Dirt Nap Diaries

PODCAST · health

Dirt Nap Diaries

A trail running podcast for everyday trail runners juggling training with real life. Hosted by women’s trail running coach Brittany Olson, it’s where the messy, funny, and real parts of running meet strength, joy, and the reminder that you’re more than “just” a runner.

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    Episode 40: There’s more than one win: Celebrating all the things

    You trained for it. You showed up. And somehow…you’re still telling yourself it wasn’t enough.In this episode, I’m talking about something I see all the time—runners finishing races (or not) and immediately going to what went wrong. Missing the point entirely. Yes, goals matter. Finish lines matter. But if that’s the only thing you’re celebrating, you’re ignoring everything that actually made you the runner who got there.This one goes beyond race day. We’re getting into the invisible work, the real wins during a race, boundaries, and why this hits differently for women who are juggling way more than just training.Also…by the time you’re listening to this, I’m somewhere out on the Cocodona 250 course doing exactly what I’m talking about in this episode.In this episode: Why feeling disappointed is normal—but living there isn’t helping you  The “invisible work” you’re not giving yourself credit for  What to actually celebrate during a race (it’s not just the finish)  Why women showing up to start lines is a bigger deal than we talk about  How boundaries in training and life are part of the win  Solo runs vs. running with others—and why both matter  Reframing DNFs and missed goals without throwing everything away  Why tying your worth to outcomes will burn you out Cocodona Live Tracking and Live StreamEnjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download hereCocodona Live Tracking and Live Stream

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    Episode 39: How Training Actually Builds: From General to Specific (And Why It Matters)

    Training isn’t random—even if it sometimes feels like it when you’re in the middle of it.In this episode, I’m breaking down how a training block actually builds over time so you can stop second-guessing every shift in your plan. From early intensity to later volume, from general fitness to race-specific prep, this is the big-picture view of what’s happening and why it matters—especially when life is full and you’re just trying to keep showing up.I recorded this one in the middle of Cocodona prep, so you’ll also get a little behind-the-scenes of what that looks like right now…including a dining room that looks like trail running exploded all over it. In this episode, I talk about: How training moves from least specific to most race-specific  Why volume increases while intensity comes down over time  What you’re actually building in each phase of a training block  Why working on weaknesses early matters more than you think  How to stop panicking when training starts to feel different  What it really means to trust the process (without overthinking it) If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing enough…too much…or the “right” kind of training—this one’s for you.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 38: The final phase of training: Taper like you mean it

    You hit your last long run and now you’re just…supposed to back off? Yeah. That’s taper. And if you’ve ever felt weird during this time—physically, mentally, emotionally—you’re not alone. I’m in it right now heading into Cocodona 250, so this episode is real-time. What’s actually happening in your body, why your brain starts questioning everything, and how to not blow it by trying to do more when the whole point is to do less. In this episode, I talk through: What taper actually is and why it matters (it’s not just cutting mileage)  What your body is doing right now...repairing, refueling, calming things down  Why you’re not losing fitness…you’re shedding fatigue  The mental side of taper and how easy it is to start doubting your training  Taper tantrums—why you feel off, restless, or a little unhinged  How long taper should be and why it depends  What your runs, lifting, and recovery should look like during this time  Fueling, hydration, and why this is not the time to under-eat  How to shift into race mode without spiraling  What to actually do with your extra time so you don’t overthink everything The work is done. You don’t need more fitness...you need to show up ready to use it.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 37: 75 Human: Why You Don’t Need Another Hard Thing

    This episode came straight from a run and a voice memo I actually remembered to record. We’re talking about 75 Hard program, why it’s so appealing, and why it might not be the answer for most of us…especially the women already juggling a full life.Because a lot of you are already living in “hard.”So what if instead of adding more rules, more pressure, and more all-or-nothing thinking…we tried something different?In this episode, I talk about: What 75 Hard actually is and how it works  Why structure and “hard” challenges feel so appealing  How you’re already doing hard things every single day  The pressure women are already under (and the added layers for non-white women)  How the wellness industry keeps you chasing “not enough”  Why all-or-nothing thinking keeps you stuck  The idea behind “75 Human”  What it actually looks like to stay consistent without being perfect  Real-life examples like missing runs, low energy days, and life blowing up  5 simple guidelines to help you stay in it  What real discipline actually looks like If you’ve ever felt like you needed to be more disciplined or more consistent to make progress…this one’s for you.Because you don’t need another challenge that breaks you down just to build yourself back up. You need something that actually supports you while you’re doing hard things.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 36: Fueling for performance: Support the work you're doing

    This week on Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m talking about eating for performance and why trying to lose weight while training for an ultra can backfire fast. We get into underfueling, heavy legs, poor recovery, brain fog, and why carbs are not the enemy. I also talk about the pressure, especially on women, to shrink themselves while asking their bodies to do really big things, plus a quick Cocodona training update and a "foster" dog (Kaibab aka Kai) update because she's now the producer of this podcast.In this episode, I talk about:Why weight loss and peak endurance performance do not go well togetherSigns you may not be eating enoughHunger, recovery, and weight fluctuations after long runsWhy eating carbs matters for endurance athletesThe pressure to look a certain way in running and why you do not need to shrink yourself to be a better runnerEnjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 35: Stop Asking the Internet: Trust Yourself Before Race Day

