The Trail Life Podcast

In this episode of the Trail Life Podcast, 'Ultra Buds Unleashed,' with guest host Isabella Janovich, Isabella interviews Kevin Goldberg, an accomplished ultra runner and endurance coach. Kevin shares his journey from starting as a casual runner to tackling some of the toughest 200-plus mile races. He discusses his hip surgeries, his entry into the ultra running scene, and his experiences running races like the Tour de Gence and Cocodona 250. Kevin also talks about his work at TrainingPeaks, coaching athletes, and his podcast 'Distance to Empty,' which focuses on the 200-mile distance. This episode is filled with insights into ultra running, training tips, and an inspiring story of resilience and passion.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Trail Life Podcast

00:52 Introducing Ultra Buds Unleashed

02:23 Meet Kevin Goldberg: Ultra Runner and Endurance Coach

03:43 Kevin's Journey into Trail Running

04:58 The Challenge of 200-Mile Races

10:49 Experiencing the Tour de Gence

15:20 The People's Runner: Kevin's Cocodona Experience

18:10 Balancing a Career in the Running Industry

23:03 Balancing Coaching and Full-Time Work

23:38 Starting the Distance to Empty Podcast

24:27 Podcast Success and Community Impact

26:23 Training and Work-Life Balance

29:06 Big Races and Events for 2025

31:26 Pacing, Crewing, and Podcast Growth

34:37 Advice for New 200 Mile Runners

37:05 Favorite and Dream Races

40:08 Inspiring Hip Surgery Story

In this episode of the SWCHBAK Chronicles, host Michelle is joined by special guest co-host Isabella Janovick and guest Alyssa Clark, an accomplished endurance athlete. They discuss Alyssa's various achievements, including her first-place finish in the SD100, her love for heat over cold weather, and her experiences training and competing in ultra-endurance events. Alyssa also shares insights into her beginnings in endurance sports, her inspirations, and the physical and mental challenges of completing 200-mile races. The episode provides tips for heat management during races and explores the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), encouraging more women to participate.

00:00 Introduction to the Trail Life Podcast

00:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Alyssa Clark

02:16 Alyssa's Experience at SD 100

03:21 Heat Training Tips and Techniques

08:35 Upcoming Races and Training Plans

13:26 The Role of Treadmills in Training

19:41 Alyssa's Journey into Endurance Sports

26:00 Meeting Callie Vinson and Race Stories

26:19 Training and Attempting 200-Mile Races

27:41 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Ultra Running

30:15 Crew and Pacer Experiences

35:40 The Impact of Ultra Running on the Body

40:54 Encouraging Women to Set FKTs

46:30 Pet Stories and Wrapping Up

In our final special of the SWCHBAK Chronicles limited series, Michelle Johnson is joined by Cody Taylor and Alan from Death March Running Company. Based out of Colorado, they share their humorous and inspiring journey into the world of ultra-running. The conversation covers the origins of Death March Running, their experiences pacing and crewing, and the significance of community in the sport. The episode also highlights Michelle's recent venture, Switchback Collective, a shop featuring women-owned brands. With stories of races, training, and the inevitable hardships, this episode celebrates the spirit and camaraderie of the ultra-running community.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:39 Matcha Addiction and Coffee Shop Woes

02:53 Introducing Cody and Alan from Death March Running Company

04:14 Switchback and Death March Collaboration

05:37 The Importance of Quality and Small Business Values

07:53 Trail Running Community and Partnerships

12:28 The Birth of Ultra Running Passion

16:43 The Magic and Misery of Pacing

27:15 Getting into Ultra Running

28:07 The Birth of Death March Running Company

31:01 Creating Unique Running Gear

32:22 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Business

37:33 The Running Event Experience

41:06 Switchback Collective: A Women-Owned Business

47:32 Balancing Business and Running

55:59 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this special edition of the Trail Life podcast, Michelle Johnson from SWCHBAK interviews Sarah Tomal, an ultra runner and sponsored athlete from San Diego. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from starting as an angry runner after a bad breakup to working toward her first 100-mile race. They discuss her experiences with Spartan races, overcoming a significant hip injury, and her return to ultra running. The conversation also touches on the mental and physical challenges of training for long-distance races, the importance of listening to one's body, and Sarah’s upcoming SD Hundred run.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:20 DMV Experience

02:09 Meeting Sarah Tamal

03:52 Sarah's Running Journey Begins

05:55 Transition to Spartan Racing

08:22 From Injury to Ultra Running

14:20 Facing a Major Setback

18:47 Dealing with Diagnosis and Treatment

20:00 The Journey of Recovery

23:32 Mental Challenges of Ultra Running

23:57 Preparing for the 100-Mile Race

27:29 The Ultra Running Community

32:15 Fun and Food in Ultra Running

35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In our new limited series: The SwchBak Chronicles, Michelle Johnson steps in for usual host Jeff Stoner to talk with Daniel Smith and Eric Spin, key figures from the San Diego Trail Runners group.

The conversation explores their personal journeys into running, with Eric sharing how he transitioned from smoking and junk food to running marathons, and Daniel talking about his background in boxing and coaching kids' sports. The duo discusses how the San Diego Trail Runners came to be, emphasizing their ethos of 'No Runner Left Behind'. Eric and Daniel highlight the importance of community support in trail running and share humorous anecdotes about their running experiences and motivations. They also offer valuable advice for newcomers to trail running and reflect on how trail running has impacted their lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting into the sport, this episode provides an inspiring look at what it means to be part of a running community.

In the final episode of 2023, I am joined by Spring Energy Founders Rafal Nazarewicz and Adam Goleniewski but talk about how Spring Energy got its starts and how they created the flavor profiles. Thank you to Rafa and Adam for delivering a product that is widely loved and enjoyed by the trail running community.

myspringenergy.com

I am joined by Everyday Ultra Podcast host, and ultra runner Joe Corcione to get caught up on his journey with the Javelina Jundred, his podcast, coaching, and just to talk some BS. Please enjoy and welcome back to the Trail Life... Joe Corcione

PODCAST: EVERYDAY ULTRA

INSTA: JOECORCIONE and THEEVERYDAYULTRA

I am joined by friend, race sponsor, and fellow business owner, Michelle Johnson. We talk her trail journey and how that led to her new business venture in the trail running community. She gives us the breakdown on SWCHBAK.SWCHBAK Neck & Head Outdoor Gear Running Hiking@swchbak