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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

    1h 35m

  7. 11/14/2025

    #100 Lazarus Lake | The Barkley Blueprint, Backyard Ultras, Embracing the Edge, & Why Comfort’s the Enemy

    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/ “Failure means you found your edge—that’s where you learn.” In this episode, Troy sits down with the one and only Gary Cantrell, better known to the trail world as Lazarus Lake. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to building the most notorious events in ultrarunning, Laz has done more than just push limits—he’s redefined them. What you’ll hear in this episode: How Laz went from a casual runner to the creator of iconic ultras like the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra. The origin story of Barkley and the infamous map, highlighters, and those cryptic course notes. Why he believes failure is a feature—not a flaw—of a well-designed race. Thoughts on what makes someone endure, when everyone else taps out. His philosophy on community, suffering, and why the human spirit shines brightest in darkness. The ethos behind races that break you down, only to build you back stronger. Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack grinder or chasing podiums, Laz’s words will hit home. His belief that every runner has untapped reserves of toughness is as brutal as it is uplifting. Relevant Links: The Barkley Marathons – Official Site Big’s Backyard Ultra Frozen Head State Park (Barkley’s Home) The Endurance Artist – Book on Lazarus Lake Partner Links: Janji - Janji.comA 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: MIDPACKER 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, Big’s Backyard Ultra, Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell, endurance, trail running, failure, mental toughness, race design, Tennessee, Frozen Head, grit, perseverance

    1h 16m

  8. 11/06/2025

    #99 Dreama Walton | Motherhood, Trail Camps For Kids, & Building Dream Adventures

    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/ “Kids need to see their parents do hard things — and they need to try a few themselves.” In this episode, Troy sits down with Dreama Walton — trail runner, mother, community-builder, and founder of Dreama Adventures — whose journey is equal parts inspiring and badass. Dreama found trail running while living in Germany, unknowingly training for marathons on singletrack. After finishing her first road marathon, she casually signed up for the SwissAlpine 78K, kicking off a long love affair with ultrarunning. Since then, she’s tackled big races, summited Kilimanjaro, and even got her kids involved — literally. She co-founded COS-TRCK, a youth summer trail running camp in Colorado Springs that introduces kids to the magic of moving on dirt. We talk about the juggle of motherhood, training, and meaningful work — and how after 17 years in IT, she left her career to follow her purpose. That purpose? Building Dreama Adventures, a guiding business focused on empowering others through outdoor experiences. Dreama also shares the behind-the-scenes story of Dreama Team, a documentary that captures her life, identity, and the power of doing really hard things — including running ultras as a mom of four. This convo is packed with inspiration, hard-earned lessons, and love for community. Dreama’s Links IG - @dreamawalton       @dreamaAdventureCo DreamAdventures Dreama Team Film Relevant Links COS-TRCK Youth Trail Camp Trail Runner Mag Feature Dreama on UltraSignup Partner Links: Janji - Janji.comA 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-running, Dreama Walton, Dreama Adventures, COS-TRCK, SwissAlpine, youth trail camp, motherhood and running, Kilimanjaro, Dreama Team film, community, passion

    1h 23m
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5
out of 5
62 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
  • Show Website
    The Midpacker Podcast

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