1. EachPod

#74 Jenny Maier | SFRC Origins, Trail Running Generations, Finding Your Passions & Giving Back Through Community

Author
Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
Published
Thu 04 Sep 2025
Episode Link
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themidpackerpod/episodes/74-Jenny-Maier--SFRC-Origins--Trail-Running-Generations--Finding-Your-Passions--Giving-Back-Through-Community-e37nj0v

The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.


Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠

⁠Support 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  


JANJI

HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE

BEAR BUTT WIPES 


USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT



“Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.”


In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy Meadows sits down with trail runner, coach, and community builder Jenny Maier to talk about her winding journey from environmental lawyer to strength and mobility coach for runners. Jenny shares how she rediscovered running after a decade-long break, fell in love with the Marin trails through San Francisco Running Company, and built a career around helping everyday athletes thrive.


Jenny reminds us that you don’t need to be an elite runner to deserve coaching—or to achieve extraordinary things. She’s an eight-time Javelina finisher, Western States lottery veteran, and soon-to-be Boston Marathon runner. Beyond racing, Jenny balances running with a love for poetry, puzzles, and her two wild dogs, proving that a full life off the trails makes the running journey richer.


In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Jenny’s leap from lawyer to running coach and biomechanics nerd

  • The electric early days of San Francisco Running Company and its impact on the Bay Area trail community

  • Finding joy (and longevity) as a self-described “average runner”

  • Why balance, rest, and mobility are just as important as big training blocks

  • Her perspective on volunteering, community, and the next generation of trail runners


Whether you’re chasing a hundred-miler or just trying to fit runs into a busy life, Jenny’s story is a reminder that running is most rewarding when it fits into—not takes over—your life.



Relevant Links



Partner Links:

Janji - Janji.com

A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.com.

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.


Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.

H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving.

Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.


Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com

Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option. 

Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.

Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com

Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.


Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!

Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. 

Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.

Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/

Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.





Jenny Maier, San Francisco Running Company, SFRC, ultrarunning, trail running, Javelina Jundred, Western States lottery, Boston Marathon, trail running community, running coach, strength training, mobility, biomechanics, Dipsea Race, poetry, balance, midpack runners


USE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Sometimes doing 85% of the training is better if it means you still enjoy life.”

Share to: