Freetrail presents The Midpacker Podcast, which follows middle and back of the pack trail runners and ultra runners at the heart of the trail running community. Join host Troy Meadows weekly as he talks through what it takes to balance life and running with everyday runners doing extra ordinary things on and off the trails.
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Trailing Indicators 004 | UTMB Banter, Headlands 27k Banter, The Value of Having a Coach, Favorite Workout, Pole Techniques
Friday, September 20, 2024 • Duration 01:25:25
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"I'm basically a pro athlete right now." - MVD
In this episode of Trailing Indicators, hosts Troy Meadows, Corinne Shalvoy, and MVD discuss various aspects of trail running, including reflections on recent races like UTMB and the Headlands 27K, the value of coaching and structured training plans, favorite workouts, and techniques for using poles effectively in trail running.
Corinne also shares insights about her new apparel venture, Women Can, which aims to empower women through storytelling and community engagement.
If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below.
Sponsor Links:
Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands.
Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase.
Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.
Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more.
trail running, coaching, training plans, workouts, pole techniques, women empowerment, ultra running, race reflections, fitness, endurance sports
#54 Kelly Newlon | RAD Boulder, Life Design, and Helping Athletes Know Their Worth
Thursday, September 12, 2024 • Duration 01:31:22
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"I'm going to start a business and I'm going to feed professional athletes."
In this episode, Troy Meadows interviews Kelly Newlon, founder of RAD (Real Athlete Diets). Kelly shares her journey into running and trail racing. She talks about how her love for running started at a young age and how she discovered trail running in high school. Kelly also discusses how RAD came to be and how she merged her passion for culinary arts with her love for the outdoors. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality in life design and making choices that align with your values and goals.
Kelly also provides insights into contract negotiations for athletes and the value proposition they bring to brands. In this conversation, Kelly from Rad Boulder discusses athlete contracts, life design, and her involvement with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). She shares insights on negotiating athlete contracts, including the importance of knowing your worth, understanding the market, and being willing to walk away.
003 Revisiting Unbreakable with Dylan Bowman - Inspiring The Next Generation
Thursday, June 27, 2024 • Duration 01:31:06
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"Let's Monday Morning Quarterback Killian Jornet's 2010 Western States. That idiot."
"Harmony and I's first date was watching Unbreakable."
In the third and final installment of the MidPacker Pod Mini Series “Revisiting Unbreakable” hosts Troy Meadows and MVD, Matt Van Delsam sit down with Dylan Bowman Founder of Freetrail and Broadcast host of the WSER live stream that is a 3 time Western States top ten finisher whose career took off in the years after the release of Unbreakable.
Dylan has an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of Ultrarunning in the earthly 2000’s and brought a “College Gameday” vibe to the conversation that plays like 3 long time friends unpacking the movie on a weekly long run.
002 Revisiting Unbreakable with Hal Koerner - The Runners Perspective
Thursday, June 20, 2024 • Duration 01:24:56
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
In the second episode of the MidPacker Pod Mini Series “Revisiting Unbreakable” hosts Troy Meadows and MVD, Matt Van Delsam sit down with Legend of the sport and 2 time Cougar winner Hal Koerner to get the athletes perspective as a competitor in the field and one of the stars of the the greatest movie of all time Unbreakable.
In the conversation Hal covers the experience of participating in the Western States 100 race, the influence of the Unbreakable movie, the evolution of ultra running gear and strategies, and the impact of media coverage on the sport. Hal also delves into the significance of the Montreal race team and how it shared the development of ultra running as a sport in the early 2000’s.
001 Revisiting Unbreakable with JB Benna - The Origin Story
Thursday, June 13, 2024 • Duration 01:33:46
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
Revisiting UnBreakable GU Give Away Sign up form HERE
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
In the first episode of "Revisiting Unbreakable," mini series host Troy Meadows introduces the series conceived by MVD, Matt Van Delsam, exploring the film "Unbreakable'' and its significant impact on the ultra running community.
The episode features JB Benna, a filmmaker and adventurer who’s work creating the film Unbreakable has notably influenced the sport. Troy shares his personal connection to Unbreakable,crediting it alongside the book Born to Run for fostering his love for ultra running. JB Benna discusses his background, combining a passion for art, entrepreneurship, and adventure, highlighting his early interest in filmmaking inspired by family trips and outdoor activities in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area.
#46 Teresa Bowser & Troy Meadows | Quest For The Crest, Running In Western NC, & Exploring The Blue Ridge
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 • Duration 01:26:14
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"I just heard like the polls clicking in the background and I just got poll hangry."
In this Episode Troy Meadows and Teresa Bowser discuss their experience running the Quest for the Crest 50k, sharing insights on the technical terrain, steep climbs, and challenging weather conditions. They also explore the unique running community and trail access in Western North Carolina. Troy and Teresa discuss their experience during a race, covering topics such as using poles, climbing, descending, aid stations, and the challenges of the course. They share insights on hydration, nutrition, and the mental and physical demands of the race. Troy and Teresa discuss their experiences at the Quest for the Crest 50K race, sharing details of the challenging course, aid stations, and the mental and physical struggles they faced. They also talk about their post-race recovery and future race plans.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"You can't do everything. And I've, it's been a hard learning for me to sort of acknowledge that with my own life and reality"
"Trail running will save the world."
