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 Page ⁠Check out the Gear I love ⁠HERE⁠ on rendezvu.co your purchases support me directlySTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  ⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order⁠VACATION RACES⁠ - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS"I basically didn't do it forever out of fear."Tim Tollefson has spent the last decade proving that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.A two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, UTMB podium finisher, physical therapist, trail running pioneer, and founder of Mammoth Trail Fest, Tim's journey has been anything but linear. In this conversation, he shares how a career built around performance eventually evolved into something much bigger: community, connection, and learning to define success on his own terms.Tim reflects on his transition from road marathoning to trail running, his years with Nike Trail, HOKA, and Craft, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the sport. The conversation also dives deep into confidence versus courage, the power of self-belief, and what it took to finally bring his long-time dream of Mammoth Trail Fest to life.Throughout the episode, Tim offers a refreshing perspective on reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why betting on yourself is often the hardest—and most rewarding—decision you'll ever make.In This EpisodeTransitioning from marathon running to trail runningThe early days of Nike Trail and racing in EuropeConfidence vs. courage and finding self-beliefWhy athletes need an identity beyond performanceBuilding Mammoth Trail Fest from an idea into realityLessons learned from Nike, HOKA, and CraftThe future of trail running and protecting its cultureCommunity, connection, and creating opportunities for othersThis episode is a reminder that growth rarely comes from playing it safe. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for permission and start leaning in.Timmy's Links:IG ⁠@timtollefson⁠⁠Mammoth Trail Fest⁠ - ⁠https://www.mammothtrailfest.com⁠Relevant Links:The Mammoth 200⁠ https://www.themammoth200.com⁠Craft Sportswear⁠ https://www.craftsports.us⁠UTMB Mont-Blanc ⁠https://utmb.world⁠Broken Arrow Skyrace⁠ https://brokenarrowskyrace.com⁠The Rut Mountain Runs⁠ https://runtherut.com⁠Billy Yang⁠ https://billyyang.com⁠Partner Links: ⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.Less alcohol, fewer calories, and more productive tomorrows.Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order⁠Vacation 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 Trailfest⁠⁠Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!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.Tim Tollefson, Mammoth Trail Fest, Mammoth 200, UTMB, Nike Trail, HOKA, Craft Sportswear, Olympic Marathon Trials, trail running, ultrarunning, endurance sports, entrepreneurship, betting on yourself, confidence, courage, self-belief, identity, personal growth, community, race directing, Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra, mentorship, storytelling, performance, resilience, trail culture, Free Trail, Rest Day Live

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 PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first orderVACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or TrailfestUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER "Running is such an individual endeavor, but it is absolutely a community sport."Sara Duncan didn't take the traditional path into running. She wasn't a standout athlete growing up and could barely run a mile when she joined her first run club in her twenties. Fast forward a decade and Sara is a trail runner, community builder, volunteer, and newly minted Hellbender 100 finisher.In this episode, Sara shares how a canceled 30th birthday party during the pandemic turned into a 30-mile challenge that launched her ultra running journey. From her first half marathon to running the Cruel Jewel 50 as a qualifier, Sara's story is one of persistence, curiosity, and embracing the unknown.The conversation dives deep into her first 100-mile experience at Hellbender, where a perfect race quickly turned into a masterclass in problem-solving. Foot pain, blisters, shoe issues, and an unexpected reaction to wool socks tested her resolve, but quitting was never on the table. Sara talks openly about leaning on her crew, pacers, volunteers, and the larger trail running community to make it to the finish line.The episode also explores Sara's passion for community building through SNARC (Sylva and Neighboring Area Run Club), her one-for-one commitment to volunteering for every race she runs, and a fundraising effort supporting Vecinos, an organization serving farm workers and underserved communities in Western North Carolina.In This EpisodeGoing from non-runner to ultramarathonerThe Yeti 30-for-30 challenge that changed everythingRunning Cruel Jewel 50 to qualify for HellbenderBuilding SNARC from the ground upWhy welcoming new runners mattersLessons learned from a difficult first 100 milerThe importance of crew, pacers, and volunteersSupporting Vecinos through Hellbender fundraisingSara's Dirtbag Spinster SubstackKey TakeawaySometimes success isn't about having the perfect race. Sometimes success is simply refusing to stop moving forward.Sara’s Links IG: @dirtbagspinsterSubStack: https://substack.com/@dirtbagspinsterRelevant LinksHellbender 100 – https://www.hellbender100.comCruel Jewel 50 – https://dumassevents.com/cruel-jewel-50Trail Sisters – https://trailsisters.netVecinos Farmworker Health Program – https://vecinos.orgRaritan Valley Road Runners – https://www.rvrrc.orgPartner 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 orderVacation 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 Trailfest⁠Run 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.Sara Duncan, Hellbender 100, first 100 miler, ultra running, trail running, Cruel Jewel 50, Western North Carolina, SNARC, Sylva and Neighboring Area Run Club, community building, volunteering, pacing, crewing, Trail Sisters, Vecinos, Dirtbag Spinster, Janji, Injinji, blisters, foot care, resilience, ultramarathon, Hellbender race report, mid pack runner, endurance sports, Western Carolina University

