Taper Up
At Taper Up, we believe that runners over 50 deserve to thrive on and off the trails. Inspired by the tapering strategy that optimizes race performance, our mission is to create engaging, educational, and empowering content that helps runners ”Taper Up” in life, health, and fitness—no matter their pace. By combining expert insights and decades of trail-running experience, we aim to inspire our community to enjoy the trails to their fullest potential.
Episodes

49 minutes ago
Episode 7: Sleep - Snooze to Win.
49 minutes ago
49 minutes ago
Sleep isn't just a break from reality - it's your body's nightly pit crew. While you're dreaming of that perfect single track, your brain and muscles are getting a tune-up. For those of us over 50, sleep becomes even more critical.
Have a listen and share your thoughts.
Show Notes:
Launch Date: 4/1/25
Why Sleep Matters
How Sleep Changes with Age
The Science of Poor Sleep
How to Optimize Sleep
Proven Sleep Interventions
Supplement Support
The Big Picture
Taper Up Links below:
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Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Episode 6: Recovery Part 2
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Welcome back to Taper Up, your favorite podcast for trail runners thriving after 50! Today we're doubling down on recovery—sharing powerful, science-backed modalities like cupping, red light therapy, heat training, sports massage, and the invigorating cold plunge. Whether you're logging weekend miles or preparing for your next ultra, we’ve got the recovery secrets to keep you unstoppable. Let’s dive in!
Show Notes:
Launch Date: 3/24/25
Episode 5 Recap
Heat Training
Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Cold Plunge
Cupping
Sports Massage
Scraping
Taper Up Links below:
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Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Episode 5: Recovery
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
It's time to crack open Recovery! Recovery is often overlooked but should be a priority especially as we age. We will explore some recovery strategies that will keep you energized and loving what you do even more.
Stay tuned for more episodes on recovery and we did even deeper.
Check out our website for more articles and information and please share us with your friends!
Show Notes:
Launch Date: 3/18/2025
Recap Episode 4 with Julie Hansen
Recovery Planning
Protein
Mobility
Sleep
Strength Training
Hydration
Supplements
Taper Up Links below:
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Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Episode 4: Nutrition Principles with Julie Hansen
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Hansen—a true expert in nutrition and exercise science to the Taper Up Podcast. Julie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, an Exercise Physiologist, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with over 30 years of experience helping everyone from elite athletes to everyday individuals achieve their wellness goals. Currently, she serves as the Registered Dietitian on the FitBliss Fitness team, a Utah-based coaching company founded by women for women, where she contributes her expertise to their mission of delivering sustainable, evidence-based nutrition and fitness programs.
In this episode, Julie will guide us through nutritional principles tailored for endurance athletes over 50—focusing less on race-day specifics and more on building a foundation of overall health and vitality as we age. Whether you’re an endurance enthusiast or simply want to feel stronger and more balanced, Julie’s insights are practical, grounded, and inspiring.
Check out the show notes below and make sure you hit the link to explore more about Fit BlissFitness!
Show Notes:
Launch Date: 3/11/2025
What happens as we get older
How nutrition plays into aging
Aric & Joel - Guinea Pigs
Tracking & Logging food
Food Prepping
fitblissfitness.com
Taper Up Links below:
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Email us

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Episode 3: How to Build and Maintain Strong Running Foundation with Ty Draney
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Taper Up Podcast with guest Ty Draney! In this episode we go over how to build and maintain a strong running foundation for trail runners 50+.
We cover and break down of some important components like strength training, recovery, frequency, mobility and much more.
Ty brings over 30 years of trail running experience as a athlete, coach, RD and is a true legend in our sport.
Stay tuned for more Taper Up podcasts as we go in a breakdown each of these topics individually. You can also head over to our website for articles and more.
Show Notes:
Launch Date: March 5, 2025
Guest: Ty Draney
Run Training
Strength Training
Mobility
Mindfulness
Recovery
Taper Up Links below:
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Podcast
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Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Episode 2: Fitness Foundation
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
In this episode of the Taper Up Podcast, we talk Fitness Foundation. We hit the big topics with a broad stroke but don’t worry we plan on coming back to dissect each topic in later episodes and articles.
If you have a question or a topic you want covered- hit the email in the links below and send us a message.
Please share us with all your friends…the journey is just beginning.
Show Notes:
Launch Date: March 4, 2025
The Foundation of Strong Running
Cardio & VO2 Max
Balance
Recovery and Sleep
Nutrition
The Mental Game
Taper Up Links below:
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Monday Mar 03, 2025
Episode 1: Welcome to Taper Up - The New Hub for Trail Runners 50+
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Welcome to the very first episode of the Taper Up Podcast! We’re Aric W. Manning and Joel Hatch, two mid-pack trail junkies who believe that just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we have to slow down. And if you’re not 50+, that’s okay…it’s never too early to pre-game.
In this Episode we will tell you more about what Taper Up means to us, why we started this new journey and much more.
We’re excited to build this community with you. If you’re ready to Taper Up, subscribe to the podcast, follow us of Facebook and Instagram. check out our website and let’s hit the trails together!
Show Notes:
Launch Date: March 3, 2025
Who we are & why we started Taper Up
Why us & how we intend to help the 50+ trail running community
What you can expect from Taper Up
Sarcopenia and trail runners over 50
What is Sarcopenia
How to fight back and stay strong on the trails
Taper Up Links below:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Podcast
Youtube
Email us