"The Dirt" Trailrunning Podcast

On this episode of The Dirt Podcast, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay are joined by special guest Dr. Tonya Olson, DPT — physical therapist and co-author of Fix Your Feet — for a deep dive into the most overlooked (and abused) part of the ultra runner's body.

We're talking all things feet, including:

Plantar fasciitis

Achilles issues

Black toenails & blisters

How the brain and nervous system influence foot pain and performance. And yes… you may have been smudged!

Whether you're brand new to running or a seasoned ultra runner with bat...

Coach Loretta is joined by physical therapist Dr. Liesle Elsey to revisit a topic many runners and active women are navigating right now: perimenopause, postpartum in perimenopause, and menopause.

In this episode of The Dirt, we talk about what's actually happening in the body during hormonal shifts—and what helps. From changing recovery needs and joint stiffness to fluctuating energy and performance frustration, we share practical strategies around mobility, strength training, and recovery that support longevity and confidence.

This is a grounded, honest conversation focused on helping you adapt your training—not quit it—so you can...

In this episode of The Dirt, Coaches Loretta Tobolske-Horn and Lindsay dig into one of the most overlooked, high-impact phases of the running year: transition season.

This is the season where runners reset, rebuild, and refocus — not by chasing mileage, but by tightening the processes that ultimately make performance goals possible.

We break down:

Why transition season is the ideal time to focus on process goals (think: consistency, strength habits, agility work, mindset, technique, movement quality, mobility, fueling routines)

How process goals create the foundation for l...

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay chat with Coach Reese about his second-place finish at Tunnel Hill 100. Reese walks through the race from start to finish — pacing, fueling, and how he managed the day — plus a look at how he structured his training leading into it and what's coming next in his season.

Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay recap the Hennepin 100, share tips on communicating with your crew during races,  supporting athletes post-race and discuss how they stay connected with athletes throughout the week. Plus, a look ahead to Lily Medina's final race of the series. 

Real races. Real coaching. This is The Dirt.

Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with Lily Medina, just after she completed Hallucination 100—her fourth 100-miler of the Slam—finishing 3rd overall female. Loretta crewed Lily for this race, giving listeners an inside look at pacing, fueling, and support strategies.

In this episode:

Hallucination 100 recap: toughest sections, standout moments, and lessons learned

Crew and pacer insights from the road

Physical and mental reflections after four 100s

Mindset, motivation, and advice for multi-race ultra runners

If you've ever wondered what it takes to run multiple 100-milers in a seaso...

From niggles to the big picture: we cover injury coping, recovery tools, and how to adjust training and goals—plus a look ahead to Hallucination 100.

In this Show & Tell episode of The Dirt Podcast, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay are joined by Coach Scott to share their favorite running gadgets and recovery tools. From hydration tech and trekking poles to timers, massage tools, and recovery aids, we break down what actually works and why we love it.  

Part 3 of our Midwest Super Slam mini-series! Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with athlete Lily Medina after Burning River 100—her third 100-miler of the Slam—where she remains first overall. We break down the highs, lows, and hard lessons from Ohio and look ahead to Hallucination 100 in six weeks.

In this episode:

Burning River debrief: lows and highs problem-solving on the fly

Fueling wins & fixes after three 100s

What's holding up vs. what needs TLC (body + brain)

Six-week rebuild: training, recovery, and taper priorities

Loop-course tactics for Hallucination 100 and managi...

On this episode of The Dirt Trail Running Podcast, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with special guest Coach Madeline Harms—developmental psychologist, professor, and running coach—to dive into the mental side of racing and training.

We unpack what it means to "choke" during a race, how panic attacks can derail even the best preparation, and the difference between process goals and outcome goals. Coach Madeline shares strategies for reflection, using visualization, and finding the courage to toe the starting line again after setbacks.

We also explore the pressure athletes face from social media and h...

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay catch up on summer adventures and racing highlights. Coach Loretta shares stories from her vanlife travels out west—exploring new places, logging trail miles, and staying prepared just in case wild animals showed up (spoiler: they didn't, but she was ready!).

