The Trail Life Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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"