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Finlay Wild

Scottish hill runner and mountaineer Finlay Wild has some questions for the mountain community...

www.gomountaingoats.com

Buy me a cuppa! https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild

  • 61 episodes
  • Updated July 11
  • Explicit

Episodes61

  • Jul 30, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min

    Episode 21 - Tranter's Round Record with Jack Kuenzle

    I talk to visiting American Jack Kuenzle who has been over in Scotland gearing up for some big mountain rounds. On 28th July he set out hard on Lochaber's uber-classic Tranter's Round and came in with a new record of 8h38m23s, shaving almost 15 minutes off my best time of 8h52m53s set the day before (more on that in the conversation!). The previous record to that was 9h0m5sec set by me in 2020. It's brilliant to see this aesthetic 60km round of the Mamores, Grey Corries, Aonachs and Ben Nevis getting some hot international attention. Jack has reccied the route extensively over the past month and found some surprising similarities (except the bogs!) to the terrain in the American North East where he holds several FKTs including the 100mile White Mountains record - set just last month on the New Hampshire portion of the Appalachian trail. He has also been known to break skimo records in his underpants! - on Mount Hood in Oregon last winter. The 26 year old ex-Navy SEAL is clearly one to watch, as he turns his focus to the Lake District and a certain round there... https://fastestknowntime.com/athlete/jack-kuenzle https://www.instagram.com/jackkuenzle If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Jun 2, 2022 · 1 hr 7 min

    Episode 20 - From the Jura Hotel with Jasmin Paris

    I finally caught up with Jasmin Paris on the Isle of Jura the day before the eponymous race to chat about some of her more recent achievements. We start off with the iconic Isle of Jura Fell Race and what it means to her, before moving on to talk about The Green Runners. This is a new group set up with the aim of connecting runners concerned about the Climate Crisis, and helping to give them a united voice to try and foster change within running culture (in terms of reducing personal footprints of travel, kit and food) and the wider world (by speaking out and political change). Jasmin's running CV has a depth to rival the deepest Jura bogs (!) so I've tried to focus on a few of her more recent feats, namely The Spine Race and the Barkley Marathons. The Spine Race crosses a humungous 268 miles along the Pennine Way in mid winter, and in 2019 Jasmin bagged the overall record of just over 83 hours. There was rightly a massive media interest in this globally, celebrating Jasmin the mum as well as Jasmin the ultrarunner. I try to get into her process a bit; what gives her the grit and determination that she clearly has in bundles. We also discuss what it means to be a top woman in sport and how she balances running with family life. We finish by talking though some of the highs and lows of the Barkley Marathons ultra that Jasmin completed the 'Fun Run' 3 lap version of in March this year. This event has developed a reputation as a gruelling and esoteric 100mile+ event that only 15 people have every completed the full 5 laps version of in its 27 year history. With bush wacking in the dark, snowstorms and difficult navigation it's a full psychological assault, and we examine what resilience tools and tricks Jasmin employed. Photo by Howie Stern / inov-8 (taken at the Barkley) If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • May 8, 2022 · 1 hr 3 min

    Episode 19 - Paddy Buckley Round Record, Finlay Wild interviewed by Keri Wallace

    I talk to Keri Wallace of Girls on Hills about my recent new record on the Paddy Buckley Round in Snowdonia. I ran solo and unsupported, starting in Llanberis at 5am on 26/4/22 and completed the rugged 105km round in 15h14m45s - improving on Kim Collison's 2021 record of 16h20m. Keri's website: www.girlsonhills.com If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Mar 11, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min

    Episode 18 - Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route Female Record with Hillary Gerardi

    In this episode I talk to Hillary Gerardi in Servoz, Chamonix, about the record she established with Valentine Fabre in April 2021 on the iconic Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route. The duo completed the tough 110km (with 8100m elevation gain) route in 26h21m using race skis and tactics and with a small support team. The journey is documented in the film ‘The Traverse’ by Ben Tibbetts and Jake Holland, which has been shown on the mountain festival circuit. The trailer is here: https://youtu.be/UR_ZR22SHRo. Hillary is a trail runner and skyrunner from Vermont, USA, who moved to the Alps around 11 years ago. In a long list of top racing performances, wins at Glencoe Skyline, Trofeo Kima and Tromso Skyrace speak to her enjoyment and proficiency in rough mountain terrain. Apologies to Hillary for mispronouncing her surname- I got nervous! If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Dec 23, 2021 · 1 hr 12 min

    Episode 17 - Highland Stalwart with Alec Keith

    I caught up with Inverness-based Alec Keith who has been a prominent figure in Scottish hill running over the past 30 years. One-time holder of records for the Cairngorm 4000s, Cairngorm Big Six and Mullardoch Round, Alec revels in good long days out in the mountains, often alone, and he was quietly doing what he loves in the hills long before most of us were eating hot dinners! Over the years Alec has made the top few places in rough, rugged races such as Glamaig, Glenshee 9 and Jura Fell Race. We talk through some of his top hill memories, touching on the Hebridean Challenge and Scottish Islands Peaks races as well as hearing about the best way not to carry 22 bananas on a 60 mile run... If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Sep 13, 2021 · 1 hr 18 min

    Episode 16 - Sub 13hr Bob Graham Round, Finlay Wild interviewed by Martin Stone

    On 28th August I completed the second fastest Bob Graham Round ever, touching the steps of the Moot Hall in Keswick in just under 13 hours - less than 7 minutes slower than record holder and all round megastar Kilian Jornet's time. I had an incredible support team who helped me to push myself further than ever before, forging memories that will last a lifetime. I'm delighted that endurance running godfather Martin Stone offered to interview me about my run. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Aug 25, 2021 · 1 hr 20 min

    Episode 15 - 24hr Munro Record with Kim Collison

    The Lake District's Kim Collison chats about his 24hr Munro Record set in July this year. Kim is no stranger to long distance running records - he holds records for the Paddy Buckley Round, Winter Bob Graham Round and Lakeland 24-hr Peaks. The 24hr Munro Round is simple on paper: how many different Munros can you tag in 24hrs, starting and finishing at the same point? In practice of course it is a gruelling physical, mental and logistical challenge. Kim's round took in 33 Munros in the Cairngorms/Glenshee region in 23hrs 48mins, over 160km with 9000m of ascent. This bettered the record of 32 Munros set by Sasha Chepelin in 2020. Record News article: www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk/2021/07/new-record-33-munros-in-24-hours-for-kim-collison.html History of the 24hr Munro Record: www.gofar.org.uk/twenty-four-hour-munro-record Kim's website: kimcollison.co.uk/ If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Jun 17, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min

    Episode 14 - Lakes Classic Rock Round with Josh Jardine

    I saw from Strava that Lakes-based runner Josh Jardine was up in Scotland on a climbing trip. He came round for a cuppa and four hours later still wouldn't accept a second! We chatted about his running and climbing projects, in particular hearing about the Lakes Classic Rock Round which he completed in September 2019 with fellow Helm Hill runner Pete Rigby in a then pairs record of 18hrs 59mins. The route involves climbing the 15 Lake District routes from Ken Wilson's revered book Classic Rock in a continuous 40 mile quest around some of the Lakes' best rock climbs. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • May 9, 2021 · 50 min

    Episode 13 - Cuillin Ridge Traverse Female Record with Kelli Roberts

    In this conversation I'm delighted to chat to previous British Fell Running Champion Kelli Roberts of Ambleside about her experiences on the Cuillin Ridge of Skye. In August 2020 she improved the female record for the 12km ridge traverse to 5h56m46s from Anna Wells' 6h34m set in 2016. The record is timed from end to end summits, starting at Gars-bheinn and finishing on Sgurr nan Gillean. Kelli and partner Pete Rigby first traversed the ridge in 2018, and returned last year to learn the route and practice the climbing sections. On the record traverse they simul-soloed the whole route including the 4 'climbing sections' which are traditionally included in a record attempt. It was a very hot day and lack of water added to the challenge. More details on Kelli's record can be found at: www.ukclimbing.com/news/2020/08/kelli_roberts_breaks_womens_fkt_on_the_cuillin_traverse-72450 If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Mar 14, 2021 · 1 hr 11 min

    Episode 12 - Munro Round Record with Donnie Campbell and Stephen Pyke

    On 2nd September 2020 Donnie Campbell completed his human-powered Munro Round in a record time of 31 days, 23 hours and 2 minutes. He completed all 282 Munros by running, biking and kayaking between them, starting on Ben More on Mull and finishing atop Ben Hope in the Far North. This improved on Stephen Pyke's 2010 record of 39 days, 9 hours and 6 minutes which itself knocked a significant chunk off the previous record before it. I talk to Donnie and Stephen (Spyke) about all things Munro Round on a Zoom call for the Fort William Mountain Festival. I found it really interesting to get into the scale of the challenge, logistics, and highs and lows with these two - who both clearly had incredibly memorable experiences on these journeys. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Feb 21, 2021 · 1 hr 34 min