We dive into tips for running in the heat, how to prep for wild encounters, weather, elevation and reflect on some epic recent races like Badwater and Hardrock.

Join hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay from Ornery Mule Coaching as they welcome athlete Russell Stratton to the Dirt Podcast. In this candid conversation, Russell shares his experience at the Western States Endurance Run, where he faced the tough reality of a DNF (Did Not Finish) after missing the cutoff at the Last Chance aid station. Together, they explore the challenges of race day, the mental and emotional toll of not finishing, how even elite athletes struggle with their own hurdles and the lessons learned from setbacks in endurance sports. Russell opens up about his training journey, the significance of...

On this episode of The Dirt with Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay, we're joined once again by Ornery Mule Coaching athlete Lily Medina for a raw and inspiring recap of her second race in the Midwest Super Slam: the Kettle Moraine 100. Lily opens up about the tough patches she faced on the trail and how she pushed through the lows to make it to the finish.

Whether you're chasing your first buckle or you've got dozens under your belt, there are golden nuggets in this episode for every runner. Tune in to hear about the mental grit, st...

This episode of The Dirt, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with special guest and Ornery Mule Coaching athlete Lily Medina, who's deep into one of the craziest ultra running challenges out there—the Midwest Super Slam of Ultras. That's five 100-mile races—Mohican, Kettle Moraine, Burning River, Hallucination, and Indiana Trail—crammed into just four and a half months.

Lily kicked things off with a bang, taking 1st overall female at the Mohican 100 with a blazing time of 22:44:12. We dive into her mindset, training, recovery tactics, and what fuels her passion for back-to-back hundos.

Tune in for tra...

Join Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay as they share their latest race experiences and upcoming challenges. Lindsay reflects on her adventures and Cruel Jewel and upcoming races San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon and the Jackal -5 back to back marathons. Loretta discusses her time volunteering at the Love For Lily Charity event at Colfax Marathon and pacing at the Bay Shore Marathon, plus her upcoming crewing at Western States 100. 

They also highlight Ultra Crazy Runner Strava Event on June 4 for Global Run Day. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode is filled w...

From porta potty panic to legendary race shorts, Coaches Lindsay and Loretta share listener-submitted stories that prove every trail runner has a hilarious tale. Laugh with us — because if it's not weird, it's not ultrarunning.

Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or just here for the chaos, this one's for you. Because if you can't laugh at yourself… you're probably doing it wrong.

Ultrarunning teaches us how to adapt, stay calm in chaos, and turn failure into fuel. In this episode, Loretta and Lindsay share real race stories, quick-thinking strategies, and how to carry lessons from the trail into everyday life.

Whether you're chasing a finish line or navigating challenges off the trail, this one's for you. Listen now to embrace the grit and grow through the grind. 

https://www.ornerymuleracing.com/

https://www.trailrun.coach/

In this episode of *The Dirt Podcast*, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay explore essential training programs tailored for Trail Runner University. Whether you're aiming to improve your speed, conquer vertical climbs, or embark on your first 5K, this episode has something for everyone.

We'll break down:

In this episode of **The Dirt**, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay dive into the unique journey of mid to back of the pack runners. They explore the challenges faced during training, from pacing to mental hurdles, and share practical tips to enhance your running experience.

In this episode of "The Dirt," hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay dive into the critical topic of aging athletes. Join us as we explore the physiological changes that come with age, effective injury prevention strategies, and the importance of nutrition for maintaining performance. We'll also discuss how to adjust your training to accommodate these changes and tackle the mental aspects of staying motivated as you age. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate your running journey at any stage of life. Tune in and discover how to...

Join hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay on The Dirt Coaches Edition as we explore the DNF (Do Not Finish) recovery mindset. Discover how to process your feelings and grief, tackle common DNF reasons and implement effective strategies moving forward.

*In this episode you'll learn:

*How to embrace a growth mindset

*Practical do's for training, fueling and time management

*Reframing techniques to turn negative thoughts into motivations.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you recover an...

In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, get to know Coach Natalie!

Reese & Loretta are joined by Coach Natalie to discover her background, experiences, & style that make her a great coach with OMC.

You'll hear about Natalie's background, family life, running history, & experience her kind personality come through in this week's podcast!

Rate, like, subscribe, & share the podcast!

Get schooled with Trail Runner University!

Want a winter running challenge that includes a 10 week program, swag, community, & trials to get you to your mileage goal through the cold months? If so, sign up for "TRU"!

In this episode, OMC coaches Loretta & Reese give you the breakdown of what, when, & how this challenge unfolds!

Got a friend who needs a little push through the winter months? Share the pod & give them the gift of fitness & community at Trail Runner University!

In this episode, Coach Reese interviews coach Loretta after finishing her FKT across the entire state of Michigan! Get the inside scoop on how she tackled a multi-day effort & crushed the route!

Topics include… 

1.) FKT recap

2.) Sleep strategy

3.) Training for a multi-day FKT

4.) Loretta's learnings

& more!

Train as hard as you can while being smart. Now go get after YOUR goal!

ultracrazyrunner.com

In this episode, coaches Loretta, Reese, & athlete Sam Stimac join together to talk about Sam's experiences in her training leading up to the iconic UTMB.

Hear first hand how her race unfolded, how her training lead up to a fantastic performance, & personal trials navigating previous injuries.

Sam is a great example of how having fun, putting in the work, & a solid plan can all lead to a knockout racing season.

Coach Reese shares his journey to victory at the Hennepin Hundred, where he finished first overall. Alongside Coach Loretta, they dive deep into the mental struggles that accompany long-distance racing, offering a transparent look at the challenges faced on race day.

This episode is not just about the triumphs but also the realities of the mental game of ultra running. Tune in for the inspiring and authentic conversation that will resonate with runners of all levels.

Join us on this episode of Coffee with Coaches for our special guest coach Scott Struck! Coach Scott has 10 combined 100 mile finishes between Hennepin & Tunnel Hill & he's here to share his wisdom!

Hear about how this year's Hennepin 100 unfolded & how it has compared to the previous 4 other Hennepins he has ran.

How has Scott's fueling strategy develop over time? How has Scott's mindset & race plan evolved over time?

Tune in if you're looking for veteran wisdom from our dear friend, Coach Scott Struck! & this just in - Coach Scott is taking on more...

Running & Motherhood - the truth about an active life before, during & after pregnancy! Join OMR coaches Reese & Loretta with their favorite PT, Dr. Liesle Else, as they explore how pregnancy impacts active mothers! No topic is off the table for these three, & it's important to encourage open conversations so we're all armed with knowledge about how we can support the active mothers in our community. Get the scoop on this episode with some fun conversation between these three!

What does it really mean? Who needs to be thinking about it? How does it relate to my ultra performance?

In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, Loretta and Reese debunk the common way they hear TOF used with their athletes.

Yes, we want as much TOF as possible, but not-we don't want you to count standing all day.

What does that mean? Tune in & Find Out

ornerymulecoaching.com

In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, OMC coaches Loretta & Reese & joined by coach Jacob Moss - all the way from France!

Tune in to hear about how coach Jacob is preparing for Spartathlon, the 153 mile race tracing the legendary trek made by Pheidippides. 

Hear how coach Jacob is adjusting to altitude, workouts he is running, as well as how he is going to fuel for the effort!

Make sure to give us a like, subscribe, & rate for more ultra-running delivered to your feed!

"In this episode, Coach Lindsay Phenix shares her incredible accomplishment of finishing 6th at both the Badwater 135 and the Angeles Crest 100 within less than two weeks of each other. Lindsay discusses the key training and preparation concepts that allowed her to excel at these two grueling ultramarathon events, including the importance of proper cooling, managing altitude, and building sufficient training volume.

Coach Loretta also joins the conversation to provide expert insights on how Lindsay's experiences and techniques can be applied to help other endurance athletes reach their full potential. They cover topics such as heat acclimation, cooling...

"In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, coaches Loretta & Reese talk about "Speed Reserve" - what is it? Why does it matter to ultra marathoning? & how do we build our bodies to be able to handle higher-paced running?

