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 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
In our new limited series: The SwchBak Chronicles, Michelle Johnson steps in for usual host Jeff Stoner to talk with Daniel Smith and Eric Spin, key figures from the San Diego Trail Runners group. The conversation explores their personal journeys into running, with Eric sharing how he transitioned from smoking and junk food to running marathons, and Daniel talking about his background in boxing and coaching kids' sports. The duo discusses how the San Diego Trail Runners came to be, emphasizing their ethos of 'No Runner Left Behind'. Eric and Daniel highlight the importance of community support in trail running and share humorous anecdotes about their running experiences and motivations. They also offer valuable advice for newcomers to trail running and reflect on how trail running has impacted their lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting into the sport, this episode provides an inspiring look at what it means to be part of a running community.
In the final episode of 2023, I am joined by Spring Energy Founders Rafal Nazarewicz and Adam Goleniewski but talk about how Spring Energy got its starts and how they created the flavor profiles. Thank you to Rafa and Adam for delivering a product that is widely loved and enjoyed by the trail running community. myspringenergy.com