The Midpacker Podcast

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠
⁠Support 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 ⁠

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order
⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order

USE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDS

RENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly

Field Notes is back after a short break, and Troy has plenty to catch up on. Fresh off Western States week, he shares the moments that have stuck with him most, from Hans Troyer's fearless front-running to Vincent Bouillard's emotional victory, Jenn Lichter's breakout performance, and why Zack Miller remains his favorite ultrarunner of all time.

The conversation then shifts from the sport to real life. Troy opens up about the decision to skip Laurel Highlands, why launching a new business changed his priorities, and how entrepreneurship and ultrarunning have more in common than most people realize. Rather than chasing races, he's embracing a season of enjoying the trails, building fitness, and preparing for a few exciting adventures later this year.

He wraps things up with an update on his upcoming plans, thoughts on Hardrock, and a look at where the MidPacker Pod is headed for the rest of the season.

Episode Highlights
Western States reflections beyond the results.

Why Hans Troyer's race reminded Troy of the Icarus story.

Vincent Bouillard's memorable win and what it says about today's sport.

Jenn Lichter's incredible Western States debut and why she's one to watch.

Why Zack Miller continues to embody everything Troy loves about trail running.

Is 2026 an "asterisk year" at Western States because of the cooler weather?

The decision to skip Laurel Highlands and prioritize family and business.

Introducing Lead Fōrj, Troy's new B2B lead generation agency.

Summer running without the pressure of chasing races.

Plans for the Barkley Fall Classic waitlist and an unsupported Pitchell FKT attempt.

Excitement surrounding Hardrock and the return of mountain racing.

Training Takeaways
Consistency often matters more than constantly chasing races.

Sometimes the smartest training decision is saying no to an event.

Building a business and training for ultras require many of the same skills: patience, resilience, and long-term thinking.

Enjoying running for its own sake can be just as valuable as structured race preparation.

Troy’s Links
IG: @Troyontherun     
@Midpackerpod
RTL Ultra Coaching
Lead Fōrj

Relevant Links
Western States Endurance Run

Laurel Highlands Ultra

Hellbender 100

Barkley Fall Classic

Hardrock 100

Partner Links: 

⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠
All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief
Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠
NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.
Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Rendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows
Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly
⁠
Vacation 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 Trailfest
⁠⁠
Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠
Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

⁠⁠Freetrail⁠⁠ - ⁠https://freetrail.com⁠
Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.

MidPacker Pod, Field Notes, Troy Meadows, Western States, Hardrock 100, Laurel Highlands, Barkley Fall Classic, Hans Troyer, Vincent Bouillard, Jenn Lichter, Zack Miller, Hellbender 100, Lead Forge, entrepreneurship, summer running, trail running, ultrarunning, Pitchell, FKT, Asheville, HOKA, Go Brewing, Play On Relief, Rendezvu

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.

Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠
⁠Support 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 directly

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  
⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order
⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first order
⁠VACATION RACES⁠ - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest
USE 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 Episode
Transitioning from marathon running to trail running

The early days of Nike Trail and racing in Europe

Confidence vs. courage and finding self-belief

Why athletes need an identity beyond performance

Building Mammoth Trail Fest from an idea into reality

Lessons learned from Nike, HOKA, and Craft

The future of trail running and protecting its culture

Community, connection, and creating opportunities for others

This 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 ⁠@timtollefson⁠
⁠Mammoth Trail Fest⁠ - ⁠https://www.mammothtrailfest.com⁠

Relevant Links:
The Mammoth 200⁠ https://www.themammoth200.com⁠
Craft Sportswear⁠ https://www.craftsports.us⁠
UTMB Mont-Blanc ⁠https://utmb.world⁠
Broken Arrow Skyrace⁠ https://brokenarrowskyrace.com⁠
The Rut Mountain Runs⁠ https://runtherut.com⁠
Billy Yang⁠ https://billyyang.com⁠

Partner Links: 
⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠
All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief

Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order
⁠
Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠
NA 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 order

⁠Vacation 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 Trailfest

⁠⁠Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠
Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!
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.

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 SubStack⁠

Support 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

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  

PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order
VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE 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 Episode
Going from non-runner to ultramarathoner

The Yeti 30-for-30 challenge that changed everything

Running Cruel Jewel 50 to qualify for Hellbender

Building SNARC from the ground up

Why welcoming new runners matters

Lessons learned from a difficult first 100 miler

The importance of crew, pacers, and volunteers

Supporting Vecinos through Hellbender fundraising

Sara's Dirtbag Spinster Substack

Key Takeaway
Sometimes success isn't about having the perfect race. Sometimes success is simply refusing to stop moving forward.

Sara’s Links
IG: @dirtbagspinster
SubStack: https://substack.com/@dirtbagspinster

Relevant Links
Hellbender 100 – https://www.hellbender100.com

Cruel Jewel 50 – https://dumassevents.com/cruel-jewel-50

Trail Sisters – https://trailsisters.net

Vecinos Farmworker Health Program – https://vecinos.org

Raritan Valley Road Runners – https://www.rvrrc.org

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.comProven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief
Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Vacation 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 Trailfest

⁠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.

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 SubStack⁠

⁠Support 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

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  
PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order
TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription
VACATION 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 health

Learning from failure and difficult race experiences

The balance between chasing qualifiers and enjoying the sport

Training consistency, durability, and strength work

Managing low moments during ultras and continuing forward

The importance of community in trail running

This one is raw, relatable, and full of those classic MidPacker moments where everyday runners chase extraordinary goals.

Relevant Links
Hellbender 100

Run828 Foundation

Laurel Highlands Ultra

Hellbender Participant Guide

Hellbender Course Info

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com
All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief
Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks
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 Subscription

Vacation 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 Trailfest

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com
KICKR RUN
It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.
Run Your Way
Buy 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.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.

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 SubStack⁠

⁠Support 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

STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  
PLAY ON RELIEF - 20% off your first order
TRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscription
VACATION RACES - 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest

USE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT

⁠WAHOO 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 meaningful

Community is often the glue that keeps us in the sport

Taking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essential

Life is fragile…be present and appreciate the moment

Relevant Links
Western States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.org

Canyons Endurance Runs: https://canyons.utmb.world

Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs: https://trter.com/

Cocodona 250: https://cocodona.com

Partner Links: 

PlayOn Relief - https://playonrelief.com
Proven Pain Relief for People Who Refuse to Stop!All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted Relief
Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order

Training Peaks
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 Subscription

Vacation 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 Trailfest

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com
KICKR RUN invites the rhythm, flow, and freedom of outdoor running inside.
It’s not running indoors. It’s running, reimagined.
Run Your Way

Buy 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.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.

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