Tune In, Run On

Trail-running podcasts dish up knowledge, inspiration and entertainment

As trail running has grown in popularity, podcasts have proliferated. Contrary to their name, they do not require an iPod to enjoy—you can listen directly online or download them to your computer, mobile device or MP3 player.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here—you can also search for or browse other podcasts through online podcast directories or in the iTunes store.

UltraRunnerPodcast
Trail runners Scotty Sandow and Eric Schranz cohost this irreverent podcast about trail running, good beer and quirky personali- ties in the trail community, from the elite to everyday athletes. Their wealth of episodes include interviews with many big-name runners: Meghan Arbogast, Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, Ellie Greenwood and Max King, to name a few—as well as a collection of other colorful characters: nutritionist Sunny Blende, filmmaker J.B. Benna, trail legend Gordy Ainsleigh and fruitarian ultrarunner Michael Arnstein.
www.ultrarunnerpodcast.com

Trail Runner Nation
With knowledge and advice from a variety of notable sources and top athletes, hosts Don Freeman, Scott Warr and Faith Goss cover
topics ranging from race nutrition to pacing strategy to mental focus. Recent episodes include interviews with elite ultrarunner Nikki Kimball, iRunFar.com editor-in-chief Bryon Powell and renowned endurance-racing guru Dr. Phil Maffetone.
www.trailrunnernation.com

Running the Narrow Path
For five years, host Krister has been taking his podcast listeners on runs with him along the roads and trails of Sweden—literally recording his episodes while run- ning. He promises no training tips or expertise, musing instead on the nature around him and the simple joys of running. Set to the tune of footfalls and baaing sheep, this podcast is sure to invoke a sense of serenity.
www.runningthenarrowpath.blogspot.com

Endurance Planet
Though not exclusively devoted to trail running, the Endurance Planet podcast interviews leading authorities on endurance training and nutrition, including coach Lucho (a.k.a. Tim Waggoner), nutritionist Ben Greenfield and personal trainer Tony Federico. Recent episodes have included discussions of chia seeds, fatty oils and nitrates, the merits of the Paleo Diet for endurance athletes and tips on creative winter speed work.
www.enduranceplanet.com

Talk Ultra
Ian Corless jam packs every episode of his ultrarunning-focused podcast with different segments—interviews, trail-running news, upcoming race info, blog highlights, a self-explanatory section called “Talk Training” and regular appear- ances by Karl Meltzer. Recent episodes have included an update on Joe Grant’s preparation for his attempt at the 350-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational and a chat with Internationl Skyrunning Foundation Executive Director Lauri van Houten.
www.iancorless.org/podcast

Running Stupid
Since 2008, ultrarunner and Inside Trail race series co-director Ken Michal has been doing his entertaining podcast on running long—from “the folks who know endurance … the back of the pack.” Episodes have ranged from an ultra- podcast (i.e. a two-part episode) about Michal’s experience at the Pigtails Challenge 200-miler in Kent, Washington, to a crew report from those who helped Ellie Greenwood break Ann Trason’s 18-year record at Western States, in 2012. It’s hard not to smile when you hear Michal’s trademark chuckle.
www.runningstupid.libsyn.com

[ Overheard ] Podcast Style

“In 1997, there were 17. In 2002, there were 25. In 2007, there were 39. And at the start of 2013, there are 110.”
—Craig Thornley, race director of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, explaining the growth rate of 100-mile races in North America, on UltraRunnerPodcast

“To be honest, I can’t even imagine what a 100-miler would feel like, but I’m pretty sure it would be horrendous.”
—Anna Frost, elite ultrarunner and Team Salomon athlete, on Trail Runner Nation

“I cannot tell you how many people came up to me and began to ask about running. We’re not talking about guys who have any clue about running. If they had run, it was from the police. I thoroughly enjoyed the curiosity of these folks. By the time I left, 18 months later, I had about 50 people running regularly—11 who had lost more than a hundred pounds from working out with me.”
—Charlie Engle, on being an ultrarunner in federal prison, on UltraRunnerPodcast