The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at:⁠ ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠⁠⁠Check Out MPP Merch ⁠Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out ⁠Troy’s Coaching Page ⁠STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  ⁠PLAY ON RELIEF⁠ - 20% off your first order⁠GO BREWING⁠ - 20% off your first orderUSE MIDPACKER TO GET THAT DISCOUNT FRIENDSRENDEZVU.CO - Check out the Gear I love our purchases support me directlyField Notes is back after a short break, and Troy has plenty to catch up on. Fresh off Western States week, he shares the moments that have stuck with him most, from Hans Troyer's fearless front-running to Vincent Bouillard's emotional victory, Jenn Lichter's breakout performance, and why Zack Miller remains his favorite ultrarunner of all time.The conversation then shifts from the sport to real life. Troy opens up about the decision to skip Laurel Highlands, why launching a new business changed his priorities, and how entrepreneurship and ultrarunning have more in common than most people realize. Rather than chasing races, he's embracing a season of enjoying the trails, building fitness, and preparing for a few exciting adventures later this year.He wraps things up with an update on his upcoming plans, thoughts on Hardrock, and a look at where the MidPacker Pod is headed for the rest of the season.Episode HighlightsWestern States reflections beyond the results.Why Hans Troyer's race reminded Troy of the Icarus story.Vincent Bouillard's memorable win and what it says about today's sport.Jenn Lichter's incredible Western States debut and why she's one to watch.Why Zack Miller continues to embody everything Troy loves about trail running.Is 2026 an "asterisk year" at Western States because of the cooler weather?The decision to skip Laurel Highlands and prioritize family and business.Introducing Lead Fōrj, Troy's new B2B lead generation agency.Summer running without the pressure of chasing races.Plans for the Barkley Fall Classic waitlist and an unsupported Pitchell FKT attempt.Excitement surrounding Hardrock and the return of mountain racing.Training TakeawaysConsistency often matters more than constantly chasing races.Sometimes the smartest training decision is saying no to an event.Building a business and training for ultras require many of the same skills: patience, resilience, and long-term thinking.Enjoying running for its own sake can be just as valuable as structured race preparation.Troy’s Links IG: @Troyontherun      @MidpackerpodRTL Ultra Coaching Lead FōrjRelevant LinksWestern States Endurance RunLaurel Highlands UltraHellbender 100Barkley Fall ClassicHardrock 100Partner Links: ⁠PlayOn Relief⁠ - ⁠https://playonrelief.com⁠All Natural, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Targeted ReliefUse MIDPACKER for 20% off your first order⁠Go Brewing⁠ - ⁠https://gobrewing.com/discount/MIDPACKER⁠NA Beers for people that enjoy brews that taste great and are better for you.Use MIDPACKER for 20% off your first orderRendezvu.Co - https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadowsCheck out the Gear I love our purchases support me directly⁠Vacation Races⁠ - ⁠https://www.vacationraces.com⁠Epic Races on public lands near the most iconic National Park in the US.Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 15% the registration of any Ultra, Half, or Trailfest⁠⁠Run Trail Life⁠⁠ - ⁠https://runtraillife.com⁠Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!⁠⁠Freetrail⁠⁠ - ⁠https://freetrail.com⁠Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.MidPacker Pod, Field Notes, Troy Meadows, Western States, Hardrock 100, Laurel Highlands, Barkley Fall Classic, Hans Troyer, Vincent Bouillard, Jenn Lichter, Zack Miller, Hellbender 100, Lead Forge, entrepreneurship, summer running, trail running, ultrarunning, Pitchell, FKT, Asheville, HOKA, Go Brewing, Play On Relief, Rendezvu