Endless Trails Podcast

Endless Trails Podcast

Every ultra-runner has a first step, and usually it’s not pretty. We are Michael Bilboe and Joshua Wiffen. Together we’ve spent countless hours running trails, ultras, backyards, and everything in between. This podcast is all about the highs, lows, and the madness of trail running. Whether you’re starting out, chasing your first ultra or pushing your limits on endless miles, we can’t wait to take you along for the journey that never ends.

Episodes

  1. JAN 14

    EP04 - Mindset, Resolve and Managing Disappointments

    Been a minute or a month, but we are here after a busy end of year, and appropriately recharging the mindset and life. Josh and Mike talk openly about mental battles, resolve even disappointments. Insights about how they learn, adapt and embrace the challenges in trail running and ultra distances. Summary: The conversation explores the themes of community engagement in trail running, the importance of mindset and mental preparation, and the challenges faced during races. How setting goals can enhance motivation, the mental load of race preparation, and the significance of finding positivity in difficult situations. They share personal experiences of dealing with disappointment and the need for flexibility in planning, ultimately highlighting the journey of a runner as one of growth and resilience. In this conversation, Mike and Josh explore the mental and physical challenges faced during endurance races. They discuss the pressure of cutoff times, the importance of mindset shifts, and the role of mental resolve in overcoming pain and performance issues. The conversation emphasizes the significance of resilience built through experience, the balance between pain and performance, and the joy found in the journey of running. They also touch on the importance of self-talk, focus, and social connections in maintaining mental health and navigating the complexities of supporting others in their running journeys. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Community and Events 04:22 Mindset in Running: The Importance of Mental Strength 08:58 Navigating Challenges: The Mental Game of Running 13:07 Negotiating the Mental Hurdles in Running 19:46 The Impact of Routine on Performance 22:19 Processing Disappointment and Moving Forward 29:54 Mental Fatigue and Life Challenges 34:38 Training the Mind and Pain Cave 39:16 Mental Load and Preparation 42:58 Mindset in the Pain Cave 44:33 Decision Making Under Pressure 48:25 The Resolve to Keep Going 51:39 Mental Resolve and Grit in Endurance Events 55:06 Managing Pain and Nutrition During Races 59:50 Building Resilience Through Experience 01:02:43 Balancing Performance and Pain Management 01:06:22 Maintaining Focus and Mental Processing 01:10:14 Finding Purpose and Motivation in Endurance Challenges 01:14:07 Practising for the Unexpected in Training 01:15:57 Navigating Nutrition on Long Runs 01:17:18 Mental Load in Supporting Others 01:17:48 The Challenge of Shared Goals 01:20:31 Conversations Around Pacing and Support 01:22:54 Mental Health and Post-Event Reflections 01:25:46 Strategies for Managing Disappointment 01:28:13 The Importance of Verbalising Feelings 01:32:21 Building Connections Through Shared Experiences 01:34:09 Perspective on Personal Journeys 01:35:05 Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Community

    1h 36m
  2. 10/12/2025

    EP02 - Training Styles

    In this episode of Endless Trails, Josh and Mike delve into various training styles and their evolution from novice runners to ultra marathoners. Diving into their personal running journeys, discussing the evolution of their training styles and the importance of structured plans. They explore the balance between volume and strength training, the role of community and accountability, and the challenges of adapting training to different race types. The conversation highlights the significance of setting goals, maintaining discipline, and learning from past experiences to improve future performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Training Styles 00:29 Journey into Structured Training Programs 03:39 Building a Training Regimen 06:29 Training Block breakdown and LogBooks 11:58 Adapting Training for Different Events 18:09 Exploring Self-Coaching and Online Resources 21:15 Did Trail Training Look Different 26:57 The Evolution of Personal Training Programs 30:27 Balancing Strength and Volume in Training 32:15 The Importance of Accountability in Training 35:53 Setting Goals and Finding Motivation 39:39 Managing Training Load, Recovery and Results 45:52 Understanding Race Dynamics and Training Needs 49:58 Utilising Data for Training Insights 57:30 Adjusting Training based on Injury 01:01:00 Learning from Experience in Training 01:02:45 What has the Last 12months Look Like to Prior 01:06:49 Managing Injuries and Recovery 01:10:52 Shifting Goals and Mindset 01:15:29 Dealing with Setbacks and Race Postponements 01:19:55 What does Coaching look like 01:23:34 Future Training Plans and Goals

    1h 31m

About

Every ultra-runner has a first step, and usually it’s not pretty. We are Michael Bilboe and Joshua Wiffen. Together we’ve spent countless hours running trails, ultras, backyards, and everything in between. This podcast is all about the highs, lows, and the madness of trail running. Whether you’re starting out, chasing your first ultra or pushing your limits on endless miles, we can’t wait to take you along for the journey that never ends.