Singletrack

Finn Melanson

Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

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493 episodes
Updated July 21

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Episodes493

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Mar 4, 2022 · 1 hr 15 min
Mike Foote: Race Directing, Skyrunning Speculation, Future Of Ultrarunning Events, UTMB Influences (Sunday Conversation)
Mike Foote is a Professional Athlete for the North Face and Race Director of the Rut Mountain Runs based in Missoula, MT. Timestamps (1:33) intro to ultrarunning (4:38) Wasatch 100 reminiscing (8:53) success formula (11:57) durability is speed in the mountains (13:21) being an early American competitor at UTMB (16:39) North Face sponsorship, long-term relationship (23:06) Missoula, MT trail running scene (29:56) directing the Rut 50K (34:35) grassoots versus standardized Ultrarunning events (41:06) race-directing inspiration (44:42) anticipating changes to the Ultrarunning event space (46:57) live coverage ideas (53:02) saturation of Ultrarunning events, race directing skills (57:27) skyrunning traction in the United States (62:37) state of United States Skimo Links Follow Mike on Instagram The Rut 50K 61,000 Feet North Face Profile Additional Episodes You May Be Interested In #17 Ryan Ghelfi | Post Sponsorship Athlete Life, Trail Running Teams, UTMB, FKT Scene #37 Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Mar 3, 2022 · 1 hr 6 min
Anton Krupicka: Trail Running Culture, Pro Athlete Lifestyle, Influence, Self-Reflection (Sunday Conversation)
Anton Krupicka is a Professional Mountain Athlete for La Sportiva based in Boulder, CO. Timestamps (1:14) - considering Black Canyon for Western States Golden Ticket attempt (3:30) - appreciations for other mountain sports (6:00) - identifying with the sport of mountain ultra trail running, but not the scene (9:04) - influences in other sports (11:29) - the mindsets of the top athletes (14:11) - excitement about technical backcountry missions (18:31) - debate about the (lack of) desire to influence (25:53) - what a typical day looks like for Anton (29:25) - whether life is still in alignment with passions (33:07) - sponsor expectations (34:53) - social media impact on attention (38:26) - what life could look like 5 or 10 years from now (41:20) - debate about changing elements of the sport (45:31) - the one regret of his ultrarunning career (51:26) - speculating about the 2008 Western States 100 (55:26) - Boulder versus Salt Lake City Links Anton's Linktree Profile Anton's Instagram Profile 60 Songs That Explain The 90s Unbreakable Longs Peak Triathlon Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #41 -Lee Sackett | Brooks Running, Running Industry Careers, Running Culture Talk #25 - Kyle Richardson | FKT Scene, Intersection Of Music And Movement, Trail Running Culture #16 - Logan Williams | Trail Running Philosophy, Athlete Sponsorships, Why We Run Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 25, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Tom Evans: Pro Ultrarunning Playbook, UTMB 2022, Trail Running Teams (Sunday Conversation)
Tom Evans is a Professional Mountain Ultra Trail Runner for Adidas Terrex and Red Bull based in the Birmingham, UK area. Over the last 3-4 years, Tom has become one of the best athletes in our sport with notable performances at some of the most important races including a win at the 2018 CCC and a sub-15 hour podium finish at the 2019 Western States 100. What stands out to me, however, is his level of commitment to the sport and the depth to which he prepares for each event. I believe his all-in, full-time approach represents the cutting edge that will become the norm for professional athletes in our sport by the end of the decade. Timestamps (3:02) - knee injury and recovery process (11:55) - how to approach the day to day of recovery (14:35) - the role of sponsors in the recovery process (24:21) - what professional ultra running looks like (34:04) - the competitive advantage of training full-time (41:14) - creating an environment to make success inevitable (46:35) - benefits of training groups (49:27) - thoughts on trail running teams (53:27) - preparing for the 2022 UTMB (61:46) - whether pro ultra runners will need to specialize in distances and terrain (64:16) - learning from athletes in other sports Links Follow Singletrack on Instagram Follow Tom Evans on Instagram Tom Evans' "Road to recovery" Episode #1 Knees Over Toes Guy Tom Evans on the Sweat Elite Podcast Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #26 - Sam Parsons | How To Build A Trail Running Team #19 - Ask Me Anything | Golden Ticket Series, Professional Trail Runners, Ultra Training Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 24, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Reid Coolsaet | Olympic 2:10 Marathoner Switches To Mountain Ultra Trail Running