Listen in & find out why our top-end speed matters even in long races. & remember to rate, review, & subscribe to the podcast!"

Crewing, Pacing, & tackling the Tahoe 200!

No lie, running 200 miles is a BIG deal, & preparing to help someone else achieve their 200 mile race is a BIG responsibility.

OMC coaches Loretta, Reese, & special guest Coach Katie answer the questions of how to prepare for crewing & pacing to help ensure a runner's success on race day.

Topics include :

1.) crew prep pre-race

2.) physical & mental prep pre-race (for runners & pacers)

3.) anticipating a runner's needs

4.) crew self-care

5.) crew dynamics

6.) pacing practice

The Whys, Hows, & Application of Walk-Run Intervals!

Join OMR coaches Loretta, Reese, & special guest coach Scott to talk about how to train-for & use the Walk-Run method in your next race!

Included in the conversation are the topics of :

1.) Is there gear I need for the method?

2.) Is there an optimal walk-run ratio?

3.) Why & How do I start practicing the method?

4.) Do I walk-run for every run leading up to my next race?

an much more!

Drop us a message & let us k...

Join us this week for an in-depth look at OMC Coach Kaleb's Cocodona 250 experience!

That's right, we previously had Kaleb on the podcast a few months ago to talk about his prep, & now he's back to give us the scoop on what went down!

Get the lessons, takeaways, learnings, & stories that were between Black Canyon City & Flagstaff. Hear about how Kaleb navigated the highs & lows on the journey of a lifetime!

& of course, rate, review, share, & subscribe to the podcast!

In this episode, OMC coaches Loretta & Reese consult artificial intelligence, 'Chat GPT', for training advice!

Enjoy as they pick apart the responses & explore if AI can give sound training advice!

Topics include :

 Listen in & find out! Remember to rate, subscribe, & share the podcast. @ornerymulecoaching

Join OMR coaches Loretta & Reese for a breakdown of one of the Midwest's most renowned 100 mile race!

Included in this episode : 

1.) course description & highlights

2.) training considerations

3.) race strategy

4.) what to do 6 weeks beforehand

Were close! Kettle is approaching & listen to how these OMR coaches view the race.

Join OMR coaches Loretta & Reese & they talk to a very special guest, Deana Nyenhuis! Deana & Reese are partners that train together, race together, & help each other succeed in their ultramarathons!

Listen in to find out how Deana got her start in running, how her & Reese's personal-relationship evolved into partner-coaching, & find out how they share life's responsibilities & train for performance!

As always, rate, share, & subscribe to the podcast for weekly episodes!

Michele & Kaleb chat with Katie O'Connor about her finish at Big Foot 200. Katie gives great insight on preparing her crew, managing the course, and shares a ton of knowledge that would be helpful to anyone looking to run a 200+ mile race.  

In this episode of 'Coffee with Coaches', Loretta & Reese have fun talking about Run/Bike commuting to & from work!

What should you think about before your trip?

 How do you stay clean & fresh after a run/bike commute?

 What are other tips/tricks to have an enjoyable experience?

 All answered on this episode!

Join OMR coaches Loretta & Reese as they interview, the one & only, Adam Popp!

Adam Popp is a mental performance coach who specializes in teaching skills to help unlock an athlete's mental-potential.

Adam has masters degrees in rehabilitation & clinical counseling as well as performance psychology. In addition to this, Adam is an ultra-endurance competitor that has set numerous records while helping to establish more robust record-keeping for Para-athletes.

Topics included : Who is Adam Popp?

What is mental performance?

How will it take your athletics to the next level?

This weeks episode with Michele & Kaleb -Cocodona 250 Training -Mesquite Canyon 50 mile race recap -What's up with Michele & Kaleb for 2024

"In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, Loretta & Reese get back to basics & host a classic "catch up" episode.

Both coaches discuss a multitude of topics, such as their athletes, their own personal experiences over the last few weeks, personal injuries, LT1 vs LT 2, & what the heck is a "tempo" run?