    Episode 11 - Scottish Haute Route with Roger Wild

    In this episode I speak to Roger Wild - my father - about (some of) the history of ski touring in Scotland before moving on to describe our 2010 'Scottish Haute Route'. This 7 day journey from Ben Nevis to Gairnshiel near Ballater was around 155km in length with 10,000m of ascent. We pre-placed food caches, stayed in bothies, and skied on Nordic free-heel skis carrying our overnight gear with us. The route linked up the high ground through Lochaber to the Cairngorms, ascending numerous Munros and Corbetts along the way. Roger is a retired British Mountain Guide and a former Royal Marines Commando. Notes: 1. We talk about grip wax which goes on the ski under your foot on nordic skis to allow grip when that foot is weighted - not to be confused with the wax used to improve glide on downhill skis (and tips/tails of nordic skis) 2. Dr Adam Watson (1930-2019) was 85 when we met him near Banchory in 2016 3. For some reason I said I was a student in Aberdeen in 2010 - I'm not that young and was in fact a junior doctor then 4. We mention skimo race skis a lot but don’t acknowledge that of course modern standard touring setups have gotten way lighter too - most people seem to like something in the ‘light standard‘ range rather than full race skis - which are harder to ski in some conditions, less stable, more expensive and less durable. For long journeys obviously low weight is key. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Jan 3, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min

    Episode 10 - Solo Unsupported Midwinter Bob Graham Round 1987 with Martin Stone

    In January 1987 pioneering long distance fell runner Martin Stone completed his goal of a solo, unsupported midwinter Bob Graham Round in classic full winter conditions (in 23h41). This had taken 4 attempts over 6 years and was not repeated in similar style until just recently in December 2020 by Shane Ohly. The journey was such an indelible personal experience that Martin recorded his thoughts on the round in detail the next day. Over 30yrs later he has unearthed the tape and agreed for it to be shared. Shane's account of his recent record should be available shortly at www.shaneohly.com If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Nov 29, 2020 · 1 hr 30 min

    Episode 9 - Faster and Further with Robbie Simpson

    I talk to Robbie Simpson about his progression from junior hill runner through some European highlights such as Sierre-Zinal and Jungfrau Marathon, to road marathon and his 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medal. We talk about having season goals and specific training, as well as his entry onto the ultra racing scene in recent years. Bringing it back to the Scottish mountains, we touch on the Lairig Ghru race (which he won in 2020) and Cairngorms running. Robbie is sponsored by Adidas Terrex If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Nov 10, 2020 · 1 hr 30 min

    Episode 8 - Glencoe Skyline with Georgia Tindley

    Georgia Tindley kindly made time while passing Fort William to stop for a chat about the brilliant Glencoe Skyline race which she won in 2019. We also talk about the World Skyrunning circuit which she blasted onto in 2019 with some top performances. Georgia is an English teacher who has moved progressively further north in Scotland to access the mountains since she left her childhood home in London. We also talk about books and the pressures of tourism on remote communities. I mention The Lost Pianos of Siberia interview which can be found on The Adventure Podcast episode 50. Georgia can be found online at georgiatindley.com and @gtindley on Instagram. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Oct 27, 2020 · 1 hr 34 min

    Episode 7 - Winter Greater Cuillin Traverse with Will Rowland

    Last winter Will Rowland pulled off an incredible traverse of the Black and Red Cuillin in a two day journey starting and finishing at Sligachan. Based on a summer linkup his father Clive Rowland pioneered almost 40yrs ago, we believe this is the first winter completion. It was a pleasure to chat to Will about his experience, as well as talking generally about the Cuillin and the history of the various traverses and 'records'. I apologise for the mic 'buzz' - I couldn't fix it for this episode but will do shortly... Corrections and clarifications: I said Garbh-bheinn once when I meant Bla Bheinn. For those without a map in front of them, Gars-bheinn is at the southern end of the main Cuillin ridge, Bla Bheinn is the 12th Cuillin munro which stands away from the main ridge across Glen Sligachan (and includes the sub summit Clach Glas), and Garbh-bheinn is a lower summit between the Black and Red Cuillin (which is included in the Greater and the Greater Greater Traverses!). Also, when I say myself and Tim Gomersall carried 'one good axe each' - we had one tech axe and one light axe each, so for the TD gap I could lead with both tech axes. Since this chat I have discovered that Harry Holmes did the Ben Nevis 5 Ridges Winter linkup in 2014, perhaps other climbs will let us know too for the leader board! Traverses we talk about: Main Cuillin Traverse Greater Cuillin Traverse (main + Clach Glas- Bla Bheinn traverse - also usually includes lower peaks Garbh-bheinn and Sgurr na h-Uamha) Greater Greater Cuillin Traverse "Sligachan Horseshoe" (main + Bla Bheinn - Clach Glas + all Red Cuillin) [FA: Clive Rowland summer. Will Rowland Winter] Extended Greater Greater Traverse! "Cuillin Round" (main + Bla Bheinn - Clach Glas + all Red Cuillin + most other 'tops' along the way eg Sgurr na Stri) [FA: Rob Woodall summer] Greater Greater Greater Traverse - mythical holy grail proposed by Ali Rose = all the above plus kayak to Rum to do Rum Cuillin too!! For more info on the different records, please see: SMC 'Skye Scrambles' guidebook Scottish Hill Runners 'Long Distance Records' tab Go Far website for Rob Woodall's write up and notes, including a link to PDF 'Long Days in the Cuillin' which gives a detailed history with dates of the different Cuillin extensions. 'The Black Cuillin' book by Gordon Stainforth, 1994 Andy Hyslop's Rockfax guide to the main Cuillin Ridge If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Sep 13, 2020 · 1 hr 18 min

