Running With Dogs

Ever wondered if your dog could be your next running partner? In this episode of The Dirt Podcast, co-hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay are joined by special guest Coach Wendy to talk all things running with dogs. From figuring out if your dog is built to run, to how to start safely, train smart, and avoid common mistakes.  We dig into pacing, surfaces, weather, gear, hydration, wild animal encounters, and how to tell if your dog is actually loving the run—or just trying to keep up. Whether you're dreaming of miles with your pup or already logging runs together, this episode will help you keep it safe, fun, and tail-wag approved. 

On this episode of The Dirt Podcast, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay are joined by special guest Dr. Tonya Olson, DPT — physical therapist and co-author of Fix Your Feet — for a deep dive into the most overlooked (and abused) part of the ultra runner's body. We're talking all things feet, including: Plantar fasciitis Achilles issues Black toenails & blisters How the brain and nervous system influence foot pain and performance. And yes… you may have been smudged! Whether you're brand new to running or a seasoned ultra runner with battle-tested feet, this episode will help you understand why foot issues happen — and what actually helps. If your feet hurt, have hurt, or you're trying to keep them healthy for the long haul… this one's for you.

Coach Loretta is joined by physical therapist Dr. Liesle Elsey to revisit a topic many runners and active women are navigating right now: perimenopause, postpartum in perimenopause, and menopause. In this episode of The Dirt, we talk about what's actually happening in the body during hormonal shifts—and what helps. From changing recovery needs and joint stiffness to fluctuating energy and performance frustration, we share practical strategies around mobility, strength training, and recovery that support longevity and confidence. This is a grounded, honest conversation focused on helping you adapt your training—not quit it—so you can stay strong, resilient, and in the sport and life for the long run, even when the hormone roller coaster feels unpredictable. If you've ever felt "off" despite doing all the right things, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Dirt, Coaches Loretta Tobolske-Horn and Lindsay dig into one of the most overlooked, high-impact phases of the running year: transition season.   This is the season where runners reset, rebuild, and refocus — not by chasing mileage, but by tightening the processes that ultimately make performance goals possible.   We break down: Why transition season is the ideal time to focus on process goals (think: consistency, strength habits, agility work, mindset, technique, movement quality, mobility, fueling routines)   How process goals create the foundation for long-term performance and why outcomes get easier when you stop obsessing over them   The value of working with a coach: When to start, how coaching changes your training trajectory, and what support actually looks like   If you're ready to train smarter, make your running more adaptable, and build confidence heading into your next build — this episode will give you the roadmap.

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay chat with Coach Reese about his second-place finish at Tunnel Hill 100. Reese walks through the race from start to finish — pacing, fueling, and how he managed the day — plus a look at how he structured his training leading into it and what's coming next in his season.

Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay recap the Hennepin 100, share tips on communicating with your crew during races,  supporting athletes post-race and discuss how they stay connected with athletes throughout the week. Plus, a look ahead to Lily Medina's final race of the series.  Real races. Real coaching. This is The Dirt.

Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with Lily Medina, just after she completed Hallucination 100—her fourth 100-miler of the Slam—finishing 3rd overall female. Loretta crewed Lily for this race, giving listeners an inside look at pacing, fueling, and support strategies. In this episode: Hallucination 100 recap: toughest sections, standout moments, and lessons learned Crew and pacer insights from the road Physical and mental reflections after four 100s Mindset, motivation, and advice for multi-race ultra runners If you've ever wondered what it takes to run multiple 100-milers in a season, this episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiration, and ultra wisdom.

From niggles to the big picture: we cover injury coping, recovery tools, and how to adjust training and goals—plus a look ahead to Hallucination 100.

In this Show & Tell episode of The Dirt Podcast, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay are joined by Coach Scott to share their favorite running gadgets and recovery tools. From hydration tech and trekking poles to timers, massage tools, and recovery aids, we break down what actually works and why we love it.