Trail Wisdom Weekly Podcast

Road running or trail running—which is harder?After running roads, trails, mountains, sand dunes, snow, 24-hour track races, and even a marathon in my driveway, I've come to a simple conclusion:They're both hard.Road running challenges consistency, pacing, and the need for repetitive effort. Trail running challenges adaptability, terrain management, and problem-solving.In this episode, I explore the different challenges of road and trail running, why both are hard in their own way, and how the races and adventures we choose often reveal what matters most to us as runners.Because the real question isn't which one is harder, it's:What keeps you coming back?Trail Wisdom Weekly ConversationWhat kind of running keeps calling you back?Is it the challenge, the adventure, the solitude, the community, the scenery, or something else entirely?Let me know! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Sometimes the race doesn't happen.I was packed, registered, and on my way to one of my favorite races—Crazy Muley 27K in Alberta's sand dunes—when a trailer tire blew and changed the course of my weekend.At first, I was disappointed. I was gutted. I had trained, planned, and looked forward to this race for months.But as I reflected on the week leading up to it, I started to see a pattern: a neck issue, a hip twinge, unusual fatigue, and a body asking for more recovery.In this episode, I share the story of my DNS (Did Not Start), the emotions that came with it, and the realization that sometimes the thing we need most isn't another finish line—it's recovery.Questions to consider: Have you ever DNS'd a race? Looking back, were there signs you missed? Has life ever forced you to slow down when you didn't want to? Was it the right decision in the end?Sometimes recovery arrives disguised as disappointment.Because running fits into life, not the other way around. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly:• Why races aren't the only reason to train• How COVID changed my relationship with running• The story behind my "Till I'm Done" training philosophy• Self-supported endurance and solo adventures• Training without medals, buckles, or finish-line validation• Using curiosity instead of rigid expectations• Learning the difference between pushing and pulling the pin• Why endurance is about more than race dayQuestions to consider:• Why do you race?• What part of racing matters most to you?• If there were no races on the calendar, would you still train?• How could you make your training more your own?Because running fits into life, not the other way around.Until next time, get out there and get some trail. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, Sherri sits down with Jason Bahamundi of Run Tri Bike and the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse to talk about what it really feels like to run Cocodona 250 in 110 hours.Together they dive into:Training for a 250-mile race without massive mileageWhy mindset matters more than paceThe brutal reality of climbing Lane MountainSleep strategy during multi-day ultrasFueling with oatmeal mush, maple syrup & potatoes, pickle juice, and hot dogsRecovery, swelling, and post-race exhaustionBurnout and post-race bluesWhy “hard” becomes relative after an event like CocodonaThe emotional finish line experienceEveryday athletes vs elite performance cultureDNFs, identity, and learning to give yourself graceWhy Jason may never run Cocodona again — despite loving the experienceThis conversation goes far beyond ultrarunning. It’s about resilience, perspective, recovery, and what happens when you discover you’re capable of more than you thought possible.Connect with Jason:Instagram / YouTube / @runtrimagWebsite: RunTriMagEmail: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

EP 8: Recovery Isn’t Weakness — It’s Part of the Long GameRecovery isn’t just about lying on the couch after a race.In this episode, Sherri talks about what really happens to the body and mind during hard efforts — from 5Ks to ultramarathons — and why recovery needs to be part of every runner’s strategy.Topics include: Why terrain matters more than distance sometimes Emotional highs and lows after races Nutrition, hydration, and glycogen recovery Why sleep is one of the most powerful recovery tools Active recovery vs passive recovery Cool baths, Epsom salts, massage, yoga, chiropractic, and movement Why recovery looks different for every runner The emotional “post-race drop.” Journaling and reflection after races Learning to celebrate what you accomplished instead of rushing to the next thingThis episode is for runners, walkers, and hikers who want to stay healthy, strong, and in the sport for the long game. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

