The Midpacker Podcast

Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • 5.0 (62)
  • 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. #106 Kayla Fitzgerald | Building Palmetto Ultras, Fueling the Dream, & The Barkley Fall Classic,

    21H AGO

    #106 Kayla Fitzgerald | Building Palmetto Ultras, Fueling the Dream, & The Barkley Fall Classic,

    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 USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT “Sometimes it’s not about the finish line. It’s about finding joy in the messy middle.” On this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with trail runner, race director, registered dietitian, and mom: Kayla Fitzgerald for a deep, fun, and relatable conversation about how she juggles it all while still chasing big goals in the ultra world. Kayla shares her shift from road racing to trail running after realizing the road scene just didn’t vibe with her. What she found on the trails was community, connection, and a whole new way to push herself. From leading group runs to organizing local races under her brand Palmetto Ultras, Kayla has become a cornerstone of her local running community in South Carolina. We dive into: Balancing parenting, coaching, and 200-mile race training Her experience as a registered dietitian and helping runners dial in their race-day nutrition Upcoming races like Southern States 200, Barkley Fall Classic, and a possible go at Barn Creek Backyard Ultra Her story of pushing through the Beast of the East 50 Miler—with Troy jumping in as an impromptu pacer! Whether you’re a trail veteran or just dipping your toes into the dirt, Kayla’s perspective on doing what you love while doing life is refreshing and real. Athlete Spotlight: Kayla Fitzgerald Registered Dietitian, Nutrition coach, and mom Race director and founder of Palmetto Ultras Focused on inclusive, sustainable community building through trail events Training for Southern States 200 and the Barkley Fall Classic Advocate for fueling smarter and training with joy Kayla's Links IG: @palmetto.ultras Website: Palmettoultras.com Nutrition Coaching Site: Endurance-Nutritionist.com Relevant Links Southern States 200 Barkley Fall Classic Barn Creek Backyard Ultra Beast of the East 50 Miler 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/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 ⁠ Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. Kayla Fitzgerald, trail running, ultrarunning, Barkley Fall Classic, Southern States 200, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra, Beast of the East, race director, Palmetto Ultras, nutrition for runners, mom runner, balancing life and running, Freetrail, MidPacker Pod

    2 hr
  2. MidPacker Pod Field Notes – Ep 001 | Reset to Rise: VO2 Max, Intentional Rest & the Road to Hellbender

    JAN 27

    MidPacker Pod Field Notes – Ep 001 | Reset to Rise: VO2 Max, Intentional Rest & the Road to Hellbender

    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 USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT “It’s not weakness to rest. It’s part of the long game.” In the very first edition of MidPacker Field Notes, host Troy Meadows pulls back the curtain on his early 2026 training season, offering a raw, honest check-in on life, recovery, and what's ahead. Coming off a tough bout of sickness in January, Troy talks about the importance of intentional rest, easing back into structured training, and setting the tone for the Hellbender 100. Listeners get a peek into Troy's latest training block, complete with hill repeats, tempo intervals, and long endurance sessions, along with shoutouts to athletes in the MidPacker coaching community and updates on his race calendar. This is a solo episode with real talk, actionable insights, and a strong reminder: rest is part of the work. Training Highlights & Takeaways Took a full week off due to illness—highlighting the value of rest as training Wrapped a 6–7 week VO2 max block featuring uphill intervals and tempo work Kicking off a new 14-week build toward Hellbender 100, with a heavy focus on tempo Planning back-to-back races: Hellbender followed by Laurel Highlands 70.5 Integrating TrainingPeaks to plan and forecast fatigue, fitness, and load management Dialing in race nutrition using Hyperlyte Liquid Performance: Half strength (50g carbs / 500mg sodium) for endurance runs Full strength (100g carbs / 1000mg sodium) for quality workouts Community Shoutouts Samantha crushed her first 50K, on the very trail that sidelined her a year ago Paul completed his first 50-miler in Tucson and is training for Sedona Canyons 125 Troy’s Links IG - @troyontherun Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page Find me on Strava Follow the Show IG - @midpackerpod Relevant Links Hellbender 100 Laurel Highlands Ultra Sedona Canyons 125 Barkley Fall Classic Looking Glass 100k 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ 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 ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. VO2 max, Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands Ultra, TrainingPeaks, Hyperlyte, solo episode, ultrarunning, rest and recovery, tempo block, uphill intervals, Sedona Canyons 125, coaching, winter training, endurance, community shoutouts, pacing, fueling, running mindset

