In this episode, we are joined again by coach Adam Kimble to explore the book, The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning by Paul Bloom, and discuss why endurance athletes voluntarily seek discomfort in pursuit of meaning, growth, and satisfaction. We discuss the concept of "benign masochism," highlighting how pain and pleasure are deeply intertwined in long races and hard efforts. We talk about internal versus external motivation, the power of anticipation, and how reframing challenges can shape both performance and mindset. We explore flow state, decision-making under fatigue, and why doing hard things helps us better appreciate everyday life. Ultimately, the episode reflects on how endurance sports create community, reveal character, and provide a powerful lens for understanding human behavior and purpose.

Check out more about Adam and hire him as a coach HERE

Sponsors:

• Tifosi Optics - check out how to win a free pair of the new Sanctum SL and how to get a discount
• Peluva - let your feet be feet!

TimeStamps

00:00 – Intro & Book Overview: Introduction to The Sweet Spot and why endurance athletes are drawn to discomfort and meaning.

03:20 – First Impressions of the Book: Initial reactions and key takeaways about doing hard things and personal growth.

05:50 – What is "Benign Masochism"? Exploring voluntary suffering and why difficult challenges feel rewarding.

08:10 – Internal vs External Motivation: Do we pursue hard goals for ourselves or for recognition from others?

15:30 – Pain, Pleasure & the "Ikea Effect": Why effort increases satisfaction and meaning in achievement.

21:10 – Pain as Presence & Mental Focus: How physical discomfort brings runners into the present moment.

26:50 – The Power of Anticipation & Race Anxiety: Mental rehearsal, visualization, and preparing for both highs and lows.

33:20 – Stoicism, Problem Solving & Simple Rules: Decision-making strategies when things go wrong during races.

41:45 – The Paradox of Effort in an Easy World: Why modern comfort drives us to seek difficult challenges.

48:30 – Reframing Struggle & Perspective on the Trail: How mindset shifts can turn suffering into forward progress.

55:00 – Intention Over Perfection: Why showing up with purpose matters more than executing a flawless race.

59:30 – Meaning, Community & Final Quotes: Closing reflections on bonding, humanity, and why endurance sports matter.

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Miller to discuss his book Run Like a Rarámuri : Stories and Wisdoms from the Sierra Tarahumara and Running Long and his deep connection to the Indigenous Rarámuri "running people" of Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara. Drawing on years spent living among the community, Michael shares how running is woven into their social fabric as a celebration of resilience, nature, and togetherness rather than competition or performance. The conversation explores powerful cultural concepts like korima, the practice of sharing without expectation, and how movement in nature can restore balance and contentment in modern life. Michael also reflects on the legacy of Micah True (Caballo Blanco) and the evolution of the Ultramarathon Caballo Blanco race, which now brings together runners from around the world while supporting local communities. We consider what trail runners can learn from the Rarámuri about simplicity, presence, and reconnecting with the deeper purpose of running. Ultimately, the discussion suggests that "running like a Rarámuri" is less about technique and more about learning to live with gratitude, connection, and joy.

Check out the non-profit True Messages for more information and how to support these projects, and these other links:

• Ultra Caballo Blanco

• Copper Canyons

• Entre Amigos Camps

• Instagram

Sponsors:

• Tifosi Optics - check out how to win a free pair of the new Sanctum SL and how to get a discount
• Peluva - let your feet be feet!

Timestamps

• 0:00 Intro to Michael Miller and Run Like a Rarámuri

• 2:05 What makes the Ultramarathon Caballo Blanco unique

• 6:15 Who the Rarámuri are and how Born to Run shaped their global story

• 14:10 Running as culture: traditional games, community, and connection

• 20:06 Michael's personal journey to the Sierra and why this became a passion project

• 29:37 Training vs. lifestyle: how the Rarámuri develop endurance naturally

• 34:52 Is the book about running… or about living?

• 44:42 Korima explained: sharing, gratitude, and the social fabric of the Rarámuri

• 51:11 Supporting the community: nonprofit work and how listeners can help

• 58:13 Closing reflections on Micah True's legacy and running free

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation's Aging as an Athlete series, along with Krissy Moehl, we welcome elite ultrarunner and therapist Darcy Piceu for a thoughtful conversation about longevity in endurance sports. Drawing on more than two decades of racing at the highest level, Darcy explains that there is no "magic pill" for staying in the sport long term, emphasizing instead the importance of self-care, strength work, listening to the body, and adapting training as athletes age. The discussion explores the mental side of endurance, including acceptance of changing performance, learning to manage negative thoughts during long races, and developing the wisdom that comes from decades of experience. Darcy also shares how mindfulness and time in nature play a powerful role in both mental health and athletic performance, something she incorporates into her therapy practice. We reflect on the evolving identity of an athlete over time, balancing competitiveness with enjoyment, family life, and other pursuits beyond running. We highlight that staying in the sport for decades is less about chasing podiums and more about cultivating resilience, perspective, and a lasting love for the trail.

Check out Darcy's Therapy practice, "Therapy in Action" or get in touch with her darcypq@gmail.com.

If you're in Bellingham, WA in March and want to help out at Chuckanut 50k, click here to volunteer.

Episode Sponsor:

Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail.
If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses!

1:00 – Darcy's Background: Elite Runner and Therapist

3:30 – What Creates Longevity in the Sport?

6:00 – The Mental Side of Aging as an Athlete

9:00 – Mindfulness, Stress, and Mental Training

12:45 – Mental Toughness in Ultrarunning

17:30 – The Power of Nature and Trail Therapy

23:00 – Managing Focus During Long Races

29:00 – Racing for the Podium vs Racing for the Experience

31:30 – How Darcy Found Ultrarunning

35:30 – Hardrock, Motherhood, and Career Balance

38:30 – Training Philosophy for Longevity

41:00 – The Wednesday Women's Run in Boulder

44:00 – Identity Beyond Running

48:00 – What Makes a Race Truly Successful?

52:30 – Advice to Younger and Older Versions of Yourself

56:30 – The Mental vs Physical Performance Question

1:00:15 – Therapy in Action and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Trail Runner Nation, we sit down with filmmaker Dylan Harris to talk about his powerful new film, The Cut-Off. Instead of following the front of the pack, the film shines a light on the runners fighting the clock at aid stations, chasing the courage it takes simply to continue. Dylan shares the inspiration behind the project, the stories that moved him most, and what the back-of-the-pack reveals about grit, community, and the true spirit of trail running. This conversation is a reminder that endurance isn't just about speed; it's about persistence, heart, and refusing to quit when the margin gets thin.

Links:

• SomoCollective: Dylan's production company
• Arivaipa Running: Producer and site of the film, Cocadona 250
• Lucy's Dad Film: another of Dylan's films

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

Time Stamps

1:30 – Introducing Dylan Harris and the story behind The Cut-Off
5:00 – Why focus on back-of-the-pack runners?
10:30 – The emotional reality of chasing aid station cutoffs
18:00 – Stories from filming: moments of grit, struggle, and triumph
26:00 – What the back-of-the-pack reveals about trail culture
34:00 – The community factor: volunteers, crews, and fellow runners
42:00 – Lessons from the film for everyday runners
50:00 – Where to watch The Cut-Off and what's next for Dylan
55:00 – Final thoughts and closing

In this episode, we are joined by Cliff Pittman, Coaching Development Director for CTS. We take a practical look at VO₂ max and what it really means for everyday runners. We explore whether this popular performance metric is truly essential, how much it matters for trail and ultra athletes, and where it can be misunderstood or overemphasized. The conversation cuts through the numbers to focus on what actually helps runners train smarter, stay healthy, and improve long-term performance. If you've ever wondered whether your VO₂ max score is a guiding light or just another shiny data point, this episode brings clarity and perspective from the trail.

Key Topics

• What is VO2 max and why does it matter for ultra runners?
• The accuracy and limitations of wearable VO2 max estimates
• How VO2 max relates to performance, aging, and training adaptability
• The concept of fractional utilization versus maximum effort
• Strategies for incorporating VO2 max training into your season
• Cross-training options like cycling and swimming for low-impact VO2 max work
• Monitoring progress with lab versus field testing and subjective feedback
• The importance of training variety and maintaining the entire aerobic engine
• Practical workout templates: intervals, recovery, and dosage over seasons
• How strength training and muscle mass influence VO2 max

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.

Timestamps

00:00 - Overview of the podcast topic: VO2 max importance for ultra runners
02:31 - Christian Blumenfeldt's unbelievable VO2 max of 101.1 — reality versus perception
03:26 - Simplified definition of VO2 max — oxygen consumption capacity of the body
04:43 - Limitations of wearable VO2 max estimates and lab versus field testing accuracy
05:34 - Why VO2 max is only part of the performance equation, not the whole story
07:13 - How VO2 max predicts short race performance but less so in ultradistance events
08:11 - The impact of fatigue resistance, durability, and fueling on ultramarathon success
09:31 - The significance of fractional utilization (operating below VO2 max ceiling)
10:13 - Can VO2 max be manipulated through training? Early season versus peak preparation
12:00 - The endurance spectrum: training both VO2 max and aerobic base for a well-rounded system
13:35 - Visualizing training as a string; raising ceiling versus improving utilization
14:34 - Should runners push to their VO2 max ceiling or focus on fractional utilization?
17:17 - Training strategies: balancing intensity, recovery, and avoiding injury during VO2 max work
20:04 - Substituting high-intensity VO2 work with cross-training (cycling, swimming) to reduce impact
21:28 - Monitoring other critical metrics: lactate threshold, recovery pace, subjective feedback
23:53 - The significance of individualized, periodized VO2 max training blocks
26:42 - The importance of patience, gradual progression, and listening to your body
28:55 - How to incorporate VO2 max sessions into your weekly plan: frequency, duration, and recovery
33:16 - The role of training specificity and modality as competition approaches
41:38 - Maintaining fitness and VO2 max as we age through consistent, varied training
43:33 - Linking strength training and lean muscle mass to VO2 max improvements
46:51 - Cross-training options and managing impact: cycling, swimming, hill repeats
48:37 - Final tips for beginners and experienced runners on starting VO2 max work safely
52:12 - The future of training: evidence-based approaches and coaching support at CTS

This episode brings back Trail Runner Nation's Point–Counterpoint format, with coaches Ian Sharman, Annie Hughes, Jeff Browning, and Trish Ahrends stepping into the debate arena. Responding to listener feedback, this episode leans hard into our long-held "experiment of one" philosophy. Each coach is assigned a position and must defend it, whether they personally agree or not. Training myths, sacred cows, and well-worn advice get put on trial through experience, evidence, and strong opinions. The result is fast-paced, thoughtful, and occasionally spicy. Pick a side, challenge your assumptions, and enjoy the debate.

Need coaching? Try giving these coaches a try:

• GiddyUp Ultra
• Sharman Ultra

Proof that Ian met David Beckham

Get the "1 > 0" running hat HERE.