The Trail Life Podcast

In this episode of the SWCHBAK Chronicles, host Michelle is joined by special guest co-host Isabella Janovick and guest Alyssa Clark, an accomplished endurance athlete. They discuss Alyssa's various achievements, including her first-place finish in the SD100, her love for heat over cold weather, and her experiences training and competing in ultra-endurance events. Alyssa also shares insights into her beginnings in endurance sports, her inspirations, and the physical and mental challenges of completing 200-mile races. The episode provides tips for heat management during races and explores the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), encouraging more women to participate.00:00 Introduction to the Trail Life Podcast00:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Alyssa Clark02:16 Alyssa's Experience at SD 10003:21 Heat Training Tips and Techniques08:35 Upcoming Races and Training Plans13:26 The Role of Treadmills in Training19:41 Alyssa's Journey into Endurance Sports26:00 Meeting Callie Vinson and Race Stories26:19 Training and Attempting 200-Mile Races27:41 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Ultra Running30:15 Crew and Pacer Experiences35:40 The Impact of Ultra Running on the Body40:54 Encouraging Women to Set FKTs46:30 Pet Stories and Wrapping Up

In our final special of the SWCHBAK Chronicles limited series, Michelle Johnson is joined by Cody Taylor and Alan from Death March Running Company. Based out of Colorado, they share their humorous and inspiring journey into the world of ultra-running. The conversation covers the origins of Death March Running, their experiences pacing and crewing, and the significance of community in the sport. The episode also highlights Michelle's recent venture, Switchback Collective, a shop featuring women-owned brands. With stories of races, training, and the inevitable hardships, this episode celebrates the spirit and camaraderie of the ultra-running community.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:39 Matcha Addiction and Coffee Shop Woes02:53 Introducing Cody and Alan from Death March Running Company04:14 Switchback and Death March Collaboration05:37 The Importance of Quality and Small Business Values07:53 Trail Running Community and Partnerships12:28 The Birth of Ultra Running Passion16:43 The Magic and Misery of Pacing27:15 Getting into Ultra Running28:07 The Birth of Death March Running Company31:01 Creating Unique Running Gear32:22 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Business37:33 The Running Event Experience41:06 Switchback Collective: A Women-Owned Business47:32 Balancing Business and Running55:59 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:20 DMV Experience02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running14:20 Facing a Major Setback18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment20:00 The Journey of Recovery23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race27:29 The Ultra Running Community32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In our new limited series: The SwchBak Chronicles, Michelle Johnson steps in for usual host Jeff Stoner to talk with Daniel Smith and Eric Spin, key figures from the San Diego Trail Runners group. The conversation explores their personal journeys into running, with Eric sharing how he transitioned from smoking and junk food to running marathons, and Daniel talking about his background in boxing and coaching kids' sports. The duo discusses how the San Diego Trail Runners came to be, emphasizing their ethos of 'No Runner Left Behind'. Eric and Daniel highlight the importance of community support in trail running and share humorous anecdotes about their running experiences and motivations. They also offer valuable advice for newcomers to trail running and reflect on how trail running has impacted their lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting into the sport, this episode provides an inspiring look at what it means to be part of a running community.

In the final episode of 2023, I am joined by Spring Energy Founders Rafal Nazarewicz and Adam Goleniewski but talk about how Spring Energy got its starts and how they created the flavor profiles. Thank you to Rafa and Adam for delivering a product that is widely loved and enjoyed by the trail running community.myspringenergy.com

I am joined by Everyday Ultra Podcast host, and ultra runner Joe Corcione to get caught up on his journey with the Javelina Jundred, his podcast, coaching, and just to talk some BS. Please enjoy and welcome back to the Trail Life... Joe CorcionePODCAST: EVERYDAY ULTRAINSTA: JOECORCIONE and THEEVERYDAYULTRA

I am once again joined by our friend Jason Hardrath to discuss his current film and adventure.... Journey to Infinity.This conversation focuses on the first ever international infinity loop on Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. We discuss Jason's past experiences on the mountain, his high-altitude sickness, and the journey along the way with partner climbing/running Nathan Longhurst.The movie is current available for viewing on YOUTUBEWelcome back to the Trail Life... Jason Hardrath

I am joined by friend, race sponsor, and fellow business owner, Michelle Johnson. We talk her trail journey and how that led to her new business venture in the trail running community. She gives us the breakdown on SWCHBAK.SWCHBAK Neck & Head Outdoor Gear Running Hiking@swchbak