    This week I’m talking about something I see all the time in online running spaces: people asking the internet last-minute race questions that should’ve been figured out way earlier in training.I get it—especially if it’s your first race or a new distance. You’re nervous, you want to do it right, and you’re looking for reassurance. But social media will give you a flood of answers from people who don’t know you, your body, or your training. And that can do more harm than good.In this episode, I talk about:Why asking the internet for race advice often leads to more confusionThe problem with last-minute questions about shoes, fueling, and gearWhy race day is not the time to experimentThe risks of crowdsourcing medical advice instead of trusting professionalsWhat it means if you’re asking strangers instead of your coachWhy first-timer nerves are real—but shouldn’t lead to panic decisionsHow to use your training block to actually prepare (not scramble later)Reducing noise before race day so you can stay focusedTrusting your training, your body, and your own experienceEnjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 34: Cocodona Training Camp: Trail Running over 3 days

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down my big Cocodona 250 training weekend where I did 3 back to back to back long runs on course, including the first section out of Black Canyon City, Hangover Trail in Sedona, and the climb up Elden near the end of the race.Some things went really well. Some things got weird. And all of it gave me exactly what I needed.I talk about what happens when fatigue stacks, how heat changes everything, what I learned about carrying way more water than usual, why fueling gets harder when you need it most, and how fear of heights very much showed up for me on Hangover Trail. I also get into the stuff people don’t always talk about, like staying in the van by myself, figuring things out on the fly, and how those “little” uncomfortable moments build confidence too.If you’re training for an ultra, a trail race, or just trying to do hard things while still being a whole-ass human in real life, this one’s for you.In this episode, I talk about: • What 3 back to back to back long runs taught me • Why seeing the course matters more than just reading about it • Heat, hydration, electrolytes, and carrying enough water • Fueling when you do not feel like eating • Fear, Hangover Trail, and moving through it anyway • Why short breaks can completely change how you feel • How fatigue stacking helps expose problems before race day • The mental side of solo time, van life, and figuring shit out • Why recovery means eating, drinking, and not trying to shrink yourself after a big effortEnjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 33: What Actually Matters in Trail Running: 3 Things I Care About More Than Pace

    What actually matters in training? Honestly…not your pace.In this episode, I’m talking about the three things I care about more than pace when it comes to trail running and coaching: consistency over perfection, effort over pace, and joy over comparison.I get into what consistency really means when life doesn’t go to plan, why so many runners go too hard on easy days, and how comparison can quietly chip away at something you used to enjoy. I also talk about why honest feedback matters so much, whether that’s with a coach or just with yourself, and how these three things shape the way I coach athletes.This episode is for the runner who’s been too hard on herself for missing a run, questioning whether easy effort is “enough,” or feeling thrown off by what everyone else seems to be doing.In this episode, I talk about:Why consistency matters more than a perfect weekWhat consistency really looks like with running, strength training, and honest feedbackWhy easy effort needs to actually be easyHow going too hard too often can leave you tired, plateaued, and frustratedThe role of effort in both training and real lifeWhy joy matters more than comparisonHow to check in with yourself when training starts to feel heavyQuestions to ask yourself after this episode:Am I being consistent?Am I putting the right effort in the right places?Am I still finding joy in this?If this episode hit home, share it with a friend, send it to your group chat, and leave a rating or review so more everyday trail runners can find the show.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.See episodes 4, 16, 19, 25 and 31 to dive into effort and data.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 32: Stop Policing Other People’s Finish Lines: Someone Else’s Medal Isn’t Your Problem

    The internet has been losing its damn mind over the LA Marathon shortening their course because of heat.Suddenly everyone’s an expert on “integrity.” People arguing about medals. People deciding whether runners should even accept them.Which led me to one very simple question:Why the hell do we care so much about someone else’s medal?Because if you look a little closer, this conversation isn’t really about medals at all. It’s about something that pops up in running all the time — gatekeeping, insecurity, and the weird obsession with suffering being the only thing that makes effort legitimate.So today we’re talking about it.In this episode we talk about:• The LA Marathon course change and the internet meltdown that followed • Why running culture still has a serious gatekeeping problem • Why insecurity shows up so often in endurance sports • The strange suffering culture we glorify in running • Why race directors sometimes have to modify courses for safety • What a finisher’s medal actually represents • Why someone else’s finish line has absolutely nothing to do with yoursRunning is not a zero-sum sport.Someone else getting a medal does not erase your effort, your training, or your finish line.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 31: Effort Over Pace: Their Effort is Not Your Effort

    Today we’re talking about effort over pace because if you don’t understand the difference, you’re way more likely to plateau, overtrain, or mentally spiral (and I don’t want that for you).Effort is the stimulus. Pace is the result. If you chase the result instead of managing the stimulus, that’s where you get diminishing returns… in training, at work, and in life.This episode is equal parts educational and real-talk. We get into why easy runs are mentally hard, why comparison wrecks your effort, and how to actually start training in a way that builds fitness that lasts.In this episode, we talk aboutWhy effort matters more than pace (especially on trails)The quick-and-dirty RPE refresherEasy effort and why most people mess it upHard efforts and why they matter (raising the ceiling, clearing lactate, building race capacity) — without getting too science-yThe grey zone trap: not easy enough to recover, not hard enough to improveDiminishing returns: why pushing harder doesn’t automatically equal better resultsWhy easy runs are so hard mentally:Comparison (Strava, Instagram, race lists, pace talk with friends) and how it hijacks your trainingGiving yourself permission to run your effort and stop proving something every dayTactical tips to walk away with (simple, doable wins)The lines to rememberEffort is the stimulus. Pace is the result. and Easy feels wrong because we’ve been conditioned to equate struggle with value.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.See episodes 4 and 19.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 30: Pacers in Ultra Running: Support System or Safety Blanket?

