The Trail Life Podcast

The Trail Life Podcast

by Jeff Stoner
FitnessRunning
Season 7
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Chasing Dreams and Setting Records (w. Brittany Peterson)
In this episode, we sit down with Brittany, an elite ultra runner and coach with Peak Run Performance. Brittany shares her journey from discovering running in high school to becoming a notable figure in the ultra running community. She discusses her experiences with different races, her love for trail running, and the challenges she faced including severe injuries that led to hip surgeries and an ankle fracture. Brittany reflects on her comeback and the mental resilience required to overcome setbacks. She also touches on her coaching philosophy, the importance of strength training, and her goals for the future, including her aspirations to compete in unique international races. This inspirational story highlights Brittany's dedication, resilience, and passion for running and coaching. @runhappyb Peak Run Performance | Professional Online Running and Nutrition Coaching
S7 · E124
May 15, 2025
56:13
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Reborn on the Run (w/ Catra Corbett)
In this Episode, Izzy B talk to Catra Corbett (Dirt Diva), an experienced trail and ultra-runner who shares her journey into trail running and ultra marathons. Catra recounts how she began running after getting sober and rapidly progressed from a 10K to marathons, trail races, and eventually ultra distances. She highlights her first experiences with 50K, 50-mile, and 100-mile races, and delves into her passion for solo mountain projects and FKTs (fastest known times). Catra also discusses her numerous accomplishments in 200 and 300-mile races such as the Badwater 135, Tahoe 200, and other endurance challenges. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating sleep and proper nutrition in ultra races, citing specific vegan food choices that keep her fueled. Moreover, the she shares her training regimen, which includes regular gym workouts, plyometrics, and running high-mileage weeks. Lastly, she introduces her adorable trail running dachshunds and talks about their contributions to her adventures. The runner closes with words of wisdom, urging listeners to act now on their dreams and not to wait for the future. Instagram: @dirtdiva333 Book: Reborn on the Run: My Journey from Addiction to Ultramarathons
S7 · E123
May 1, 2025
1:05:19
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Miles and Memories (A trail photographer's journey w/ Jesse Ellis)
In this episode, we welcome Jesse Ellis, an accomplished ultra runner and professional photographer. We delve into his journey from running school track and cross-country to becoming a key figure in the ultrarunning community. Jesse shares how he got into trail running, his experiences running and photographing races like Western States and Broken Arrow, and how he balanced his passion for running with building a successful photography business. We explore his transition from photographing weddings to capturing iconic shots of ultra runners, his commitment to portraying every runner's story, and his future aspirations in live streaming races. Jesse also discusses the importance of family, the dynamics of managing his growing team, and his plans for personal fitness and race goals. Instagram: @trailwhisperer
S7 · E122
Apr 15, 2025
54:49
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Building Community Through Running (w/Priscilla Rojas)
In this episode, Priscilla shares her journey from casual jogger to passionate runner and co-founder of the Santa Mujeres Running Club. She recounts her memorable experiences, such as meeting her host during a Tailwind photo shoot and taking on various challenging races like the Triple Crown and the Broken Arrow Sky Race. Priscilla discusses how her love for running evolved into trail and mountain running, her involvement with various ambassador programs, and her dedication to creating a supportive community for women runners of all paces and backgrounds. She highlights the mission and goals of her running club, the importance of community support, and her future ambitions in both personal and club-related endeavors. instagram: @santamujeresrc
S7 · E121
Apr 1, 2025
33:59
Ultrabuds Unleashed: Warrior on the Trails (w/ Chris Raup)
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
S7 · E120
Mar 15, 2025
48:27
Ultrabuds Unleashed: The People's Runner- Kevin Goldberg
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
S7 · E119
Mar 1, 2025
42:10
Season 6
SWCHBAK Chronicles: Alyssa Clark and the SD 100
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
S6 · E118
Aug 12, 2024
51:27
SWCHBAK Chronicles: Death March Running Company
Explicit
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
S6 · E117
Jun 10, 2024
58:25
SWCHBAK Chronicles: Sarah Tomal
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
S6 · E116
Jun 3, 2024
36:12
SwchBak Chronicles: The Journey of the San Diego Trail Runners
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.
S6 · E115
May 27, 2024
41:04
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