Tune in, share, rate, & send this podcast to an athlete in your circle! "

Thinking about racing Black Canyon 100k/60k, this is the podcast to listen to! Kaleb Stephens & Michele Hartwig discuss their 2024 race finishes.... Kaleb ran the 100k and Michele ran the 60k. We dive into how Coach Kaleb used this race as a training run for Cocodona 250. Fun chat to help prepare you for a run at this awesome race!

Welcome to another 'Coffee with Coaches episode about all things BACKYARD ULTRA! OMR coaches Loretta, Reese, & special guest Madeline Harms, have an insightful conversation about all aspects of Backyard racing!

Learn about loop & interloopal strategy, mindset, gear sections, food, as well as what specific training looks like for coach Madeline's upcoming Backyard event!

Remember to rate, like, subscribe, & share the podcast with an athlete who could benefit!

Join us this week for a fun conversation with OMR coaches Loretta, Reese, & Katie O'Connor as they reveal their mental skills for ultrarunning!

What are the skills? How do you practice them in training & everyday life? How can you apply them into your races?

There's so much knowledge you'll need a paper & pen for this one!

Remember to, rate, share, & like the podcasts if you enjoy them & follow us on all social media platforms socials!

" Say "WUT"? In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, Loretta & Reese are joined by Shannon O'Grady from Gnarly Nutrition to talk endurance training, hydration, electrolyte intake, & sweat science!

WUT stands for Weight, Urine, & Thirst, but listen in to find out how those relate to your hydration status!

Special thanks to Shannon & Gnarly Nutrition for their partnership with OMR to keep our athletes hydrated & running strong out on the trails!"

https://www.instagram.com/gnarstoolpodcast?igsh=MTR2N3N4amc0ajVsNA==

Join us on "Coffee with Coaches" as we discuss the OMR GRAND SLAM & how athlete Mary Stanbary plans to conquer the Kettle Moraine, Midwest States, & Hennepin 100 mile races in one calendar year!

Also joining us today is her coach, Lindsay Phenix, to help us understand what goes into preparing for a BIG year!

Topic covered include :

Mary's background in running

Mindset going into a big endeavor

Work-life balance & nutrition

Don't miss out, & visit our website for more information on the SLAM!

Life, Running, & the pursuit of Cocodona 250! Join coaches Loretta, Reese, & special guest coach Kaleb as they discuss how to manage training for BIG goals & how they wrap into a bigger picture.

How is Coach Kaleb thinking about training, eating, sleeping, & enjoying the experience of Cocodona 250? Tune in, find out, & share the podcast with others if you find a gold-nugget!

On this episode of Coffee with Coaches, OMR coaches Loretta & & Reese are joined by OMR Coach Jacob Moss to talk all things 24-hour track racing!

Why run 24 hours on a track? How do I begin the preparation? What will it be like at a track race? Jacob & Loretta lay down some insight on all topics so that YOU can go in with the knowledge to succeed!

Also, follow Jacob & other runners as they try to qualify for the USA 24-hour team at his race, "The Raven 24-hour" on February 17th!

Join Coach Loretta and Coach Reese as they share theirs secrets to success for cold weather running. In this episode you'll learn about winter gear, nutrition and hydration tips and cross training. What do you do when winter weather conditions change your plans? They've go you covered!

"Pelvic floor - it's not just about kegeling!

Welcome back after the holiday break! OMR Coaches Loretta & Reese are excited to be back & talking with Dr. Liesle Elsey about all things Pelvic floor!

What is it? How does it help athletic performance? How do I prevent leaking while running?

Share the podcast - this is an incredibly important (& seldomly addressed) topic within our sport. Let's normalize these conversations so we can all reach that next "best" in our athletic careers!

Like, share, subscribe, & welc...

Michele Chat with Nicki, Sid, Lilly, Efrain, and Krystal the Pistol about the moments that made 2023 memorable

Find out what we have in store for 2024: www.ornerymuleracing.com

Every day runners Michele, Kyle, and Natalie talk about winter running. Everything from choosing where to run, our personal essential winter running gear, and managing run work outs during the cold winter months.

