Dirt Nap Diaries

Episode 8: Out of Control: Trail Running When the World Feels Heavy

• Brittany Olson • Season 1 • Episode 8

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0:00 | 36:11

Feeling stuck in rage scrolling and late-night binge eating? In this episode of Dirt Nap Diaries, women’s trail running coach Brittany Olson shares why focusing on controllables—like trail running, strength training, fueling, and rest—keeps everyday trail runners grounded when life and politics feel out of control.

As a women’s trail running coach, I’ll share my own story of binge eating since the election, how I used to turn to alcohol in these hard seasons, and the swaps I’m using now to pull myself out of the scroll. This isn’t about ignoring the world—we still need to use our privilege and take action—but it’s about refusing to camp out in the doom.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • Why obsessing over what you can’t control will drive you crazy.
  • The difference between sitting with heaviness vs. living in it.
  • My personal story of late-night binge eating (and what’s changed since I quit using alcohol as a crutch).
  • Practical swaps for everyday athletes—how to trade doomscrolling for movement, strength, and better fuel.
  • Why trail running and strength training are anchors when life feels out of control.
  • How to take action with your privilege without letting the doom eat you alive.

If you loved this episode, share it with a trail buddy, follow the show, and leave a review—it helps more everyday athletes find Dirt Nap Diaries.

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