The Midpacker Podcast

MidPacker Pod – Field Notes Ep 2Title: Nine Weeks to HellbenderWith nine weeks until the Hellbender 100, Troy Meadows checks in on his training as he finishes a tempo block and begins the endurance phase. In this episode of MidPacker Field Notes, Troy shares snow day miles in Asheville, plans for a mini training camp, trail work at Snooks Nose, fueling strategies, and a shoutout to a listener preparing for her first ultra.The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionPLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“It’s not about what you do on a daily basis, it’s about how you’re stacking and showing up consistently over a really long time horizon.”In Episode 2 of MidPacker Field Notes, Troy Meadows shares a quick update on his Hellbender 100 training. With nine weeks to race day, he reflects on finishing a tempo block and shifting into endurance-focused training.Troy previews an upcoming mini training camp designed to simulate race fatigue and dial in pacing, fueling, and gear. He also shares updates from a Snooks Nose trail work day and explains why the original Hellbender course may still be another year away from returning.Training HighlightsTempo block completeKey workout: 4 x 10 minute uphill intervalsNine weeks until Hellbender 100Mini training camp planned six weeks outTrainingPeaks used to structure trainingFueling with Hyperlyte Liquid PerformanceRecovery supported with PlayOn Relief PodsCommunity ShoutoutOlivia Farr – preparing for her first 55K and the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker after returning to running following pregnancy.Relevant Linkshttps://hellbender100.comhttps://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreakerhttps://www.g5trailcollective.org/oldfortPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryPlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerA training app as versatile as you. Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium SubscriptionVacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com/Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or TrailfestWahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.comKICKR RUN It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. ⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Hellbender 100, ultrarunning training, endurance block, tempo training, uphill intervals, trail running, winter running, TrainingPeaks, Hyperlyte Liquid Performance, PlayOn Relief Pods, Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker, ultra coaching, endurance training, trail stewardship, Snooks Nose Trail

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionPLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. “If you go back in time and look at me as a kid, I was either on a horse or on a trail somewhere.”Carrie Baris is deeply rooted in Western North Carolina trail culture. A former high school English teacher of 19 years, she left the classroom in 2021 to focus on trails, race directing, and equestrian sport.Her love for running began in middle school when cross country became her place to belong, especially on the trails behind her high school. After moving to Asheville in 2010, she fully embraced trail and ultra running through the North Carolina Mountain Trail Runners and events like the Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge.Carrie also competes in Ride & Tie, an endurance sport that pairs two humans and a horse. She’s nearing 5,000 career miles, a rare milestone that reflects her grit and teamwork.As president of the Run828 Foundation & RD of the Hellbender 100, she has helped grow the race into both a Hardrock & Western States qualifier while keeping its grassroots feel. After losing her husband in 2018, crewing and pacing her sister at Hellbender became part of her healing journey.Carrie’s Links IG: @riderunreadsnack       @hellbender100milerRun828 Foundation: https://run828foundation.orgHellbender 100: https://hellbender100.comRelevant LinksBlack Mountain Marathon & Mount Mitchell Challenge: https://www.blackmountainmarathon.comStreet Dog Coalition: https://www.thestreetdogcoalition.orgWNC Nature Center: https://wildwnc.orgHardrock 100: https://hardrock100.comWestern States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.orgNational Ride and Tie Association: https://rideandtie.orgPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMore Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryPlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium SubscriptionVacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.com Epic Races near the most iconic National Park in the US.Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or TrailfestWahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.comKICKR RUN It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.Run Your WayBuy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Carrie Baris, Hellbender 100, Run828 Foundation, Western North Carolina trails, ultra running, ride and tie, Mount Mitchell, Black Mountain Marathon, Hardrock qualifier, Western States qualifier, community leadership, trail stewardship, grief and healing, race directing, endurance sport

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionPLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“I just wanted it to exist, so I made it exist.”In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Kirk Cherep.Kirk shares how a Spartan Race on his college graduation day lit the spark that eventually led him deep into trail and ultra running, and ultimately into race directing. After falling in love with the community through films by Billy Yang and The Ginger Runner and reading Born to Run, Kirk now directs multiple events through Trailblazer Running in Indiana.False Spring Trail Runs Okadoke Trail Runs Trail Golf Knobstone 50 Kirk also co-owns Tempo Run Timing, timing over 50 events a year, and partners with Runners for Public Lands to give back through trail work at Indiana Dunes National Park .Kirk talks honestly about balance, or the lack of it, and accept that sometimes you’re just “really good at faking it” while juggling family, work, and big goals .This year, he’s lining up for Hellbender 100 and planning big adventure runs like Painted Rocks Lakeshore and a Grand Canyon R2R2R.Kirk's LinksIG: @trailblazer.running      @kirkcherepWebsite: Trailblazer Running – https://www.trailblazerrunning.coRelevant LinksRunners for Public Lands – https://www.runnersforpubliclands.orgHellbender 100 – https://hellbender100.comTrail Running Film Festival – https://trailfilmfest.comPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryPlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium SubscriptionVacation Races - https://www.vacationraces.comEpic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or TrailfestWahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.Run Your WayBuy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use MIDPACKERPOD to double the donation from your purchase. Kirk Cherep, Trailblazer Running, Knobstone 50, Trail Golf, Midwest trail running, race directing, ultra running, Hellbender 100, Indiana trails, Runners for Public Lands, Indiana Dunes, community building, obstacle course racing, Born to Run, Billy Yang, tempo run timing, work-life balance, trail stewardship,

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionPLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTWAHOO FITNESS -  Use Code MIDPACK: When you pick up a Wahoo KICKR RUN get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“You can hold space for both family and fierce goals. It just takes intention.”In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Melissa Londry, a trail runner, race director, business owner, and mom who’s pouring passion into every part of her life. What started as a pandemic-inspired dive into trail running has become a deeply rooted lifestyle centered on advocacy, mental health, and community.Melissa shares her journey from picking up trail shoes during lockdown to directing a growing slate of inclusive, community-driven races in Southwest Virginia. Her events, like the Woodbooger 100, New River Trail Races, and Crystal Springs Ultras are built with heart, intention, and a focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.Beyond race directing, Melissa opens up about:Running a group mental health practice and how it supports her running lifeThe emotional fuel behind her upcoming 240-mile journey across MichiganCreating trauma-informed spaces in trail and ultra-runningBalancing parenthood, entrepreneurship, and long training blocksWhy her favorite race distance isn’t what you might expect…Melissa's LinksIG: @newrivertrailraces @woodbooger_100 @crystalspringsultras @damascusfestivalofmiles TikTok: Melissa.on.the.trailWebsite: https://www.swvarunning.com/Relevant LinksMelissa’s Mental Health PracticeWoodbooger 100New River Trail RacesCrystal Springs UltrasPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order or your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryPlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium SubscriptionWahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.comKICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.Run Your WayBuy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Remember to add the TRACKR to the cart and the code will apply to discount.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Melissa Londry, trail running, race directing, Woodbooger 100, New River Trail Races, Crystal Springs Ultras, Michigan 240, mental health, trauma-informed running, ultra training, women in trail running, parenting and running, running community, inclusivity, SWVA running, long distance running, running entrepreneur, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod“You can hold space for both family and fierce goals. It just takes intention.”

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Sometimes it’s not about the finish line. It’s about finding joy in the messy middle.”On this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with trail runner, race director, registered dietitian, and mom: Kayla Fitzgerald for a deep, fun, and relatable conversation about how she juggles it all while still chasing big goals in the ultra world.Kayla shares her shift from road racing to trail running after realizing the road scene just didn’t vibe with her. What she found on the trails was community, connection, and a whole new way to push herself. From leading group runs to organizing local races under her brand Palmetto Ultras, Kayla has become a cornerstone of her local running community in South Carolina.We dive into:Balancing parenting, coaching, and 200-mile race trainingHer experience as a registered dietitian and helping runners dial in their race-day nutritionUpcoming races like Southern States 200, Barkley Fall Classic, and a possible go at Barn Creek Backyard UltraHer story of pushing through the Beast of the East 50 Miler—with Troy jumping in as an impromptu pacer!Whether you’re a trail veteran or just dipping your toes into the dirt, Kayla’s perspective on doing what you love while doing life is refreshing and real.Athlete Spotlight: Kayla FitzgeraldRegistered Dietitian, Nutrition coach, and momRace director and founder of Palmetto UltrasFocused on inclusive, sustainable community building through trail eventsTraining for Southern States 200 and the Barkley Fall ClassicAdvocate for fueling smarter and training with joyKayla's Links IG: @palmetto.ultrasWebsite: Palmettoultras.comNutrition Coaching Site: Endurance-Nutritionist.comRelevant LinksSouthern States 200Barkley Fall ClassicBarn Creek Backyard UltraBeast of the East 50 MilerPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Kayla Fitzgerald, trail running, ultrarunning, Barkley Fall Classic, Southern States 200, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra, Beast of the East, race director, Palmetto Ultras, nutrition for runners, mom runner, balancing life and running, Freetrail, MidPacker Pod