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 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 “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 health Learning from failure and difficult race experiences The balance between chasing qualifiers and enjoying the sport Training consistency, durability, and strength work Managing low moments during ultras and continuing forward The importance of community in trail running This one is raw, relatable, and full of those classic MidPacker moments where everyday runners chase extraordinary goals. Relevant Links Hellbender 100 Run828 Foundation Laurel Highlands Ultra Hellbender Participant Guide Hellbender Course Info Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Partner Links: 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 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. Hellbender 100, Julio Palma, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod, ultra running, trail running, Hardrock qualifier, Western States, DNF, Dark Divide, Laurel Highlands, Run828, endurance, ultramarathon, mental toughness, resilience, Asheville trail running, strength training, ultra mindset, hundred miler, endurance sports, Appalachian trails, race recap, ultrarunning community