    Pacers…they can be the best thing that happens to you at mile 80…or the reason you’re suddenly redlining, annoyed, and questioning every friendship you’ve ever had.In this episode, I’m breaking down what pacers are actually for (hint: not to turn you into an elite robot), when they help the most, and when they can quietly mess with your race in ways you don’t see coming until it’s too late.We’re talking:What a pacer’s job really is (and how it can change hour to hour)Why “high energy” isn’t always helpful energyThe biggest ways pacers accidentally hurt a race (pushing pace, nonstop talking, anxiety spirals, making it about them…yikes)How to choose the right pacer for your personality (quiet, chatty, hype, neutral, tough love…all valid)Why communication is the whole damn thing (pacers aren’t mind readers)When I’d prioritize pacers (overnights, late stages, harder sections…aka when your brain starts acting feral)Logistics that matter more than you think (especially when cell service is trash)A quick nod to tools like UltraPacer if you want to get nerdy with planning without losing your mindBottom line: pacers aren’t required, they aren’t always allowed, and they aren’t a magic ticket to finishing. They’re a tool. And like any tool…if it doesn’t match the job, it’s gonna be a problem.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.ultraPacer: race & adventure pacing strategyFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 29: Aid Stations for Everyday Trail Runners: Efficient, Prepared, and Not Distracted

    Aid stations can be a lifesaver… or a total time-suck spiral where you stand there eating random stuff, forget your poles, and walk away somehow less prepared than when you arrived.In this episode, we’re talking aid stations. Not in a “here’s what to eat” generic way… but how to use them intentionally based on your distance, your stomach, your sweat rate, and your actual goals. Because aid stations aren’t about copying what the person next to you is doing. They’re about supporting your race, your body, and your brain.What we cover:• Why aid stations are a mental and physical stabilizer (aid station to aid station, baby) • What’s usually at aid stations (from “minimal aid” basics to the full-on grilled cheese situation) • The electrolyte caution nobody wants to talk about (bring your powder, use their water) • How to assess mid-race without overthinking it: hydration, fuel, feet, and the “oh crap I haven’t eaten” moment • The real deal on drop bags (what they are, what to pack, and why “don’t put a bunch of bullshit in there” is solid advice) • Common aid station mistakes: waiting to eat, forgetting to refill, and losing 20 minutes without realizing it • How the strategy changes from 25K to 50K/100K to 100+ mile chaos logistics • How to practice aid stations in training using your car (including cooling strategies like ice bandanas and bra ice… yes, we’re going there)And because I can’t help myself… we also talk about how aid stations are a lot like life. Pauses are necessary. But pauses without intention can drain you. So whether you’re taking a break in a race or a break in your day, the question is the same: what do you actually need right now so you can keep moving forward?Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.ultraPacer: race & adventure pacing strategyFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 28: Crew: What They’re For, What They’re Not, and How to Use Them Well

    Crew can be an incredible asset on race day and it can also quietly make things harder if expectations aren’t clear.In this episode, we’re talking about what crew is actually for, when it makes sense to have crew and how to use support in a way that helps instead of overwhelms you.We get into:what crew should and shouldn’t be responsible forhow crew roles change as race distances get longerwhy not everyone needs the same type of supportcommon crew mistakes (with a lot of grace)how to communicate expectations before race dayand why a smaller, aligned crew often works better than a big oneThis is for anyone who wants support that matches their needs instead of adding stress when things get hard.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year.Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 27: Borrowed Confidence vs Earned Confidence: Why Trusting Yourself Comes From Reps

    Confidence is something a lot of runners think they’re missing. Especially in trail running. Especially when things feel hard, messy, or inconsistent.In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between borrowed confidence and earned confidence. Borrowed confidence is the kind that shows up after a good run, a PR, or external validation. It feels great… but it’s fragile. Earned confidence is quieter. It’s built through repetition, adjustment, and showing up even when things don’t go perfectly.This episode is for you if you’ve ever said “I just don’t feel confident yet” while still doing the work anyway. We’ll talk about why confidence usually lags behind effort, why that’s normal, and how trusting yourself is built long before it feels obvious.No hype. No motivation speeches. Just an honest conversation about what actually builds confidence in trail running and in real life.In This Episode, We Talk About:The difference between borrowed confidence and earned confidenceWhy confidence that depends on things going well doesn’t lastHow earned confidence is built through repetition, not motivationWhat confidence actually looks like on hard, unsexy daysWhy feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you’re behindHow runners are often more confident than they realizeWhy you don’t need to feel ready to keep goingEnjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 26: This Isn't Normal: Silence, ICE and Trump are the Enemy

