The Midpacker Podcast

Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • 4.0 (1)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Freetrail presents The Midpacker Podcast, which follows middle and back of the pack trail runners and ultra runners at the heart of the trail running community. Join host Troy Meadows weekly as he talks through what it takes to balance life and running with everyday runners doing extra ordinary things on and off the trails.

  1. #116 Ryan Thrower | Curiosity, Creativity, & The Fragility of Life

    APR 30

    #116 Ryan Thrower | Curiosity, Creativity, & The Fragility of Life

    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 “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 Discussed Building a creative career in trail running media Music, photography, and storytelling Freetrail, TrailCon, and race-week chaos Step-for-step ultrarunning adventures The power of curiosity and learning in public Gratitude and the fragility of life Mammoth training and redefining “moseying” Ryan’s Links IG: @ryanthrower @freetrail Relevant Links Freetrail Cocodona 250 Western States Endurance Run The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Freetrail YouTube Channel 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 KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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. Ryan Thrower, Freetrail, trail running, ultrarunning, Cocodona 250, Western States, Mammoth, storytelling, photography, music, creativity, gratitude, fragility of life, ultramarathon, trail culture, Dylan Bowman, community, endurance sports, trail media, curiosity

    1h 32m
  2. MidPacker Pod Field Notes – EP 03 | 3 Weeks to Hellbender: Training Around a Wedding, Leasons Form the Training Camp, & Troy's Heat Acclamation Protocol

    APR 23

    MidPacker Pod Field Notes – EP 03 | 3 Weeks to Hellbender: Training Around a Wedding, Leasons Form the Training Camp, & Troy's Heat Acclamation Protocol

    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 “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 Highlights Training on the Road (Baltimore Trip): Adjusted long run midweek to make space for a family wedding Logged fast, flat miles around the Inner Harbor, a rare shift from mountain training Key lesson: consistency beats perfection when life shows up Training Camp Wins: ~80 miles, ~18 hours, ~17K+ feet of vert First time using a pole quiver, a game changer for efficiency on rolling terrain Dialed nutrition with Hyperlite, real food like crepes and cookies, and added protein strategy Tested gear like the Tantrum Crest 6 vest under full race load Recovery & Durability: Stayed consistent with strength training, even after big efforts Integrated PlayOn Relief for post-run recovery and inflammation management Emphasis on long-term consistency paying off Heat Acclimation Strategy: Hot water immersion protocol with a 10-day build Focus 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 nutrition Crew and drop bag strategy coming together Realistic goal is around a 26 to 27 hour finish Athlete Shout-Out Samantha crushes her first 100K at the New River 100K, a huge milestone and proof that trusting the process pays off Motivational Takeaways Adapt your training, do not abandon it Consistency over time builds real durability Practice everything before race day, nothing new on race day The work is done, now it is time to execute Troy’s Links IG: @troyontherun Personal Site: Troyontherun.com Coaching Page: Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page Relevant Links Hellbender 100 Mile Endurance Run Time on Trails New River 100K 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 It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined. Run Your Way Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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.  ⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Hellbender 100, ultramarathon training, trail running, training camp, heat acclimation, race strategy, endurance fueling, midpacker mindset, ultra coaching, time on trails app, recovery tools, strength training, long run strategy, crew planning

    48 min
  3. #115 Jordan Battaglia | Building PlayOn, Strength for Longevity, and Staying Injury Free

    APR 16

    #115 Jordan Battaglia | Building PlayOn, Strength for Longevity, and Staying Injury Free

    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 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 need Longevity matters more than short-term gains. Train for who you want to be at 90 Consistency beats intensity when it comes to strength and mobility Small habits, even 5 to 10 minutes a day, can lead to big performance gains Key Topics Covered The origin story of PlayOn Relief and its delivery system Why most pain relief products fall short Strength training for ultra runners and why it matters Mobility as a missing link in endurance performance Simple exercises to improve joint health and durability Jordan’s Links: IG: @jordanbattag PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com IG: @playonrelief Relevant Links https://playonrelief.com/pages/aboutus https://playonrelief.com/pages/the-science 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 KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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. Jordan Battaglia, PlayOn Relief, strength training, mobility, joint health, ultra running, endurance training, injury prevention, recovery, arnica, trail running, performance, longevity

    1h 29m
  4. #114 Stevie Smith | Fueling for your next Ultra, Betting on Yourself & Building an Endurance Nutrition Coaching Business

    APR 9

    #114 Stevie Smith | Fueling for your next Ultra, Betting on Yourself & Building an Endurance Nutrition Coaching Business

    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 “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 transformation Cross-training builds durability and longevity Fueling is personal—there’s no universal formula Logistics are just as important as the plan Building a business takes risk, patience, and persistence Stevie’s Links IG: @stevielynlyn Website: https://stevielynrd.com 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. Stevie Smith, sports nutrition, ultra running fueling, endurance nutrition, Ironman, open water swimming, marathon training, hydration strategy, sodium intake, carbohydrate intake, fueling logistics, trail running, midpack runners, sports dietitian, endurance performance

    1h 33m
  5. #113 Dr Jeff Hammond | Cocodona Dreams, Foot Health, Plantar Fasciitis, Injury Lessons, & Chasing Big Goals

    APR 2

    #113 Dr Jeff Hammond | Cocodona Dreams, Foot Health, Plantar Fasciitis, Injury Lessons, & Chasing Big Goals

    #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

    1h 29m
  6. #112 Cody Taylor | From Touring Drummer to FKT Machine, Reinvention, & Unsupported Adventures

    MAR 26

    #112 Cody Taylor | From Touring Drummer to FKT Machine, Reinvention, & Unsupported Adventures