What makes someone keep moving for 250 miles across Arizona? In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I talk about the Cocodona 250 — a brutal ultramarathon crossing mountains, heat, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and everything in between. But this conversation isn’t really about mileage.It’s about why people choose hard things.I share reflections on:* Rachel Entrekin’s historic outright win* The emotional “golden hour” finish of Wayne Amos* Why endurance sports are deeply personal* The difference between comfort and meaning* Why outsiders often question what they don’t understand* What “hard” means for different people* Why your reason for doing something matters more than anyone else’s opinionThis episode is for runners, walkers, hikers, and anyone standing at the edge of something difficult, wondering:“Could I do that?”Your hard thing doesn’t have to be 250 miles.It just has to matter to you.Mentioned in this episode* Cocodona 250 Official Website* The Cutoff documentary by Aravaipa Running* Watch Wayne Amos cross the Cocodona 250 finish line during the final golden hour. One of the most powerful endurance moments I’ve ever seen. Wayne Amos 125-Hour finish* Steve Magness — Do Hard ThingsComing SoonI’ll also be bringing on a future guest who completed Cocodona 250 in 110 hours to talk about what the race is really like from the inside out.Trail Wisdom Weekly is real talk for runners, walkers, and hikers 35+ who are in it for the long game — in sport and in life.Because getting race-ready takes more than just running the miles. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Last week, Nike put up a sign during Boston Marathon weekend that read:“Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated.”The sign was gone within 24 hours — but the conversation? That stuck around and is continuing.There’s a bigger story here that got missed. Walking isn’t just something to tolerate: it’s an Olympic sport, a gateway into running, and for a lot of people, it’s how you come back after life changes on you.In this episode, I talk about what Boston really is beyond the front of the pack. The 39,000 people, stories that don't get coverage, and moments of pure humanity on the course.Including the story of Tommy Rivs Puzey, who went from a 2:18 at Boston to a cancer diagnosis, to shuffling to the bathroom, to walking New York in nine hours, to coming back to Boston. Run-walking it. Movement changes, and walking doesn't make it any less.Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must — just get across the line. Dean KarnazesIf you’re out there—running, walking, or somewhere in between—you belong.Read/Listen on Substack: https://trailrunnersjourney.substack.com/p/6c02f7b3-5715-4a1e-b38b-3b1782b0c3d5 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

We like to think we show up to a race, run it, and leave with a medal and a smile.But races have plans for us.In this episode, I share the story of Iron Horse Ultra: the cold morning, the course, the waiting, the running… and what unfolded along the way.What people see is the start and the finish. What they don’t see are the moments in between—the meltdowns, the aloneness, the unexpected.Sometimes, a race becomes something else entirely.This one gave me the space and opportunity to say goodbye.If you’ve ever had a race meet you where you are, or give you something you didn’t know you needed, this one is for you.Read the full story on Substack:The Race That Let Me Say Goodbye This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

I didn’t finish.And for a while, that felt like failure.In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my DNF at River’s Edge Ultra, what happened, what I was thinking in the moment, and what it actually taught me.Because a DNF isn’t just “Did Not Finish.”Sometimes it means:* Did Nothing Foolish* Did Not Fail* Made the right callWe talk about:* What really leads to a DNF* How to evaluate your race honestly* Why elites DNF too (yes, even them)* How to take the judgment out of it* And how to walk away from a race with something more valuable than a medalIf you’ve ever:* Pulled the pin* Questioned yourself* Or felt like the world was watchingThis one’s for you.The full written story is available on Substack: DNF (River's Edge Ultra)Where have you DNF’d… and later realized it was the right call? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

What if walking is part of being a runner?In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I share how I went from power walker to ultramarathoner—and why walking isn’t a weakness, it’s part of the process.Walking, hiking, shuffling, climbing… it all counts.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “less than” or don’t belong because you walk during your runs, this episode is for you.→ Read the written version: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

What happens when you say yes to something before you feel or are even remotely ready for?In this episode, I share the story of the race that changed everything for me — the one that opened the door to endurance, identity, and everything that came after.Read the full companion essay here: Death Race: The Race That Changed What I Thought Was Possible.Have you ever said yes to something that changed you before you fully understood why? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Episode 1: Is It Too Late to Start Running?Is it too late?Too late for the Olympics? Probably.Too late to move your body, build endurance, feel strong, or become someone who runs?Not even close.In this episode of Trail Wisdom Weekly, I unpack the real meaning behind the “too late” question and the fears hiding underneath it:Regret vs discomfortWhat we’re actually afraid ofWhy age isn’t the barrier we think it isWhy being “slow” is not failureWhy finish lines aren’t the only measure of successAnd the question that hit hardest:If you didn’t try — would you regret it?If you’re asking whether it’s too late, something in you still wants it.Maybe the real question isn’t “Am I too late?”Maybe it’s “What am I waiting for?”📖 Related essay: Mud Chicken — The Event That Changed Everything This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com

Trail Wisdom Weekly is for everyday trail and ultra runners 35+ who want to get race ready without sacrificing real life.Hosted by ultrarunner Sherri Donohue, this podcast blends trail stories, strategy, mindset, and hard-earned lessons from thousands of miles on trail. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trailrunnersjourney.substack.com