Trail Smart: The Aerobic, Technical, and Mental Skills Behind Ultra Success with Matt Urbanski

In this episode of the Fast and Free Podcast, Brant Stachel sits down with ultrarunner, coach, and Team RunRun co-founder Matt Urbanski to explore the mental and physical mechanics of going long—really long. From UTMB to Hardrock to 24-hour loops, Matt has raced some of the toughest courses in the world, and just weeks before this conversation, represented Team USA at the IAU 24-Hour World Championships, covering 255 kilometers in one day.

Brant and Matt dive deep into the unique demands of ultra and trail running—from mastering downhill technique and training the aerobic engine to building a fueling plan that actually works after 10 hours on your feet. They also unpack the mental side of endurance—staying present through the highs and lows, managing the moment when things go wrong, and training your thoughts as deliberately as your legs.

Whether you’re training for your first trail ultra, looking to sharpen your marathon fitness, or just fascinated by what the human mind and body can endure, this episode is a masterclass in how to run far, stay focused, and perform free.

About the Guest

Matt Urbanski is an ultrarunner, coach, and co-founder of Team RunRun, a global network of over 300 running coaches dedicated to making personalized coaching accessible to every athlete. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Matt has finished some of the sport’s most iconic races, including UTMB, Western States, and Hardrock, and has represented Team USA in the 24-hour World Championships. Known for his data-informed yet human-first approach, he blends technical training with the psychological tools runners need to thrive in both sport and life.

Relevant Links

Get coached by Brant – https://teamrunrun.com/coach/brant-stachel-kingston-ontario-running-coach/

Get coached by Matt – https://teamrunrun.com/coach/matt-urbanski-boulder-colorado-virtual-running-coach/

Learn more about Team RunRun – https://teamrunrun.com

Get the best fuel for your runs – https://fuelgoods.com/?ref=Brant

About the Fast and Free Podcast

The Fast and Free Podcast with Brant Stachel explores the intersection of endurance training and mental performance. Each week, Brant—an endurance coach, Registered Psychotherapist, and mental performance specialist—dives into conversations with Olympians, elites, and everyday athletes chasing their goals. From running strategies to psychology tools, every episode delivers practical insights to help you train smarter, think stronger, and perform at your best.

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• Website: runfastandfree.com