Jeff Mogavero, Taylor Swift, Trail Running, and Skiing

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with fellow Montana trail runner and Western States golden ticket holder, Jeff Mogavero. We covered everything from Taylor Swift treadmill workouts to the chaos of UTMB and the science behind his incredible heat management strategies at Javelina.

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Jeff shared hilarious stories, like being approached by a jacked USADA official for post-race drug testing while he was flopping around at the finish line, and explained how his “beer gut of ice” strategy helped him crush the desert heat. We also dove into the differences between U.S. and European trail races—did you know UTMB crowds cheer with chainsaws?—and how he balances competitive running with his love for ski mountaineering.

Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmogavero/

But what stood out most was Jeff’s mindset. Whether it’s finishing a grueling race or fueling a long run with expired gels, his passion for the sport and relentless pursuit of joy are inspiring. This episode was a blast, full of laughs, insights, and a ton of heart. If you’re into trail running, Taylor Swift, or just chasing what excites you, this one’s worth a listen.

takeaways

-The quality of outdoor media has declined, focusing more on clickbait.

-Experiencing drug testing post-race can be a unique challenge.

-Cooling strategies are crucial for success in ultra running.

-Pacing and mental strategies play a significant role in race performance.

-Transitioning to ski mountaineering can be a fun and rewarding experience.

-Training for ski mountaineering is similar to trail running but with added excitement.

-The journey to becoming a national team athlete can be unexpected and fulfilling.

-Experiences at races can vary greatly depending on conditions and support.

-Community and support are vital in endurance sports.

-Every race offers unique challenges that can lead to personal growth. Aid stations can be chaotic and unpredictable.

-The shift to high-carb nutrition has transformed ultrarunning.

-Racing in Europe offers a unique and energetic atmosphere.

-Finishing races is crucial for personal satisfaction and growth.

-Nutrition strategies can significantly impact performance and recovery.

-The journey to becoming a pro runner is often unconventional.

Community and camaraderie are vital in the running world.

Experimenting with nutrition can lead to better performance.

Embracing challenges can reignite passion for the sport.

The ultrarunning community is supportive and encouraging.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Taylor Swift Favorites

16:34 Post-Race Drug Testing Insights

22:38 Cooling Strategies and Aid Station Dynamics

28:26 Offseason Plans and Ski-Mo Racing

41:01 The Wild Experience of UTMB Mexico

47:33 Transitioning to High Carb Nutrition

59:54 Racing in Europe: A Different Culture

01:06:00 Reflections on Performance and Recovery

01:12:56 Pursuing Joy in Running

01:20:00 The Transition to Professionalism

01:23:19 Engaging with the Community: Reviews and Support

keywords: Taylor Swift, outdoor media, Javelina, ultra running, pacing, ski mountaineering, US national team, training, UTMB Mexico, ultramarathon, high carb nutrition, racing experiences, European trail running, becoming a pro runner