Trail Runner Nation

EP 759: Stop Running Yourself Into the Death March (Do This Instead)

In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked performance tools in ultrarunning: not running. Coach and elite ultrarunner Ian Sharman [https://www.instagram.com/sharmanian/] explains how active recovery, power-hiking, and weight-vest hiking help athletes build durability, reduce muscle damage, conserve glycogen, and avoid the dreaded late-race death march. We break down why power-hiking is a smart performance strategy used by elites, when hiking becomes more efficient than running, and how small training adjustments can dramatically improve long-race outcomes. Ian also shares practical guidance on using weight vests wisely and why your slowest mile often matters more than your fastest. 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 * NEW partner: Check out the coaching platform Good Coach [https://goodcoach.app/en/?utm_source=trn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=dec2025&utm_id=1] App. You can use it for free for up to 2 athletes, with no trial period. Coaches get 50% off for three months with code trn2026. * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/].

EP 758: Ox Blood to Aid Stations: The Wild Evolution of Endurance Nutrition

In this episode, we talk with exercise scientist Dr. Nick Tiller [https://www.instagram.com/nb.tiller], author of the Ultrarunning Magazine [https://ultrarunning.com] article "Protein While Racing, Training Runs to Predict Performance & Progressing to Ultra." Starting from the wild story of Milo of Croton—an ancient athlete who drank ox blood and ate raw animal flesh—we trace how endurance nutrition has swung from carb-loading to fat-adaptation and ask where protein fits in today. Dr. Tiller explains why small amounts of protein during long races can help with muscle damage and taste fatigue, how to "train your gut" just like your legs, and why aid station real food matters more than we think. We also touch on creatine—why it works, why it may not be ideal for most endurance runners—and how to use science and healthy skepticism to cut through the wellness and nutrition noise on the trail. Find out more about Dr. Nick * Author, The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science [https://www.nbtiller.com/] * Columnist, Skeptical Inquirer [https://skepticalinquirer.org/category/the-skeptics-guide-to-sports-science/], Ultra-Running Magazine [https://ultrarunning.com/author/nicktiller/] * Website: www.nbtiller.com [http://www.nbtiller.com/] Episode Sponsors * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Amazfit - T-Rex 3 [https://www.amazfit.com/trail]: Get 15% off * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/].

EP 757: Thanksgiving on the Trails: Entrees, Sides & Sweet Treats of Running

Today we're cooking up something a little different—a Trail Runner Nation–style feast inspired by the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. Just like families gather to celebrate gratitude and good food, we're gathering around the podcast table to share the habits, ideas, and rituals that make us better runners. And who else should be joining us be A. Jizzle Wizzle, Coach Andy Jones-Wilkins. [https://www.instagram.com/ajoneswilkins/] In this playful, feast-themed episode, each host brings an entrée, side dish, and dessert—but instead of turkey and pie, we're talking about the practices that nourish our training, support our goals, and add a little sweetness to the trail experience. Don attempts to explain the rules, and the fun (and friendly trash-talk) begins. Hire AJW as a coach [https://trainright.com/coaches/andy-jones-wilkins/]! And read his weekly article in the AJW's Taproom [https://www.irunfar.com/category/columns/ajws-taproom]Or tune into the "Crack a Brew with AJW" [https://www.crackabrewwithajw.com/] podcast. Episode Sponsors * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Tifosi Optics [https://trailrunnernation.com/deals/#Tifosi] 20% off with code TRN * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/]. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 28

EP 756: Aging as an Athlete- Smarter, Stronger, Longer

In this seventh installment of Aging as an Athlete series, Scott, Don, and Krissy sit down with elite ultrarunner and longtime coach Ian Sharman [https://www.instagram.com/sharmanian/] to explore what it really means to run well as the years go by. Ian shares insights from 20+ years of racing—including a marathon course record he set after turning 45—and lessons learned from coaching athletes across all ages and abilities. He offers a preview of his upcoming book, where he dives into topics like identity, adventure, and avoiding burnout. Together, we unpack how runners can evolve their training, protect their joy for the sport, and keep adventure at the center of their lives. This conversation blends practical wisdom with big-picture perspective, reminding all of us that aging as an athlete isn't a limitation—it's an opportunity. Find out more about Annie and Ian at Sharman Ultra Coaching [https://www.sharmanultra.com/] Episode Sponsors * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * Amazfit - T-Rex 3 [https://www.amazfit.com/trail]: Get 15% off * NEW! MudGear Socks [https://mudgear.com/TRN] - Get a special discount by clicking the link * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/]. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 28

EP 755: The Breakthroughs Hiding in Plain Sight

In this episode, we sit down with the new book Running Breakthroughs [https://florisgierman.com] author Floris Gierman [https://florisgierman.com] to explore what truly drives joy, consistency, and long-term progress in running. Floris shares the patterns he's uncovered after years of conversations with athletes, coaches, and researchers—stories of everyday runners who transformed their lives through simple habits, sustainable training, and a kinder relationship with themselves. We talk about * why self-compassion is one of the most overlooked performance tools, * how slowing down can actually speed you up, * and why being present in the moment matters more than chasing the perfect workout. Floris opens up about the breakthrough stories that changed him, including moments that reshaped his definition of success both on and off the trail. If you've ever struggled with plateaus, burnout, or being too hard on yourself, this conversation offers practical tools—and inspiring reflections—to help you fall in love with running all over again. Episode Sponsors * Janji [https://janji.com/], Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off * NEW! MudGear Socks [https://mudgear.com/TRN] - Get a special discount by clicking the link * Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE [https://trailrunnernation.com/]. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 21