You Don't Need a Bib to Be a Runner | EP 800

For much of her career, Ellie Greenwood measured herself against the best runners in the world, but her relationship with running has evolved toward something less measurable and, in some ways, more meaningful. She talks with Don and Scott about why racing can gradually shift from exciting to stressful, and why stepping away from competition doesn't mean stepping away from being a serious runner. The conversation explores how personal projects, peak bagging, FKTs, mileage or vertical challenges, and even running every street in your hometown can provide the same motivation that once came from a race on the calendar. Ellie also tackles an important question for aging athletes: what happens when working harder no longer produces the performances it once did, and can changing the goal help preserve our love of running? Along the way, they share adventure ideas ranging from Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim and running a favorite race course unofficially to travel running and some wonderfully ridiculous challenges involving ironing boards and whole chickens. Ultimately, Ellie makes the case that a bib is only one way to create purpose, and the best running goal may simply be the one that keeps you curious, moving, and excited about what's around the next corner. Hire Ellie as a coach at SharmanUltra EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics  - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom  that helps you recover after a huge effort  on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail.  OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new  Sanctum SL glasses ! Stone Creek Coffee : Start every adventure with  One More Mile , our limited edition coffee created by Stone Creek Coffee and Trail Runner Nation for runners who believe the journey is as meaningful as the finish line. Fuel your next early morning, long run, or post-run conversation, and save  20%  with code  ONEMOREMILE20 . Every cup is an invitation to be part of a community that goes farther together. Timestamps 01:05 | From Racing to Adventure Ellie explains how one of the sport's most accomplished competitors began finding fulfillment in running experiences that have nothing to do with racing. 07:15 | Does Adventure Need Competition? The group considers how personal challenges can provide difficulty and purpose without turning every run into another contest. 11:00 | Training Without a Race on the Calendar Ellie shares how she coaches runners toward adventure, fitness, skills, and personal goals even when there's no finish line waiting for them. 22:40 | Are You Still a Trail Runner Without a Bib? Scott raises the identity question at the heart of the episode, and Ellie explains why racing should never define who gets to call themselves a trail runner. 27:29 | How Long Are Our Best Running Years? A discussion of the "Sawchuk Seven" leads to aging, longevity, smart training, burnout, and what happens when improvement becomes harder to find. 37:03 | Adventure Ideas You Can Actually Try From running every street in your town to exploring unfamiliar trails, Ellie, Don, and Scott start building a menu of adventures that don't require an entry fee. 42:34 | Rim-to-Rim, Foil Buckles and Running the World The conversation expands into Grand Canyon crossings, unofficial Western States adventures, delightfully strange challenges, and using running as a way to experience new places. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.