    This is not a normal episode.I recorded this on release day because staying quiet felt worse than showing up imperfectly. I didn’t have fully formed thoughts. I still don’t. And that’s the point.This episode isn’t about trail running, workouts, or performance. It’s about what’s happening right now in our country, how it feels to live inside it, and why silence is not neutral.I talk openly about anger, grief, exhaustion, and the weight of watching harm unfold while trying to keep living our everyday lives. I name the difference between confusion and choice. I talk about performative “switching sides,” accountability, and why growth doesn’t deserve applause just because it finally arrived.I also talk about movement — not as a fix, not as a distraction — but as a way to stay grounded and human when everything feels loud and overwhelming.There’s no bow on this episode. No neat resolution. No pretending this is fine.Just truth.If you are angry, exhausted, numb, overwhelmed, or unsure how to hold all of this ...there is nothing wrong with you. That’s what living inside ongoing harm does to people.I’ll talk about trail running again. I’ll talk about strength and joy and long miles.But I won’t pretend this doesn’t exist.This matters.In this episode, I talk about:Why this episode exists and why staying quiet didn’t feel like an optionLiving inside constant harm while still working, training, and showing up to daily lifeAnger as a sane and valid responseThe difference between confusion and conscious choiceWhy performative allyship isn’t accountabilityWhy switching sides doesn’t automatically make someone “safe” or deserving of celebrationRest vs silence — and why silence isn’t neutralMovement as regulation, not avoidance - yep, I didn't talk about this much. I talked about how movement is keeping me sane and fighting so remember to MOVE.Why this fight isn’t ending — it’s escalatingListening to and learning from Black women and communities who have been warning us for yearsSitting with discomfort instead of rushing past itWhy saying something messy is better than saying nothing at allResources (These are from my mentor Shante Cofield aka themovementmaestro..follow her on Instagram)Donate to Minnesota: www.standwithminnesota.comCall your reps: This week the Senate will vote on a DHS funding bill that includes $10 billion for ICE: https://5calls.orgGet involved with your local Rapid Response Network. You can Google this and include your city/state. Another resource which I have been using is https://indivisible.org. Click Get Involved then Organize Locally and then select Find Your Group. People to learn from - I am linking Instagram handles but most of these people you can find on their website and they are also on Threads with so much needed information.Kiki Bryant: uppity_negress_ - amazing workbooks on decentering white people and decentering men.Jackie: unapologetically_jackie - so much information and she has a whole academy of resources.Kiandria Demone: kiandriaThere are so ma

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    Episode 25: Not Everything Has to Be Hard: Training Smarter in a World Obsessed With Suffering

    We’re taught that if training doesn’t feel hard, exhausting, or leave us sore, it must not be working. And that belief sneaks into everything…strength training, running, and honestly, life.In this episode, I’m talking about why hard is a tool, not a requirement. Why always pushing can backfire. And how building strength, endurance, and consistency actually comes from doing work you can repeat…not work that wrecks you.This is for the runners who feel like they’re constantly trying to prove they’re doing “enough.” And for the ones who are tired of turning every workout into a battle.In this episode, we talk about:Why strength training doesn’t need to crush you to be effectiveWhere the “everything has to be hard” mindset comes fromHow always pushing can lead to burnout, inconsistency, or injuryWhat “not hard” training actually looks like (and why it still works)How this shows up in running and real life, tooIf you’ve ever walked away from a workout wondering if it “counted” because it didn’t destroy you, this one’s for you.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 24: Running Research : Why It’s Not Always About You

    Running research is everywhere. One study gets shared and suddenly it feels like there’s a “right” way to fuel, train, or perform — and if you’re not doing it, you’re behind.In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I talk about why research isn’t wrong… but also isn’t always about you.Using a recent fueling study shared by David Roche as an example, this episode covers:Why elite-focused research doesn’t always translate to everyday runnersHow studies often get shared without enough contextWhy women are still underrepresented in endurance and fueling researchHow comparison sneaks in when research turns into rulesWhy not being an elite actually changes what’s usefulHow to use research as information, not instructionsSimple ways to decide what’s actually worth trying for your body and goalsThis episode is for runners who want to be informed without feeling overwhelmed and who are tired of assuming something is wrong with them when a “proven” strategy doesn’t work.Research can be helpful.But it’s not personal.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download hereThe research article that has a super long nameDavid Roche's email for the study

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    Episode 23: New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t the Problem: Being a Dickhead About Them Is

    New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. And honestly? They don’t deserve it.In this episode, we’re talking about why wanting more for yourself is not the issue, why cynicism isn’t wisdom, and why we need to stop yucking other people’s yums. This is encouragement with a little spice, plus some real talk on how to actually keep a resolution by focusing on the process instead of the outcome.In this episode, we talk about:Why New Year’s resolutions aren’t the problem and why being dismissive about them helps no oneThe difference between outcome goals and process goals (and why process always wins)How outcome obsession in trail running leads to burnout, overtraining, and injuryFOMO goals vs goals you’re actually excited to work forWhy signing up for races too fast or for the wrong reasons usually backfiresWhat you can control when motivation fadesHow being encouraging costs nothing and matters more than you thinkWhy “don’t yuck the yum” should be a rule we all live byIf you’re heading into a new year with a goal, a spark, or even just a quiet curiosity about what’s next, this episode is for you. And if you tend to roll your eyes at January goals? It might be for you too.Enjoying the show?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s excited about a goal this year. Make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Ratings and reviews help more than you know.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download hereAtomic Habits by James Clear

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    Episode 22: When Shit Goes Sideways: Safety, Scars, and Still Chasing Big Dreams

    Trail running is unpredictable. Weather changes. Bodies change. Plans fall apart. And sometimes, even when you do everything “right,” things still go wrong.In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I talk about what happens when something scary or traumatic happens on the trail and how you find your way back instead of letting fear take the thing you love.This isn’t a fear-based safety episode. It’s a real conversation about preparation, perspective, and rebuilding trust with yourself after a hard experience.In this episode:The difference between being prepared and being afraidThe basic safety practices that help mitigate riskWhy experience doesn’t make you immune to things going wrongMy story of being medically evacuated from the Grand CanyonThe mental aftermath of a scary trail experienceHow to rebuild confidence and joy on the trails, slowly and intentionallyTrail running isn’t about pretending nothing bad will happen. It’s about choosing how you move forward when it does.Enjoyed the episode?Share it with a friend, follow the podcast, and leave a rating or review to help more everyday trail runners find this space.Links & Resources for This EpisodeAndrew Schenk: Resilient Body Solutions - treat yourself to that massageFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

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    Episode 21: How to Schedule Your Running: Building a Week You Can Repeat

