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The Midpacker Podcast
Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
Recent Episodes
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
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 Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH
JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES
"Trusting the taper is as much a mental challenge as it is physical." – Corinne
"Every race teaches you something new, no matter how many you've done." – Matt
"Balancing life and training is an art form we're all trying to master." – Troy
In this episode of Trailing Indicators, host Troy Meadows reconnects with regular guests Corinne Shalvoy and Matt Van Dalsem to discuss their recent racing experiences, upcoming goals and as always a handful of ultra specific topics.
Episode Highlights:
Matt recaps his back-to-back race weekend spectating the 50K and running 28K at the Big Alta in Marin, sharing how knowing the course gave him a midpack edge—even if his fueling plan was more of a “grab what’s at the aid station” vibe. He also drops the news that his next A-race is the Rodeo Valley 8K—which he’ll be running with his 10-year-old son!
Corinne is just days away from toeing the line at the Gorge Waterfalls 100K and shares how she's navigating the taper blues while juggling coaching duties for two athletes who will also be racing.
The trio dives into volume ramp-ups for summer A-goals, how to adapt strength training during big mileage weeks, and why sometimes not training is the best move after getting sick.
They round things out with banter about Cocodona 250 commentary, Randy Zuckerberg’s growing presence in the ultra scene, and dream-casting “Unbreakable 2.”
Discussion Topics:
How to come back to training after being sick
Ramping up training for your Ultra A goals.
Adapting strength training routines as run training ramps up.
Corinne’s Links
Shalvoy Running - YouTube Channel
Troy’s Links
Relevant Links:
Keywords:
Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Cascade Crest 100, Big Alta 50K, Rodeo Valley 8K, trail running, race preparation, tapering strategies, balancing training and life, ultra running, Western States qualifier
MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
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 Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH
JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES
"Running became my therapy, my declaration that I was still here and still fighting."
In this episode, Troy chats with Josh Ross—a carpenter, hunter, writer, and ultra-runner who lives life with intention and grit.
Josh started running in 2019 with a half-mile jog and hasn't looked back. After growing up in the Adirondacks and reconnecting with nature in Wyoming, running became both a passion and a path to healing—especially after a leukemia diagnosis in 2020.
Instead of slowing down, Josh committed to a 103-day running streak through treatment and personal upheaval. He later tackled his first ultra, a 55K with nearly 10,000 feet of gain—winning his age group and finding community on the trail.
Outside of running, Josh writes the Front Porch Journal on Substack, where he shares reflections on simplicity, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. His writing has also appeared in Orion Magazine and High Country News.
This is a story of movement, mindset, and making peace with the messiness of life.
Motivational Takeaways:
Embrace Challenges: Josh's journey illustrates the power of confronting obstacles head-on and using them as catalysts for growth.
Find Balance: Navigating the demands of work, health, and personal passions requires intentionality and self-awareness.
Value Community: Sharing experiences through writing and conversation fosters connection and mutual support.
Relevant Links:
Josh's Substack: Front Porch Journal
Josh's Instagram: @blood_athlete
Partner Links:
A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.
Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run 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.
MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack
Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava
Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Keywords:
Josh Ross, ultra-running, leukemia survivor, Front Porch Journal, resilience, trail running, carpentry, hunter, writer, Substack, Adirondacks, Wyoming, Orion Magazine, High Country News
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
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 Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025
"I’m just a regular guy who got into long-distance running—and decided to share it with the world."
In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Wes Plate—a filmmaker, software designer, and dedicated ultrarunner known in the community as @midpackelite. Wes shares his evolution from a tech innovator to an endurance athlete, offering insights into balancing creativity with the demands of ultrarunning.
Athlete Spotlight: Wes Plate
Journey into Ultrarunning: Wes recounts his progression from casual running to completing some of the most challenging ultramarathons, including multiple finishes at the Cocodona 250.
Copper Kings 100: Driven by a desire to honor his family's roots in Butte, Montana, Wes founded the Copper Kings 100, a 100-mile endurance race that traverses historic mining areas and scenic trails. The inaugural event is scheduled for June 27, 2025, and aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the region.
Balancing Passions: As a filmmaker and software designer, Wes discusses how he integrates his creative pursuits with the physical and mental challenges of ultrarunning, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in both arenas.
Motivational Takeaways
Embracing New Challenges: Wes emphasizes the value of stepping out of comfort zones, whether it's transitioning careers or tackling longer race distances.
Community Engagement: Through initiatives like the Copper Kings 100, Wes highlights the significance of giving back to the community and creating events that foster camaraderie among runners.
Relevant Links
IG - @midpackelite
Wes Plate's YouTube Channel: Features ultrarunning documentaries and race recaps.
Copper Kings 100 Official Website: Details about the race, registration, and the history behind the event.
Indiegogo Fundraiser for Copper Kings 100: Support the inaugural event and become a part of its founding community.
Partner Links:
A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com,Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.
Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/
Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!
Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase.
Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/
Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.
MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack
Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava
Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Keywords
Wes Plate, ultrarunning, Copper Kings 100, Cocodona 250, filmmaker, software designer, endurance sports, trail running, Butte Montana, ultramarathon, race director, community engagement, Indiegogo fundraiser, ultrarunning documentaries, MidPackElite, storytelling in sports
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
You can now support the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.
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 Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025
"Women over 40 need to train smarter, not harder. It’s about understanding our bodies and adapting, not just grinding through the same training we did in our 20s."
Lauren Beihoffer’s journey is all about reinvention, adventure, and pushing limits. A former scientist turned ultra-runner and coach, Lauren found trail running after a major life shift—one that took her from the world of academia to endurance sports. She’s since built a life centered around movement, resilience, and exploration.
In This Episode:
From Science to Trails – Lauren shares how she left behind a career in research and academia, found running, and ultimately fell in love with the ultra-distance.
Postpartum Running & Recovery – A deep dive into Lauren’s personal experience navigating postpartum depression, rebuilding strength, and finding empowerment through trail running.
Ultra-Endurance & Adventure Racing – Beyond traditional trail running, Lauren has taken on adventure races, mountaineering, and FKTs (Fastest Known Times). She shares what drives her to explore different endurance challenges.
Training & Coaching for Women Over 40 – Lauren specializes in working with female athletes navigating the unique challenges of aging, hormonal shifts, and maintaining peak performance.
East Coast Running Tours – Lauren is the mastermind behind incredible running retreats, blending community, skill-building, and outdoor adventure.
Lauren’s Links:
IG - @lauren_runswild
Lauren Beihoffer’s Coaching & Retreats: misfitmountainathletics.com
Adventure Racing Info: US Adventure Racing Association
Frozen Head State Park (Home of the Barkley Marathons): Frozen Head State Park
Scar Challenge Run (Smoky Mountain AT Route): Fastest Known Time - SCAR
Lauren on Naked and Afraid : Discovery Channel - Naked and Afraid
Partner Links:
Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.
Check them out at janji.com,
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.
Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run 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.
MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack
Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava
Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Lauren Beihoffer, ultrarunning, trail running, adventure racing, postpartum running, women over 40, ultra endurance, coaching, training, Barkley Marathons, Frozen Head, running retreats, mountaineering, FKTs, adventure athlete, perimenopause, nutrition, ultra training, strength training, endurance sports
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.
MidPack Musings SubStackYou can now support 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 Page
STOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI, COOPERATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS, & BEAR BUTT WIPES IN 2025
"Don’t let your brain stop you. Whether it’s running 100 miles or starting a business, the biggest hurdle is always that voice in your head saying, ‘You can’t.’ Ignore it."
In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Adam Copeland, a multifaceted individual whose journey from extreme sports enthusiast to trail runner and entrepreneur offers a wealth of inspiration.
Adam Copeland's journey from extreme sports to trail running and entrepreneurship offers valuable insights into the power of passion and innovation. His story encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths and pursue endeavors that align with their passions.
Adam's Journey:
Diverse Athletic Background: Adam's athletic pursuits began with skateboarding and snowboarding, disciplines that instilled in him a passion for pushing boundaries. Transitioning to triathlons, he eventually found his true calling in trail running and ultra-endurance sports.
Professional Ventures: Beyond athletics, Adam built a successful career as a commercial producer.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Combining his love for counterculture and trail running, Adam founded Tantrums, a trail-running gear company. His flagship product, the Crest 6 Hydration Pack, exemplifies his commitment to merging performance with style, offering runners a hydration solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. tantrums.run
Adams Links:
Tantrums Official Website: tantrums.run
Tantrums on Instagram: @tantrums.outdoor
Partner Links:
A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Cooperative Coffee Roasters - Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Get the best coffee in Asheville delivered right to your door! Each bag of Cooperative Coffee is responsibly sourced and intentionally crafted, from seed to cup. FIll your cup with wonder.
Check them out at Cooperativecoffeeroasters.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and subscription order.
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run 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.
MidPacker Pod Links: Instagram | Patreon | SubStack
Troy Meadows Links: Instagram | Twitter | Website | Strava
Freetrail Links: Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Keywords: Adam Copeland, Tantrums, trail running, ultra-endurance sports, Crest 6 Hydration Pack, entrepreneurship, Kanye West, skateboarding, snowboarding, triathlon, innovation, counterculture, athletic gear, performance design, trail-running community.