Tim Tollefson is a pro runner for Craft Sportswear, living in Mammoth Lakes, CA. He is also the Founder and Race Director of Mammoth Trail Fest. Tim is just eclipsing his tenth year as a trail runner where he's been one of the best athletes in the world. Approaching his 40th birthday, Tim is in a bit of a transition, still motivated to compete at the top while building the foundation for his next chapter. Tim is a longtime friend and our careers are unfolding in similar ways, making this a really fun conversation.

Topics discussed:

• Creativity and craftsmanship
• The practical physical and mental realities of aging
• The importance of continuous self-work
• Living in alignment with personal values
• Burning clean fuel vs dirty fuel metaphorically
• Tim's 2024 season including his DNF at UTMB
• The rapid changes in the sport and increasing competition
• Tim's relationship with UTMB championship Vincent Bouillard
• Mammoth Trail Fest's growth
• The idea of pursuing your life's work
• The controversy and peaceful resolution of the Golden Trail race in Mammoth
• Tim's personal development
• Goals for 2025
• A lot more!

Caleb Olson is a professional trail runner for Nike living in Salt Lake City, UT. In the last couple years, Caleb has had a remarkable streak of high performance, including qualifying for the World Championships, winning a Golden Ticket, and running 14:40 at Western States -- the fastest debut in the race's history. This is his first appearance on the podcast.

Topics discussed:

• Caleb's mountaineering exploits
• The current momentum in the SLC trail scene
• His history of being self-coached and why that might change soon
• The importance of good partners in life and sport
• Adapting to professional racing and rising to the occasion
• Caleb's strong 2023 season and signing with Nike
• His 2024 season including his amazing WS debut
• Lessons around desire, motivation, and a lot more!

Tara Dower is a trail runner and thru-hiker from Virginia. Last week, Tara Dower managed to lower the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail (AT), previously held by the legend Karel Sabbe, by 13hrs. This is her first appearance on the podcast.

Topics discussed:

-       Tara’s background

-       Her failed attempt to thru hike the AT in 2017 and her struggles with anxiety

-       Her relationships with former record holders like Karl Meltzer & Jenn Pharr-Davis

-       Her decision to go southbound instead of northbound

-       Doing Hardrock only three weeks before the attempt

-       Her slow start and need to make up a lot of time

-       We talk about her crew known as chump change and her crew chief Rascal

-       The saying that “the trail provides” and what that means practically

-       Compare and contrast her strategy with Karrel Sabbe’s

-       The character of the trail itself, what makes the AT different

-       We talk about the practical tactics of sleep and self care

-       A lot more!

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