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 PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED 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 Trailfest“Through endurance we conquer.”In this special MidPacker Pod episode, returning guest Julio Palma flips the script and puts Troy Meadows in the hot seat to unpack Troy’s recent finish at the Hellbender 100. What unfolds is an honest and vulnerable conversation about setbacks, growth, mental toughness, and what it really means to keep showing up when things get hard.Troy opens up about his running journey—from growing up around endurance sports, to rediscovering running after losing both his mother and his dog in the same week, to eventually falling in love with trail and ultra running after reading Born to Run. The conversation also dives deep into Troy’s first 100-mile DNF at Dark Divide and how that experience forced him to reevaluate his mindset, priorities, and relationship with chasing qualifiers for races like Western States and Hardrock.The heart of the episode centers around Hellbender 100, one of the toughest races on the East Coast. Troy shares how this training block was the strongest of his life, the nutrition struggles and sleep deprivation he battled during the race, and how support from family, friends, and the trail community helped carry him through the darkest moments of the night.Some key themes from the episode include:Using running as a tool for resilience and mental healthLearning from failure and difficult race experiencesThe balance between chasing qualifiers and enjoying the sportTraining consistency, durability, and strength workManaging low moments during ultras and continuing forwardThe importance of community in trail runningThis one is raw, relatable, and full of those classic MidPacker moments where everyday runners chase extraordinary goals.Relevant LinksHellbender 100Run828 FoundationLaurel Highlands UltraHellbender Participant GuideHellbender Course InfoLaurel Highlands Hiking TrailPartner Links: PlayOn 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.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 It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.Run Your WayBuy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code MIDPACK to get a free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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.Hellbender 100, Julio Palma, Troy Meadows, MidPacker Pod, ultra running, trail running, Hardrock qualifier, Western States, DNF, Dark Divide, Laurel Highlands, Run828, endurance, ultramarathon, mental toughness, resilience, Asheville trail running, strength training, ultra mindset, hundred miler, endurance sports, Appalachian trails, race recap, ultrarunning community

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 PageCheck out the Gear I love HERE on rendezvu.coSTOKED 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 KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND to the cart and the code will apply to discount.“Life is fragile…shit can change in a second.”In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with longtime friend and community staple Matt Van Dalsem (MVD) for a conversation that feels more like catching up over beers than a formal interview. From early days as a basketball player who saw running as punishment, to becoming a dedicated trail runner immersed in the sport’s culture, Matt’s journey is anything but traditional.What stands out most is how Matt found his way into ultras later in life; through curiosity, community, and proximity to the iconic Bay Area trails like Tilden Park. His first true ultra, the Dick Collins 50 miler, marked the start of a deeper connection to the sport. From there, experiences like the Canyons 100K and involvement with FreeTrail and Trailing Indicators helped shape his identity as a true midpacker balancing life, family, and big goals.But this episode goes deeper than race results. Matt shares a powerful and emotional story about loss in his family and how it reshaped his perspective on running, and life. It’s a raw reminder that while we chase big goals, life can shift in an instant.Key Takeaways:Running doesn’t need to start early to become meaningfulCommunity is often the glue that keeps us in the sportTaking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essentialLife is fragile…be present and appreciate the momentRelevant LinksWestern States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.orgCanyons Endurance Runs: https://canyons.utmb.worldTahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs: https://trter.com/Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.comPartner 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 KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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.Matt Van Dalsem, Midpacker Pod, trail running, ultrarunning, Canyons 100K, Western States, Tahoe Rim Trail, trail running community, FreeTrail, Trailing Indicators, resilience, grief, endurance sports, Bay Area trails, 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  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 DISCOUNT“The $hittiest mile in a hundred miler would still probably be better than the mile I could run at 85.”This week on the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with Ryan Thrower for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations the show has had in a while. Ryan opens up about his journey from bartending in Indianapolis and living out of his car while exploring the American West… to becoming one of the key creative voices behind Freetrail and modern trail running media.The conversation dives deep into curiosity, creativity, and learning to say yes to opportunity before you feel ready. Ryan shares stories about discovering trail running through Born to Run and Eat and Run, volunteering at Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run, and eventually building a life around storytelling, mountains, music, and community.The two also unpack Ryan’s unique approach to ultrarunning—especially his love for “step-for-step” adventures with friends at races like the Swiss Alps 100 and upcoming adventures filming Courtney Dauwalter at Cocodona 250 and running the Mammoth.But the heart of this episode centers around a bigger topic: the fragility of life. Ryan reflects on gratitude, staying present, creative burnout, and why even the hardest miles are gifts when viewed through the right lens.Topics DiscussedBuilding a creative career in trail running mediaMusic, photography, and storytellingFreetrail, TrailCon, and race-week chaosStep-for-step ultrarunning adventuresThe power of curiosity and learning in publicGratitude and the fragility of lifeMammoth training and redefining “moseying”Ryan’s LinksIG: @ryanthrower@freetrailRelevant LinksFreetrailCocodona 250Western States Endurance RunThe Freetrail Podcast with Dylan BowmanFreetrail YouTube ChannelPartner 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 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.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 KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. Remember to add the HEADWIND 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.Ryan Thrower, Freetrail, trail running, ultrarunning, Cocodona 250, Western States, Mammoth, storytelling, photography, music, creativity, gratitude, fragility of life, ultramarathon, trail culture, Dylan Bowman, community, endurance sports, trail media, curiosity