Join us on the Hobby Jogger as we welcome Kim Roy as co-host, who just faced the rugged beauty of the Bloodroot Ultra in Vermont. But that's not all! We're joined by guest Marianna Grudziak, a Pennsylvania native gearing up for the prestigious Western States 100-mile ultra endurance race in California.

Hear about her strategic training runs and how she's adapted her routine and gear to match the trails of Western States. Marianna's story is packed with insights and inspiration, perfect for anyone looking to understand the world of ultra-running. Tune in for an episode filled with camaraderie, practical tips, and the relentless spirit of trail runners.

What drives a trail runner to conquer some of the most challenging terrains in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia? Join us as Brynn Cunningham, a celebrated trail runner with multiple fastest known times (FKTs) under her belt, reveals her journey from sprinter to long-distance ultra runner. With two victories at the Laurel Highlands 50K and an unrivaled love for the outdoors, Brynn shares her strategies for achieving and verifying FKTs, her encounters with the rugged landscapes of Ohiopyle, and her future aspirations, including the fabled "gate to eight" route on the Laurel Highlands trail.

Brynn's commitment extends beyond personal achievements—it's about giving back to the community and preserving the environment. She shares how she balances her active life with family and work. Her family's involvement in trail maintenance and river clean-ups underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship.

Ever wondered if there's a magical ingredient to boost your running? Amy joins us to dissect the complex world of nutritional supplements in sport. But it's not all about the powders and pills; we stress the importance of whole food protein sources and share personal stories on how we navigate the convenience versus quality divide in our own athletic diets.

This episode isn't just about what goes into your body, but how it affects your performance and psyche. From training your gut to handle different fuels to selecting the right snacks for the long haul, Amy shares her insights and personal experiences. This conversation is a must-listen for runners at any level looking to elevate their performance with a tailored, informed approach to nutrition and training.

Have you ever stood at the starting line of a goal so intimidating, it seemed to stretch out like an endless trail before you? That's where we find ultra-runner Caleb Bowen, our guest this week, as he shares his anticipation for the Western States Endurance Run, balancing the rigorous demands of his training with a full-time coaching career. Together with Ohio's trail master Jeremy Pope, we journey through the highs and lows of ultra-running, from the tactical to the personal.

As the conversation hits its stride, we delve into the nitty-gritty of race strategies and mental toughness needed to face Western States. From managing scorching heat to the nuances of nutrition, our runners open up about the meticulous preparation behind their hundred-mile pursuits. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or someone who's curious about the world of trail races, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to not just run, but excel, in the face of a daunting challenge.

Join us as we sit down with ultrarunning champion Jim Walmsley to recount his breathtaking victory in France's Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, his unique wedding anniversary that would make any Star Wars fan green with envy, and the scoop on Jim's strategic race kit evolutions to tackle grueling ultra marathon distances.

Wil Walmsley, friend of the show and twin brother to Jim, joins the conversation as co-host to explore the synergies between ultra-running, ski mountaineering, and cycling. And, because no May the 4th celebration would be complete without settling galactic scores, Jim weighs in on the epic Star Wars debate—did Han shoot first?

Set your pace with us as we embark on a lively exploration into Hoka's innovative running footwear, guided by the brand's own Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma rep, Carlos Del Pino. Carlos illuminates how Hoka's bold approach to reinvention continually adapts to the evolving demands of runners.

We touch on the concept of 'sexy pace'—a sweet spot in speed that's both injury-resistant and progress-friendly. From his witty dive into meme culture to an artistic side that includes comic book creation and music, @carlostherunner is more than a brand representative; he's an inspiration for everyone to keep up their own 'sexy pace' in all walks (and runs) of life.

Join the trail-running conversation as we take you on an adventure with Ryan Thrower, co-founder and creative mind behind Freetrail. Ryan sheds light on his partnership with Dylan Bowman, their efforts to elevate athletes in the sport, and the joy of crafting stories through video and audio that encapsulate the essence of trail running.

We talk with Ryan about his position on the Western States waitlist, and the anticipation of runners vying for a spot in this prestigious 100-mile race. Also delving into Ryan's passion for music, this episode is for anyone who's ever felt the pull of the trail or the beat of a heart-pumping playlist.

• Freetrail's Website
• Ryan Thrower's Website
• Trail Running Radio (A Ryan Thrower weekly podcast alongside Hannah Allgood about music and trail running)
• @ryanthrower on Instagram

In this episode, we sit down with the 14-time Boston Marathon qualifier, and author of Boston Bound, to unearth the tenacity and strategy behind her remarkable achievements. Elizabeth shares the importance of mental fortitude, some of the training regimens that have propelled her forward, and how she's turned her passion for writing into a tool for race preparation and reflection.

We also explore the delicate balance between nutrition and training, learning from Elizabeth's own journey and how she transformed her approach to fueling as a competitive athlete. Listeners will gain an understanding of why proper nutrition is essential across all training phases and the benefits of having a fueling strategy come race day.

Author of Boston Bound

elizabethclor.com
@elizabethclor