
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
The Midpacker Podcast follows middle and back of the pack trail runners and ultra runners at the heart of the trail running community. Join host Troy Meadows as he talks through what it takes to balance life and running with everyday runners doing extraordinary things on and off the trails.
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The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER "Running is such an individual endeavor, but it is absolutely a community sport."Sara Duncan didn't take the traditional path into running. She wasn't a standout athlete growing up and could barely run a mile when she joined her first run club in her twenties. Fast forward a decade and Sara is a trail runner, community builder, volunteer, and newly minted Hellbender 100 finisher.In this episode, Sara shares how a canceled 30th birthday party during the pandemic turned into a 30-mile challenge that launched her ultra running journey. From her first half marathon to running the Cruel Jewel 50 as a qualifier, Sara's story is one of persistence, curiosity, and embracing the unknown.The conversation dives deep into her first 100-mile experience at Hellbender, where a perfect race quickly turned into a masterclass in problem-solving. Foot pain, blisters, shoe issues, and an unexpected reaction to wool socks tested her resolve, but quitting was never on the table. Sara talks openly about leaning on her crew, pacers, volunteers, and the larger trail running community to make it to the finish line.The episode also explores Sara's passion for community building through SNARC (Sylva and Neighboring Area Run Club), her one-for-one commitment to volunteering for every race she runs, and a fundraising effort supporting Vecinos, an organization serving farm workers and underserved communities in Western North Carolina.In This EpisodeGoing from non-runner to ultramarathonerThe Yeti 30-for-30 challenge that changed everythingRunning Cruel Jewel 50 to qualify for HellbenderBuilding SNARC from the ground upWhy welcoming new runners mattersLessons learned from a difficult first 100 milerThe importance of crew, pacers, and volunteersSupporting Vecinos through Hellbender fundraisingSara's Dirtbag Spinster SubstackKey TakeawaySometimes success isn't about having the perfect race. Sometimes success is simply refusing to stop moving forward.Sara’s Links IG: @dirtbagspinsterSubStack: https://substack.com/@dirtbagspinsterRelevant LinksHellbender 100 – https://www.hellbender100.comCruel Jewel 50 – https://dumassevents.com/cruel-jewel-50Trail Sisters – https://trailsisters.netVecinos Farmworker Health Program – https://vecinos.orgRaritan Valley Road Runners – https://w
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest“Through endurance we conquer.”In this special MidPacker Pod episode, returning guest Julio Palma flips the script and puts Troy Meadows in the hot seat to unpack Troy’s recent finish at the Hellbender 100. What unfolds is an honest and vulnerable conversation about setbacks, growth, mental toughness, and what it really means to keep showing up when things get hard.Troy opens up about his running journey—from growing up around endurance sports, to rediscovering running after losing both his mother and his dog in the same week, to eventually falling in love with trail and ultra running after reading Born to Run. The conversation also dives deep into Troy’s first 100-mile DNF at Dark Divide and how that experience forced him to reevaluate his mindset, priorities, and relationship with chasing qualifiers for races like Western States and Hardrock.The heart of the episode centers around Hellbender 100, one of the toughest races on the East Coast. Troy shares how this training block was the strongest of his life, the nutrition struggles and sleep deprivation he battled during the race, and how support from family, friends, and the trail community helped carry him through the darkest moments of the night.Some key themes from the episode include:Using running as a tool for resilience and mental healthLearning from failure and difficult race experiencesThe balance between chasing qualifiers and enjoying the sportTraining consistency, durability, and strength workManaging low moments during ultras and continuing forwardThe importance of community in trail runningThis one is raw, relatable, and full of those classic MidPacker moments where everyday runners chase extraordinary goals.Relevant LinksHellbender 100Run828 FoundationLaurel Highlands UltraHellbender Participant GuideHellbender Course InfoLaurel Highlands Hiking TrailPartner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comAll Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief<p
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS - Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“Life is fragile…shit can change in a second.”In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with longtime friend and community staple Matt Van Dalsem (MVD) for a conversation that feels more like catching up over beers than a formal interview. From early days as a basketball player who saw running as punishment, to becoming a dedicated trail runner immersed in the sport’s culture, Matt’s journey is anything but traditional.What stands out most is how Matt found his way into ultras later in life; through curiosity, community, and proximity to the iconic Bay Area trails like Tilden Park. His first true ultra, the Dick Collins 50 miler, marked the start of a deeper connection to the sport. From there, experiences like the Canyons 100K and involvement with FreeTrail and Trailing Indicators helped shape his identity as a true midpacker balancing life, family, and big goals.But this episode goes deeper than race results. Matt shares a powerful and emotional story about loss in his family and how it reshaped his perspective on running, and life. It’s a raw reminder that while we chase big goals, life can shift in an instant.Key Takeaways:Running doesn’t need to start early to become meaningfulCommunity is often the glue that keeps us in the sportTaking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essentialLife is fragile…be present and appreciate the momentRelevant LinksWestern States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.orgCanyons Endurance Runs: https://canyons.utmb.worldTahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs: https://trter.com/Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.comPartner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order<a href
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“The $hittiest mile in a hundred miler would still probably be better than the mile I could run at 85.”This week on the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with Ryan Thrower for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations the show has had in a while. Ryan opens up about his journey from bartending in Indianapolis and living out of his car while exploring the American West… to becoming one of the key creative voices behind Freetrail and modern trail running media.The conversation dives deep into curiosity, creativity, and learning to say yes to opportunity before you feel ready. Ryan shares stories about discovering trail running through Born to Run and Eat and Run, volunteering at Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run, and eventually building a life around storytelling, mountains, music, and community.The two also unpack Ryan’s unique approach to ultrarunning—especially his love for “step-for-step” adventures with friends at races like the Swiss Alps 100 and upcoming adventures filming Courtney Dauwalter at Cocodona 250 and running the Mammoth.But the heart of this episode centers around a bigger topic: the fragility of life. Ryan reflects on gratitude, staying present, creative burnout, and why even the hardest miles are gifts when viewed through the right lens.Topics DiscussedBuilding a creative career in trail running mediaMusic, photography, and storytellingFreetrail, TrailCon, and race-week chaosStep-for-step ultrarunning adventuresThe power of curiosity and learning in publicGratitude and the fragility of lifeMammoth training and redefining “moseying”Ryan’s LinksIG: @ryanthrower@freetrailRelevant LinksFreetrailCocodona 250Western States Endurance RunThe Freetrail Podcast with Dylan BowmanFreetrail YouTube ChannelPartner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your fir
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Training doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective.”In episode 03 of Field Notes, Troy is three weeks out from the Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run and things are getting real. From navigating travel during peak training to dialing in the final details, this one is packed with honest reflections, lessons learned, and that pre-race energy we all know so well.Episode HighlightsTraining on the Road (Baltimore Trip):Adjusted long run midweek to make space for a family weddingLogged fast, flat miles around the Inner Harbor, a rare shift from mountain trainingKey lesson: consistency beats perfection when life shows upTraining Camp Wins:~80 miles, ~18 hours, ~17K+ feet of vertFirst time using a pole quiver, a game changer for efficiency on rolling terrainDialed nutrition with Hyperlite, real food like crepes and cookies, and added protein strategyTested gear like the Tantrum Crest 6 vest under full race loadRecovery & Durability:Stayed consistent with strength training, even after big effortsIntegrated PlayOn Relief for post-run recovery and inflammation managementEmphasis on long-term consistency paying offHeat Acclimation Strategy:Hot water immersion protocol with a 10-day buildFocus on increasing plasma volume, sweat rate, and heat tolerance“It sucks… but it works.”Race Planning Mode:Using Time on Trails to map pacing, aid stations, and nutritionCrew and drop bag strategy coming togetherRealistic goal is around a 26 to 27 hour finishAthlete Shout-OutSamantha crushes her first 100K at the New River 100K, a huge milestone and proof that trusting the process pays offMotivational TakeawaysAdapt your training, do not abandon itConsistency over time builds real durabilityPractice everything before race day, nothing new on race dayThe work is done, now it is time to executeTroy’s LinksIG: @troyontherunPersonal Site: Troyontherun.comCoaching Page: Troy’s Ultra Coaching PageRelevant LinksHellbender 100 Mile Endurance RunTime on Trails</
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS - Use Code MIDPACK When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“What do I want to be today and what do I want to be when I’m 90?”In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Jordan Battaglia, a former college football player turned entrepreneur, coach, and co-founder of PlayOn Relief. What starts as a conversation about pain relief quickly turns into a deeper dive into performance, durability, and what it really means to train for the long game.Guest Spotlight: Born and raised in San Diego, Jordan grew up immersed in sports and eventually played college football at Pomona College.Initially on the path to law school, his journey shifted after a family business setback and a pivotal back injury during his final football season.That injury led to the creation of PlayOn Relief, a natural, long-lasting pain relief solution built from his family’s original pharmaceutical technology.Now a coach with nearly a decade of experience, Jordan focuses on helping athletes build strength, improve mobility, and stay active for life.Key Takeaways:Solve your own problems first. Great ideas often come from real needLongevity matters more than short-term gains. Train for who you want to be at 90Consistency beats intensity when it comes to strength and mobilitySmall habits, even 5 to 10 minutes a day, can lead to big performance gainsKey Topics CoveredThe origin story of PlayOn Relief and its delivery systemWhy most pain relief products fall shortStrength training for ultra runners and why it mattersMobility as a missing link in endurance performanceSimple exercises to improve joint health and durabilityJordan’s Links: IG: @jordanbattagPlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comIG: @playonreliefRelevant Linkshttps://playonrelief.com/pages/aboutushttps://playonrelief.com/pages/the-sciencePartner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks A training app as versatile as you. Start your free tria