In this episode, we meet with Reid Coolsaet, a Professional Trail Runner for Salomon based in Hamilton, Ontario. Reid burst onto the mountain ultra trail running scene in 2021 with a win at the Quebec Mega Trail 110K, competed at the Black Canyon 100K earlier this month, and will be lining up for the Canyons 100K in April and the Western States 100 in June. Prior to his venture onto the trails, Reid had an extremely successful career in road marathoning. He holds a 2:10:28 marathon PR and represented Canada in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. It’s been talked about recently to no end, but indeed our sport is only getting more competitive and professionalized and Reid’s entrance is just the latest proof point. One thing that struck me about Reid was his openness and willingness to talk about any issue in the sport whether it was related to compensation as a professional athlete, training methodology, drug testing, or anything else. It made for an interesting and engaging conversation and I hope that shines through here. Timestamps (2:58) - Reid's running background (10:59) - The lifestyle of a full-time professional marathoner (17:21) - How Reid became interested in mountain ultra trail running (31:10) - The perceptions of trail and ultra running among runners in other disciplines (36:54) - What it will take to recruit more elite road running athletes to our sport (40:40) - Reid's experience in the mountain ultra trail running world so far (54:09) - Drug testing conversation (57:02) - How Reid will prepare for the Western States 100 in June Links Reid's blog Reid's coaching business Follow Singletrack on Instagram here Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #26 - Sam Parsons | How To Build A Trail Running Team #22 - Nick Coury | Negative Splitting Ultramarathons, 24 Hour American Record, Aravaipa Running Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 20, 2022 · 38 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Scott Traer, Black Canyon 100K 2nd Place Male
In this episode, we talk with the 2nd place male finisher at the 2022 Black Canyon 100K, Scott Traer. Scott is based in the Phoenix, AZ area via Boston, MA and not only punched his ticket to Western States this coming June, but also ran the 4th fastest time in course history at the age of 40. In addition to race analysis, we also talk about the New England trail running scene, his recent media work with Aravaipa Running, his Run Fastah coaching business, and more. Timestamps (1:01) - Scott explains his unusual running apparel (2:30) - Scott talks about the "Chasing Gold" interview series he hosted for Aravaipa Running (5:09) - Scott's background in ultra running and his trail running beginnings in New England (13:00) - Scott reflects on running the 4th fastest time ever on the Black Canyon 100K course and securing a golden ticket to the Western States 100 (26:52) - Scott's coaching philosophy and how he got into the profession (30:04) - What's exciting Scott most about ultrarunning right now Links Scott's coaching business Chasing Gold Interview Series Watch the full interview on Youtube here Follow Singletrack on Instagram here Additional Episode You May Enjoy: #45 - Golden Ticket Talks | Trueheart Brown, Black Canyon 100K 1st Place Male #44 - Golden Ticket Talks | Jeff Colt, Black Canyon 100K 3rd Place Male Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 19, 2022 · 57 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Anne-Marie Madden, Black Canyon 100K 3rd Place Female
