Just about a year ago, I shared my secret weapon for instant motivation. The one thing that never fails to pump me up for the miles ahead:

Trail running videos — epic ones, in fact — and I chose 12 of my favorite to share with you here.

It turns out I’m not alone in thinking videos are the jam, because that post quickly became one of the most popular in Rock Creek Runner history.

But a lot has changed in the past year, and a number of new, high-quality videos have been released … some even more inspiring and motivating than the previous bunch. So today I’ve complied 12 more of my favorites for you to enjoy.

Just get those running shoes ready now, because it won’t be long before you’re itching for an adventure.

1) Mile for Mile

Transport yourself to the majestic Patagonia with ultrarunners Krissy Moehl, Jeff Browning and Luke Nelson, as they run through the newly developed park by Conservacion Patagonica. As an added bonus, the video also shows the incredible work that organization is achieving.

2) Hardrunner

A fun, lighthearted look at the grit, determination, and spirit of exploration that goes into training for and running the Hardrock 100. Featuring appearances from Sébastien Chaigneau, Joe Grant, and many more.

3) 15 Hours | with Ann Trason

Billy Yang’s new series 15 Hours follows the life of a runner for 15 hours. He kicked off the series with Brett Rivers and Anton Krupika, but I think his latest film with Ann Trason, 14 time winner of the Western States 100, captures her personality and spirit the best.

4) Kroger’s Canteen

Salomon Running TV produces many of the best trail running videos around, often highlighting the spirit and drive behind some of the sport’s top runners. But Kroger’s Canteen isn’t about a runner, instead it’s about an aid station — maybe the most famous aid station in ultra running — and the people and soul that makes it so unique. Kroger’s Canteen is perched on a tiny ledge at 13,100 feet along the Hardrock 100 course.

5) Trail Fighter

Do former MMA fighters make good ultrarunners? Apparently. This is the story of Kyle Dietz, a former MMA fighter training to compete at the RUT 50k.

6) Western Time

There are countless highs and lows leading up to and during a 100 mile race, and in this short film, Billy Yang beautifully captures the story of Sally McRae’s 2014 Western States experience.

7) The Teacher

Stevie Kremer is one of the world’s top trail runners … and a second grade teacher. In this Solomon Running TV episode, we get a peek inside Stevie’s life, how she balances teaching and running, and how they benefit each other.

8) Wonderland

On July 1st, 2015, Gary Robbins set out to break the Wonderland Trail’s fastest known time, and The Ginger Runner was there to document the journey. The burly 93 mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier, with more than 24,000 feet of elevation gain.

9) The Beauty of the Irrational

Ryan Sandes of South Africa is one of those soft spoken runners you can’t help but love. In this film, The African Attachment documents his attempt to redeem himself against the jaw dropping Fish River Canyon.

10) Fast and Light

Another brilliant film from Salomon Running TV, this time about the draw of moving quickly through the mountains, and the birth and growth of Sky Running.

11) This is Your Day (Trailer)

I wish I could share this full video, but unfortunately this is only the trailer. This is Your Day follows Rob Krar, Caroline Boller, Karl Hoagland through the Western States 100, demonstrating the power of the body, mind, and importance of human connection.







12) Face to Face with Kilian Jornet

There are few things as inspiring (and humbling) as watching Kilian Jornet run through the mountains. This video not only captures his graceful running, but also his respect for the peaks.

Photo Credit: The African Attachment, captured from The Beauty of the Irrational