    32 min
  3. Trailing Indicators 09 | Year-End Reflections & Big 2026 Goals

    12/31/2025

    Trailing Indicators 09 | Year-End Reflections & Big 2026 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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ “The spirit of this community is fantastic—and none of these friendships would exist without trail running.” — MVD It’s the final episode of Trailing Indicators for 2025, and Troy is closing out the year with a festive check-in from Corinne Shalvoy (reporting live from snowy Ouray, Colorado) and Matt Van Dalsem (holding it down in Marin). In classic TI fashion, the crew reflects on what went right—and wrong—this year, both on and off the trail. In this episode: Year-end gratitude and reflections on health, family, and the trail community. Race season recaps including Corinne’s stacked calendar, Matt’s one-and-done Big Alta, and Troy’s ultra endurance (and stomach) lessons. Honest talk about DNFs, mental fatigue, and the pressures of racing with intention. 2026 race plans: Corinne: Black Canyon100k, UTMB  Troy: Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands, & Barkley Fall Classic (maybe). MVD: Big Alta 100K Lessons in balance: parenting, aging, professional pivots, and pacing the long game. Corinne’s Links @corinne_shalvoyage Corinnes’s Coaching Page Shalvoy Running - YouTube Channel Women Can Site Troy’s Links @troyontherun Troyontherun.com Troy’s Ultra Coaching Page MVD Links @mvd_trailrunner Relevant Links UTMB Mont Blanc Hellbender 100 Black Canyon Ultras Javelina Jundred Gorge Waterfalls 100K Silverton Alpine 50K Behind the Rocks Ultra Boulder Boulder 10K Laurel Highlands Ultra Big Alta 100K Barkley Fall Classic Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. MidPacker Pod, Trailing Indicators, trail running podcast, running community, Freetrail podcast, Troy Meadows podcast, Corinne Shalvoy, Matt Van Dalsem, MVD, Troy Meadows, UTMB 2026, Black Canyon Ultras, Hellbender 100, Big Alta 100K, Silverton Alpine 50K, Behind the Rocks Ultra, Javelina Jundred, Boulder Boulder 10K, Laurel Highlands Ultra, Barkley Fall Classic, Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Dark Divide 50K, ultra marathon training, race season reflections, DNF recovery, long distance running, mental resilience in ultras, training for 100 milers

    57 min
  4. #105 Angie Lake | Re-finding the Joy of Running, Wild Women Trail Runs, & Listening to Your Body

    12/23/2025

    #105 Angie Lake | Re-finding the Joy of Running, Wild Women Trail Runs, & Listening to Your Body

    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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ “Running used to be about control — now it's about connection” In this raw and insightful episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with Angie Lake — trail runner, outdoor industry creative, and writer behind Blood, Sweat, and Fear on Substack. Angie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning to reconnect with joy through movement. Far from chasing perfection, Angie’s journey is about reclaiming space, in the outdoors, in storytelling, and in herself. In this episode, she opens up about: Growing up a natural athlete, running barefoot sprints as a kid at karate class Witnessing the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the long road to reconnecting with running afterward The life-altering experience of surviving an ectopic pregnancy — and learning to listen to her body in new ways Why she’s no longer chasing PRs or podiums — and how she finds purpose and power in the “midpack” Her creative and community work with The Cairn Project and Wild Women Trail Runs Writing as a tool for self-expression, healing, and resistance Angie reminds us that joy is enough. Speed isn’t required. And you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to be a “real runner.” Subscribe to Angie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, and Fear Angies Links Angie on LinkedIn Angie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, & Fear Wild Women Trail Runs The Cairn Project The Cycle Syncing Handbook Other Links Troy’s Home Made Natural Gels  Taking Charge of Your Fertility Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. Angie Lake, trail running, Boston Marathon bombing, ectopic pregnancy, healing through running, outdoor storytelling, Blood Sweat and Fear, Substack, Wild Women Trail Runs, The Cairn Project, body awareness, slowing down, midpack mindset, running community, outdoor industry, running and identity