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down how to schedule your running in a way that actually fits real life. We’re talking about weekly structure, why four days of running works for most everyday trail runners, and how to stop overthinking your training when your schedule is already full.This is not about building the perfect plan or doing more. It’s about creating a repeatable week that supports your life, your energy, and your long-term goals.We also talk about how to handle holiday weeks, travel, and those chaotic stretches where everything feels off. Because missing a run does not mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.If you want training that feels sustainable instead of stressful, this episode will help you rethink how your week actually works.In this episode, we cover:Why structure matters more than motivationA simple four-day running frameworkHow to place runs in a busy weekWhat to do during holidays and off weeksWhen five days of running makes sense and when it doesn’tHow to build consistency without burning outShare this episode with a friend who feels overwhelmed by their training. And if you haven’t yet, follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  21. 22

    You’re Not Lazy, You’re Tired: A Trail Runner’s Guide to Sustainable Training

    In this episode, we talk about:Why feeling unmotivated does not mean you are lazyThe difference between being tired and making excusesHow lack of margin and recovery shows up as “low motivation”Why I don’t coach motivation and why it is not part of the 4MsA simple self-check to tell if you need rest or accountabilityHow to adjust training without losing momentumWhy consistency matters more than intensityHow these lessons apply beyond running and into everyday lifeThe 4Ms Blueprint mentioned in this episode:Mindset: Learning how to talk to yourself like an athlete, not a failureMovement: Smart, sustainable training that fits your life and bodyModeration: Balancing training, recovery, fueling, and real life without guiltMomentum: Building consistency through small wins, even on tired daysKey takeaway:You don’t need motivation to keep going. You need a framework that supports you on tired days, messy weeks, and real life seasons.You’re not lazy. You’re tired. And tired doesn’t mean stop. It means listen, adjust, and keep going.Enjoying the podcast?If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s been beating themselves up lately.You can also rate the podcast, leave a review, or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  22. 21

    Episode 19: Your Watch Is Being Dramatic: A Trail Runner’s Guide to Chill

    If you have ever opened your Garmin or Coros app and immediately questioned your entire life, this episode is for you. Today we are talking about the data your watch throws at you. VO2 Max. HRV. Sleep scores. Training readiness. Whether it thinks you are productive or overreaching. And how most of it is distracting at best and harmful at worst.This episode walks you through why so many of these metrics are unreliable and can hurt your trail running, how they mess with your confidence, and what actually matters for trail runners who are training on real life legs and a real life schedule.You will hear about effort based training, what accurate testing really looks like, and how to stop letting your watch gaslight you into thinking you are not strong, fit, or capable.Your watch is a tool. You are the athlete.Listen in for some real talk, a little humor, and a reminder that your body knows way more than a gadget ever will.In this episode we cover:Why watches and activity trackers are fun but not always accurateHow metrics like VO2 Max, HRV, and training status can get in your headWhy wrist based heart rate data is often wrongHow these numbers create unnecessary stress for everyday athletesWhat to do if you actually want accurate metricsThe role of lab testing and chest strapsWhat data trail runners should pay attention toWhy effort and consistency matter more than any algorithmHow to rebuild trust in your own bodyWho this episode is for: Everyday runners who want to train smart without obsessing over numbers. Women juggling work, kids, pets, life, and still trying to feel strong on the trail. Anyone who has ever opened their Garmin app and thought… “wait, am I failing?”Links & Resources for This EpisodeAndrew Schenk: Resilient Body Solutions - treat yourself to that massageFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  23. 20

    Episode 18: Aid Station 101: Snacks, Chaos, and Getting In and Out Fast

    In this quick-hit episode, we’re talking all things aid stations — what they are, how they work, and how to move through them without getting stuck in the snack vortex.Inside this episode:What an aid station actually isWhy they look chaotic but somehow feel comfortingHow to get in and out quicklyThe most common things that slow runners downWhat first-timers never expectWhy bringing your own electrolytes can save your raceHow to treat an aid station like a pit stop, not a loungeSimple mindset shifts to keep your momentumIf this episode helps, makes you laugh, or makes you slightly more excited about eating pretzels in the dark, share it with a friend or your group chat. And if you’re new here, hit follow and leave a rating so more everyday athletes can find this space.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  24. 19

    Episode 17: The Ups and Downs of Trail Running: How to Move Efficiently on Every Hill

    Climbing, descending, and hiking — it’s all part of trail running, but most runners don’t actually train how to do each one efficiently.In this episode, I’m breaking down the mechanics and mindset of running uphill and downhill so you can move stronger, softer, and smarter on every kind of terrain. We’ll talk about:How to use your glutes, hamstrings, and calves for power without burning outWhat “going up easy” really means (and why it’s not about pace)How to handle downhill fear without over-braking or wrecking your quadsWhen to shift from running to hiking — and why hiking is time under tension that builds strengthWhether you’re training for your first 50K or just want to stop dreading the climbs or descents, this episode will help you understand how to use the terrain instead of fighting it.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  25. 18

    Episode 16: How to Actually Run Easy: Where Endurance Really Starts

    Most runners think they’re running easy… but they’re not.In this episode, I break down what “easy effort” really means, why it’s one of the most important parts of your training, and how running too hard too often might actually be slowing you down.We’ll talk about:How to tell if your “easy” is too hardWhy slowing down helps you get stronger and fasterThe science behind building an aerobic base (without getting technical)The real reasons runners struggle to slow down — ego, time, and comparisonSimple ways to actually run easy (and enjoy it)If you’re tired of feeling fatigued, hitting plateaus, or wondering why you’re not improving even though you’re “working hard,” this one’s for you.Key takeaways:Easy runs aren’t optional — they’re the foundation of your endurance.Consistent easy effort improves recovery, builds strength, and prevents burnout.Slowing down doesn’t make you weaker. It helps you go farther with more joy.Whether you’re training for your first 50K or trying to find more balance in your weekly miles, this episode will help you understand why the best runners don’t just train hard — they train smart.Links & Resources for This EpisodeRPE episode: Your watch is lying to you: Ditch the data (RPE vs HR) Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  26. 17