_______________________________

Michele's favorites gear: Hillsound FreeSteps 6 for running icy snowy trails - https://www.amazon.com/Hillsound-FreeSteps6-All-Purpose-Traction-Conditions/dp/B008RQUE6E?th=1ornerymuler04-20

EltaMD tinted face 41 SPF mineral sunscreen - https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Physical-Tinted-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B00C8FVZZY/ref=sr_1_5_pp?keywords=elta+md+sunscreen&s=beauty&sr=1-5ornerymuler04-20

 ...

In this episode Coach Reese and Coach Loretta rap about two training components: HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and LSD (Long Slow Distance or as Coach Reese refers to it LED Long Easy Distance). Learn the whens and whys of HIIT and LSD.

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Reese explore training cycles with a special emphasis on transition season and race planning. Go into your racing season ready to train and not having to get back into shape. Take advantage of transition season to work on your challenges!

Sit back, listen and grab a bit of knowledge to plan a transition season with purpose and get ready to plan your race season for next year and beyond!

That's Ultrarunning, get up & try again!

Join OMR coaches Loretta & Reese as they pick apart the meaning of DNFs & drop-downs.

Do we let them define us, or do we let them inform us how to be race better in the future?

Coach Loretta approached Reese with this idea after his lackluster drop-down from the 2023 Tunnel Hill 100 mile to the 50 mile.

You can bet it's still fresh in his mind, listen to his thoughts & reflections after facing this himself.

Come warm up with OMR coaches Loretta, Reese, & Kaleb Stephens as they talk about their racing strategies for two vastly different races - Javelina Jundred & Tunnel Hill!

Listen as coach Kaleb gives insight about how he trained for & raced in the Arizona desert. Including tips about headlamp use, gearing, loop strategy, & effort moderation for a 100 mile race!

Contrasting this is how coach Reese plans to execute his upcoming 100 mile race at Tunnel Hill.

If you like the pod, subscribe on all platforms & visit the YouTube page for more content about the best sport...

Join 3 OMR coaches on today's show! Coaches Loretta and Reese interview coach Madeline Harms and discuss all things about her running background, life, her interesting daytime profession, recent running success (& difficulties) & coaching style given a busy life!

No only is she speedy, but Madeline has raced a multitude of distances and terrains & has years of experience.

Get to know OMR coach Madeline Harms in this episode.

Head Mule~ Michele sits down with Natalie Brunson and Kyle Braund to chat about our trip to Mukilteo, Washington and attending ATRA conference 2023. Kyle is a 21 year old new trail runner that is interested in working in the sport. Tim Tollefson was the keynote speaker of conference and Kyle shares how Tim has helped him.  Natalie is a long time trail runner, with 9 kids, and passionate about making time for herself to run trails. We share a little about ourselves as runners, and our experience at American Trail Running Association conference. We share about the trails we visit in Washington.    Thi...

"Wow what a great episode! Join us while OMR Coaches Loretta & Reese interview Dr. Liesle Elsey, a Physical Therapist based in Michigan about common injuries most of us have experienced.

Join as they discuss Hamstring cramps, Quad tightness, calf soreness, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, & much more!

This conversation was anything but boring. Great things happen in a chat room full of nerds!

What are you not thinking about before your next race?

Join Coaches Loretta & Reese for a conversation exploring the factors often overlooked by athletes when planning for a goal race!

@ornerymulecoaching

Join OMR Coaches Loretta & Reese with special guest, Coach Lindsay Phenix!

Coach Lindsay has a robust and lengthy resume, including Badwater, Angeles Crest 100, and Tunnel Hill (to name a few).

Listen while she shares her background, experience, coaching style, heat training philosophy, & wisdom about all distances.

Coach Lindsay is an incredible athlete, teacher, & motivator. We at Ornery Mule Coaching are thrilled to work so closely with her.

@ornerymulecoaching

This week on "Coffee with Coaches" - a thorough look the Hennepin trail races. What will the course be like? What gear should I use? How do I visualize the distance? Who will I be racing with?

