The Midpacker Podcast

Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows

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. 3天前

    #95 Jeff Waldmuller | Musician, Prosthetist, Para-Athlete, and Leadville Dreamer

    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 “I try not to let the accident define me, but rather the actions that I took after that define who I am.” This week, on the MidPacker Pod Troy Meadows welcomes Jeff Waldmuller, a true multi-hyphenate — musician, prosthetist, para-athlete, and relentless endurance junkie. Jeff’s story starts with music. He toured the world as a trumpet player, even performing with Emmy and Tony award-winning shows. But after a devastating motorcycle accident nearly cost him his arm and leg, Jeff made a bold decision to amputate below the knee and rewrite his story. That choice opened the door to running, triathlons, and ultra-endurance racing He transitioned from the stage to the start line, racing sprint triathlons to full Ironman, grinding through marathons and ultras, and ultimately setting his sights on the Leadville 100. At Leadville, Jeff has faced brutal setbacks: crashes, broken bones, missed cutoffs — yet he always comes back, fueled by the mantra: “I commit, I won’t quit.” Beyond racing, Jeff’s day job as a prosthetist with Ottobock has taken him to the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games, where he provided free repairs and equipment for athletes competing on the world stage. His advocacy stretches further with organizations like Challenge Athletes Foundation, Limbs for Life Foundation, Team Catapult, and Full Circle Movement, where he helps create access, mentorship, and mobility for adaptive athletes. Jeff’s journey is about resilience, creativity, and proving that identity isn’t defined by what happens to you — but by what you choose to do next. Relevant Links IG: @strideswithjeff Challenge Athletes Foundation Limbs for Life Foundation Team Catapult Ottobock  Leadville Race Series 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. 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 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. Jeff Waldmuller, prosthetist, para-athlete, Challenge Athletes Foundation, Ottobock, Paralympics, Leadville 100, ultrarunning, adaptive sports, endurance

    2 小时 2 分钟
  2. 9月19日

    #94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose

    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 "Flyathlon has this magical way of forcing you to be both present and patient. You can't rush a river, and you sure can't fake catching a trout." Ashley “Nelly” Nelson is a Boulder-based trail runner, flyathlon enthusiast, and community builder who brings heart, humor, and intention to everything she does. With roots in competitive sports and a creative spirit, Nelly blends trail running with fly fishing to reconnect with nature and redefine what movement can look like. She’s the founder of Boulder Collective, a social run club focused on inclusivity and post-run connection, and works professionally in regenerative food systems—aligning her values both on and off the trail. Nelly’s story is a powerful reminder that performance isn’t just about pace—it’s about purpose, play, and building a life you love. What We Talked About Discovering the flyathlon: trail running meets fly fishing with a side of Type 2 fun Founding Boulder Collective and creating space for runners of all backgrounds Why creativity, rest, and balance are key to staying healthy and happy in the sport Working in regenerative food systems and aligning outdoor passions with career values Embracing community over competition—and why connection is a secret training tool Relevant Links and Resources IG: @runinwithnelly  IG: @BoulderCollectiveClub  Flyathlon (official site) Colorado Women’s Flyathlon event Quinn Snacks (regenerative food company): Boulder Running Events calendar (for Boulder-area run groups):  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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. 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 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, flyathlon, community, sustainability, Boulder Collective, regenerative food, nature, recovery, creativity, inclusive running, environmental values

    1 小时 13 分钟
  3. 9月12日

    #93 Richard Abernathy | Dirty Wolf Racing, Creative Race Design, & Building Community on the Trails

    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 “I don’t want to just direct a race—I want to give people something they’ve never experienced before.” In this episode, Troy sits down with Richard Abernathy, the creative force behind Dirty Wolf Racing—a trail and ultra event series in North Carolina that blends storytelling, challenge, and community in unforgettable ways. From humble beginnings on a tiny track to directing races like Beast of the East 100, Stone Mountain Massacre, and the ever-whimsical LLAMA, Richard shares his wild journey from reluctant runner to race director, family man, and full-time adventure architect. Whether it’s mystery aid stations with elemental rocks or events that include llamas, Richard’s approach to trail running is one-of-a-kind—infusing play, grit, and heart into everything he touches. In this episode, Richard and Troy talk about: How a playful challenge from his ex-wife kicked off his running journey Starting Dirty Wolf Racing and creating events with storytelling at the core The beautiful chaos of directing races while supporting his wife’s herbal brand, Hollowed Springs Art The inspiration behind events like LLAMA, Leatherwood, and Stone Mountain Massacre What it really takes to keep race experiences fresh, creative, and community-driven Relevant Links Dirty Wolf Racing  Hallowed Springs Art Beast of the East 100 LLAMA Ultra Stone Mountain Massacre 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. 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 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. Richard Abernathy, Dirty Wolf Racing, trail running, race director, Beast of the East, LLAMA Ultra, Stone Mountain Massacre, Hollowed Springs Art, ultrarunning, North Carolina trail races, creative race design, UltraSignup, family and running

