Taper Up

In Episode 9,  we’re exploring a question that every runner—especially those of us over 50—eventually faces: Am I still running for performance... or have I started running for joy? And can we do both?” Ultimately, running over 50 isn’t about giving up goals. It’s about redefining them. Whether you’re chasing a PR or chasing peace—you’re still running forward. A Challenge to you: This week, try one run without metrics. Just run for joy. Let your body—not your watch—set the pace. Make sure to comment or send us your thoughts! As always, leave a comment or review and share us with your friends!   Show Notes: Launch Date: 5/19/25 Is there a shift? The Joy vs. Performance Spectrum Tools to the into Joy We want to hear your thoughts! Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

In Episode 8, we talk about our Nutrition updates- what's working and what we learned and we discuss our upcoming 100k trail race in July, the Beaverhead 100k. If you hang on long enough we even have some trail shoe updates....hey- we're shoe guys! As always, leave a comment or review and share us with your friends!   Show Notes: Launch Date: 4/8/25 Aric & Joel Nutrition Update Beaverhead 100k Trail shoes Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

Sleep isn't just a break from reality - it's your body's nightly pit crew. While you're dreaming of that perfect single track, your brain and muscles are getting a tune-up. For those of us over 50, sleep becomes even more critical. Have a listen and share your thoughts.  Show Notes: Launch Date: 4/1/25 Why Sleep Matters How Sleep Changes with Age The Science of Poor Sleep How to Optimize Sleep Proven Sleep Interventions Supplement Support The Big Picture Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us  

Welcome back to Taper Up, your favorite podcast for trail runners thriving after 50! Today we're doubling down on recovery—sharing powerful, science-backed modalities like cupping, red light therapy, heat training, sports massage, and the invigorating cold plunge. Whether you're logging weekend miles or preparing for your next ultra, we’ve got the recovery secrets to keep you unstoppable. Let’s dive in!   Show Notes: Launch Date: 3/24/25 Episode 5 Recap Heat Training Red Light Therapy (RLT) Cold Plunge Cupping Sports Massage Scraping Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

It's time to crack open Recovery! Recovery is often overlooked but should be a priority especially as we age. We will explore some recovery strategies that will keep you energized and loving what you do even more. Stay tuned for more episodes on recovery and we did even deeper. Check out our website for more articles and information and please share us with your friends!   Show Notes: Launch Date: 3/18/2025 Recap Episode 4 with Julie Hansen Recovery Planning Protein Mobility Sleep Strength Training Hydration Supplements   Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Hansen—a true expert in nutrition and exercise science to the Taper Up Podcast. Julie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, an Exercise Physiologist, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with over 30 years of experience helping everyone from elite athletes to everyday individuals achieve their wellness goals. Currently, she serves as the Registered Dietitian on the FitBliss Fitness team, a Utah-based coaching company founded by women for women, where she contributes her expertise to their mission of delivering sustainable, evidence-based nutrition and fitness programs. In this episode, Julie will guide us through nutritional principles tailored for endurance athletes over 50—focusing less on race-day specifics and more on building a foundation of overall health and vitality as we age. Whether you’re an endurance enthusiast or simply want to feel stronger and more balanced, Julie’s insights are practical, grounded, and inspiring.  Check out the show notes below and make sure you hit the link to explore more about Fit BlissFitness! Show Notes: Launch Date: 3/11/2025 What happens as we get older How nutrition plays into aging Aric & Joel - Guinea Pigs Tracking & Logging food Food Prepping fitblissfitness.com Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Taper Up Podcast with guest Ty Draney!  In this episode we go over how to build and maintain a strong running foundation for trail runners 50+.  We cover and break down of some important components like strength training, recovery, frequency, mobility and much more.  Ty brings over 30 years of trail running experience as a athlete, coach, RD and is a true legend in our sport.  Stay tuned for more Taper Up podcasts as we go in a breakdown each of these topics individually. You can also head over to our website for articles and more.   Show Notes: Launch Date: March 5, 2025 Guest: Ty Draney Run Training Strength Training Mobility Mindfulness Recovery Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

In this episode of the Taper Up Podcast, we talk Fitness Foundation. We hit the big topics with a broad stroke but don’t worry we plan on coming back to dissect each topic in later episodes and articles.  If you have a question or a topic you want covered- hit the email in the links below and send us a message. Please share us with all your friends…the journey is just beginning.   Show Notes: Launch Date: March 4, 2025 The Foundation of Strong Running Cardio & VO2 Max Balance Recovery and Sleep Nutrition  The Mental Game Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us

Welcome to the very first episode of the Taper Up Podcast! We’re Aric W. Manning and Joel Hatch, two mid-pack trail junkies who believe that just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we have to slow down. And if you’re not 50+, that’s okay…it’s never too early to pre-game. In this Episode we will tell you more about what Taper Up means to us, why we started this new journey and much more.  We’re excited to build this community with you. If you’re ready to Taper Up, subscribe to the podcast, follow us of Facebook and Instagram. check out our website and let’s hit the trails together!   Show Notes: Launch Date: March 3, 2025 Who we are & why we started Taper Up Why us & how we intend to help the 50+ trail running community What you can expect from Taper Up Sarcopenia and trail runners over 50 What is Sarcopenia How to fight back and stay strong on the trails Taper Up Links below: Website Facebook Instagram  Podcast  Youtube   Email us