In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked performance tools in ultrarunning: not running. Coach and elite ultrarunner Ian Sharman 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

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• Janji, use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
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In this episode, we talk with exercise scientist Dr. Nick Tiller, author of the Ultrarunning Magazine 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
• Columnist, Skeptical Inquirer, Ultra-Running Magazine
• Website: www.nbtiller.com

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
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• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

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.

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! And read his weekly article in the AJW's Taproom Or tune into the "Crack a Brew with AJW" podcast.

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 28

In this seventh installment of Aging as an Athlete series, Scott, Don, and Krissy sit down with elite ultrarunner and longtime coach Ian Sharman 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

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• NEW! MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 28

In this episode, we sit down with the new book Running Breakthroughs author Floris Gierman 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, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• NEW! MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they will be on sale for 24 hours during Black Friday, November 21

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this new episode of The Aging Athlete series, Krissy Moehl co-hosts as we sit down with Shawn Cheshire to talk about her journey through adversity as she is aging and how to adapt to life's circumstances, making her "obstacles the way".

Shawn Cheshire is a blind athlete who has achieved remarkable feats in biking and trail running. We walk through Shawn's journey of losing her sight, her transition to becoming a competitive athlete, and her record-setting adventure on the Wonderland Trail. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, training, and the power of communication in overcoming challenges. Shawn shares her insights on cohabitating with difficulties and the significance of movement in life, inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys regardless of age or obstacles.

In past Aging Athlete episodes, we've explored how to train smarter as we age, not harder—covering topics like

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• NEW! MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they are on sale!

In this "Point–Counterpoint" episode, we are joined by coaches from two teams—Sharman Ultra (Ian Sharman & Ellie Greenwood) and Giddy Up Ultra (Jeff Browning & Trish Arends)—to debate hot-button trail topics. They tackle gadgets vs. going by feel (most land on the fence, with Scott pledging a watch-free run), active recovery vs. full rest (consensus: gentle movement wins "if done well"), and competition/professionalization vs. community (community edges out, though competition drives innovation and visibility). A rapid-fire round on race fees concludes that higher prices can be worth it when safety, marking, and aid are rock solid, but swag bloat and accessibility are real concerns. Throughout, the value of a coach emerges as a recurring theme—helping athletes tailor decisions to personality, history, and goals.

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• NEW! MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they are on sale!

Dr. Phil Maffetone returns to revisit the MAF Method—training by low heart rate (≈180 minus age)—with Don sharing how it saved his a 100-mile race. Phil explains why most endurance performance is aerobic and how building that system (plus cleaning up diet) beats "no-pain-no-gain." The episode pivots to his new brain-health research: refined carbs and excess body fat can impair the brain, but the good news is the brain is highly resilient and improves quickly when you remove junk sugars and eat healthy fats. Practical takeaways include using a heart-rate monitor to measure progress, prioritizing diet alongside training, and adding brain-boosters like aerobic exercise, novelty/music, meditation, deep breathing, and even cold exposure. Phil shares daily habits (his "fat-burning coffee," eggs, veggies) and the famous Mark Allen story to show how speed rises at the same heart rate as fitness improves. Throughout, the crew keeps it playful—touching on music, comedy, and even AI—while reinforcing one theme: train smarter, feed your brain, and you'll run better.

• Here is the LINK to the Brain Training research paper we talked about.
• Here is the Human Error article
• Link to Dr. Phil's music

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• NEW! MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they are on sale!