Dylan Bowman, co-founder of Freetrail, discusses his journey as a professional athlete and entrepreneur. He shares his transition from competitive running to focusing on his family and building Freetrail, a media and events company dedicated to trail running. Dylan emphasizes the importance of his team members, Harmony and Ryan, in the success of Freetrail. He also highlights the value of community and the support they receive from the trail running community. Dylan talks about the challenges and rewards of organizing events, such as the Gorge Waterfalls and Big Alta races. In this conversation, Dylan and Troy discuss Dylan's recent experiences in running and fatherhood. Dylan reflects on the challenges of balancing running with building a business and being a father. He shares his realization that he may never be a focused professional athlete again, but he can still push himself and be inspired by the new generation of athletes. They also discuss the joy and challenges of being a father and the special moments they share with their children. Dylan talks about his upcoming race in Austria and his role in the Western States broadcast.
#44 Bethany Taylor | Empowering Women In The Outdoors, Iron Soul Trailblazers, & Building A Business Through Your Passions
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • Duration 01:29:53
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
"I'm all about chasing dreams and defying odds, pushing thresholds and capabilities."
In this episode of the pod Troy Meadows talks with Bethany Taylor, an outdoor athlete and educator that just recently moved back stateside from a 1.5 year stint in Japan.
Bethany shares her journey into the outdoor space and the creation of her business, Iron Soul Trailblazers. She discusses the importance of being adaptable as an entrepreneur and the challenges of balancing her business with her husband's military deployments.
Bethany also emphasizes the need for women's empowerment in the outdoor industry and the importance of safety and preparedness when participating in outdoor activities. Bethany Taylor shares her passion for trail running and adventure trips, discussing the importance of safety and preparedness. She talks about her experiences hosting all-women adventure workshops and the joy of helping others overcome their fears and try new things.
#43 Jacky Hunt-Broersma | Surviving Cancer, Finding the Trails, & Run Streaking
Monday, May 6, 2024 • Duration 01:10:08
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
“You guys are capable of so much more than what you think you are.”
On this episode Troy Meadows talks with Jackie Hunt-Broersma, a professional ultra runner and cancer survivor, shares her journey of becoming an amputee and finding her passion for running. She discusses the challenges she faced in getting the right prosthetics and the need for better support and accessibility for adaptive athletes. Jackie also talks about her experience running 104 marathons in 104 days and the mental and physical resilience required for such a feat. She emphasizes the power of the mind and the importance of listening to your body. Jackie also shares her 21 km streak to celebrate being 21 years cancer-free and to support others going through cancer. Jacky shares that during her 250-day run streak, she ran more than the planned 21 kilometers per day, often running ultras instead. She ran races like YETI and UMSTED, as well as random 50Ks as training runs. After completing a 100-mile race, she would still run 13 miles the next day. Jacky explains that the mindset of an ultra runner is to have a mission and a goal, and even if it's painful, they push through and keep going. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving in ultra running and how each race presents unique challenges.
Jacky's Links
42 Jen Laughlin | Building Community, Tushers 100k, & Running During Perimenopause
Monday, April 29, 2024 • Duration 01:17:36
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page HERE
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.
Want to leave Troy some feedback, recommend a guest, or make a suggestion? LINK HERE
"If I say, okay, I'm not going to take on this race because I'm just going to wait for this to stop. I don't know when it's going to stop. So there's no point."
In this episode Troy Meadows talks with Jen Laughlin.
Jen is a mom, marketer, trail runner, and social media manager for Aravaipa and Squirrel's Nut Butter. She shares her journey into trail running and ultra distances, as well as her passion for engaging with the trail running community. Jen's work with social media started with Dirtbag Runners and Squirrel's Nut Butter, where she offered her services for free. She later joined Aravaipa and Run Steep Get High as a social media manager. Jen's enthusiasm and genuine support for others have made her a valuable asset to these brands. Jen discusses her experience as a mother and how she balances parenting with her running goals. She shares that while she is a competitive person by nature, she prioritizes being present for her children and doesn't focus on achieving top race times. Jen also opens up about her physical challenges due to perimenopause, including weight gain, sleep issues, and pain. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to continue running and participating in races. In this final part of the conversation, Jen and Troy discuss the challenges of menopause and how it affects running. They talk about the importance of giving oneself grace during this time and the need for more research on hormone replacement therapy. Jen shares how her running has changed and how she has embraced a slower pace. They also discuss their favorite craft beers and trails in the Phoenix area.