    Episode 15: Permission to Rest: Why Doing Less Sometimes Moves You Forward

    If you needed a sign to rest—this is it.We glorify the grind so much that rest starts to feel like weakness. But the truth? Rest is the work. It’s where your body adapts, your energy rebuilds, and your love for running gets protected from burnout.In this episode, I’m diving into the mindset, the guilt, and the reality of taking time off—especially for runners juggling full lives, families, jobs, and everything in between. Because sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing.You’ll hear about:Why we struggle to rest (and why it’s not your fault)What “active recovery” and mental rest can actually look likeHow to know when your body’s asking for a breakHow to schedule rest without guilt or fear of losing fitnessThe mindset shift that makes recovery part of consistencyIf your legs feel heavy or your brain’s just… done, this one’s for you.Because you don’t need to earn the pause—you just have to take it.Takeaways:🟡 Rest days aren’t missed days—they’re investment days.🟡 Adaptation happens when you recover, not when you grind.🟡 Doing less doesn’t mean you care less—it means you’re in it for the long game.Mentioned in this episode:Real-life recovery signs (sleep, irritability, heavy legs)How to tune into effort using RPEWhy “consistency includes recovery”Links & Resources for This EpisodeRecovery episode: Episode 6: The invisible part of training: How to really recoverFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  27. 16

    Episode 14: What Are We Running For: When the World Feels Heavy

    This week’s episode isn’t about splits, fueling plans, or training blocks. It’s about the world outside the trailhead — a world where SNAP benefits are being cut, rent keeps climbing, healthcare is unaffordable, and people are losing the safety nets that keep them alive.I know… that’s not light. But pretending everything’s fine feels fake.So today, I’m talking about privilege, humanity, and perspective — and how even something as simple as our ability to run is a form of privilege. We’ll talk about:The difference between being “low on energy” during a run and living with real hunger.Why gratitude shouldn’t stop at awareness — how we can actually do something for the people hurting most.How joy and action can coexist — and why we can’t afford to turn away.Practical ways to turn empathy into impact — from donating or volunteering to simply checking on someone who’s struggling.Running reminds us what it means to be human. But humanity asks more of us than just movement.If this episode hits home, use it as fuel — to act, to give, to care louder. Because we take care of each other on the trail… and we can do the same off it.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  28. 15

    Episode 13: Running Is Not That Serious: Lessons From the Party in the Desert

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m coming off one of my favorite weekends of the year — Javelina Jundred. The desert, the costumes, the chaos, and the community. I had five athletes out there running everything from the 100-miler to the 31K, and y’all… this weekend reminded me exactly why I love this sport.My good friend and Run Tri Bike co-owner Jason Bahamundi says, “Running is not that serious.” And after a weekend surrounded by glitter, grit, and grit, I couldn’t agree more.Because you can take your training seriously — your goals, your fueling, your strength work — but not yourself too seriously. Most of us aren’t getting paid to do this. We do it because it makes us feel alive.Let’s talk about what that really means.What you’ll hear in this episode:🎧 Why Javelina Jundred is one of the most fun (and wild) races in the U.S. 🎧 What it’s like to coach five athletes through different distances — 100M, 100K, and 31K 🎧 The difference between taking running seriously and taking yourself too seriously 🎧 How joy and fun can actually improve performance 🎧 Why perspective matters more than perfection 🎧 How community beats comparison every single time 🎧 What it looks like to train hard without letting running take over your lifeKey takeaway:You can train hard, push yourself, and care deeply about your goals — while still keeping it light. Running should add to your life, not consume it.Mentioned in this episode:Javelina Jundred – Fountain Hills, AZ // McDowell Mountain Regional Park Run Tri Bike – co-owned by Jason BahamundiLinks & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  29. 14

    Episode 12: Race Strategy: How to Run Smart on Any Trail, at Any Distance

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, we’re talking about how to build a race strategy that actually works—for yourdistance, your terrain, and your life.Whether you’re toeing the line for your first 10K on dirt, training for a trail marathon, or running your next 50K, having a plan can make the difference between feeling scattered and feeling strong.I’ll walk through pacing, fueling, mindset, and what to do after you cross the finish line—because every runner deserves a race plan that helps them finish proud, not wrecked.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why race strategy matters for every trail runner (not just elites or ultra athletes).How to create a simple pre-race plan that reduces stress and builds confidence.The difference between pacing for effort and chasing pace on your watch.How to fuel and hydrate across different distances—from 10K to 50K.Mindset strategies for the mid-race “why am I doing this?” moment.How to recover smarter after your race and use reflection to grow stronger.Why the best plan isn’t perfect—it’s yours.If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review—it helps more everyday runners find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeCheck out ultraPacer to plan the timing of your race.Follow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  30. 13

    Episode 11: The Season of Meh: When You Just Don’t Have It (and You’re Not Sure Why)

