The Midpacker Podcast

#113 Dr Jeff Hammond | Cocodona Dreams, Foot Health, Plantar Fasciitis, Injury Lessons, & Chasing Big GoalsThe 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  PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionVACATION 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.“We’re not putting you in textbook normal, we’re putting you in your normal.”In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Jeff Hammond, owner and head doctor at Hammond Foot & Ankle, returns to the show with a whole new perspective. What started as crewing at Cocodona has turned into a full dive into trail running, with Jeff now preparing to toe the line at the Cocodona 250 himself.Jeff shares what it’s like to balance life as a medical professional and an everyday runner chasing big goals. From building his training with coach Alyssa Clark to navigating injury scares and dialing in race logistics, his journey is one many mid-packers will recognize.Jeff’s LinksIG: @jeff.r.hammond@hammondfootandankleWebsitehttps://hammondfootandankle.com/Athlete SpotlightJeff went from trail running “newbie” to training for a 250-mile race in under a yearFinished top 10 in his first 50K while just “having fun” and learning the sportAttempted a 100-miler that didn’t go to plan, reminding listeners that setbacks are part of the processNow deep in Cocodona prep with structured coaching, detailed planning, and full crew supportTakeaways:You don’t need to be elite to chase big goalsProgress isn’t linear, and failures often fuel growthConsistency and patience beat chasing big mileageKey Topics & TakeawaysWhy taper injuries happen and why you shouldn’t panicThe importance of stretching, especially calves, for foot healthPlantar fasciitis explained in simple termsWhy runners shouldn’t always run through painStaying active during injury using bike, swim, or ellipticalFinding practitioners who understand endurance athletesPartner Links: PlayOn 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 A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerUse 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.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!!Use 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.Jeff Hammond, Cocodona 250, trail running, plantar fasciitis, ultrarunning, injury prevention, endurance training, foot health, running injuries, taper, coaching, midpack runners

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 the FKT… it’s about surviving the adventure.”Cody Taylor’s story is one of reinvention, grit, and going all-in on a new path. A former touring drummer whose music career came to a halt during the pandemic, Cody found a new outlet in running, and didn’t just dip his toes in…he dove headfirst into the deep end . What started as a way to cope quickly turned into a passion for extreme endurance.Transitioned from musician to endurance athlete during the pandemicSet FKT on the Bruce Trail (900km) and the International Appalachian Trail (650km, 85,000 ft gain)Specializes in unsupported efforts—carrying all gear, filtering water, and surviving soloLearned through raw experience—trial by fire, adapting on the fly, and solving problems in real timeNow coaching athletes through New Normal, helping everyday runners reach big goalsCody’s approach is simple but powerful: do hard things, learn fast, and keep showing up. His journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, and that growth lives just outside your comfort zone.Cody’s LinksIG: @codytaylorperformanceWebsite: https://findyournewnormal.caRelevant Linkshttps://findyournewnormal.cahttps://fastestknowntime.com/athlete/cody-taylorhttps://brucetrail.orghttps://www.sia-iat.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.PlayOn 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 A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerUse 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.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.comFind Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use 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.comVisit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Cody Taylor, FKT, Bruce Trail, International Appalachian Trail, unsupported running, ultra running, endurance adventure, trail running, New Normal coaching, resilience, mindset, entrepreneurship, trail community, ultra endurance

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.“You come out of it a changed person.”In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Christi Thompson, a self-proclaimed science nerd, athletic trainer, and trail runner who found her way back to the sport by ditching pressure and chasing fun. From cross-country roots to rediscovering running at the Whitewater Center, Christi’s journey is all about evolving her relationship with the sport.She shares how a nighttime trail half marathon reignited her love for racing and led her down the rabbit hole of ultra running, eventually tackling timed events like 6-hour and 12-hour races. Christi opens up about the mental challenges of looped racing, the emotional highs and lows, and the moment she realized these experiences can truly change you.The conversation also dives into her current battle with knee pain, how past injuries shaped her biomechanics, and what it’s like to know better but still learn lessons the hard way. Through it all, Christi brings a thoughtful and honest perspective on longevity, mobility, and staying in the game.Takeaways:Let go of pace pressure and rediscover joyUltras are as much mental as physicalSmall imbalances can become big problems over timeMobility and strength are key to long-term running successAthlete Spotlight: Christi ThompsonCross-country athlete turned trail and ultra runnerCompleted multiple ultra-distance efforts including 6-hour and 12-hour racesBackground in athletic training with a focus on biomechanics and neuromuscular fatigueWorks with StretchLab, helping athletes improve mobility and movement qualityChristi’s Links @cmgvikinghen @stretchlabofficialWebsite: Stretch LabStretch Lab HuntersvilleRelevant LinksWhitewater Center Trail Races Dirty Wolf RacingCity of Oaks MarathonRock ‘n’ Roll Running SeriesPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMore Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comAll Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining Peaks A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerUse 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.comKICKR RUN Run Your WayIt’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.trail running, ultra running, timed races, 12 hour race, 6 hour race, running injuries, knee pain, biomechanics, mobility, running economy, Whitewater Center, endurance mindset, trail community, strength training, fatigue training

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 think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.”“I think I’m just kind of a jack of all trades. I like to get my toes into a little bit of everything.”Jessica Loudermilk didn’t grow up loving running. A former softball player and rugby athlete, she found running later in life and started with a goal of completing half marathons in different states. That curiosity eventually led her from road racing into the world of trail and ultra running.She quickly dove into ultras, taking on the Umstead 100 early in her trail journey and pushing through a tough final stretch to finish her first 100 miler. More recently, Jessica raced the Black Canyon 100K, where she adjusted her fueling mid-race and rallied late to hit her 15-hour goal finish.Outside of racing, Jessica works as a physical therapist helping patients regain mobility and spends time crewing and pacing friends at races like Southern States and Cocodona. When she’s not running, she’s chasing adventure through cave diving, travel, and building an ambulance camper for race trips.Jessica's LinksIG: @jessruns50statesYouTube: JessRuns50States Relevant LinksBlack Canyon 100K: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/blackcanyonUmstead 100 Mile Endurance Run: https://umstead100.orgCocodona 250: https://cocodona.comSouthern States 200: https://southernstates200.comNever Summer 100K: https://gnarrunners.com/never-summer-100kRim to River 100: https://www.rimtoriverendurance.comMount to Coast: https://mounttocoast.comBurrito League: https://burrito-league.comPartner 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.comAll Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderTraining PeaksA training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpackerUse 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.Run Your WayBuy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor chest strap. Add TRACKR to cart to apply discount.⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!! ⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Jessica Loudermilk, MidPacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, Black Canyon 100K, Umstead 100, Cocodona 250, Southern States 200, Never Summer 100K, Rim to River 100, ultrarunning mindset, fueling strategy, caffeine in ultras, Greenville Burrito League, running community, physical therapy, endurance sports

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