Episode 48: Ida Nilsson: A Lifetime of Running, Racing, and Reinvention

Today, host Katie Asmuth sits down with the legendary Ida Nilsson, a true veteran of the sport. With a career spanning decades, Ida has done it all—from track and cross country to road and trail running, and now even ski mountaineering. In this episode, she reflects on her incredible journey, starting with her athletic upbringing alongside her equally talented siblings, to her time competing at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and her approach to longevity in the sport. A decorated athlete, Ida has claimed 10 Swedish national titles in track and cross country, two NCAA championships in the steeplechase and 5,000 meters, and a Swedish championship in ski mountaineering. She has spent over a decade competing at the highest level in ultrarunning, securing multiple top-10 finishes at Western States, including an impressive 50-minute improvement in her time last year. Most recently, she took the win at the Transgrancanaria 82K. Ida opens up about injuries, her relationship with food, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career. It’s an insightful and inspiring conversation—enjoy the episode! This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network. A special thank you to Osprey for supporting this episode. Visit Osprey.com to explore their incredible products! And a big thanks to our newest sponsor, ⁠Janji with the code TRAILNETWORK for a 10% discount on your Janji order.