All questions are answered in great detail with your OMR coaches, Loretta, and Reese. Both coaches have experience with this race, yet they are always looking for other views on how to succeed!

Drop a comment with your opinions & let's all get stronger & faster while enjoying the journey.

@ornerymulecoaching

Gather around your listening player of choice, we have OMR coach Katie O'Connor sharing her wisdom about ultras, coaching, being coached, & about her recent Bigfoot 200 mile race.

Having coached with OMR for over 2 years, Katie has helped many athletes & continues to love talking & learning about the ultra-endurance sports. Listen to her views on coaching her athletes, preparing for big goals, & overcoming obstacles & doubt.

Don't miss out on this one & remember to rate, subscribe, & comment if you like the content! Coach Katie was a pleasure to talk with so we know you'll find it worthwhile!

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Reese chat with our newest coach, Jacob Moss. Jacob is a professional runner and coach. He shares about his experience running and his philosophy on coaching. If you are looking for a top notch coach, check out Coach Jacob Moss.

trailrun.coach

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Physical Therapist, Dr. Liesle Elsey explore and share tips about mobility and strength training for athletes. You'll hear both a coach's and physical therapist's perspective. They also walk through what our virtual physical therapy consultation entails.

In this episode, Coach Reese and Coach Loretta share about recovering, adapting and super compensation. Coach Reese shows a super cool super compensation graph. Take a listen and gain great pieces of knowledge to add to your training regime toolkit!

OMR coaches Loretta & Reese share their thoughts on how to view your workouts when determining success in training. They also share tips on structuring your watch to run you through your more complex workouts.

Join OMR coaches Loretta & Reese for a conversation with Marek Butkewickz - a high schooler turned ultra aficionado. They talk about Marek's past & up ringing with running, how he balances XC, travk, & Ultra training, as well as his performance at the backyard style race - "Ode to Laz"!

Michele rode with Craig Thornley (WS100 RD) then helped at the finish line for a front row seat to the race! Nicki, Sid and Kyle went to aid stations to spectate. We talk about our experience on both sides of the race! Next up is our trip around California! Yosemite, vineyards and more!

In today's episode Coach Loretta walks through with Coach Reese his training build after Kettle 100 and his current "flare up" of his ITB. Through reflection, Reese shares what the possible cause was and what he will do differently moving forward. He shares knowledge on how to work through an ITB issue.

On this episode of Ornery Mule Racing's 'Coffee with Coaches', Loretta & Reese ramble on their current lives & cross-training adventures. Then, they get to the meat of the episode with a good discussion about their personal training & racing mistakes.

Lloyd Hardman is a Chicago police officer that has found a love for trail running and connected with the trail running community. Lloyd finished Kettle Moraine 38 mile Fun Run. We chats about how trail running has helped him come out of his shell, how he manages training with a stressful work schedule, and much more. Lloyd started his running with Black Chicago Runners and is also very involved in the Ornery Mule Racing trail running community.

Are you preparing for your first 50 mile race? Are you stepping up from the 50k distance & wondering what it will take to tackle your biggest athletic challenge to date?

In this episode, OMR coaches Loretta & Reese discuss the differences between training, racing, nutrition, & mindset when making the leap from 50k racing to 50 mile racing.

Even the veterans will find some interesting view points in here.

Ultrarunning is clean-cut & black & white, right? Wrong. There's nuance, there's struggle, there's success & failure in every race - whether we hit our goals or not. In this episode, OMR coaches Loretta & Reese reconvene after a brief hiatus to discuss their failures in success, & success in failure with their recent races.

This episode has it all - racing strategy, psychology, life lessons, & personal experience.

Kyle Braund joins OMR crew to talk about running his first Galena Sky Trail race. He crushed the 4 hour race with 28.59 miles to finish 2nd overall. Right behind Reese Slobodianuk who set a course record with 31.01 miles. It is fun to hear how he prepared, managed the course and his thoughts on the community. 

Crewing an Ultramarathon! What is crew? Who are crew? When can you use crew? What should you consider for your crew?