In this episode, we talk with the 3rd place female finisher at the 2022 Black Canyon 100K, Anne-Marie Madden. Anne-Marie is a Salomon-sponsored trail runner based in Vancouver, BC. In addition to race analysis, we talk about how she got into Mountain Ultra Trail Running, life in Vancouver, opportunities to grow our sport through better urban planning, the influence of social media, and much more. Timestamps (1:53) - How Annie-Marie started trail running (6:37) - Why Vancouver, BC is a great place to be a trail runner (12:28) - Would Anne-Marie ever entertain being a full-time ultra runner? (14:44) - Why Anne-Marie chose the Black Canyon 100K (18:56) - Her strategy and execution to secure a golden ticket (28:20) - Initial thoughts on training and expectations for Western States (30:08) - The progress we've made increasing the number of female trail runners (36:06) - The connections between urban planning and trail running (38:47) - What she's changed her mind about with ultrarunning (41:21) - How our sport will look different in 2030, social media issues Links Follow Singletrack on Instagram Watch the episode on Youtube Follow Anne-Marie on Instagram The Happy City by Charles Montgomery A Philosophy of Regional Planning by Benton MacKaye Additional Episodes You Might Enjoy #39 - Hillary Allen | Brooks Running, Out And Back, Recovery Process Mindset, 2022 UTMB #37 - Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary #31 - Dani Moreno | Sub Ultra Trail Racing, Golden Trail Series, Overcoming Burnout, Female Participation Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 18, 2022 · 50 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Taylor Nowlin, Black Canyon 100K 4th Place Female
In this episode, we talk with the 4th place female finisher at the 2022 Black Canyon 100K, Taylor Nowlin. Taylor is a Professional Trail Runner for Adidas Terrex based in Spokane, WA. In addition to race analysis, we talk about how she got into Mountain Ultra Trail Running, life in Spokane, WA, how she organizes training and races alongside her other career in nursing, advice she has for female athletes entering the sport, and way more. Timestamps (2:44) - introduction to trail running (4:53) - multi-year golden ticket journey (7:23) - Spokane, WA is a trail running city (10:38) - balancing running and nursing careers (14:16) - Black Canyon 100K recap (25:35) - preparation for Western States (29:50) - advice for up and coming female trail runners (38:44) - you don't have to always run trail to be a trail runner Links Watch the full episode on Youtube Follow Taylor on Instagram Follow Singletrack on Instagram Additional Episodes You Might Enjoy #39 - Hillary Allen | Brooks Running, Out And Back, Recovery Process Mindset, 2022 UTMB #37 - Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary #31 - Dani Moreno | Sub Ultra Trail Racing, Golden Trail Series, Overcoming Burnout, Female Participation Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 16, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Jeff Colt, Black Canyon 100K 3rd Place Male
In this episode, we talk with the 3rd place male finisher at the 2022 Black Canyon 100K, Jeff Colt. Jeff is a Professional Trail Runner for On Running based in Carbondale CO. In addition to race analysis, we talk about his entry into the sport while working in the hut system of New Hampshire ’s White Mountains, his multi-year path to a golden ticket which included near misses at the 2018 and 2019 Bandera 100Ks, his unorthodox training philosophy, his thoughts on the East coast trail scene, and much more. Timestamps (3:55) - introduction to trail and ultra running (6:01) - working in the White Mountains Hut System (9:49) - White Mountains Hut Traverse FKT (15:04) - describing New England trail running scene (21:04) - training in Carbondale, CO (26:48) - his unorthodox approach to training for ultras (30:14) - missing golden tickets in 2018 and 2019 (37:36) - Black Canyon 100K race strategy and execution (54:51) - ranting against coaching culture in ultra running Links Watch the full episode on Youtube here Follow Singletrack on Instagram Follow Jeff on Instagram Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #38 - Taggart VanEtten | Road Ultrarunning, Midwest Scene, 100 Mile World Record Attempt #29 - Sabrina Stanley | Madeira Island Reflections, UTMB 2022, Adidas Trail Team #12 - Jack Kuenzle | FKT Scene, Sponsored Trail Runners, Brand Relationships Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 15, 2022 · 47 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Trueheart Brown, Black Canyon 100K 1st Place Male
The Golden Ticket Talks are back! In this episode, we talk with the 1st place male finisher at the 2022 Black Canyon 100K, Trueheart Brown. Since Trueheart is likely a new name to most ultrarunning fans, we cover a lot of ground in this episode including his background in the sport, his home and training base in Flagstaff, AZ, how he prepared for Black Canyon, his expectations leading into the race, his execution on race day, his current thoughts on Western States and more. Timestamps (2:29) - endurance sports background (6:32) - wildland firefighting (8:43) - training in Flagstaff, AZ (11:00) - training philosophy (12:29) - Black Canyon preparation and execution (28:34) - initial thoughts on Western States (36:54) - connecting dots between cycling and running Links Watch the interview on Youtube Follow Singletrack on Instagram Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #21 - Dave Stevens | Run Rabbit Run, Winter Training, Canadian Trail Running Scene #5 - Karl Meltzer | UTMB, Utah 100 Miler, Making A Career From Mountain Ultra Trail Running Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 10, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
Jim Walmsley What Ifs, Black Canyon 100K Preview, Full-Time Ultrarunning (Long Run Archives #1)
This episode is part of a brand new mini-series we are calling the "Long Run Archives" in which I am joined by Brett Hornig, a fellow ultra runner and coach at Trails and Tarmac to riff on some of Ultrarunning’s most intriguing news, ideas, and questions. You know those highly entertaining long run conversations you have with friends you wish you could have hit the record button on? These episodes will attempt to recreate those moments. Timestamps (4:13) - Is it a competitive advantage to be a full-time professional ultrarunner? (17:31) - What if Jim Walmsley had never missed that mile 93 turn at the Western States 100? (33:46) - Black Canyon 100K preview (69:52) - Ultrarunning hot takes (73:18) - Big trail running news (78:31) - Great Strava finds Links Watch the episode on Youtube Follow Singletrack on Instagram Get coached by Brett at Trails and Tarmac Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #37 - Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary #19 - Ask Me Anything | Golden Ticket Series, Professional Trail Runners, Ultra Training #17 - Ryan Ghelfi | Post Sponsorship Athlete Life, Trail Running Teams, UTMB, FKT Scene Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 5, 2022 · 51 min
Sarah Cummings | Wasatch Trail Scene, Brooks Running, JFK 50, Lessons From Injury
Sarah Cummings is a Professional Trail Runner for Brooks based in Park City, Utah. We talk about her introduction to the trail world after a significant collegiate and post collegiate career on the roads, her experience and lessons learned rehabbing from a traumatic hamstring injury that could have ended her running career altogether, how she landed in Park City, her thoughts on the Wasatch trail running scene, her 2022 racing plans and more. As you all know, I think the Wasatch has the potential to be the next American cultural hub for trail running. In fact, one of my big predictions is that by 2023 this will be the place in the same way that Mill Valley carried the banner in the mid 2010s and how Flagstaff did the same in the late 2010s. I think there’s been a gap to fill for a few years, especially since the pandemic started. And I think its anyones for the taking, so why not Salt Lake? I mention that here because I think Sarah is becoming one of the great ambassadors for our region and her influence (along with others) will help make it happen fast. Timestamps (1:44) - running background (6:02) - choosing Park City, UT to lifestyle and training (9:47) - training philosophy (11:37) - hamstring injury, recovery process, healing mindset (22:17) - JFK 50 victory (27:17) - Brooks sponsorship (31:29) - the question of full-time running (35:21) - excitement about SLC/PC running scene (39:30) - subjectivity of trail running (44:46) - increasing access to trail running Links Follow Singletrack on Instagram Follow Sarah Cummings on Instagram Follow Sarah on Strava Additional Episodes You May Enjoy #39 - Hillary Allen | Brooks Running, Out And Back, Recovery Process Mindset, 2022 UTMB #37 - Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary #31 - Dani Moreno | Sub Ultra Trail Racing, Golden Trail Series, Overcoming Burnout, Female Participation Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Feb 1, 2022 · 56 min
Coaching Call #2 | Canyons 100K Progress, Training Partners, Coaching A Trail Team