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m talking about the season of meh — that weird in-between space where you’re showing up, but everything just feels off.You’re not injured. You’re not overtrained. You just… don’t have it right now.And maybe you don’t even know why.If your runs feel flat, your lifts feel heavy, or you’re questioning why you even started — you’re not alone. This isn’t about motivation. It’s about being human. And it’s completely normal.As a women’s trail running coach, I see this all the time — in my athletes and in myself. It’s what happens when life load and training load collide. But here’s the good news: the meh season isn’t a setback. It’s a message. And when you learn how to listen to it, you’ll come out stronger, steadier, and way more grounded.What you’ll hear in this episode:What the season of meh actually looks and feels like.Why this happens even when your training plan looks “fine.”How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking sneak in and drain your energy.How to shrink your goals without shrinking your effort.The difference between rest and avoidance — and how to know which one you need.Why showing up at 60% effort on a hard week is still a win.How to reconnect to your “why” when the spark feels gone.Why this season is not the problem — it’s part of the process.If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy or leave a review — it helps more everyday athletes find the show.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  31. 12

    Episode 10: Building Your Race Season: How to Choose Races That Actually Mean Something

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down why your race season doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — not your friends’, not an influencer’s, and definitely not the elites chasing Golden Tickets.We’ll talk about what it really means to be emotionally invested in a race — the kind that gives you that fire-in-the-belly feeling and keeps you lacing up when life’s chaotic. Because when your heart’s in it, the time and money you invest feel worth it. And when it’s not? Training just feels like another chore.Whether you’re planning your first trail marathon or stacking races toward an ultra, this one’s for the everyday runner who wants their season to fit their real life — not someone else’s highlight reel.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why emotional investment matters more than chasing UTMB points or Golden Tickets.How to pick races that actually light you up instead of ones you sign up for out of FOMO.The difference between emotional, time, and financial investment — and how to balance all three.What joy, adventure, growth, and community really look like when you’re building your race season.Red flags that you’re not emotionally invested (and what to do instead).Why a meaningful race season can look like a local 25K just as much as a bucket-list 100 miler.If you loved this episode, follow the show, download it for your next run, and share it with a trail friend who needs the reminder that your goals don’t have to look like everyone else’s.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  32. 11

    Episode 9: Training Runs Are Practice: Why Everything Counts on the Long Run

    Your long runs and training races aren’t just about building fitness—they’re dress rehearsals for race day. This is where you test your gear, fuel, hydration, socks, sports bras, packs, and even how fast you can get in and out of an aid station.In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down why practicing all the little things now saves you from big problems later. Because no one wants to DNF over a pair of socks, a sports bra that doesn’t work, or a fueling strategy that blows up your stomach at mile 30.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why long runs are about more than mileage—they’re your race-day rehearsal.The gear that matters (shoes, socks, sports bras, packs, anti-chafe) and how to test it.How to practice fueling and hydration so your stomach is ready for race day.Using your car or house as a practice aid station (and even simulating drop bags).Why training races are for learning, not PRs.My coaching take: race day is not for experiments—training is.If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review—it helps more everyday trail runners find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  33. 10

    Episode 8: Out of Control: Trail Running When the World Feels Heavy

    Feeling stuck in rage scrolling and late-night binge eating? In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, women’s trail running coach Brittany Olson shares why focusing on controllables—like trail running, strength training, fueling, and rest—keeps everyday trail runners grounded when life and politics feel out of control.As a women’s trail running coach, I’ll share my own story of binge eating since the election, how I used to turn to alcohol in these hard seasons, and the swaps I’m using now to pull myself out of the scroll. This isn’t about ignoring the world—we still need to use our privilege and take action—but it’s about refusing to camp out in the doom.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why obsessing over what you can’t control will drive you crazy.The difference between sitting with heaviness vs. living in it.My personal story of late-night binge eating (and what’s changed since I quit using alcohol as a crutch).Practical swaps for everyday athletes—how to trade doomscrolling for movement, strength, and better fuel.Why trail running and strength training are anchors when life feels out of control.How to take action with your privilege without letting the doom eat you alive.If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review—it helps more everyday athletes find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  34. 9

    Episode 7: When Finishing Isn’t the Win: The DNF I Didn’t See Coming

    In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m sharing the story of my Mogollon Monster 100 — the miles I did cover, the moment it all fell apart, and why calling it a “comeback” doesn’t sit right with me. Sometimes strength looks like pushing through, and sometimes it looks like knowing when to stop. This one’s about resilience, change, and what a DNF can teach us both on and off the trail.What you’ll hear in this episode:How the day started strong — perfect weather, solid legs, and smooth climbs.The aid station where nothing would stay down, no matter what I tried.Why this DNF felt different than “failure” and why I don’t see it as a setback.The difference between bouncing back and being changed by an experience.What resilience looks like outside of running, when the ripples of change reach the people around you.If this one hits home, share it with a trail buddy who’s been through their own hard stop. And if you haven’t already, follow the show and leave a review — it helps more everyday athletes find these conversations.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  35. 8

    Episode 6: The invisible part of training: How to really recover

    What if I told you the hardest part of training isn’t the miles, the climbs, or the workouts—it’s the recovery?In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down what recovery after big efforts actually looks like. Whether it’s your first 10K, a monster long run, or an ultra that leaves you wrecked, recovery isn’t wasted time—it’s where the adaptations actually happen.I’ll share how to stop rushing back too soon, why gadgets don’t replace the basics, and what recovery looks like when you’re an everyday athlete juggling work, kids, pets, and life stress on top of training. You’ll also hear why emotional recovery matters just as much as physical, and how to navigate the post-race blues without feeling broken.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why recovery is training—not a break from it.The three things that matter most: sleep, food, and gentle movement.What not to do in recovery (and the traps I see athletes fall into).How to handle the post-race emotional crash without panicking.Why everyday athletes actually need recovery more than elites.A practical recovery timeline you can actually follow.If you loved this episode, download it, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review or rating—it helps more everyday trail runners find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  36. 7

