<p>The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Join the Newsletter at:<a href="https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check Out MPP Merch </a></p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? </p><p>Check out <a href="https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Troy’s Coaching Page<br></a></p><p><br></p><p>Check out the Gear I love <a href="https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows/my-trail-quiver" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>HERE</strong></a> on rendezvu.co</p><p><br></p><p>STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  </p><p><a href="https://playonrelief.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>PLAY ON RELIEF</strong></a> - 20% off your first order</p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>TRAINING PEAKS</strong></a> - 20% off a premium annual subscription</p><p><a href="https://www.vacationraces.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>VACATION RACES</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest</p><p><br></p><p>USE PROMO CODE <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills?utm_source=LongRunLabs&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shift_US" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠<strong>WAHOO FITNESS</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>-  Use Code <strong>MIDPACK: </strong>When you pick up a <strong>Wahoo KICKR RUN</strong> get a <strong>free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. </strong>Remember to add the <strong>HEADWIND</strong> to the cart and the code will apply to discount.</p><p><br></p><p>“Life is fragile…shit can change in a second.”</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Running doesn’t need to start early to become meaningful</p></li><li><p>Community is often the glue that keeps us in the sport</p></li><li><p>Taking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essential</p></li><li><p>Life is fragile…be present and appreciate the moment</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Relevant Links</strong></p><ul><li><p>Western States Endurance Run:<a href="https://www.wser.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.wser.org</a></p></li><li><p>Canyons Endurance Runs:<a href="https://canyons.utmb.world/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://canyons.utmb.world</a></p></li><li><p>Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs:<a href="https://tahoerimtrail.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://trter.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://trter.com/</a></p></li><li><p>Cocodona 250:<a href="https://cocodona.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://cocodona.com</a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Partner Links: </strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://playonrelief.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>PlayOn Relief</strong></a> - <a href="https://playonrelief.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://playonrelief.com</a></p><p>Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief</p><p>Use <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> for 20% off your first order</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Training Peaks</strong></a> </p><p>A training app as versatile as you. </p><p>Start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker</a></p><p>Use <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.vacationraces.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vacation Races</strong></a> - <a href="https://www.vacationraces.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.vacationraces.com</a></p><p>Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.</p><p>Use <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills?utm_source=LongRunLabs&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shift_US" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Wahoo Fitness</strong></a><strong> -</strong> <a href="https://wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills?utm_source=LongRunLabs&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shift_US" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.wahoofitness.com</a></p><p>KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.</p><p>It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.</p><p>Run Your Way</p><p><br></p><p>Buy the Wahoo KICKR RUN use code <strong>MIDPACK</strong> to get a <strong>free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. </strong>Remember to add the <strong>HEADWIND</strong> to the cart and the code will apply to discount.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>⁠Run Trail Life</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://runtraillife.com</a></p><p>Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!</p><p>Use<strong> MIDPACKERPOD</strong> to double the donation from your purchase. </p><p>Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T&#39;s.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>⁠Freetrail</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://freetrail.com</a></p><p>Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>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</p><p><br><br><br></p>