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“More is not always better for everybody.”This episode came together thanks to one of our awesome partners, Vacation Races, who connected Troy and Stevie to dive into all things fueling for ultras—and it turned into a seriously valuable conversation.Stevie Smith’s journey is rooted in curiosity…from a former lacrosse goalie who couldn’t run a quarter mile to completing marathons, multiple Ironmans, and even 10K open water swims. Her path wasn’t linear, but that willingness to explore and adapt is exactly what shaped her into the athlete—and coach—she is today.Now a registered sports dietitian and business owner, Stevie helps endurance athletes fuel smarter and perform better. She shares her transition from clinical nutrition to launching her own business, embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, and building a career around helping others thrive.The conversation goes deep on ultra fueling, why more carbs isn’t always better, how to find your personal “sweet spot,” and why logistics can make or break your race. From real food options like potatoes and pierogies to hydration, sodium, and gut training, Stevie keeps it real and practical for everyday runners.Key Takeaways:Curiosity can spark major transformationCross-training builds durability and longevityFueling is personal—there’s no universal formulaLogistics are just as important as the planBuilding a business takes risk, patience, and persistenceStevie’s LinksIG: @stevielynlynWebsite: https://stevielynrd.comPartner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining PeaksA training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerUse MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium SubscriptionVacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.comEpic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest<a href="https://wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills?utm_source=LongRunLabs&utm_me
#113 Dr Jeff Hammond | Cocodona Dreams, Foot Health, Plantar Fasciitis, Injury Lessons, & Chasing Big Goals The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStack Support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon. Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods. Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching Page STOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT WAHOO FITNESS - Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount. “We’re not putting you in textbook normal, we’re putting you in your normal.” In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Jeff Hammond, owner and head doctor at Hammond Foot & Ankle, returns to the show with a whole new perspective. What started as crewing at Cocodona has turned into a full dive into trail running, with Jeff now preparing to toe the line at the Cocodona 250 himself. Jeff shares what it’s like to balance life as a medical professional and an everyday runner chasing big goals. From building his training with coach Alyssa Clark to navigating injury scares and dialing in race logistics, his journey is one many mid-packers will recognize. Jeff’s Links IG: @jeff.r.hammond @hammondfootandankle Website https://hammondfootandankle.com/ Athlete Spotlight Jeff went from trail running “newbie” to training for a 250-mile race in under a year Finished top 10 in his first 50K while just “having fun” and learning the sport Attempted a 100-miler that didn’t go to plan, reminding listeners that setbacks are part of the process Now deep in Cocodona prep with structured coaching, detailed planning, and full crew support Takeaways: You don’t need to be elite to chase big goals Progress isn’t linear, and failures often fuel growth Consistency and patience beat chasing big mileage Key Topics & Takeaways Why taper injuries happen and why you shouldn’t panic The importance of stretching, especially calves, for foot health Plantar fasciitis explained in simple terms Why runners shouldn’t always run through pain Staying active during injury using bike, swim, or elliptical Finding practitioners who understand endurance athletes Partner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order Training Peaks A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription Vacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US. Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside. It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined. Run Your Way Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount. Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use MIDPACKERPOD to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's. Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Jeff Hammond, Cocodona 250, trail running, plantar fasciitis, ultrarunning, injury prevention, endurance training, foot health, running injuries, taper, coaching, midpack runners
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The Midpacker Podcast follows middle and back of the pack trail runners and ultra runners at the heart of the trail running community. Join host Troy Meadows as he talks through what it takes to balance life and running with everyday runners doing extraordinary things on and off the trails.
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