Welcome back to the Free Outside podcast! The Month of Jeff begins with one of the best trail runners out there—Jeff Mogavero. Between the two of us, we’ve got a Western States golden ticket, a deep love for Taylor Swift, and a history of fueling off frozen burritos.
This conversation was a blast. Jeff opened up about everything from his Swiftie fandom to navigating UTMB chaos and mastering the art of post-race drug tests. If you missed the episode, here’s a rundown of some of my favorite moments.
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Taylor Swift Workouts and the Power of Folklore
I like to start things light, so naturally, I asked Jeff about his favorite Taylor Swift album. His answer? Folklore, specifically for moody, rainy mornings. But the real gem came when he explained how he turned Taylor’s Eras Tour setlist into a treadmill workout.
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Picture this: 15% incline for the slow songs, 10% for the medium ones, and 5% for the bangers. “I did it for two hours, and I was mad I didn’t go the full three and a half,” Jeff said. The workout kept him guessing, making treadmill miles fun—which, let’s be real, is no easy feat. He even assigned it to one of his athletes. Iconic.
Post-Race Drug Testing: A Trail Runner’s Perspective
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a podium finish at a race like Javelina, Jeff’s story paints quite the picture. First, he collapses at the finish line, then gets approached by the USADA doping volunteer—who, by the way, is jacked. “I was like, ‘Are you on something?’” Jeff joked.
From there, it’s a whirlwind of catastrophic crotch taping (his words, not mine), a monitored bathroom visit, and answering questions about every supplement and snack he consumed that week. He made it sound hilarious, but it’s an important reminder of the measures being taken to keep trail running clean.
Heat Management at Javelina
Jeff’s Javelina golden ticket wasn’t just a product of talent—it was a masterclass in heat management. Before the race, he learned from a sweat test at the University of Montana that he loses over two liters of sweat per hour, along with massive amounts of sodium. Armed with this knowledge, he went all-in on cooling strategies.
“I literally had a beer gut of ice,” he explained, describing how he packed his shirt with cubes to stay cool. He also credited his fueling consistency and pacing, saying, “Every drop of sweat I didn’t lose saved me calories and kept my stomach intact.”
It’s this kind of preparation and execution that helped him fend off late-race competition and secure his Western States spot. Inspiring and ridiculously efficient.
Chainsaws, Silence, and UTMB Madness
When we got to talking about UTMB, Jeff lit up. If you haven’t experienced European trail running, his stories make it clear just how different it is.
“There’s this stretch where you’re climbing an old Roman road, and it’s pure chaos,” he said. “You’ve got people in the trail in front of you, chainsaws revving (don’t worry, chains off), beer and weed in the air—it’s so loud you can’t feel your body.”
But after that energy-packed sendoff? Silence. The highs and lows of UTMB are extreme, from the deafening crowds to hours of solitude in the mountains. Jeff’s ability to manage that dichotomy is a testament to his mental strength.
Chasing Dreams and a Life on the Trails
Jeff’s path to becoming a professional runner resonated with me. It’s not the glamorous, straight shot people might assume. Instead, it’s a journey full of duct-taped water bottles, expired Clif Shot gels, and figuring it out as you go.
“I didn’t start this sport to not finish races,” he said, reflecting on his decision to gut out tough 100-milers like UTMB. “Finishing is part of what keeps me happy and in love with this sport.”
It’s clear he hasn’t lost sight of what drew him to running in the first place: the joy, the challenge, and the community. That mindset has carried him to a Western States golden ticket, a spot on the U.S. Ski-Mountaineering National Team, and a life centered on adventure.
Takeaways from One Jeff to Another
Talking to Jeff Mogavero was equal parts entertaining and inspiring. He reminded me why we all get into this sport in the first place—not for podiums or sponsorships, but for the joy of the journey. Whether it’s Taylor Swift-inspired treadmill runs, managing heat in the desert, or getting lost in the mountains, it’s about chasing what lights you up.
If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, go check it out. Trust me, this Jeff is worth your time. And hey, if you’re looking for a coach, maybe drop him a line (Link here). I haven’t been coached by him, but based on our conversation, I’d bet he’s pretty good.
Check out the episode on YouTube too!