When trail runner and Hobby Jogger podcast host Casey returned from the Canyons 50K with a surprisingly fast recovery, he knew exactly what made the difference: strength training. That's why we invited strength coach Michael Meeker, owner of Big Tree Fitness in Akron, to explain the transformative impact resistance training can have for endurance athletes.

As runners, many of us have been conditioned to believe that simply logging more miles is the path to improvement. Mike challenges this notion by explaining how a well-rounded strength program supports everything from running economy to injury prevention. "If you want to be good at anything, the whole entire body is connected together," he explains. "If you want to run with great posture on trails, you should have a strong upper body, strong back, strong shoulders." This comprehensive approach helps maintain form when fatigue sets in during long efforts.

Ready to transform your running through strength training? Start with bodyweight exercises to build a foundation, focus on technique before adding weight, and remember that consistency trumps intensity. Your recovery time will shorten, your endurance will improve, and you might just find yourself crossing finish lines with a smile rather than a grimace.

What happens when gymnastic prowess meets mountain trails? Professional HOKA athlete Jess Brazeau takes us on her remarkable journey from the gymnastics mat to conquering technical downhills.

Whether you're fascinated by athletic crossover skills, mountain racing strategy, or the cutting edge of endurance nutrition, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone performing at the highest levels while maintaining remarkable humility about her achievements.

Ready to elevate your trail running knowledge? Listen now and discover what makes elite athletes like Jess tick.

When two premium carbon-plated trail shoes battle for supremacy, which one truly deserves your hard-earned dollars? We dive deep into the $220 Adidas Terex Agravic Speed Ultra and $275 Hoka Tecton X3 to discover their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

The Adidas delivers a responsive, race-ready feel that mimics road super shoes but raises stability concerns. Meanwhile, the Tecton X3 provides confidence-inspiring stability on technical terrain but disappoints with its durability relative to its premium price point.

We tackle the questions that matter most to trail runners: Do these shoes justify their $200+ price tags? Which one performs better for different distances and terrain types? How do factors like foot strike pattern and fit preferences influence performance? And most importantly, will either shoe actually make you faster on the trails?

Whether you're considering these specific models or simply trying to navigate the increasingly expensive world of premium trail shoes, this episode provides the honest insights you need. Subscribe, share your own experiences with these shoes, and let us know which trail shoes you'd like us to review next!