This podcast episode with Brian "Tosh" Chontosh focuses on the "mind's mind," the inner voice that shapes our thoughts and actions, often seeking comfort and leading to self-sabotage. Tosh emphasizes understanding this influence to improve decision-making and personal growth, particularly in endurance events.  

"Diesel Days," derived from military training, combines physical challenges with lessons in leadership and teamwork. This 24-hour event pushes participants through physical and psychological trials, teaching them to navigate internal and external pressures, including an innovative "checking in with the left hand" technique for goal setting and self-reflection.  This is a strategy that you can use on a tough run, race or situation in life.

Tosh also discusses building mental resilience and life skills to counteract the mind's mind, highlighting the importance of a safe training environment for pushing limits and learning. The "Hard Way Project" offers a monthly subscription with workouts and methodologies to apply these concepts in practice.

Overall, the episode sheds light on overcoming the mind's mind through awareness, resilience, and competency development, offering practical tools for personal and professional growth.

Check out Tosh's website to learn more: Crooked Butterfly

Sign up for the Hard Way Project HERE

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• AG1
• Defender

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

Have you ever wondered how conquering rugged trails and embracing the wild can transform not just your physical health, but your entire outlook on life? 

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of nature with Sid Garza-Hillman, acclaimed author of 'Ultra Running for Normal People.'  Sid unravels the transformative power of trail running, inviting listeners of all athletic backgrounds to explore the boundless beauty of ultra marathons. Discover the art of embracing the slow, the uncomfortable, and the sheer bliss of disconnecting from the digital world to forge a deeper connection with the natural one, and more importantly, with oneself.

Sid's philosophy extends beyond mere athleticism; it's about enriching life through the lens of trail running. He shares invaluable insights on the essence of enjoying the journey over obsessing with performance metrics, the wisdom in welcoming rest days, and the art of training with versatility and intuition. Sid delves into the transformative Oxygen Advantage breathwork technique, shedding light on its profound impact on stress management, endurance, and overall well-being.

Beyond the physical and mental benefits trail running offers—such as enhanced fitness, stress relief, and a profound sense of accomplishment—Sid encourages listeners to experience the vibrant community spirit by volunteering at the Mendocino Ultra race. Plus, get a taste of Sid's unique perspectives on health and well-being on his podcast, 'What Sid Thinks.'

This episode is not just a conversation; it's an invitation to embark on a life-changing adventure that promises more than just physical fitness. It offers a pathway to discover one's true potential, to reconnect with the essence of being, and to experience the unparalleled joy of trail running. Tune in to uncover how trail ultra running is not just an activity, but a gateway to a fuller, more connected life.

Additional links to check out:

• Mendocino Coast 50K
• Small Steppers

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• MetPro
• Defender

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

Ultra runner and acclaimed writer Katie Arnold delves into her profound journey within the realm of ultra running, challenging conventional perceptions and embracing a fresh, beginner's mindset. Katie illuminates the beauty of uncertainty in running, the thrill of flow, and the transformative power of redefining one's runner identity through persistent practice. We navigate a myriad of life and running philosophies, underscoring the significance of self-trust, the welcoming spirit towards newcomers, the perpetual learner's mindset, and the authenticity of being true to oneself. This conversation celebrates the essence of community, the resilience found in shared struggles, the magic of connectivity, and the inspirational force of collective passion, all while maintaining a delicate balance between personal endeavor and communal belonging.

Key Insights:
- Embrace your journey with confidence and open-mindedness.
- Champion the inclusion and growth of new runners, finding wisdom in their fresh perspectives.
- Cultivate a lifelong learner's attitude, reveling in continuous discovery and evolution.
- Stay genuine, honoring your true essence in running and beyond.
- Approach each run with reverence, acknowledging its challenges and rewards.
- Seek and offer solace within the running community, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Acknowledge our shared human experience, enhancing connections and collaboration.
- Let the vitality of the running community fuel your motivation and aspirations.
- Cherish running's unique blend of solitary reflection and communal celebration.

Check out Katie's article on the Beginner's Mind: Micro Running

Subscribe to her FREE newsletter HERE

Katie's Outside Column Raising Rippers

Check our our previous episode, "Running Home with Katie Arnold"

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• Defender

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In today's episode, we are going to open the bookstore and review the book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity"by Dr. Peter Attia. This book offers a radical approach to longevity, emphasizing proactive, personalized strategies over the reactive methods of mainstream medicine. Today, we'll focus on four key chapters that explore innovative nutrition, optimal exercise and sleep, and the crucial role of emotional health in living longer better lives.

Joining us to discuss four chapters are frequent guests and friends of TRN, Andy Jones-Wilkins and Adam Kimble.

Dr. Attia challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for a deep understanding of our health beyond traditional metrics. We'll discuss the transformative power of exercise, the importance of a tailored nutritional approach, and why emotional well-being is indispensable for a fulfilling life.

Learn more about Adam:

• Adam Kimble's web site
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Chasing Twilight: A Joy Journal for Runners (or available on Amazon)
• list of Adam's FKT records

Learn more about AJW:

• Crack A Brew with AJW podcast
• Coaching from Andy at CTS
• Weekly Tap Room column at iRunFar
• Instagram
• Twitter

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• UCAN
• HVMN
• AG1

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

We return to our 'Endurance Of The Trail" Series in this episode with our friend Major Brian "Tosh" Chontosh, United States Marine Corps, Retired.  He recounts his extraordinary journey of participating in The World's Roughest Row, rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean with his team of former Navy SEALs despite their lack of prior experience in ocean rowing. He delves into the rigorous training, preparation, and dietary strategies that underpinned their endurance feat. Tosh underscores the critical role of team cohesion and the strategic guidance from their campaign manager. He reflects on the mental resilience needed to surmount challenges and draws parallels between his rowing venture and ultra-running principles, particularly in nutrition and the necessity to eschew distractions for peak performance. The discussion also explores the mental rigors of the Atlantic crossing, the imperative of setting clear goals, and the congruence between one's actions and objectives. Tosh concludes by touching on the broader implications of his experiences for physical endurance and leadership.