    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   HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order 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. “It’s not about the FKT… it’s about surviving the adventure.” Cody Taylor’s story is one of reinvention, grit, and going all-in on a new path. A former touring drummer whose music career came to a halt during the pandemic, Cody found a new outlet in running, and didn’t just dip his toes in…he dove headfirst into the deep end . What started as a way to cope quickly turned into a passion for extreme endurance. Transitioned from musician to endurance athlete during the pandemic Set FKT on the Bruce Trail (900km) and the International Appalachian Trail (650km, 85,000 ft gain) Specializes in unsupported efforts—carrying all gear, filtering water, and surviving solo Learned through raw experience—trial by fire, adapting on the fly, and solving problems in real time Now coaching athletes through New Normal, helping everyday runners reach big goals Cody’s approach is simple but powerful: do hard things, learn fast, and keep showing up. His journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, and that growth lives just outside your comfort zone. Cody’s Links IG: @codytaylorperformance Website: https://findyournewnormal.ca Relevant Links https://findyournewnormal.ca https://fastestknowntime.com/athlete/cody-taylor https://brucetrail.org https://www.sia-iat.com Partner Links:  Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete. More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. 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.comFind 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. Cody Taylor, FKT, Bruce Trail, International Appalachian Trail, unsupported running, ultra running, endurance adventure, trail running, New Normal coaching, resilience, mindset, entrepreneurship, trail community, ultra endurance

    1h 45m
  7. #111 Christi Thompson | From Burnout to Breakthrough, Timed Ultras, and Stretch Lab

    MAR 19

    #111 Christi Thompson | From Burnout to Breakthrough, Timed Ultras, and Stretch Lab

    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   HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your order TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order 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. “You come out of it a changed person.” In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Christi Thompson, a self-proclaimed science nerd, athletic trainer, and trail runner who found her way back to the sport by ditching pressure and chasing fun. From cross-country roots to rediscovering running at the Whitewater Center, Christi’s journey is all about evolving her relationship with the sport. She shares how a nighttime trail half marathon reignited her love for racing and led her down the rabbit hole of ultra running, eventually tackling timed events like 6-hour and 12-hour races. Christi opens up about the mental challenges of looped racing, the emotional highs and lows, and the moment she realized these experiences can truly change you. The conversation also dives into her current battle with knee pain, how past injuries shaped her biomechanics, and what it’s like to know better but still learn lessons the hard way. Through it all, Christi brings a thoughtful and honest perspective on longevity, mobility, and staying in the game. Takeaways: Let go of pace pressure and rediscover joy Ultras are as much mental as physical Small imbalances can become big problems over time Mobility and strength are key to long-term running success Athlete Spotlight: Christi Thompson Cross-country athlete turned trail and ultra runner Completed multiple ultra-distance efforts including 6-hour and 12-hour races Background in athletic training with a focus on biomechanics and neuromuscular fatigue Works with StretchLab, helping athletes improve mobility and movement quality Christi’s Links @cmgvikinghen @stretchlabofficial Website: Stretch Lab Stretch Lab Huntersville Relevant Links Whitewater Center Trail Races Dirty Wolf Racing City of Oaks Marathon Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Partner Links:  Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com 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 Run Your Way It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined. Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! ⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. trail running, ultra running, timed races, 12 hour race, 6 hour race, running injuries, knee pain, biomechanics, mobility, running economy, Whitewater Center, endurance mindset, trail community, strength training, fatigue training

    1h 39m
  8. #110 Jessica Loudermilk | Black Canyon 100K, Having an Adventure Mindset, & Her Burrito League Experience

    MAR 12

    #110 Jessica Loudermilk | Black Canyon 100K, Having an Adventure Mindset, & Her Burrito League Experience

    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   HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionPLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION 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. “I think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.” “I think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.”Jessica Loudermilk didn’t grow up loving running. A former softball player and rugby athlete, she found running later in life and started with a goal of completing half marathons in different states. That curiosity eventually led her from road racing into the world of trail and ultra running. She quickly dove into ultras, taking on the Umstead 100 early in her trail journey and pushing through a tough final stretch to finish her first 100 miler. More recently, Jessica raced the Black Canyon 100K, where she adjusted her fueling mid-race and rallied late to hit her 15-hour goal finish. Outside of racing, Jessica works as a physical therapist helping patients regain mobility and spends time crewing and pacing friends at races like Southern States and Cocodona. When she’s not running, she’s chasing adventure through cave diving, travel, and building an ambulance camper for race trips. Jessica's Links IG: @jessruns50states YouTube: JessRuns50States Relevant Links Black Canyon 100K: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/blackcanyon Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run: https://umstead100.org Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.com Southern States 200: https://southernstates200.com Never Summer 100K: https://gnarrunners.com/never-summer-100k Rim to River 100: https://www.rimtoriverendurance.com Mount to Coast: https://mounttocoast.com Burrito League: https://burrito-league.com Partner Links:  Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com 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 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. Add TRACKR to cart to apply discount. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!   ⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/ Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today. Jessica Loudermilk, MidPacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, Black Canyon 100K, Umstead 100, Cocodona 250, Southern States 200, Never Summer 100K, Rim to River 100, ultrarunning mindset, fueling strategy, caffeine in ultras, Greenville Burrito League, running community, physical therapy, endurance sports

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About

Freetrail presents The Midpacker Podcast, which follows middle and back of the pack trail runners and ultra runners at the heart of the trail running community. Join host Troy Meadows weekly as he talks through what it takes to balance life and running with everyday runners doing extra ordinary things on and off the trails.

Information

  • Creator
    Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • Show Website
    The Midpacker Podcast

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