Welcome to the Trail Life Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of trail running. It's all about the journey and not always about the destination. We focus and explore the journey of trail running, both from the perspective of individuals who embrace the challenge and companies that support this vibrant community. Welcome to the Trail Life!!
In this episode of Ultra Buds Unleashed from the Trail Life podcast, guest host Izzy B interviews Chris Raup, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of the Warrior Trail Foundation. Chris shares his inspiring journey from discovering ultra running in his early 50s to completing some of the toughest 200-mile races. Chris discusses the mission of the Warrior Trail Foundation, which provides recreational therapy, coaching, and mental health services for veterans and their families. The conversation covers how trail running has been transformative for Chris and others dealing with PTSD, MST, and physical disabilities, offering a new sense of purpose and community. Chris also recounts the experience of supporting elite runner Jeff Browning’s FKT on the Colorado Trail as a fundraiser for the foundation and outlines upcoming events and ways people can support the cause. Instragram: @warriortrailfoundation Website: Warrior Trail Foundation 00:00 Introduction to Ultra Buds Unleashed 01:29 Chris Raupp's Journey into Ultra Running 08:46 The Birth of the Warrior Trail Foundation 15:48 Challenges and Growth of the Foundation 20:04 Jeff Browning's Colorado Trail FKT 25:42 Reflecting on an Unforgettable Week 26:08 Behind the Scenes: Social Media and Teamwork 26:46 Scott Jurek's Surprising Snack 27:47 The Power of Community Support 28:41 Announcing the Foundation's Mission 30:02 Expanding Coaching Programs 32:25 Challenges Faced by Veterans 34:52 The Wander Project Partnership 36:34 Upcoming Fundraising Events 43:45 Race Schedule and Veteran Participation 47:24 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In this episode of the Trail Life Podcast, 'Ultra Buds Unleashed,' with guest host Isabella Janovick, Isabella interviews Kevin Goldberg, an accomplished ultra runner and endurance coach. Kevin shares his journey from starting as a casual runner to tackling some of the toughest 200-plus mile races. He discusses his hip surgeries, his entry into the ultra running scene, and his experiences running races like the Tour de Gence and Cocodona 250. Kevin also talks about his work at Training Peaks, coaching athletes, and his podcast 'Distance to Empty,' which focuses on the 200-mile distance. This episode is filled with insights into ultra running, training tips, and an inspiring story of resilience and passion. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Trail Life Podcast 00:52 Introducing Ultra Buds Unleashed 02:23 Meet Kevin Goldberg: Ultra Runner and Endurance Coach 03:43 Kevin's Journey into Trail Running 04:58 The Challenge of 200-Mile Races 10:49 Experiencing the Tour de Gence 15:20 The People's Runner: Kevin's Cocodona Experience 18:10 Balancing a Career in the Running Industry 23:03 Balancing Coaching and Full-Time Work 23:38 Starting the Distance to Empty Podcast 24:27 Podcast Success and Community Impact 26:23 Training and Work-Life Balance 29:06 Big Races and Events for 2025 31:26 Pacing, Crewing, and Podcast Growth 34:37 Advice for New 200 Mile Runners 37:05 Favorite and Dream Races 40:08 Inspiring Hip Surgery Story
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
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