Dr. Scott Frey [https://www.instagram.com/cerebral_performance/] reveals how brain training can unlock new levels of performance for trail and ultrarunners. He explains that while most athletes focus on the physical, it’s often the brain that sets the limits—through perceived effort, cognitive fatigue, and pain signals. Dr. Frey introduces his Brain Endurance System Training (BEST), a method that combines cognitive and physical training to build mental strength and resilience. We talk about managing cognitive load, how the brain predicts fatigue, and why a mental taper can be just as important as a physical one. Listeners will learn how to train smarter, race longer, and enjoy the sport deeper by understanding the true power of the brain.  Find out more about BEST and Dr. Frey at Cerebral Performance [https://cerebralperformance.com] Episode Sponsors: * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Shokz [https://shokz.com/?utm_source=TRN&utm_medium=website], Use code TRN10 for 10% off [https://www.amazfit.com/trail] * Amazfit - T-Rex 3 [https://www.amazfit.com/trail]: Get 15% off * Oikos Triple Zero [https://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/triple-zero/] * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/].  Limited supply

What does it mean to be a trail runner in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—or even your 70s? How do years of pounding dirt, chasing summits, and chasing goals shape our bodies, minds, and identities? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl [https://krissymoehl.com/]. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. In this second episode of the Aging Athlete Series, we speak with Dr. Scott Drum [https://directory.nau.edu/faculty?name=scott%20drum&person=snd273], an exercise physiologist and lifelong endurance athlete. We explore how training, VO₂ max, heart health, sleep, and social connection evolve as we age—and how understanding these changes can help runners continue performing and thriving for decades. Dr. Drum explains how we can maintain (and even improve) cardiovascular fitness into our 50s and beyond, and shares his personal experience with AFib as a cautionary but hopeful tale. The conversation blends science, personal insight, and practical strategies to help runners of all ages stay motivated, train smart, and run for life. Check out Krissy's book in it's second edition, Running Your First Ultra [https://krissymoehl.com/booksales/ryfuwultraplanner] Episode Sponsors: * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Ketone IQ [http://ketone.com/TRAILRUNNER], Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance Get 30% off your first subscription order * Tifosi Optics [https://trailrunnernation.com/deals/#Tifosi] 20% off with code TRN * Amazfit - T-Rex 3 [https://www.amazfit.com/trail]: Get 15% off * Oikos Triple Zero [https://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/triple-zero/] * Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat [https://trailrunnernation.com/product/trail-runner-nation-x-rnnr-pacer-hat/]