    1 小时 8 分钟
  4. 9月4日

    #92 Jenny Maier | SFRC Origins, Trail Running Generations, Finding Your Passions & Giving Back Through 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 “Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.” In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with trail runner, coach, and community builder Jenny Maier to talk about her winding journey from environmental lawyer to strength and mobility coach for runners. Jenny shares how she rediscovered running after a decade-long break, fell in love with the Marin trails through San Francisco Running Company, and built a career around helping everyday athletes thrive. Jenny reminds us that you don’t need to be an elite runner to deserve coaching—or to achieve extraordinary things. She’s an eight-time Javelina finisher, Western States lottery veteran, and soon-to-be Boston Marathon runner. Beyond racing, Jenny balances running with a love for poetry, puzzles, and her two wild dogs, proving that a full life off the trails makes the running journey richer. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Jenny’s leap from lawyer to running coach and biomechanics nerd The electric early days of San Francisco Running Company and its impact on the Bay Area trail community Finding joy (and longevity) as a self-described “average runner” Why balance, rest, and mobility are just as important as big training blocks Her perspective on volunteering, community, and the next generation of trail runners Whether you’re chasing a hundred-miler or just trying to fit runs into a busy life, Jenny’s story is a reminder that running is most rewarding when it fits into—not takes over—your life. Relevant Links San Francisco Running Company  Javelina Jundred  Western States Endurance Run Boston Marathon  Transgrancanaria  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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. 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. Jenny Maier, San Francisco Running Company, SFRC, ultrarunning, trail running, Javelina Jundred, Western States lottery, Boston Marathon, trail running community, running coach, strength training, mobility, biomechanics, Dipsea Race, poetry, balance, midpack runners USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.”

    2 小时 15 分钟
  5. 8月28日

    #91 Phil Cutti | Ripple Beer Project, Headlands 50K, & From Stanford Physiology to Ultras

    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 “I am not producing beer just to produce beer. I am producing beer with the intention of building a community around an event.” This episode Troy Meadows talks with Phil Cutti. Troy and Phil unpack how science, sport, and brewing can feed each other in the best possible way. Listeners will hear a story about curiosity, community, and finding purpose after setbacks. Athlete section Who he is: Exercise physiologist turned brewer, ultra runner, open water swimmer, and long-time Marin local. What he built: Ripple Beer Project, creating event beers that celebrate finish lines and send money back to local nonprofits. Racing and service: Years of triathlon and trail racing, safety sweep volunteer at the Dipsea, and a growing return to ultras after back surgery. What is next: Aiming for a big 2025 with an eye on Hood Hundred and a steady rebuild after successful outings like Gorge Waterfalls 100K. Motivation you can use: Practice the craft, control what you can control, and keep reinventing yourself at any age. Relevant links Headlands 50K Milo Foundation Dipsea RaceStanford cooling glove overview AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill Vasper compression and cooling system Gorge Waterfalls 100K Hood Hundred 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. 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. Phil Cutti, Ripple Beer Project, Headlands 50K, Milo Foundation, Dipsea, exercise physiology, Stanford cooling glove, AlterG, Vasper, Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Hood Hundred, Marin County, fermentation, brewing, non alcoholic beer, ultrarunning, injury comeback, community building, trail running

    1 小时 36 分钟
  6. 8月21日

    #90 Emily Holland | Trail Running, Storytelling, and Building Community Through Creative Work