Today, OMR Coach Loretta schools coach Reese on the ins & outs of what it means to be crewed during an ultra. Get ready for a knowledge bomb that's hotter than a pair of chaffed thighs.

This week brings you another discussion between coaches Loretta & Reese about Galena Sky Race! Get a taste of what you'll encounter during this looped course & how you can prepare for the event! The coaches talk about training, fueling, course specifics, & even some entertaining stories from Coach Reese's experience at the race.

What does it take to run for a cause, prepare for a journey, & attempt the 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail? This week, coaches Loretta & Reese have an in-depth conversation with Sarah Krebs before she embarks on her IAT thru-run attempt. They discuss the critical components of Sarah's goal that include "why", "how", & "how long". There's value in Sarah's story for everyone to hear - you won't want to miss it!

  This episode is in loving memory of James "Jim" Briscoe. August 15, 1959 - April 28, 2023   Our running family is very important to us. The OMR team gathered together after Earth Day Trail Races to recap the event. It meant a lot to us to be able to have Jim Briscoe on our show. We recorded the Wednesday after Earth Day. Jim eloquently talks about his love for the running community and shares wise words from his heart. We were all heartbroken when Jim left us here on Earth a couple days after the show.   His wife Vivian is grateful we have his rec...

Kettle Moraine 100, it's that time again! Get the inside edge about the course and what it takes to have a strong finish with OMR coaches Loretta & Reese.

Not running Kettle? No worries, you'll find something to take away for your next race.

On today's episode coaches Loretta & Reese express the importance of hill training for race preparation. After a short intro, Coach Reese reflects about his mindset while managing a busy schedule, the pair explore how hills can be programmed to increase your chance of success. Whether your race is flat or hilly, you'll want to hear what they thing about hills can make you a stronger athlete.

In this episode Coach Reese and Coach Loretta cover the pillars of helping to aid in post run recovery. They share knowledge in how to recover in different type of racing scenarios. Take a listen and learn tips to aid your recovery so you can come back stronger and ready for your next race or workout. Stay tuned to the very end of the episode as we answer a listener question. trailrun.coach

In this episode of Coffee with Coaches, Coach Loretta and Coach Reese share about how cross training can be incorporated into your running training plan. The coaches share how they worked with a couple of athletes to utilize cross training and helped reach their goals.

Today's podcast brings us a conversation about aid stations & how they can help & hinder your race. Coaches Loretta & Reese expand the topics of how to practice your aid station strategy, how to prepare yourself before getting to an aid station mid-race, & how to use the volunteers effectively for a faster finish!

OMR Coaches Loretta & Reese talk pros and cons of each gearing method & give some entertaining stories alongside!

Bonus: The coaches answer a listener question at the end -let's keep them coming!

P.S. You're going to want to listen to the end of the episode for a discount code on Ultraspire gear available on the OMR website as well.

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Coach Reese recently ran the course and Coach Loretta is here to help understand the demands of the race as well as how listeners at home can train in the weeks before April 22nd.

Even if you aren't planning on running the race, they share some expert advice on how to analyze YOUR next race to properly prepare for your goals.

Bonus! They also do a listener Q & A to cap off the episode. If you have a question, DM either coach for a chance to be answered on the next episode.

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This week's episode brings us a discussion on navigating training fatigue. Join OMR coaches Loretta and Reese as they discuss two components to fatigue and how they impact our training and racing. As a bonus they also answer a listener question at the end. As always, we love hearing feedback and are taking more questions to discuss on future episodes. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy!

What's the best split to run your best race? Do we want to be negative splitting all of the time? This episode, Reese and Loretta explore ways to strategize for workouts and races. They both provide insight as to how OMR coaches help athletes perform their best at races while choosing a split structure given the myriad of variables that occur in an ultramarathon.

In this episode, Coaches Loretta and Reese break down what it means to define these two types of objectives and how to approach goal setting for your next race, next season and your future athletic career. It's time to get specific with what we want out of our running so we can have a target to shoot for while we're putting in the effort. Grab a coffee and a pickaxe: There's a lot of gold in this one.