All trail talk, all the time! From 2 miles to 100 plus mile runs! We talk about it all. Ladies host this show. Our goal is to introduce people, help us all connect with one another, and inspire each other to run and have fun!
Listeners of "The Dirt" Trailrunning Podcast that love the show mention: trail runners, trail running, michele, ultra, dirt, foot, midwest, really enjoying, podcasting, community, great, hosts, questions, stuff, looking forward, good, guests, listen, love, show.
The "The Dirt" Trailrunning Podcast is an exceptional podcast that caters to anyone interested in learning more about trail running, regardless of their level of experience. Hosted by Michele Hartwig and her team, this podcast focuses on Midwest trail running while also incorporating other sports. The interviews featured on this podcast are diverse and cover a wide range of topics, from the experiences of well-known runners to the inspiring stories of volunteers and individuals who have used running to overcome personal challenges. One of the best aspects of this podcast is the sense of community it creates through its emphasis on kindness and ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. It showcases the values upheld by Ornery Mule Racing, which include kindness, community, and personal growth.
One aspect that sets "The Dirt" apart from other trail running podcasts is the genuine and relatable nature of its hosts. Michele and Krystal come across as real, down-to-earth individuals who genuinely love running. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making each episode enjoyable and engaging for listeners. Additionally, the format of the podcast is well-structured and easy to follow along with, making it a great companion on runs or during any downtime.
A potential downside to this podcast could be its focus solely on Midwest trail running. While this may not appeal to listeners outside of that region, those interested in exploring Midwest trails or wanting to learn more about races in that area will find great value in "The Dirt". However, it would be beneficial if future episodes could also cover trails and races from other regions to make it more inclusive for audiences outside the Midwest.
In conclusion, "The Dirt" Trailrunning Podcast is a fantastic resource for trail runners looking for inspiration, knowledge, and a sense of community. Michele Hartwig and her team have created a podcast that not only features interviews with renowned runners but also highlights the stories of everyday individuals accomplishing remarkable feats through running. With its welcoming atmosphere and authentic hosts, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of trail running.
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 trail-tested wisdom, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to tackle the Super Slam. https://www.ornerymuleracing.com/
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 with inspiration and community spirit!
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: **Speed Development**: Discover our 10-week program focused on boosting your pace through targeted interval training and tempo runs. **Vertical Gain Training**: Learn how to tackle those steep ascents with strength-building workouts designed specifically for climbing. **Couch to 5K**: For beginners, our structured plan will guide you from walking to running your first 5K, with tips to keep you motivated along the way. **Mileage Goals**: Whether you're setting your sights on 100, 200, 300, 400 or even 500 miles in 10 weeks. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode will empower you to reach new heights on the trails!
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. What You'll Learn: - **Understanding Your Journey**: Discover the common obstacles that back of the pack runners encounter and how to navigate them. - **Practical Training Tips**: Gain actionable strategies for long runs, pacing adjustments, and setting personal goals. - **Overcoming Doubt**: Learn how to combat self-doubt during training and the importance of trusting the process. Join us for a supportive discussion that emphasizes community and personal progress in your running journey. Lace up your shoes and get ready to be inspired! Don't forget to subscribe and connect with us on social media!
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 keep your passion for running alive, no matter your age!
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 and succeed in your next race!
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 athletes! Contact us via the website to get in touch.
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 strategies, and rate of perceived effort. Whether you're training for your first 100-miler or looking to take your ultrarunning to the next level, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories from a coach who has pushed her limits and achieved remarkable success. Tune in to learn from Lindsay's triumph at Badwater and Angeles Crest, and get the tools you need to crush your own running goals."
“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 Be sure to rate, subscribe, & share the podcast! Get these stories into the hands of runners that could use these tips BEFORE their next goal race, pace, or crew objective!
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 know what you think. Subscribe, rate, & share the podcast & help the tips reach the runners that need them. Get out there, train, run, have fun, & STAY ORNERY!
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 : How to train for Cocodona 250 What gear will be needed for Cocodona 250 How many miles per week does one need to prepare for Cocodona 250 & how to fuel for Cocodona 250 So does Chat GPT give good ultra-advice? 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, & welcome back OMR Community!”
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 Squirrels Nut Butter products - https://www.ornerymuleracing.com/ornery-mule-products/squirrels-nut-butter _______________________________ Natalie's favorite gear: Under Armour Cold gear ladies - https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Womens-Weather-Sleeve/dp/B0BD86NXLJ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 Under Armour Cold weather gear Mock neck ladies - https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Womens-Authentics-T-Shirt/dp/B08LMLJPD6?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 Under Armour Cold gear Mens - https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-ColdGear-Fitted-X-Large/dp/B08LNZ94M7?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
The Dirt Trail Running Podcast-Coaches Edition with Coach Loretta, Coach Reese and special guest Coach Steph. This episode Coach Steph Dannenberg shares her experiences and expertise as a mountain runner and coach. If you are thinking about running an mountain ultra this is a talk you won't want to miss. Even Coach Reese and Coach Loretta gained some tools for their coaching tool box. @ornerymulecoaching
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 on earth - Ultrarunning!
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.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