    1h 49m
  5. #104 Miranda Williamson | Negative Splitting High Lonesome, RunCations, & Building Your Own Run Community

    12/16/2025

    #104 Miranda Williamson | Negative Splitting High Lonesome, RunCations, & Building Your Own Run Community

    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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ "Sometimes you just do something that feels dumb, and then later you're like, ‘That actually kind of ruled." In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy is joined by Miranda Williamson—trail runner and co-host of the Running with Problems podcast. Miranda shares her grounded, often hilarious journey into trail and ultra-running, one that started with a birthday 10K and evolved into crewing Barkley, pacing Dark Divide, and accidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler at High Lonesome. From running her first trail race in road shoes from TJ Maxx to completing the San Juan Solstice 50-miler twice, Miranda brings self-awareness and good vibes to the trail scene. She unpacks her experience on the Hardrock 100 course during “Soft Rock,” discusses the emotional chaos of crewing Barkley, and opens up about the vulnerable, sometimes risky conversations she and co-host John Eisen tackle on their podcast, Running with Problems. Miranda’s Links IG - @peaksandjustice Running with Problems Podcast  In This Episode: Miranda’s first trail race with zero prep or gear Her back-to-back finishes at San Juan Solstice Accidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler (High Lonesome!) Crewing her husband Jon at Barkley  Starting Running with Problems and making space for real talk Building a community of women that love to do hard things   Relevant Links: San Juan Solstice 50 Soft Rock (Hardrock Route) High Lonesome 100 Dark Divide 100miler Barkley Marathons Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. Miranda Williamson, Running with Problems, High Lonesome 100, San Juan Solstice, Soft Rock, Har Rock, Barkley Marathons, trail running, crewing, pacing, Dark Divide, ultrarunning, running podcast, midpack

    1h 42m
  6. #103 Malcolm Pascotti | Can't Buy Cool Studios, The Anti-Hustle Philosophy, & Taking Big Beets on Yourself

    12/06/2025

    #103 Malcolm Pascotti | Can't Buy Cool Studios, The Anti-Hustle Philosophy, & Taking Big Beets on Yourself

    The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts. Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings ⁠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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ “Running is more than a race. It’s art, memory, and freedom.” On this episode Troy Meadows sits down with Malcolm Pascotti, founder of Can’t Buy Cool Studios. Malcolm’s journey is one of quiet evolution. He started as a road runner, lots of miles in high school and beyond, but during the pandemic, while living in San Francisco, he began exploring trails in the Marin Headlands and hills around Pacifica. That slow, natural shift eventually led him into mountain running and “DIY ultras” solo, self‑supported runs of 30–40 miles, all on his own terms. What makes Malcolm stand out isn’t just distance or pace, but the way he mixes movement with creativity. Outside of running, he climbs, skis, scrambles, shoots photography (both professionally and for fun), writes poems and musings. He calls it living. He also quietly gives back to the community: providing gear and support to fellow runners, like when he ran a T-shirt sale to help fund race entries for another runner,  proof that support doesn’t always need spotlight. Malcolm is quietly building Can’t Buy Cool Studios, weaving together art, running, identity, and community. Motivational Highlights Embrace adventure on your own terms — solo ultras don’t have to be for trophies, they can be for the soul. Running can be part of a creative life — movement, art, writing, identity — all deeply connected. Quiet generosity matters: supporting others in small ways helps build a stronger, more inclusive community. Balance is messy but possible: holding down a full-time job, a creative process, and still getting out for the run. Links & Resources IG: @cantbuycoolstudios Website: https://cantbuycoolstudios.com/ Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. trail running, DIY ultra, solo ultra, creativity, running life balance, community support, running brand, outdoor adventure, Puerto Vallarta UTMB, Can’t Buy Cool Studios

    1h 28m
  7. #102 Jon Eisen | Navigating Barkley, Finding Your Why, & Bushwhacking Your Way To Your Dreams

    11/28/2025

    #102 Jon Eisen | Navigating Barkley, Finding Your Why, & Bushwhacking Your Way To Your Dreams

    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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS⁠ BLACK FRIDAY SALE 25% off Premium!!!! Use CYBER25 at Checkout using the link below start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker “Running became my way to process grief, build community, and explore the edges of what’s possible.” In this episode, Jon Eisen joins Troy Meadows to unpack a journey that goes far beyond miles. Jon’s career in tech didn’t prepare him for the kind of grit and self‑discovery he found on the trails, especially when he set his sights on the infamous Barkley Marathons. On the way he picked up ultra finishes at events like Niwot’s Challenge and the Yucca Bar Massacre, embraced navigation‑heavy racing, and turned running into a tool for resilience and community. Highlights: How Jon went from programming to pursing ultra adventures—with little thought for convention. What draws him to Barkley‑style races: the unknown, the navigational challenge, the refusal to accept a “normal” race. Key training takeaways: establishing strength, avoiding injury through smart prep, embracing weekly yoga and strength work (yes, even for ultra runners). Motivational nuggets: How showing up matters more than finishing; how joy in running can exist alongside the grind; why community and purpose matter just as much as pace. Practical tips: For runners looking to level up in 2025—whether you’re chasing 50 miles or chasing meaning—you’ll hear what made the difference for Jon. Jon’s  links: IG: @mildly_athletic IG: @runningwithproblems “Running With Problems” podcast info Jon’s race archive & blog Jon’s Barkley 2023 race report Barkley Marathons background info Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠ Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. ultrarunning, Barkley Marathons, Niwot’s Challenge, San Diego 100, navigation race, trail running, strength training, injury prevention, community running, “running with problems”, perseverance

    1h 53m
  8. #101 Erica Rupp | Herbal Remedies for Trail Runners, Supporting Your Race Director Partner, Finding Belonging in the Ultra Community

    11/21/2025

    #101 Erica Rupp | Herbal Remedies for Trail Runners, Supporting Your Race Director Partner, Finding Belonging in the Ultra Community

    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   JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE BEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT TRAINING PEAKS⁠ BLACK FRIDAY SALE 25% off Premium!!!! Use CYBER25 at checkout using the link below https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ “I am currently not a trail runner, but have found deep belonging within the community.” In this episode, we bring on Erica Rupp—a woman who didn’t pick up trail shoes, but found her place in the ultra community anyway. Her story flips the usual “runner interview” on its head, and it’s rich in meaning. Guest journey & highlights Erica is married to a race‑director, which opened her door into the world of trail and ultra running from a different vantage point—supporting, creating, building instead of racing. On her 42‑acre farm in North Carolina (nestled between Asheville and Charlotte), she homesteads, grows endangered medicinal plants, sews sustainable slow‑fashion pieces, and dives deep into frameworks of wilderness, microbiome, community and true belonging. Her family’s race event, the Hollis Hills Farm Revival (50 km, 25 k, 5 mile) is part trail run, part community fest, part land‑revival project. She speaks to how the ultra world (sometimes stereotyped as hyper‑competitive) can actually be profoundly welcoming to non‑runners, volunteers, supporters—the “behind the scenes” humans. Motivational takeaways: You don’t need to be the person crossing the finish line to belong here. Contribution isn’t always measured in miles. Sustainability, craft, community resilience—these are trail values too. Links IG: @hallowedspringarts  FB: hallowedspringarts Erica’s website: https://www.hallowedspringarts.com/ Key products from the show Lion Heart  Adaptive Energy Xtra Strong Muscle Salve Hollis Hills Farm Revival registration/info LinkedIn profile for Erica Partner Links: Janji - Janji.com A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com. Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. 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. “The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary Training Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/ Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.  Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean. Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order. ⁠ Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/ Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! Use code: 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. trail running, ultra community, race director spouse, non‑runner involvement, sustainability, wilderness, community, slow fashion, natural fibers, homesteading, Hollis Hills Farm Revival, inclusion in running

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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
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • Show Website
    The Midpacker Podcast

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