In this episode I am joined by fellow race director Megan Dehaan. She is her to tell the story of the Crazy Mountain 100 and its humble beginnings. As I learned this is one of the most unique Western States Qualifiers you will find... start line on a private ranch a finish line held in a ghost town, and everything native lands and mountain crossings in between. Want to learn more about the event and see some images then go to the website CrazyMountain100 (crazymountainultra.com) or follow her on instagram @crazymountainultra

I am joined this week by Andy Glaze to talk about his current 179 week run streak (current as of 8/18/23) and how he got started on his trail running journey. We discuss his experiences along the way, some of the best food he has seen (and drank/eaten) along his international racing adventures. Welcome to the Trail Life.... Andy Glaze.Follow Andy on instagram: @amglaze

In this episode i sit down we the BEST in the business.... Race photographer, storyteller, and ultra runner Howie Stern. We talk about his trail running beginnings and how we got started in race photography. Welcome to the Trail Life... Howie SternFollow Howie on IG @howiesternphoto

I am joined by 2023 Mountain Trail Running World Champion, Grayson Murphy. She is a 2x World Champion, 4x National Champion, and 5x All American. We talk about her journey into trail running, her track and field career, and her 2 world championships since 2019. Please enjoy. Welcome to the Trail Life... Grayson Murphy.follow Grayson: @racin_grayson

I am joined by the owners of Run Tri Bike, Aum Gandhi and Jason Bahamundi. We talk about how their digital magazine began, and how the fireside chats platform have given endurance athletes of all levels a voice in the community. Follow them here-INSTAGRAM: @RUNTRIMAGYOUTUBE: RUNTRIMAGWEBSITE: RUN TRI MAG

Today i am joined by the legendary ultrarunner Jeff Browning (AKA, Bronco Billy) to discuss his trail running journey. He shares some ultra knowledge, shares some stories from events past and what trail projects he has in the works for 2023 and beyond. Please enjoy and welcome to the Trail Life.... Jeff BrowningFollow Jeff on Instagram: @gobroncobillyWebsite: www.gobroncobilly.com

In this episode.... Sally McRae returns to discuss her new book, her Cocodona documentary, and strength training for trail runners. Overall... Choose Strong is the theme for this episode!*Special Note... this is NOT a Cocodona Recap. Sally's Cocodona Recap LISTEN HERESally's Choose Strong Book PURCHASE HERESally's Cocodona 250 Doc WATCH HERE

In this week's episode I am joined by ultrarunner and legal director for the ALCU, Wookie Kim. We discuss his near-death experience and how that led him to Hawaii and HURT (Hawaiian Ultra Run Team). We talk about his Hawaiian adventures and the trail running culture of the islands. Follow Wookie on Instagram @wookiekimTrail Runner Mag article HEREWookie Runs America Film HERE

I am joined by 2023 Cocodona 250 Women's Champion... Sarah Ostaszewski. She talks her journey into trail running, and how it led to her victory at this year's Cocodona=-0987` event. She recaps her race, and some of the stories along the way. Please enjoy... Welcome to the Trail Life, Sarah Ostaszewski. follow on Instagram @sarahostaszewski

In our Season 6 opener, I am joined by professional trail runner, race director and adaptive athlete Zach Friedley. We discuss how his Born to Adapt trail race and his foundation the Mendocino Movement Project are changing the game for the inclusion of adaptive athletes into trail running. 1st Annual Born To Adapt - Video (2022 race) - WARNING! VERY INSPIRING STUFF!Mendocino Movement ProjectZach Friedley Instagram

Episode 100is here!! Thank you everyone for the support.In this episode I am joined by author, speaker, triathlete, and ultra runner David Richman to talk about his trail running journey and "Winning in the Middle of the Pack" (running your own race, defining your own success, and not the success defined by someone else).We also discuss his cycling journey across America, which was inspired by his 2nd book "Cycle of Lives"His books are available on Audible and Print found HERE

As we close in on episode 100, i am joined by a friend to the Trail Life and King of the FKT, Jason Hardrath.We discuss his upcoming Journey to 100 film premier here in the San Diego area, his excitement to meet local trail runners and rock climbers, and just the overall basis of the film. The film is based on Jason's 99 FKT's and his completion of #100 on the Bulgers 100 list in Washington state. If you are a trail runner local to the San Diego area, I encourage you to check out his story.EVENT TIX LINKFILM PREMIER DATE: APRIL 8THLOCATION: PATAGONIA STORE IN CARDIFF BY THE SEAEVENT TIME: 6PM-9PMTIX COST: $12-$22Beverages will be included with your ticket price by Athletic Brewing.If you would like to hear a full conversation of Jason's Bulgers attempt you can listen to Episode 56 of the Trail Life Podcast found HERE