**BEFORE YOU LISTEN, watch this 45-minute video documentary of their experience.**

• Check out his past episode about the shipping container challenge
• Check out his website Crooked Butterfly where you can learn more about the HardWay Project and his podcast by the same name.

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• LMNT

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this episode, we dive into the unique intersection of everyday vocabulary and the expansive world of trail and ultrarunning. We are joined by the ever-insightful Warren Pole and the ultrarunning sage, Andy Jones-Wilkins, for a lighthearted yet profound discussion that ties the randomness of language to the trails we cherish.

There are times in our running careers when the only thing we think about is running and everything we see or experience we relate to running. In that spirit, Trail Runner Nation podcast periodically produces an episode where we pick a random word out of a dictionary and relate that to trail and ultrarunning. 

Check out Warren's company, 33 Fuel and Andy's coaching at Carmichael Training.

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• AG1

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

Dive into the Thrilling World of Ultra Running with Historian Davy Crockett! Join hosts us in an exhilarating journey through the untold history and fascinating evolution of ultra marathons. Discover the legendary races that shaped the sport: from the historic Comrades Marathon to the enigmatic Barkley Marathons. Learn about the earliest ultra runners, their unique mindset, and how their challenges differ from those faced by today's athletes. 

Explore the global impact of ultra running, featuring stories from the Redwood Indian Marathon that showcased Native American excellence, and the JFK 50's evolution from a boys club event to America's oldest ultra race. 

This episode isn't just about endurance – it's a journey into the heart of ultra running, revealing the allure, history, and soul of this incredible sport. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual listener, there's something for everyone in this captivating conversation. Don't miss out on these extraordinary tales that bring the world of ultra marathons to life! 

About Davy

• David "Davy" R. Crockett, a veteran ultrarunner since 2004
• has completed over a hundred 100-mile races. 
• He combined his running passion with history by organizing the "Pony Express Trail 50 and 100" in Utah 
• launched ultrarunninghistory.com and the Ultrarunning History Podcast in 2018. 
• As the Director of the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame since 2020, Crockett has authored several books on ultrarunning history and 19th-century American westward migration. 
UltraRunninghistory.com
Crockettclan.org/blog

Other Ultrarunning History Series books:

1. Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star
2. Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History
3. Strange Running Tales: When Ultrarunning was a Reality Show
4. Running 100 Miles: Part One - A History (1729-1960)
5. Running 100 Miles: Part Two - A History (1761-1976)
6. Running 100 Miles: Part Three - A History (1977-1979)
7. Classic Ultramarathon Beginnings: The Barkley Marathons, Comrades Marathon, London to Brighton, JFK 50, Spartathlon, and others

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• HVMN
• AG1
• LMNT

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.

In this bonus episode, we are talking about metabolism.  We have learned a lot of great information, strategies, and tactics while we have been partnered with MetPro, an innovative program offering personalized health and fitness strategies and coaching. The episode features insights from Mike, who shares his successful journey with MetPro in achieving weight loss and enhanced training. Amber Velasquez, a MetPro coach, and Angelo Poli, the founder, both emphasize the program's unique approach to nutrition and fitness. They discuss how MetPro uses metabolic profiling to tailor meal plans and exercise routines to individual needs, focusing on understanding metabolic thresholds and adaptation. The conversation underscores the significance of adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, trusting the process, and the impact of MetPro beyond just weight loss, including improved overall health, energy levels, and body composition. The episode concludes with an invitation for a free metabolic consultation with a MetPro expert, highlighting its benefits for both general fitness enthusiasts and performance-focused athletes, especially those in endurance sports. To take advantage of this metabolic assessment, click HERE

If you would like, Coach Amber can answer any questions directly:
Amber Velasquez, MHS, RD, LD, CPT
amber@metpro.co
530-720-0930
https://metpro.co/coach-amber

This episode is focused on the fuel that drives endurance athletes. It's a world where what you eat isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's about strategy, precision, and sometimes, survival.

Joining us from Australia are two experts of sports dietetics, Steph Gaskell and Alan Mccubbin, co-hosts of "The Fueling Endurance" podcast. Steph, a trail runner herself, is an expert of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. She's on a mission to unravel the mysteries of how our guts betray us during a run and how to keep the digestive peace. Then there's Alan, a man who can talk about sodium and hydration. With a background in mountain biking and sailing, he knows the fine line between staying hydrated and hitting a wall.

Takeaways

• Dehydration can increase the risk of gut symptoms and impact digestion, absorption, and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Vomiting may provide temporary relief from gastrointestinal stress, but it does not eliminate the underlying issue.
• Cramping can be caused by a combination of factors, including hydration, electrolyte balance, neuromuscular responses, muscle fatigue, and psychological stress.
• Sweat rate and electrolyte loss are not always correlated, and individual variations exist in sweat sodium concentration.

Find out more about Steph and Alan at Fueling Endurance and check out their book!

Find out more about this episode's sponsors:

• Janji
• UCAN
• PATH Projects
• HVMN

Become a Patreon supporter to receive quarterly givebacks from us.