This is the second episode in a monthly series we are calling the “Coaching Call”. For context - In April, I will be lining up for the Canyons 100k. Ryan Ghelfi, the Head Coach at Trails and Tarmac, is going to help me prepare. We decided to take it a step further by working in total transparency. Our calls will be recorded and the training log will be viewable 24/7 for you to analyze. Be sure to listen to our first episode in this series, if you haven't already. In this conversation, we recap the first month of our athlete-coach relationship and talk specifically about goal setting, training partners, and what we are doing to prepare for the demands of the course. Towards the end of the conversation, we also dive into some coaching industry-specific topics like athlete load and what it would look like to coach a co-located trail team. Timestamps (2:25) - stating goals for the Canyons 100K (11:46) - reviewing January training and forecasting February training (34:59) - the ideal number of athletes to coach (45:12) - what it would look like to coach a trail running team Links Get coached by Trails and Tarmac Email Ryan (info@trailsandtarmac.com) Follow Ryan Ghelfi on Instagram Follow Singletrack on Instagram Watch the episode on Youtube Follow Finn on Strava See the Canyons 100K training log here Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #30 - Coaching Call #1 | Setting The Table For The Canyons 100K #17 - Ryan Ghelfi | Post Sponsorship Athlete Life, Trail Running Teams, UTMB, FKT Scene Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 28, 2022 · 1 hr 23 min
Lee Sackett | Brooks Running, Running Industry Careers, Running Culture Talk
In this episode we talk with Lee Sackett, a Product Manager for the Blue Line Innovation Footwear team at Brooks Running. The first half of our conversation focuses primarily on work, life, and career trajectory in the running industry. The second half dives into a flowy conversation about running culture, growing participation, increasing the entertainment value, and making connections with other sports to raise the level of creativity and perspective in our community. As you all know, I love having conversations with people on the business side of the sport. Lee is also just a great thinker, running advocate, and overall inspiring human being. I would be shocked if you don't feel compelled to go run 10 miles after this one. Happy listening! Timestamps (1:44) - interesting people in ultrarunning (11:04) - Lee's work at Brooks Running (22:10) - how Lee got into the running industry (32:36) - advice for others that want to have a career in the running industry (38:48) - additional, outside influences Lee brings to the running industry (43:00) - riffing on the intersection of running and art (53:53) - why Lee does a lot of cycling, the influence it's had on his perspectives (62:20) - thoughts on the growth of running Links Follow Singletrack on Instagram Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #25 - Kyle Richardson | FKT Scene, Intersection Of Music And Movement, Trail Running Culture #18 - Moe Lauchert | Outdoor Entrepreneurship, Representation In Trail Running, Growing The Sport #16 - Logan Williams | Trail Running Philosophy, Athlete Sponsorships, Why We Run Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 26, 2022 · 45 min
Hillary Allen | Brooks Running, Out And Back, Recovery Process Mindset, 2022 UTMB
Hillary Allen is a professional trail runner for Brooks, a co-host of the Trail Society podcast, and author of a new book titled "Out And Back: A Runner's Story Of Survival Against All Odds". In addition to announcing her sponsorship change from the North Face to Brooks, we also dig into the details of her new book and specifically examine issues like health care for professional athletes, the importance of mindset in the recovery process, risk aversion, her perspective going all-in on trail running after entertaining a career in academia, as well as her 2022 racing plans which include UTMB. Timestamps (1:02) - sponsorship change (6:47) - 2022 racing schedule (14:54) - health care for professional trail runners (18:02) - importance of mindset in the recovery process (25:47) - risk aversion (27:45) - choosing between pro mountain running and academia (32:27) - touring her book, van life (37:18) - overtraining syndrome, impact on pro athletes and sponsors Links Watch the episode on Youtube Follow Singletrack on Instagram Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds Follow Hillary Allen on Instagram Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #42 - Sarah Cummings | Wasatch Trail Scene, Brooks Running, JFK 50, Lessons From Injury #37 - Corrine Malcolm | State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary #31 - Dani Moreno | Sub Ultra Trail Racing, Golden Trail Series, Overcoming Burnout, Female Participation #29 - Sabrina Stanley | Madeira Island Reflections, UTMB 2022, Adidas Trail Team #23 - Abby Hall | Running and Design, Full-Time Professional Athlete Life, Flagstaff Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 20, 2022 · 52 min
