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 Check out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.co your purchases support me directly STOKED TO PARTNER WITH PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order GO BREWING - 20% off your first order VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS "I basically didn't do it forever out of fear." Tim Tollefson has spent the last decade proving that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort. A two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, UTMB podium finisher, physical therapist, trail running pioneer, and founder of Mammoth Trail Fest, Tim's journey has been anything but linear. In this conversation, he shares how a career built around performance eventually evolved into something much bigger: community, connection, and learning to define success on his own terms. Tim reflects on his transition from road marathoning to trail running, his years with Nike Trail, HOKA, and Craft, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the sport. The conversation also dives deep into confidence versus courage, the power of self-belief, and what it took to finally bring his long-time dream of Mammoth Trail Fest to life. Throughout the episode, Tim offers a refreshing perspective on reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why betting on yourself is often the hardest—and most rewarding—decision you'll ever make. In This Episode Transitioning from marathon running to trail running The early days of Nike Trail and racing in Europe Confidence vs. courage and finding self-belief Why athletes need an identity beyond performance Building Mammoth Trail Fest from an idea into reality Lessons learned from Nike, HOKA, and Craft The future of trail running and protecting its culture Community, connection, and creating opportunities for others This episode is a reminder that growth rarely comes from playing it safe. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for permission and start leaning in. Timmy's Links: IG @timtollefson Mammoth Trail Fest - https://www.mammothtrailfest.com Relevant Links: The Mammoth 200 https://www.themammoth200.com Craft Sportswear https://www.craftsports.us UTMB Mont-Blanc https://utmb.world Broken Arrow Skyrace https://brokenarrowskyrace.com The Rut Mountain Runs https://runtherut.com Billy Yang https://billyyang.com Partner Links: PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order Go Brewing - https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you. Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows. Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order Vacation 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 Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! 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. Tim Tollefson, Mammoth Trail Fest, Mammoth 200, UTMB, Nike Trail, HOKA, Craft Sportswear, Olympic Marathon Trials, trail running, ultrarunning, endurance sports, entrepreneurship, betting on yourself, confidence, courage, self-belief, identity, personal growth, community, race directing, Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra, mentorship, storytelling, performance, resilience, trail culture, Free Trail, Rest Day Live
