What if one simple idea could transform the way athletes fuel their bodies? In this episode, we explore the birth of the very first sports nutrition bar back in the 1980s—a product that forever changed performance and recovery. Can you guess what it is?

You’ll hear the story behind its creation from one of its creators, Jennifer Maxwell, from the spark of inspiration to the trial-and-error experiments that nearly derailed it. Along the way, the creators faced unexpected setbacks that tested their resolve, but ultimately paved the way for a groundbreaking innovation. More than just a snack, this bar reshaped the entire sports nutrition industry and sparked a wave of creativity that continues today. Join us for a story of grit, vision, and the power of an idea that fueled athletes worldwide.

Jennifer continues to share the reason why she is back in the business with a yummy and healthy NEW product, JamBar!

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Visit Electrokare before September 5th to get your spot
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

What do launching into orbit and starting a grueling mountain ultra have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, we draw from Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way and NASA’s astronaut training to explore how familiarity—not bravado—builds confidence on the trail. Just as astronauts rehearsed every scenario to make the unknown feel routine, trail runners can train for the unexpected: long stretches without aid, bad weather, gear failures, or the mental fog of mile 90. We discuss how to simulate race conditions, build mental protocols for problem-solving, and control the factors within your grasp. By exposing yourself to stress in training—whether it’s night running, solo efforts, or challenging terrain—you build emotional muscle to stay calm when it matters most. The obstacle isn’t the mountain ahead—it’s the panic in your chest, and with the right preparation, you can take its power away.

It isn't too late to help out the California Biodiversity Project that Adam is supporting. All you do is collect soil samples from the trails you are running!

Check out more about Adam Kimble HERE

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. FLASH SALE! $25!!!!

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we reflect on the evolution of trail running and the Trail Runner Nation podcast over the past 14 years. We reflect on some clips from our very first episode, Podcast Numero Uno, published in November of 2011. We discuss the changes in trail running gear, the importance of community and knowledge sharing, and the technological advancements that have shaped the TRN podcasting journey. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a gathering place for runners and the role of the podcast in fostering a sense of belonging within the trail running community.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

What does it mean to be a trail runner in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—or even your 70s? How do years of pounding dirt, chasing summits, and chasing goals shape our bodies, minds, and identities?

Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades.

In this second episode of the Aging Athlete Series, we’re joined by Dr. Kelly Casperson to explore how hormone health influences endurance, recovery, and overall well-being as we age. Dr. Casperson, a board-certified urologist and women’s health advocate, brings her expertise to topics often overlooked in athletic circles—like menopause, libido, and the misunderstood role of hormone therapy. We dive into the physiological shifts that both male and female athletes face and how understanding these changes can help extend performance and vitality on the trails. From the importance of early hormone support to the mental health implications of declining hormone levels, we'll talk about aging with strength and knowledge.

Learn more from Dr. Casperson:

• Book, You Are not Broken: Stop Should-ing All Over Your Sex Life
• Pre Order the new Book, The Menopause Moment: Midset, Hormones, and Science for Optimal Longevity (releasing on Sept 16, 2025
• Her Website
• Her YouTube Channel
• Her podcast, You Are Not Broken
• The M-Factor Documentary we mentioned

Episode Sponsors

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Electrokare - memberships available until September 5th
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply

What if the key to becoming a stronger, more resilient runner isn’t about pushing harder, but moving smarter? In this episode, we’re joined by Samuel Stow, ultramarathoner and movement coach behind Pop Running. With a background in aerospace engineering, Sam blends biomechanics, breathwork, and mindfulness to help runners reconnect with their core, activate their glutes, and move with intention. We explore how awareness, not intensity, leads to pain-free and efficient movement, both on and off the trail. Sam shares practical tips for posture, breathing, and body alignment that can transform your running experience.

• Find out more about Pop Running and the book, Engineering Flow State
• Follow Samuel on Instagram

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

Over two years ago, we introduced the concept of Misogi—doing something so challenging it changes you—through Michael Easter’s book The Comfort Crisis - Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy and Healthy Self. Now, we’re revisiting it with fresh eyes and deeper insights. In a world built for convenience, what does it truly mean to seek out discomfort? And how can that mindset shape us into stronger runners—and better people? Join coach, Adam Kimble, and us as we explore boredom, solitude, hunger, and the wild places that force us to grow.

Here is the link to Adventure Scientists that Adam talked about.

Photo Credit: Jacob Banta

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply

Join us as we have an insightful conversation with renowned coach Ian Sharman. We discuss how to navigate the world of running advice with a critical eye and how his coaching philosophy has evolved. How to identify credible running advice and avoid misinformation.

Find out more about Ian at Sharman Ultra Coaching

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• Bear Mattress, get 40% off your first order with code TRAIL
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, cognitive neuroscientist and endurance athlete Dr. Scott Frey reveals how brain training can unlock new levels of performance for trail and ultrarunners. He explains that while most athletes focus on the physical, it’s often the brain that sets the limits—through perceived effort, cognitive fatigue, and pain signals. Dr. Frey introduces his Brain Endurance System Training (BEST), a method that combines cognitive and physical training to build mental strength and resilience. We talk about managing cognitive load, how the brain predicts fatigue, and why a mental taper can be just as important as a physical one. Listeners will learn how to train smarter, race longer, and enjoy the sport deeper by understanding the true power of the brain.

Find out more about BEST and Dr. Frey at Cerebral Performance

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Shokz, Use code TRN10 for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Oikos Triple Zero
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply