Trail Mix Running Podcast

Episode 34 is here and we are pumped to bring you a great chat with experienced hiker, and Great Colorado Route creator and first sender, Donovan "Iceman" Rice.

We chat with Donovan about his pre-GCR trail experience, why he thought Colorado needed another route for people to take one, and how his maiden voyage on his new route shook out when he hit the trail.

If you want to support the project you can donate at www.greatcoloradoroute.com/donate and you can find Donovan on Instagram here.

Before the interview starts Nick and Steven recap Steven's recent race at the Canyon de Chelly 55k, Nick's most recent application into the dog bite club, and lots of things going on in the world of ultra and trail running.

If you like what you hear drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and leave a comment.

Art hails from the Rio Grande Valley, or RGV, in South Texas and is an absolute force on the trails.

After getting into trail and ultra running later in life, Art dove right in with his "burn the ships" mentality and the results speak for themselves.

With wins, course records, and now is first 200 mile effort under his belt, Art shares what keeps him moving and how he likes to train for tough terrains in possibly the flattest place on earth.

If you enjoyed the episode throw a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the show and leave a comment.

Thanks and we'll see you next week!

If the Durango Running Club ever starts a podcast they are going to hate the work that we do here.

For this episode of TMRP we are back with another La Plata County legend, Robyn Lesh.

Robyn is a pro runner for Altra who has carved her niche as a middle distance ultra runner with wins and course records at some of the most prestigious races around the world - which is exactly how she likes it.

In this episode we cover Robyn's eccentric background, her down under, trail running roots, how she handles the long racing seasons that have become normalized, and what excites her about the future.

We really enjoyed sharing some time with Robyn and we hope you enjoy the listen. Support her by subscribing to her Substack and giving her a follow on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/smiles4trails

https://substack.com/@trails4smiles

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you enjoyed the episode do us a favor and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating, and hit that follow button.

Life's short, run far.

In this episode of TMRP comedian, NJ Devil 100 Miler starter, Pine Creek Challenge 100 Miler starter, Leadville 100 starter, FRONT RANGE ULTRA DAYZE 100 MILER FINISHER, Dan LaMorte joins Nick and Steven to talk about comedy, life in his new home in Leadville, and if the path to finishing his first 100 has given him the perspective that he was looking for.

I will take this moment to apologize - this was our first in-person recording and the audio quality missed the mark. Frankly, we do this for fun, and since we had a blast with Dan we checked that box, but we know this isn't what our listeners are looking for from us. We'll learn and do better.

If you're looking for a running metaphor this was not quite a DNF but also definitely not a podium.

There's no way this should stop you from enjoying the episode. Drop a comment of your favorite part (or just to say what's up to Dan) and we'll see you next week!

How do you define someone who just does cool stuff?

Today we're joined by none other than interesting human, Jason Hardrath.

After life as a college runner, Jason started busting out trail races and even made the Ironman 70.3 World Championships until life threw him a curveball.

Not being one to just sit around, Jason used that as an opportunity to get wild with it, and now he has bagged over 120 route fastest known times (FKTs).

For Jason these efforts often include bushwhacking, route finding, scrambling, free soloing, and even some good, old fashioned trail running.

We had a blast talking with Jason, and we're sure you'll have a blast giving it a listen. When that inevitably happens be sure to drop a comment and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and we'll see you next week!

"The man who enjoys thru-hiking will go further than the man who enjoys the destination."

- Scott Benerofe, probably

Today we're joined by none other than Scott Benerofe for the fourth installment in our Local Legend series.

Scott is of the trail and as we learn, he is drawn towards arduous efforts in wild places with harsh conditions.

Scott's roots in the Northeast have pulled him all over the Whites, the AT, the Long Trail, the Adirondacks, and most likely any hills you've driven over between Canada and Virginia.

We had a blast sharing some time with Scott. If you had a blast listening, do us a favor and follow the show + add a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.

https://www.instagram.com/scottbenerofe/

What a pro.

For this episode, (the final installment of our Four Pillars of Ultrarunning series) of TMRP, Nick and Steven share some time with lifelong ultrarunning coach, Jason Koop.

Koop has seen it all and has the chops to prove it.

The trio dives into both sides of the coach/athlete relationship, and this episode leaves listeners with actionable insights to walk...or run away with by the time they're done.

https://trainright.com/coaches/jason-koop/
https://www.instagram.com/jasonkoop

Before the interview starts, Episode 28 begins with the guys talking about what they've been up to lately before they dive into happenings in the world of racing at home and abroad.

As always, five-star reviews and comments are currency. If you're enjoying the show, share it with some running buddies.

We'll see you next week.

Life's short, run far.

Hello again!

This week we're pumped to bring you a great conversation with Shane Asbury, owner and race director at Wanderlust Running.

Wanderlust Running puts on 14 races every year across New Mexico and the surrounding areas.

Shane is passionate about putting on immersive experiences and it definitely shows.

We hope you have as much fun listening as we did chatting it up.

We would love a five star review.

Leave a comment of who you would like to hear on Trail Mix next.

You can find WR’s site and IG below.

https://wanderlust.run/

https://instagram.com/wanderlustrunningunlimited

What’s the saying? Most overnight successes are years in the making?

For ultrarunner Becca Bramley, that definitely rings true.

After a second-place finish at the 2025 Run Rabbit Run 100-miler and breaking the women’s course record at the 2026 High Lonesome 100—her first two 100-mile finishes—she seemingly burst onto the scene. But in this episode, Nick and Steven talk with Becca about what her road to becoming one of the top female runners in the sport has looked like so far.

You can find Becca on Instagram at instagram.com/bec_bram and on Strava under Becca Bramley.

As always, 5-star reviews and comments are gold around here.

Thanks for listening!

Sometimes we talk to a person who has taken on a physical task that draws attention.

Today we're joined by someone a little different, Bryant Baker. A runner and adventurer in his own right, Bryant is forging his path as the Director of Advocacy and Education for Runners For Public Lands, an amazing nonprofit that aims to empower trail and ultra runners as stewards of the land that they utilize.

Nick, Steven, and Bryant share some time talking about what Runners For Public Lands' mission is, what issues are most pressing in 2026, and how racers and races, alike, can do their part to leave things, and policies, better than they found them.

To support Runners For Public Lands find them at

- www.runnersforpubliclands.org

- https://www.instagram.com/runners4publiclands

Finally, you can find Bryant on Instagram at:

- https://www.instagram.com/bryant.the.shrublander/

As always, five star ratings and comments are always appreciated.

See you next week!

What a gem of a human.

In this episode of TMRP, Nick and Steven share some time with trail aficionado, Jeff Garmire.

If there's something that you can do on a trail, Jeff has probably done it and done it well. From FKT's and through hikes, to single and multi-day ultramarathon events, Jeff has experience with all of it.

The trio talks about Jeff's past, how his personality reflects his on-trail style, what keeps him motivated while he's out there, and how lucrative his Free Outside empire really is, among other things.

The episode also dives into Jeff's specific adventures, including the Calendar Year Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail), Cocodona, and his recent adventures on Trail du Mont Blanc.

To support Jeff check him out and sign up for coaching at www.freeoutside.com, and find him on Instagram at instagram.com/freeoutside.

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoyed the show.

As always, comments and five-star reviews please our robot overlords and are greatly appreciated.

Life's short. Run far.

Let's be honest, with no disrespect to any Local Legends that have joined us so far, Nick is pushing the boundaries of what a guest for this type of episode represents.

As we get to in the first minute of the episode, Nick was technically nominated as a LL from a previous guest, but his resume, and prowess on the trails make hima threat to win any race he signs up for.

Nick is fresh off of a win at the Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra where he ran a whopping 262.5 miles. This year has also included wins at the Rocky Raccoon 100 and Grasslands 100, as well.

Catch Nick in action next (after a quick training run at the Berlin Marathon) at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Championships where he will represent Team USA, and for the love of all things holy, if you work for a running company, or Noosa, please sponsor this man.

Nick's Instagram

Nick's Strava

Be sure to like, follow and comment to help grow the show!

See everyone next week!

We're back with episode 22 of the Trail Mix Running Podcast.

In this episode the guys cover everything going on in the world of running from backyard ultras, High Lonesome and Vermont 100s, and other, equally as important nonsense that happened in the past week. Also, congratulations to Nick whose family grew by four legs when they adopted WIlson.

For this week's interview, Nick and Steven talked to Nickademus de la Rosa. Nickademus has his MS in Sports Psychology and is a very accomplished ultra runner in his own right. These days he focuses on helping athletes thrive under the external and self imposed pressures of performing at their best.

This is the third installment of our Four Pillars of Ultra Running and we know you'll love it.

If you like what you hear drop a 5-star review and be sure to follow/subscribe to the show.

See you next week!

Nickademus on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ultrademus/

Imperfect Mental Performance - https://imperfectmentalperformance.com/

Are we ever ready to turn the page? After two episodes about Hardrock 100 this recap will be our last piece on it for 2026.

Sad.

Luckily we're joined by none other than Brooke Parsons who (along with Nick and about 10 others) crewed Tara Dower at Hardrock. We talk about the race and then get the inside scoop from Brooke and Nick about what it's like being on the other side of the rope with an elite runner at one of America's most prestigious trail ultras.

If you enjoy the episode drop a five star rating, and leave us a comment about who you would like us to have on as a guest in the coming months.

Life is short, run far.

Holy Moly EPISODE 20!!

We celebrate this momentous occasion with none other than Careth Arnold. We shared some time while she was at her final training camp before the Hardrock 100.

For those that don't know, Careth Arnold, is an elite trail runner who has made her name at some of the toughest, fastest, and most prestigious ultramarathons around the world.

We cover life as a professional mother and trail runner, her training philosophies, what keeps her pushing forward, and everything in between.

If you enjoyed this episode drop us a 5-star rating wherever you're listening and be sure to follow so you never miss a thing!

Thanks!

What is up everyone?

We are back with episode 19 of Trail Mix Running Podcast with our THIRD Local Legend, Arleigh Atkinson.

Arleigh is an accomplished ultramarathoner who has been putting it down on trails across the US for over a decade.

We cover some of Arleigh's memorable moments on the trails and what keeps her going; from her local 'gaggle' of running friends, to the strength she finds in accomplishing difficult goals that she sets for herself.

If you like this episode (obviously) throw a 5-star rating wherever you listen.

Do you know someone who is a Local Legend? Nominate them to be a guest on TMRP here.

Okay, first things first - we went long with the intro. While we do think you'll love it - if you want to get to the Howie interview it starts at 42:05.

In episode 18 of Trail Mix Running Podcast Nick and Steven cover Steven's dog bite situation, Nick's recent travels, and all the news about Broken Arrow Skyrace, Tahoe 200, and Western States.

Then, for the interview the guys talk to endurance athlete, Silverton local, photographer, and Hardrocker, Howie Stern.

If you like what you hear drop us a 5-star rating, and throw a comment about who you would like to hear us talk to next!

See you next week. 🤘

In this weeks episode we share some time with Rachel Bambrick, founder and Executive Director of Women In Ultrarunning.

We cover Rachel's start in running and what she saw that made her want to advocate for women by starting WIU. We also cover the impact that WIU is aiming to make in the sport, what an equitable landscape looks like, and how anyone can help advocate for the cause.

Be sure to drop a comment on the episode, and the most helpful things you can do is to leave a 5-star rating and follow the show.

Thanks so much and we'll see you next week!

This week, Nick and Steven kick things off with a recap of some fun they had on the track before diving into bear attacks in Glacier National Park, the ongoing Cam Hanes and Sage Canaday drama, updates from Western States and Hardrock, and news on killer efforts and the new longest unsupported FKT ever set.

Then we sit down with professional trail runner and Merrell Team Manager Coree Woltering. We talk about his packed schedule, FKTs on the Ice Age Trail and Pinhoti Trail, balancing life as both an elite athlete and team manager, and what continues to motivate him after years in the sport.

As always, thanks for listening and be sure to follow, rate, and share the show with a friend.

Trail Mix is now a weekly endeavor!

We're switching from every two weeks to every Wednesday to bring our listeners more of the content they have been asking for.

In this episode of Trail Mix, Nick and Steven sit and share some time with Chad Salyer, an ultra runner from the DFW area of Texas.

We talk with Chad about finding running when life threw some changes his way, and how he uses a purpose bigger than himself to push through when the going gets tough.

We will be fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help support Chad's cause.

Thanks for listening! Leave a 5-star rating and drop a comment if you have a few seconds.

In episode 14 of TMRP Nick and Steven sit with "Professor" Carl Stanfield who completed the Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking in 2022, where he hiked the entirety of the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest Trails (plus some bonus miles that we cover in the episode.

Prior to the interview, Nick and Steven talk about everything going on in the world of trail running.

What's that? You love the podcast? Thanks! Go ahead and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and throw a comment about what you'd love to hear us cover in the next episode.

Thanks for joining us on this ride and have a great week!

If you're reading this stop what you're doing and follow the podcast if you haven't already.

_____

In this episode of TMRP Nick and Steven are joined by Vic Johnson (instagram.com/mountain.sports.dietician) to talk about the part of trail running that impacts every athlete - nutrition.

The trio covers general nutrition guidelines, race week prep, intra-event fueling, and post race recovery.

This is part two of TMRP's four part "Four Pillars of Trail Running" series where we cover different aspects of effective running.

Before Nick and Steven are joined by Vic they breakdown all the Cocodona excitement including Rachel Entrekin's amazing performance. The guys also cover other trail running news, Nick's upcoming triathlon, and all sorts of other goodies.

Find us on Instagram at instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast to stay up to date with the show.

Sage Canaday (instagram.com/sagecanaday) joins Nick and Steven for episode 12 of TMRP to talk about his life on and off the trail, his company, Higher Running, and how his health has impacted his views about success, life, and risk taking.

Before the interview starts, the guys cover a couple updates from episode 11, everything going on at the Boston and London marathons, recent ultramarathon news, robots, new movie scripts we're considering for the 2027 Trail Running Film Festival, and Steven even shares some updates about his leg saga (electric, I know).

Follow us at instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast and drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if you're not a buster.

See you in two weeks!

This week, Nick and Steven sit down with Dr. Kameron Harder, founder of Ridge Athletics, Doctor of Physical Therapy, strength coach, and endurance athlete, to talk about what it really takes to stay durable as a runner.

From injury prevention and rehab to building strength that actually translates to performance, Kam breaks down the biggest mistakes runners make when it comes to staying healthy and getting stronger. The conversation dives into how strength training fits into a serious running schedule, what athletes often misunderstand about pain and recovery, and why durability might be the biggest performance advantage in the sport.

Whether you’re training for your first trail race, chasing a PR, or just trying to stay consistent without getting sidelined, this episode is packed with practical takeaways from one of the best minds working with runners today.

https://www.instagram.com/ridgeathleticsaz

https://ridgeathleticsaz.com/

Just days after we sat down with Mike, he went out and did exactly what he said he would do: win the Arizona Monster 300 and set a new course record in the process. Covering 304 miles through the Sonoran Desert in 3 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes, Mike averaged roughly 80 miles per day on one of the toughest multi-day races in the country.

In this episode, we talk about the path that led him here and what keeps him moving forward. We also cover his first attempt at race directing, his love for a certain Ford Mustang, and what’s so special about raw milk.

With six races over 200 miles plus the iconic Hardrock 100 on his 2026 calendar, Mike is setting up for a massive year.

We had a blast talking with Mike and we hope you enjoy the listen.

Follow the podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

In this episode of TMRP Steven and Nick cover what they've been staying busy with, yet another road race finish debacle, the Arizona Monster 300, more label accuracy problems and...arsenic found in our favorite snacks?? 

They also talk about the upcoming Trail Mix aid station at the Grasslands Trail Race.

This episode’s guest is none other than FKT and ultra running icon Tara Dower. The trio covers what she’s been up to since Javelina, balancing life, training, and internal pressure, the rapid progression of trail running, her YouTube channel Tara Treks, her summer race and FKT plans, and her podcast with Arlee Hiskey, DNF Diaries -plus plenty more along the way.

Thanks for dropping by. If you had fun with us, be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating.

Tara's Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/

https://www.youtube.com/@taratreks

https://www.instagram.com/dnf.diaries

Episode 8 of the Trail Mix Running Podcast is here.

Nick and Steven kick things off by talking about how their 2026 is shaping up, interesting gear choices from the Black Canyon 100K, records falling at the Jackpot 100, and how much longer Zach Bitter’s 100-mile record might stand. They also cover octogenarian speedster Gary Patton, chaos in Atlanta at the Women’s USATF Half Marathon Championship, and whether spring is actually here to stay (sorry, East Coasters).

Then they’re joined by Mathias Eichler, Executive Director of the Trail Running Film Festival, to talk about the festival’s past and future, how he sees TRFF shaping the running zeitgeist, what makes a great running film, the tradeoffs of corporate backing in creative work, and whether a zombie film has ever been submitted.

If you’re enjoying the show, toss us a five-star rating after you finish the episode.

In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven break down recent racing action across the trail and ultra world, including the Black Canyon 100K, the Barkley Marathons, Rocky 50, Race Purse updates, and the Austin Marathon.

They also dig into important updates impacting Texas State Parks and debate Steven’s top three public lands in Texas.

The episode wraps up with a conversation with Anne and Chris Barnwell, race directors of Blaze Trails Running and hosts of the Grasslands Trail Race - an Ultrarunning Magazine Old School Ultra taking place on March 21 in Alvord, Texas. The group talks about race founder Suzi Cope, what makes Grasslands special, and what runners can expect on race day.

In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with 2025 Cocodona 250 champion and course record holder Dan Green (Interview starts at 25:16).

The trio talks about Dan’s path to Cocodona, the subtle running culture differences between West Virginia and France, the positive peer pressure that comes from a strong running group (text message group), his thoughts on being a professional runner, the infamous crosswalk incident, and what actually makes the perfect pair of tights.

Drop a flag in the comments to let us know where you’re listening from, and if you like what you hear, a five-star rating would mean the world to us.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro/Ouachita Switchbacks 50k/Steven Finally Fell

04:26 - Nick's Burrito League Experience/Cultural Phenomenon

13:15 - Trail Mix Aid Station at Grasslands Ultra/What Makes A Good Aid Station?/A Teaser of What's to Come?

16:00 - Looking Back on Calling Our Shot w/ Meg Eckert

17:33 - This Is Now A Taipei 101 Podcast

22:35 - Intro'ing Dan Green

25:16 - Dan Green Interview

In this episode of TMRP, hosts Nick and Steven share listener milestones reflecting the growth of the show and finally come to a conclusion on what actually counts as a fall while trail running.

They also talk about the Freetrail and UltraRunning Magazine’s respective Trail Runner and Ultra Runner of the Year lists. Other topics include Nike ACG’s rave fashion roots, the annual sponsorship shuffle, whether or not they think they’re influenceable, dream sponsors, and the debut of a new segment: Local Legends.

Thanks for joining us for Episode 5. If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a comment with your favorite part of the episode and consider dropping a five-star review - it helps more than you might think.

See you in two weeks! 🤘

00:00 - Intro/Growth Numbers/We're on Apple Podcasts Now

02:20 - Falling Into Place/We Love Burritos

06:50 - Nick is Fast(ing)/Starting Resolutions

12:19 - Steven's First Race of 2026

13:13 - Trail/Ultra Runner of the Year 2025 (Freetrail and UltraRunner Magazine)

17:20 - Signing Season/Is Nike Moving In?/Are We Influenceable?

24:06 - NEW SEGMENT - Local Legends/An Ask For Our Listeners

28:34 - Local Legend #1 Erica Garner

In this episode of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, Nick and Steven are joined by teacher, coach, and women’s six-day distance world record holder Meg Eckert for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to what they’re chasing in 2026.

Meg shares what excites her about running, her favorite song to put on when she's hitting a steep mountainside trail, and what she thinks about the potential of multi-day efforts as the sport continues to evolve. Together, they explore lessons learned, goals worth pursuing, and what it means to stay curious and motivated over the long haul.

Find Meg online at www.instagram.com/_megeckert.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro / First Group Run of 2026

02:32 – Falling vs. Stumbling / WWDGD

04:40 – Denton’s Dummest / Keep Austin Weird

07:17 – Christmas Traditions / Hydration / HansIsYoungAndFit

10:15 – Our GOAT Ann Trason / Running Before Garmin

13:59 – WTF Chipotle / Palo Duro Listener / Lotteries / Bandit Running Leadville

19:02 – Meg Eckert Introduction / Goals vs. Resolutions / Backyard 101

24:09 – Meg Eckert Interview

In Episode 3 of TMRP, Nick and Steven reflect on their conversation with Kilian Korth and share early lessons from starting the podcast. They also talk about all aspects of running in winter, gifts for trail runners, the optimization movement in trail running, their favorite documentaries, and where they see the podcast going from here.

Thanks for joining us early in this journey. We love having you with us!

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction/Reflections on Kilian Korth Interview/Early Spotify Metrics

04:24 - All things winter running/Anti-Treadmill/Holiday Gift Guide

14:36 - The Optimization Movement/Do Hard Things/Tattoos

27:07 - The Dower Line/Actually Fast/The Ideal Aid Station/Spirit of Adventure

29:53 - Trail Folk/Documentaries

38:01 - Diving Into Podcasting/Episode 4 With Meg Eckert/Our First Races in 2026/Goodbye!

In this episode of the Trail Mix Podcast, Steven and Nick sit down with ultrarunner - and 2025 Triple Crown of 200s winner - Kilian Korth. They cover his journey from competitive swimming to the world of 200-mile racing, the highs and lows that shaped him, and the training philosophy that helped him break through after a streak of DNFs.

Kilian talks through how he approaches failure, what his day-to-day training actually looks like, and where he wants to take his running next - including long trail efforts, mental durability, and what “delusional self-belief” really means to him.

Find Kilian online at instagram.com/runtoughmindset on Instagram and on Substack at runtoughmindset.substack.com

Life is short, run far.

00:00 – Introduction / Nick’s Surprise Race

03:50 – Steven Did a Thing

09:45 – Hardrock & WSER Lotteries

14:15 – Intro Wrap-Up / We’re Pros Now

17:20 – The Man Himself: Kilian Korth

In Episode 1 of the Trail Mix Running Podcast, your hosts Nick and Steven introduce the show, set the stage for what listeners can expect, and share their goals for this project.

They talk about what trail running, ultramarathons, and endurance sports mean to them while covering their athletic-ish backgrounds, how they got into training and competing, what keeps them pushing forward, and what their lives look like outside of crushing trails.

We share our own ideas, but we’d love to hear yours. Leave a comment about what you want to hear from TMRP in the future - and for the first time in our lives, we’ll say it: please like and subscribe.

Cheers!