#117 Matt Van Dalsem | Community, Perspective, & More On The Fragility of Life

<p>The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Join the Newsletter at:<a href="https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check Out MPP Merch </a></p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? </p><p>Check out <a href="https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Troy’s Coaching Page<br></a></p><p><br></p><p>Check out the Gear I love <a href="https://www.rendezvu.co/troy-meadows/my-trail-quiver" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>HERE</strong></a> on rendezvu.co</p><p><br></p><p>STOKED TO PARTNER WITH  </p><p><a href="https://playonrelief.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>PLAY ON RELIEF</strong></a> - 20% off your first order</p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>TRAINING PEAKS</strong></a> - 20% off a premium annual subscription</p><p><a href="https://www.vacationraces.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>VACATION RACES</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 15% off any Ultra, Half Marathon, or Trailfest</p><p><br></p><p>USE PROMO CODE <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills?utm_source=LongRunLabs&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shift_US" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠<strong>WAHOO FITNESS</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>-  Use Code <strong>MIDPACK: </strong>When you pick up a <strong>Wahoo KICKR RUN</strong> get a <strong>free KICKR HEADWIND smart Bluetooth fan. </strong>Remember to add the <strong>HEADWIND</strong> to the cart and the code will apply to discount.</p><p><br></p><p>“Life is fragile…shit can change in a second.”</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with longtime friend and community staple Matt Van Dalsem (MVD) for a conversation that feels more like catching up over beers than a formal interview. From early days as a basketball player who saw running as punishment, to becoming a dedicated trail runner immersed in the sport’s culture, Matt’s journey is anything but traditional.</p><p><br></p><p>What stands out most is how Matt found his way into ultras later in life; through curiosity, community, and proximity to the iconic Bay Area trails like Tilden Park. His first true ultra, the Dick Collins 50 miler, marked the start of a deeper connection to the sport. From there, experiences like the Canyons 100K and involvement with FreeTrail and Trailing Indicators helped shape his identity as a true midpacker balancing life, family, and big goals.</p><p><br></p><p>But this episode goes deeper than race results. Matt shares a powerful and emotional story about loss in his family and how it reshaped his perspective on running, and life. It’s a raw reminder that while we chase big goals, life can shift in an instant.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Running doesn’t need to start early to become meaningful</p></li><li><p>Community is often the glue that keeps us in the sport</p></li><li><p>Taking care of yourself, on and off the trail, is essential</p></li><li><p>Life is fragile…be present and appreciate the moment</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Relevant Links</strong></p><ul><li><p>Western States Endurance Run:<a href="https://www.wser.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.wser.org</a></p></li><li><p>Canyons End