    Episode 6 - Ramsay's Round with Finlay Wild, interviewed by Es Tresidder

    On 31st August I ran Charlie Ramsay's Round in 14hrs 42mins to break Es Tresidder's 2019 record. This run was the culmination of my 2020 season and has been a goal for many years. I ran solo and unsupported and enjoyed a tough but incredibly memorable mountain experience. Es interviews me about the process of breaking the record - from my buildup through shorter distance records earlier this year, through planning and prep, to conditions and tactics on the day. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Aug 30, 2020 · 1 hr 2 min

    Episode 5 - Arran Mountain Time with Kirstie Smith

    In this 'On the Road' episode we are on Arran and I talk to Kirstie Smith about island life and her fantastic local hills. We chat about running and scrambling routes, mountain rescue, bivvies and even astrophotography. Kirstie Smith is @kirstiesarran on Instagram and Twitter and her photography is @afocusforadventure on Instagram. Her photography website is www.afocusforadventure.co.uk (you can email her via website to buy photos or her book) We refer to: Goatfell race (See Scottish Hill Runners or Racing), Glen Rosa Horseshoe race (no longer runs), and Ultra Trail Scotland (flagged) races - 45km and 26km routes. 'The Big Walks' by Ken Wilson and an astrology app called 'Stellarium PLUS' were mentioned. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Aug 8, 2020 · 1 hr 11 min

    Episode 4 - Running the Mamores with Sarah MacDonald

    I talk to Sarah MacDonald of Lochaber Athletic Club and Glencoe about her recent FKT on the Mamores Round. She ran the 35km (+/-) loop in just under 8hrs - a strong run, especially considering the overall record stood at over 7hrs until 2017. We talk about the freedom of long solo hill runs, overcoming the barriers to 'just doing it', and generally enjoy an appreciation of the high ridges. SHR Long Distance Records - go here and click on the dropdown tab 'Tour of the Mamores' for details and history. Sarah is @sarahcaber on Instagram and also works periodically as a guide for Girls on Hills trail running. If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Jul 25, 2020 · 1 hr 30 min

    Episode 3 - Cairngorm Classic Rock Link-up with Ali Rose and Mark Chambers

    Ali Rose and Mark Chambers chat to me about their epic day out linking up all 6 classic rock climbs in the Cairngorms from the book 'Classic Rock'. This stacks up as a 62km day out with (normally) 28 pitches of climbing taking them from Lochnagar through some spectacular terrain to their finish at Cairngorm ski car park 17hrs and 28mins later. Ali's write-up: www.mountainstotheseaphotography.com/category/cairngorms/ The book Classic Rock: www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/baton-wicks/classic-rock/ Correction: I get excited and say B- Gully buttress when I mean D- Gully buttress. Maybe you didn't notice.. My FKT page (under construction): www.gomountaingoats.com/fkt If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠

  • Jul 11, 2020 · 1 hr 7 min

    Episode 2 - Six Ridges of the Buachaille with Keri Wallace

    I talk to Keri Wallace of Girls on Hills Trail Running about the Glencoe scene in general and her new climbing linkup with husband Ben of the 'Six Ridges of the Buachaille'. We also chat about her journey from PHD to climbing instructor to running guide and some of her most memorable mountain days. Find more details at: www.girlsonhills.com, www.facebook.com/GirlsOnHills/ or www.instagram.com/girlsonhillsuk/ Six Ridges of Buachaille Etive Mor: Stats: 5hrs 30mins. 1642m of ascent over 15km. Route: Lagangarbh Buttress (up), Great Gully Buttress (down), Broad Buttress (up), [Great Gully Buttress (down again)], North Buttress (up), Curved Ridge (down), Crowberry Ridge and Tower (up), Bag summit, Return via Coire na Tulaich If you want to buy me a cuppa to help support the podcast, thank you and please do at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/finlaywild⁠