    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 "I’m always asking: how do I support myself and support the people I care about? That’s what drives everything, from my training to my work to my relationships." Emily Holland turns the trail running tale on its head, going from hating pounding out miles to discovering healing in the dirt and roots. What started as a reluctant hike in the White Mountains turned into a full-blown love affair with ultra distances. She’s taken on the Gorge 50K earlier this year and is gearing up for the Grand Traverse this August—facing altitude, grit, and elevation head-on. Along the way, she discovered that trail running could be just as much about emotional health as it is about pushing pace. Beyond the trails, Emily wears all the hats: content strategist, operations whiz, community builder, and founder of Wild Poppy Creative. She supports running creators, builds inclusive content, and brings passion-driven structure to the outdoor media space. On top of that, she’s embraced an alcohol-free life, using that clarity to lean harder into creativity, connection, and her personal growth. Her Substack, Multifaceted Musings, is where her reflections and storytelling really shine. Motivational Takeaways Transformation can start with the thing you least expect to love. Passion plus strategy equals sustainable impact—especially in business and community. Letting go of old patterns (like drinking) can unlock new confidence and drive. Relevant Links Emily’s Substack: Multifaceted Musings  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylholland/ Grand Traverse Mountain Run 2025 details Crested Butte Nordic 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. 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, ultrarunning, healing, ultra marathon, Gorge 50K, Grand Traverse, sobriety, content strategy, Wild Poppy Creative, inclusivity, Substack, endurance, community building

    1 小时 37 分钟
  7. 8月14日

    #89 Rini Sugianto | Western States Golden Hour Finish, Crafting a Mountain Life, & Just Say Yes

    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 “The adventure is the goal, not the finish time.” This week, the MidPacker Pod sits down with Rini Sugianto, an adventurer, animator, and trail runner whose journey proves that the best stories often come from the back of the pack. Born in Lampung, Sumatra, Rini’s early loves were animation and mountains. After moving to the U.S., she swapped ice axes and heavy packs for the freedom of trail running, a shift that unlocked a whole new way to explore. Her adventures span from Papua’s jungles to California’s peaks, including Malibu, Kilimanjaro, and Mount Whitney. Along the way, she discovered the beauty of moving simply and self-supported. At UTMB, Rini fought through illness and a delayed start, crossing the 100-mile finish just 30 minutes before cutoff. Then, in 2025, she made history as the first Indonesian woman to finish the Western States Endurance Run, clocking 29:29:03 and earning every second of that buckle. For Rini, it has never been about speed. It is about staying power, chasing big dreams, and finding joy in the adventure, whether that is racing qualifiers or fast-packing the Sierra and Tahoe trails. Motivational Takeaways Perseverance > pace. Curiosity can change your life. The back of the pack has the best stories. Relevant Links IG: @rinisugianto Rini Sugianto Western States Finish on Instagram Rini Sugianto write up on Freetrail Western States 100 official site UTMB World – Rini’s race results Aid Station Fireball Western States stats⁠ 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. 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 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. Rini Sugianto, Lampung, trail running, mountaineering, UTMB, Western States 100, back-of-the-pack, endurance, fastpacking, perseverance, ultrarunning

    1 小时 39 分钟
  8. 8月7日

    #88 Ann Ongena | A Golden Hour Hardrock Finish, Starting Late, & Running with Heart

    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 “I had a 10-year journey to Hardrock. And when I kissed the rock, it felt like all those years finally made sense.” In this episode, Troy sits down with Ann Ongena, a Belgian-born runner and mom of five who discovered running in her 40s and went on to become the final official finisher at the 2025 Hardrock 100—crossing the line with just seven minutes to spare. Ann's story is one of quiet persistence, deep community roots, and a love for the mountains that shaped her into an ultra-runner. From training with a Flemish-language Couch to 5K podcast in Malibu to building up to qualifiers like UTMB, Kodiak Ultra Marathons, and Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, she’s embraced every mile of the journey. We cover: How Ann transitioned from a late-blooming runner to an ultramarathon finisher Her 10-year journey of trying to get into Hardrock—and what it meant to finish Training while raising five kids and now juggling grandkids and a part-time hiking guide gig Her role in Malibu’s Trail Runners Club and love for the local trail community How crewing, friendship, and the right playlist carried her through the San Juans Ann’s story reminds us that age, pace, and finish time don't define us—showing up does. Relevant Links Ann’s IG: @annongena Hardrock 100 Endurance Run Trail Runners Club - Malibu Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) Kodiak 100 Ultra Tour Monte Rosa 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. H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving. Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order. 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. Ann Ongena, Hardrock 100, Trail Running, Midpacker, Female Ultra Runner, San Juans, Trail Runners Club, UTMB, Kodiak, Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, Grandmother Runner, FKT, Perseverance, Grit, 100 Miles, Golden Hour Finish, Malibu Trails

    1 小时 30 分钟
4.9
共 5 分
59 个评分

关于

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.

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