Taggart VanEtten | Road Ultrarunning, Midwest Scene, 100 Mile World Record Attempt
Taggart VanEtten is an endurance athlete based in Central Illinois. In addition to having one of the best names in our sport, Taggart made a big splash on the ultra scene in 2021. We talk about those race experiences, but also dig into how his background has influenced the type of training he does, what attracted him to our sport, why he's leaving for a bit, his thoughts on sponsorship, the culture of our sport, and way more. While Taggart is returning to the road marathon scene in an attempt to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 2024, be on the lookout for his eventual return to ultrarunning. He is one of the most confident, determined athletes I have come across. And as you will find out in this conversation, he has lofty goals left to pursue. Timestamps (1:51) - running and triathlon background (4:41) - 100 Mile WR attempt, switch to OTQ attempt (7:11) - whether Taggart can get the 50 mile, 100K, and 100 mile WRs (8:55) - OTQ motivations, ultrarunning burnout (12:14) - sources of confidence (13:26) - cultural differences between triathlons and ultramarathons (15:03) - why Taggart isn't afraid of anyone (17:15) - why Taggart trains alone (18:21) - training philosophy, mindset, and lifestyle (24:28) - nobody cares, work harder, internal motivation (29:44) - sponsorship thoughts, full-time running thoughts (31:47) - midwest ultrarunning scene, lack of media coverage, road ultras (36:29) - negative splitting thoughts (39:32) - why more elite endurance athletes don't do ultras (42:42) - 100K WR excitement (45:15) - Taggart explains his best tweets (49:17) - what's on tap when Taggart returns to ultras in 2024 Links Follow Taggart on Twitter Follow Taggart on Instagram Follow Singletrack on Instagram Watch the episode on Youtube Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #26 - Sam Parsons | How To Build A Trail Running Team #22 - Nick Coury | Negative Splitting Ultramarathons, 24 Hour American Record, Aravaipa Running Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 19, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
Corrine Malcolm: State Of The Sport, Ultra Running Commentary (Sunday Conversation)
Corrine Malcolm is a Professional Trail Runner Adidas Terrex, a Co-Host of the Trail Society podcast, a coach at Carmichael Training Systems and in general, one of the more involved people in our sport. We talk about the good and the bad of growth in our sport, especially relating to brand-building, race organizing, drug testing, and the overall professionalization of ultra running. We dig some coaching and running science topics like racing frequency, off-season execution, and her research-related wishlist. Corrine also talks about how she got involved on the media side of the sport and offers her thoughts on doing commentary, evolving race coverage, and all the personalities in our community. Timestamps (1:12) - ultrarunning brands jockeying for control (12:37) - concerns about the Quartz program (22:08) - frequency of racing for elite ultrarunners (27:00) - off seasons for ultrarunners (30:29) - as the race distance increases, female runners get stronger (35:12) - why testosterone may be a disadvantage in ultrarunning (37:23) - why elite ultrarunners don't pace better (41:45) - unanswered questions in ultrarunning research (47:27) - how Corrine got into ultrarunning media (53:57) - ultrarunning personalities in media (60:50) - recruiting more female runners to ultrarunning (65:22) - changing race cutoff times to attract more athletes (67:33) - presentation expectations for male versus female sponsored athletes Links Quartz Program Team Matryx Follow Corrine on Instagram Corrine's personal website Follow Corrine on Twitter Corrine's articles on IRunFar Get coached by Corrine Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #39 - Hillary Allen | Brooks Running, Out And Back, