The Midpacker Podcast

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 MIDPACER 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

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 MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“It’s not weakness to rest. It’s part of the long game.”In the very first edition of MidPacker Field Notes, host Troy Meadows pulls back the curtain on his early 2026 training season, offering a raw, honest check-in on life, recovery, and what's ahead. Coming off a tough bout of sickness in January, Troy talks about the importance of intentional rest, easing back into structured training, and setting the tone for the Hellbender 100.Listeners get a peek into Troy's latest training block, complete with hill repeats, tempo intervals, and long endurance sessions, along with shoutouts to athletes in the MidPacker coaching community and updates on his race calendar.This is a solo episode with real talk, actionable insights, and a strong reminder: rest is part of the work.Training Highlights & TakeawaysTook a full week off due to illness—highlighting the value of rest as trainingWrapped a 6–7 week VO2 max block featuring uphill intervals and tempo workKicking off a new 14-week build toward Hellbender 100, with a heavy focus on tempoPlanning back-to-back races: Hellbender followed by Laurel Highlands 70.5Integrating TrainingPeaks to plan and forecast fatigue, fitness, and load managementDialing in race nutrition using Hyperlyte Liquid Performance:Half strength (50g carbs / 500mg sodium) for endurance runsFull strength (100g carbs / 1000mg sodium) for quality workoutsCommunity ShoutoutsSamantha crushed her first 50K, on the very trail that sidelined her a year agoPaul completed his first 50-miler in Tucson and is training for Sedona Canyons 125Troy’s LinksIG - @troyontherunTroy’s Ultra Coaching PageFind me on StravaFollow the ShowIG - @midpackerpodRelevant LinksHellbender 100Laurel Highlands UltraSedona Canyons 125Barkley Fall ClassicLooking Glass 100kPartner 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.VO2 max, Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands Ultra, TrainingPeaks, Hyperlyte, solo episode, ultrarunning, rest and recovery, tempo block, uphill intervals, Sedona Canyons 125, coaching, winter training, endurance, community shoutouts, pacing, fueling, running mindset

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  JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEBEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTTRAINING PEAKS Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/“The spirit of this community is fantastic—and none of these friendships would exist without trail running.” — MVDIt’s the final episode of Trailing Indicators for 2025, and Troy is closing out the year with a festive check-in from Corinne Shalvoy (reporting live from snowy Ouray, Colorado) and Matt Van Dalsem (holding it down in Marin). In classic TI fashion, the crew reflects on what went right—and wrong—this year, both on and off the trail.In this episode:Year-end gratitude and reflections on health, family, and the trail community.Race season recaps including Corinne’s stacked calendar, Matt’s one-and-done Big Alta, and Troy’s ultra endurance (and stomach) lessons.Honest talk about DNFs, mental fatigue, and the pressures of racing with intention.2026 race plans:Corinne: Black Canyon100k, UTMB Troy: Hellbender 100, Laurel Highlands, & Barkley Fall Classic (maybe).MVD: Big Alta 100KLessons in balance: parenting, aging, professional pivots, and pacing the long game.Corinne’s Links@corinne_shalvoyageCorinnes’s Coaching PageShalvoy Running - YouTube ChannelWomen Can Site Troy’s [email protected]’s Ultra Coaching PageMVD Links@mvd_trailrunnerRelevant LinksUTMB Mont BlancHellbender 100Black Canyon UltrasJavelina JundredGorge Waterfalls 100KSilverton Alpine 50KBehind the Rocks UltraBoulder Boulder 10KLaurel Highlands UltraBig Alta 100KBarkley Fall ClassicPartner 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.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/Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.comPortable 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.comUse 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, Trailing Indicators, trail running podcast, running community, Freetrail podcast, Troy Meadows podcast, Corinne Shalvoy, Matt Van Dalsem, MVD, Troy Meadows, UTMB 2026, Black Canyon Ultras, Hellbender 100, Big Alta 100K, Silverton Alpine 50K, Behind the Rocks Ultra, Javelina Jundred, Boulder Boulder 10K, Laurel Highlands Ultra, Barkley Fall Classic, Gorge Waterfalls 100K, Dark Divide 50K, ultra marathon training, race season reflections, DNF recovery, long distance running, mental resilience in ultras, training for 100 milers

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  JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEBEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTTRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/“Running used to be about control — now it's about connection”In this raw and insightful episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with Angie Lake — trail runner, outdoor industry creative, and writer behind Blood, Sweat, and Fear on Substack. Angie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning to reconnect with joy through movement.Far from chasing perfection, Angie’s journey is about reclaiming space, in the outdoors, in storytelling, and in herself. In this episode, she opens up about:Growing up a natural athlete, running barefoot sprints as a kid at karate classWitnessing the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the long road to reconnecting with running afterwardThe life-altering experience of surviving an ectopic pregnancy — and learning to listen to her body in new waysWhy she’s no longer chasing PRs or podiums — and how she finds purpose and power in the “midpack”Her creative and community work with The Cairn Project and Wild Women Trail RunsWriting as a tool for self-expression, healing, and resistanceAngie reminds us that joy is enough. Speed isn’t required. And you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to be a “real runner.”Subscribe to Angie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, and FearAngies LinksAngie on LinkedInAngie’s Substack: Blood, Sweat, & FearWild Women Trail RunsThe Cairn ProjectThe Cycle Syncing HandbookOther LinksTroy’s Home Made Natural Gels Taking Charge of Your FertilityPartner 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.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/Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.comPortable 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.comUse 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.Angie Lake, trail running, Boston Marathon bombing, ectopic pregnancy, healing through running, outdoor storytelling, Blood Sweat and Fear, Substack, Wild Women Trail Runs, The Cairn Project, body awareness, slowing down, midpack mindset, running community, outdoor industry, running and identity

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  JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEBEAR BUTT WIPES USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNTTRAINING PEAKS start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/"Sometimes you just do something that feels dumb, and then later you're like, ‘That actually kind of ruled."In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy is joined by Miranda Williamson—trail runner and co-host of the Running with Problems podcast. Miranda shares her grounded, often hilarious journey into trail and ultra-running, one that started with a birthday 10K and evolved into crewing Barkley, pacing Dark Divide, and accidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler at High Lonesome.From running her first trail race in road shoes from TJ Maxx to completing the San Juan Solstice 50-miler twice, Miranda brings self-awareness and good vibes to the trail scene. She unpacks her experience on the Hardrock 100 course during “Soft Rock,” discusses the emotional chaos of crewing Barkley, and opens up about the vulnerable, sometimes risky conversations she and co-host John Eisen tackle on their podcast, Running with Problems.Miranda’s LinksIG - @peaksandjusticeRunning with Problems Podcast In This Episode:Miranda’s first trail race with zero prep or gearHer back-to-back finishes at San Juan SolsticeAccidentally negative-splitting her first 100-miler (High Lonesome!)Crewing her husband Jon at Barkley Starting Running with Problems and making space for real talkBuilding a community of women that love to do hard things Relevant Links:San Juan Solstice 50Soft Rock (Hardrock Route)High Lonesome 100Dark Divide 100milerBarkley MarathonsPartner 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.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/Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.comPortable 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.comUse 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.Miranda Williamson, Running with Problems, High Lonesome 100, San Juan Solstice, Soft Rock, Har Rock, Barkley Marathons, trail running, crewing, pacing, Dark Divide, ultrarunning, running podcast, midpack