    Episode 5: The weight we carry: Running through the heavy

    How many more? Before safety is not a privilege.In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m digging into the heaviness we’re carrying right now—school shootings, women’s rights, safety on the run, and why “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. As a women’s trail running coach and ultra runner, I’ll share how privilege shows up on and off the trail, why access does not mean equality, and how everyday trail runners can use controllables, gratitude, and joy to keep moving forward when life feels impossibly heavy.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why safety is still treated like a privilege—even for women trail runners.How to think about privilege without guilt, and why it matters for ultra running and life.Why thoughts and prayers don’t change anything, but where you spend your money and how you use your voice does.The controllables that make running and life feel more manageable when the world is overwhelming.How gratitude works as armor when heaviness hits.Why joy isn’t fluff—it’s survival, and the key to consistent training as a trail runner.If you loved this episode, download it, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review or rating—it helps more everyday trail runners find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeSay More About That...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back and Advocate for Yourself and Others by Amber CabralFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  37. 6

    Episode 4: Your watch is lying to you: Ditch the data (RPE vs HR)

    Are you letting your watch boss you around? 😏In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m breaking down why RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) beats heart rate training for trail runners every single time. Numbers can be useful, but they don’t always tell the truth—especially in the heat, on climbs, or when life stress shows up.I’ll share stories from my own athletes who’ve been trapped by their HR zones (and the ones who try to go hard every run), why your watch is lying to you, and how learning to run by effort will make you stronger, more confident, and ready for the unpredictable parts of the trail.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why heart rate data can be misleading (lag, drift, stress, terrain).How RPE gives you instant, terrain-proof feedback.What each RPE range really does for your training.How to stop obsessing over numbers and start trusting your body.A weekly challenge to log your runs by effort, not HR.If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review—it helps more everyday athletes find Dirt Nap Diaries.Links & Resources for This EpisodeGrab the RPE chart I use hereFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download here

  38. 5

    Episode 3: The company you keep - Find your people for the hardest miles

    Some runs feel like a highlight reel. This was not that run. This was miles of heat, climbs that wouldn’t quit, and moments where the only thing keeping me moving was the people next to me. In this episode, I’m taking you on my August 8 training run for the Mogollon Monster 100 — the good, the brutal, and the downright sweaty. You’ll hear why the company you keep matters just as much as your training plan, what to do about energy vampires, and how to hold onto the people who make you feel like you can climb anything… even when you’re melting in the Arizona sun.Whether you’re an everyday trail runner, a wannabe ultra runner, or just trail-curious, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what training for a 100-mile race actually feels like — from fueling and hydration to the mental game. As a women’s trail running coach, I’ll also share why protecting your energy matters just as much off the trail as it does on it.Main Topics CoveredWhy the right people can make or break your hardest milesHow “energy vampires” drain you on the trail (and in life)How to spot and keep the energy giversWhat this training run taught me about quiet, patience, and gritProtecting your energy — in training, racing, and lifeLinks & Resources for This EpisodeFollow me on InstagramVisit my website: www.sunrisetrailscoaching.comWant to work together? Learn about 1:1 CoachingFree guide: What’s In My Pack? Download hereShare this episode with a friend who’s your energy giver on the trail

  39. 4

    Episode 2: Start where your feet are: How to actually begin trail running

    Thinking about starting trail running but not sure where to begin? In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I share the story of my very first group trail run (spoiler: I rolled my ankle), plus how my athlete Amanda faced her fear of running in the dark with a headlamp. You’ll hear real-world beginner trail running tips you can’t just Google — from managing nerves to staying safe around wildlife — and how to find the joy that keeps you coming back. Whether you’re new to trail running, returning after a break, or an experienced ultra runner hitting reset, this episode will help you start where your feet are and fall in love with the trails.

  40. 3

    Episode 1: Where real life meets the trails

    In the first official episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, I’m skipping the fancy intro music and getting right to it. This podcast is for the everyday trail runner—the ones fitting runs between work calls, kid pickups, partner duties, and maybe remembering to drink water.I share why I started this show, my first (and very imperfect) trail run, and how becoming a women’s trail running coach changed my life. We’ll talk about what you can expect from future episodes: real conversations about trail running, relatable ultra running stories, strength training for runners, and plenty of laughs.Whether you’re a new trail runner, training for your first 50K, or an experienced ultra runner balancing life and big goals, this space is for you. You’ll hear from someone who gets the juggle—because I’m living it too.If you’re looking for a podcast that blends trail running tips, encouragement from a women’s trail running coach, and honest conversations about what it takes to show up for yourself, hit play.

  41. 2

    Before We Hit the Trail…

    This isn’t your “perfect splits, perfect gear, perfect life” kind of running podcast. Dirt Nap Diaries is where trail running meets real life—messy schedules, big goals, and the joy (and chaos) that comes with both.In this teaser episode, I’m sharing what this podcast is all about, who it’s for, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. If you’ve ever wondered where you fit in the trail running world, felt like the sport wasn’t built with you in mind, or just want to hear from everyday athletes juggling it all, you’re in the right place.So before we hit the trail together, here’s your invite to join the conversation.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A trail running podcast for everyday trail runners juggling training with real life. Hosted by women’s trail running coach Brittany Olson, it’s where the messy, funny, and real parts of running meet strength, joy, and the reminder that you’re more than “just” a runner.

HOSTED BY

Brittany Olson

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