Kelly also talks about the Do Epic Shit Awards, an initiative she started to celebrate individuals making a positive impact in the outdoor community. Additionally, she highlights her work with UNEP, where she collaborates on projects that bring awareness to environmental issues. The conversation provides actionable advice for both elite athletes and everyday individuals looking to create a fulfilling life.
running, trail running, RAD, Real Athlete Diets, culinary arts, life design, intentionality, contract negotiations, value proposition, athlete contracts, negotiation, worth, market, Do Epic Shit Awards, outdoor community, UNEP, environmental issues
In this episode, the hosts continue their discussion about the film 'Unbreakable' and the impact it had on the trail running community. They focus on the experiences and stories of the four main athletes featured in the film: Anton Krupicka, Geoff Roes, Hal Koerner, and Kilian Jornet. They discuss how these athletes influenced the sport and share their own personal interactions with them. They also analyze Killian Jornet's race at the 2010 Western States and the mistakes he made, such as not carrying water and taking too much time at aid stations. They focus on the early experiences and inspirations of the participants in the sport of trail running. It covers topics such as the first time they saw the movie 'Unbreakable', their introduction to Western States, the Montreal Ultra Cup team, and the influence of Scott Jurek.
The conversation also touches on the legacy of David Horton, the impact of Jen Shelton, and the unique character of Ricky Gates. Unbreakable is a trail running film that had a significant impact on the sport. It captured a moment in time and showcased the legends of the sport, including Jeff Rose, Anton Krupicka, Hal Koerner, and Kilian Jornet. The film inspired a new generation of athletes and filmmakers, legitimizing the sport and paving the way for more emotional and documentary-style films. Unbreakable also played a role in the growth of trail running, with the 2021 Western States lottery having over 10,000 participants. The film remains a timeless piece of trail running history.
The conversation covers various aspects of the 2010 Western States race, Hal’s injury, race experiences, the impact of the race on participants, the perfect storm that was Anton, Geoff, Hal, and Kilian coming to the start line in 2010, and the enduring legacy of the event. It also delves into the themes of community, support, and the joy of trail running. The conversation highlights the significance of the race and its impact on the sport of ultrarunning.
Western States 100, ultra running, Unbreakable movie, race coverage, Montreal race team, ultra running gear, media influence, race strategies, Western States, ultrarunning, ultra running, injury, race experience, community, support, legacy, trail running, endurance, impact, joy
JB pursued film studies at USC, where he honed his technical skills and story structure knowledge. His early career included roles at Spyglass Entertainment and Warner Brothers, providing valuable experience in script development and video editing. A transformative hiking expedition on the Pacific Crest Trail introduced him to ultra running, leading to his first ultra marathon, the Ridgecrest 50k. This dual passion for adventure sports and filmmaking culminated in the creation of Journey Film. His first major project, "The Runner," documented David Horton's speed record attempt on the Pacific Crest Trail and found success within the ultra running community, supported by sponsors like Montrail. Subsequent projects, including filming Dean Karnass's "50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days" for The North Face, further established JB's reputation for authentically capturing the spirit of ultra running.
We then dive into Unbreakable, how it came to life, the pitfalls and challenges of creating the film and the impact that it has had on the sport. JB shared some rather amazing insights into how the film was made in a time where Go Pos with built in gimbals and 4k video on Iphones was non-existent.
We round out the convo talking about the decision and the impact of putting Unbreakable up on Youtube free of charge for the newest generation of trial and ultrarunner to experience.
Dylan Bowman, Freetrail, professional athlete, entrepreneur, trail running, family, media, events, community, Gorge Waterfalls, Big Alta, running, fatherhood, balance, professional athlete, business, coaching, training, race, Western States, broadcast
Bethany also mentions her upcoming trips to Iceland, Colorado, Yellowstone, and Kilimanjaro. She highlights the value of her safety course, Solo Summit's Blueprint, and the comprehensive training and information it provides.
Bethany emphasizes the camaraderie and support of the trail running community and the joy of sharing experiences with fellow runners.
In this conversation, Bethany and Troy discuss their love for coffee and the importance of strength training for runners. They share their favorite coffee beans and brewing methods, as well as the benefits of strength training for endurance athletes.
Bethany emphasizes the need for proper fueling and protein intake, while highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong base fitness level.
If you are enjoying the content, please consider supporting our sponsors using the links below.
Sponsor Links:
Run Trail Life - Run Trail Life Brings you casual apparel that lets you show off your love of trail running and ultrarunning while giving back to ensure that everyone has access to the beauty of nature for generations to come. With each item purchased, we donate $1 to Runners for Public Lands.
Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase.
Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.
Freetrail - Bring Trail Culture with you everywhere you go and join an amazing community of extraordinary trail runners. Freetrail Pro membership is just $96 a year, giving you access to the Freetrail Slack community, training plans, weekly office hours, and so much more.
Jen Laughlin, marketer, trail runner, social media manager, AeroVipa, Squirrel's Nut Butter, Dirtbag Runners, Run Steep Get High, engagement, community, motherhood, parenting, balancing responsibilities, running, competitive mindset, perimenopause, physical challenges, menopause, challenges, running, grace, hormone replacement therapy, slower pace, craft beer, Phoenix area
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