In this episode of the SWCHBAK Chronicles, host Michelle is joined by special guest co-host Isabella Janovick and guest Alyssa Clark, an accomplished endurance athlete. They discuss Alyssa's various achievements, including her first-place finish in the SD100, her love for heat over cold weather, and her experiences training and competing in ultra-endurance events. Alyssa also shares insights into her beginnings in endurance sports, her inspirations, and the physical and mental challenges of completing 200-mile races. The episode provides tips for heat management during races and explores the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), encouraging more women to participate.

00:00 Introduction to the Trail Life Podcast

00:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Alyssa Clark

02:16 Alyssa's Experience at SD 100

03:21 Heat Training Tips and Techniques

08:35 Upcoming Races and Training Plans

13:26 The Role of Treadmills in Training

19:41 Alyssa's Journey into Endurance Sports

26:00 Meeting Callie Vinson and Race Stories

26:19 Training and Attempting 200-Mile Races

27:41 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Ultra Running

30:15 Crew and Pacer Experiences

35:40 The Impact of Ultra Running on the Body

40:54 Encouraging Women to Set FKTs

46:30 Pet Stories and Wrapping Up

In our final special of the SWCHBAK Chronicles limited series, Michelle Johnson is joined by Cody Taylor and Alan from Death March Running Company. Based out of Colorado, they share their humorous and inspiring journey into the world of ultra-running. The conversation covers the origins of Death March Running, their experiences pacing and crewing, and the significance of community in the sport. The episode also highlights Michelle's recent venture, Switchback Collective, a shop featuring women-owned brands. With stories of races, training, and the inevitable hardships, this episode celebrates the spirit and camaraderie of the ultra-running community.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:39 Matcha Addiction and Coffee Shop Woes

02:53 Introducing Cody and Alan from Death March Running Company

04:14 Switchback and Death March Collaboration

05:37 The Importance of Quality and Small Business Values

07:53 Trail Running Community and Partnerships

12:28 The Birth of Ultra Running Passion

16:43 The Magic and Misery of Pacing

27:15 Getting into Ultra Running

28:07 The Birth of Death March Running Company

31:01 Creating Unique Running Gear

32:22 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Business

37:33 The Running Event Experience

41:06 Switchback Collective: A Women-Owned Business

47:32 Balancing Business and Running

55:59 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

1300 day run streaks, 70 marathons in 70 days... in this episode I sit down with Kevin Hopp to hear his story of trail running inspiration

In this episode of our gear series chat, I search for the answers to finding the best insole for your foot and shoe needs. Luckily i found the right person to talk with in Matt Levine

In this episode Jim O'Hara and I discuss the benefits of downhill vs uphill running, and the differences in training practices

I sit down with the Owners of Blue Rub Skincare Products to talk about the differences in Chaffing Products, and what to look for when selecting what's best for you

I sit down with Jim Sepulveda about his crazy elevation gain during the Endurance Race Series' Ascend to 2021 Elevation Challenge this past December

In our gear chat series i sit down with industry professionals and experts to find out about all the gear trail runners should know about.

I sit down with Race Announcer, Fitz Koehler to talk the world of race announcing and her new book, "My Noisy Cancer Comeback"

I sit down with Johnny Rodriguez to talk strategy of being a race pacer during an ultra race, and the do's and don'ts crew teams should know when supporting their runner

I sit down with Kimo Burliegh of the Backside Burly Run down in Maui. He hosts the best underground run on the island, featuring is a mix of epic scenery, and island adventure. We talk stories of the run, and why the event was started

I sit down with Nancy Hobbs of the American Trail Running Association and talk what it means to be a trail runner and the top 10 things all trail runners should know

I sit down with my Coach, Melanie Wilkerson. She drops some motivational knowledge to get you prepared for your next event or life challenge. Get your glass ready because she is bringing the J.U.I.C.E!

I sit down with Hector Rodriguez to talk the Moab 240 Endurance Run and how his "Pain Cave" helped him overcome one of ultra running hardest events

I sit down with San Diego's Dog Runner Expert, and discuss the mental and physical benefits of regular dog activity.

Ultra Izzy B joins me in studio to spit some trail knowledge on training and recovery

I sit down with Julie Neisch of Aravipa Running and David Janowiec of Recess Factory to continue our discuss on planning for events and what aid stations may look like

I sit down in a round table discussion with other race directors, to talk about what they are doing to do change the way their races will look and function during the ever changing Covid situation. Part 1- Start Lines, Packet Pickup, and Food/ Beer tents

In Episode 2 I talk with David and Megan Roche, former USA mountain race team members, National Trail Running Champions, authors and owners of SWAP running. We discuss trail race experience and training philosophies.

In our 1st episode we talk Trail running tips, running on beautiful Catalina Island, and how Collagen Protein helps with your recovery and training.

Music Intro/Outro by Poor Dirty Astronauts, lyrics by Matt Meyer

I am joined by 2023 Cocodona 250 Women's Champion... Sarah Ostaszewski. She talks her journey into trail running, and how it led to her victory at this year's Cocodona=-0987` event. She recaps her race, and some of the stories along the way. Please enjoy... Welcome to the Trail Life, Sarah Ostaszewski.

follow on Instagram @sarahostaszewski

In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:20 DMV Experience

02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal

03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins

05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing

08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running

14:20 Facing a Major Setback

18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment

20:00 The Journey of Recovery

23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running

23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race

27:29 The Ultra Running Community

32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running

35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• shopwordsfromthewild.square.site
• Audio to https://www.amazon.com/shop/anishhikes?listId=10OKZCZRZZSRI
• Ebook to https://www.amazon.com/shop/anishhikes?listId=OL804U68LGPT

In this episode or our "Local Series" I am joined by Colorado runner Tate Behning to talk about his trail journey, favorite running spots, growing up in small town Iowa, and how he got out to the Colorado Front Range.

In this episode i am join by an old friend and one of the original guests to the Trail Life podcast. Sean Lake sits down to catch up and talk running but also how Collegan protein can benefit the trail runner for not only recovery but also training.

Follow Bubs Natruals on social media @bubsnaturals

bubsnaturals.com

TRAIL LIFE DISCOUNT CODE: ERS20

I am joined once again by Ben Light and Mike Mcknight to recap their AZT 800 Challenge. They share the stories, their struggles, and what they learned out on the Arizona Trail.

@thelowcarbrunner

@adventure.your.potential

I am joined this week by San Diego local favorite Lori Engle (Hillzilla). She talks about her journey into trail running, her favorite (and sometimes secret) trail running spots.

Welcome to the Trail Life... Lori Engle

@frexybetty

Next up on our local series is Cy Foster. Cy joins me in this Holiday episode to talk about his journey into trail running and what the sport means to him. welcome to the trail life... Cy Foster

@belike_cy (instagram)

In our new "local" series we will be talking to trail runners in the Colorado or San Diego areas, to get insight on the local trail scenes and stories to where the Endurance Race Series and Host Jeff Stoner is based.

In today's episode i am joined by the Kiled Runner Randy Hinman. He talks Colorado front range trails, and his journey into trail running and his first 50K finish. please enjoy! welcome to the trail life... Randy Hinman

@randykiltedrunner

In this episode I am join by Ultra Athlete Kristian "Capt" Morgan to talk about his Appalachian Trail completion in 44 days, 4 hours, 54 minutes. Making him the 2nd fastest person to ever complete this feat.

We discuss his journey into trail running and his preparation to take on this adventure.

To find out more about Kristian as an Ultra Runner or Ultra Running Coach please visit Ultrarunning Coach (kristianultra.com) or follow him on social media @ultrarunningcoach

Or... Mr. Snacks at the Moab 240! I am joined by Kyle and Ultra Izzy-B Janovick to talk about the Moab 240 from both a runner and a crew perspective. Kyle is a non-runner/soccer player who brings a fresh outsider's perspective to the world of 200-mile ultra races, while Izzy-B brings shares her journey throughout the 240.

Welcome to the Trail Life.... Isabella and Kyle Janovick

follow them on social media

@ultra_izzyb

@snacks_75

I am joined in this episode by Phillip Lowry. He is a Cyber Security Lawyer with a long-distance Ultra problem. He began ultra-running back in 1994 and just completed his 3rd Triple Crown in 2022. Plenty of ultra-stories in between.

Welcome to the Trail Life... Phil Lowry.

@philliplowry

In our new limited series: The SwchBak Chronicles, Michelle Johnson steps in for usual host Jeff Stoner to talk with Daniel Smith and Eric Spin, key figures from the San Diego Trail Runners group.

The conversation explores their personal journeys into running, with Eric sharing how he transitioned from smoking and junk food to running marathons, and Daniel talking about his background in boxing and coaching kids' sports. The duo discusses how the San Diego Trail Runners came to be, emphasizing their ethos of 'No Runner Left Behind'. Eric and Daniel highlight the importance of community support in trail running and share humorous anecdotes about their running experiences and motivations. They also offer valuable advice for newcomers to trail running and reflect on how trail running has impacted their lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting into the sport, this episode provides an inspiring look at what it means to be part of a running community.

Thank you for listening. this is our Season 5 premiere episode, and we are talking dog safety on the trails. More specifically Heat Stroke and Snake Bites.

I am joined by Dr Stefanie Owczarczak (Dr. O), an emergency veterinarian. She talks signs and symptoms of heat stroke and snake bites, and what runners should know as this happens out on the trail.

Thank you for listening everyone, we all enjoy taking our furry friends on runs and walks, but please be safe out there and know the signs.

Sit back and relax or get pumped up and ready to run! I am joined by Firefighter, smoke diver, and ultra runner Julian Serrano. He brings the heat on the Leadville 100 race while dropping some motivational wisdom at the same time.... welcome to the Trail Life

Julian Serrano

@thejulianserrano

I am joined by Ben Light and Mike McKnight to discuss their AZT800 Project happening in Oct 2022. They share their strategies on directions, terrain, wildlife and much more as they compete with each other heading in opposite directions on the trail while raising money for charity and attempting to break the record for fastest known time.

Follow the AZT800 Project by tracking them at greatwesternadventures.com

Ben Light charity of choice: Bigger Than the Trail

Mike McKnight charity of choice: RODS Heroes

Follow Ben Light: @adventure.your.potential

Follow Mike McKnight: @thelowcarbrunner

I am joined by friends of the podcast Hector Rodriguez and Justin True to talk about their journey and experiences of the Mighty Gallatin 350 in Montana. Please enjoy this candid conversation from these 2 legends. Welcome back to the trail life... Justin True and Hector Rodriguez

I am joined once again by the King of the FKT, Jason Hardrath. We discuss how his Summer went and his Epic 2 for 1 FKT attempt. He talks injury, perseverance, trail running, rock climbing, and even cycling.

Welcome back to the Trail Life... Jason Hardrath

@jasonhardrath

I am joined by new FKT holder for the Sierra Peaks Sections List, Travis Soares. We discuss his 117-day adventure covering 247 peaks, and 729,000' of gain. He discusses his prep work, and how he got into through hiking and rock climbing

During this attempt Travis was raising awareness and money for the Bishop Paiute Tribe Food Sovereignty Program, which works to increase access to and awareness of healthy, traditional and environmentally responsible community grown food that acknowledges, preserves, and strengthens existing community food systems and tribal sovereignty.

Follow Trais on Instagram @travis.soares

I am joined by ultrarunner, coach, and ultra-adventurist, Ben Light. We discuss his journey into trail running, race experiences, and past and future ultra "projects" including his upcoming AZT800 with Mike McKnight

follow Ben @adventure.your.potential

I am joined by Sport Nutritionist/Dietitian Gaby Villa. We discuss the overall or general things a trail runner should know about nutrition and training/race day. The conversation is a practical angle to make it easy for the trail runner. if you have questions for Gaby or want to learn more visit her website or Instagram (details below)

@intenseatfit

https://intenseatfit.scoreapp.com