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 Ahrens)—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.

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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
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• 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!

Have you ever heard a runner drop out of a race and say, "It just wasn't my day"?

Well, Meghan Canfield—known to the trail world as The Queen—has something to say about that. She argues, "Of course it's your day! It's certainly not anyone else's."

In this episode, Meghan joins us to explore what that really means. Inspired by her recent article in UltraRunning Magazine titled "Adventure of Life," Meghan shares how every long run, race, or adventure mirrors the journey of life itself. Things rarely go exactly as planned—both on the trail and off it—but those unexpected detours aren't signs to quit. They're opportunities to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward.

Meghan shows us how to:

• Reframe setbacks as chances for growth
• Trade frustration for curiosity when things go sideways.
• See each run—and each day—as an adventure full of surprises, struggles, and joy.

She also opens up about the lessons she's learned from her own mistakes and offers practical tips to help you push through those tough miles—on the trail and in life.

Every day brings a new story. Meghan Canfield is here to remind us to run it with purpose, curiosity, and heart.

Find out more about Meghan and hire her or some of her friends as a coach at Zenith Coaches.

Episode Sponsors

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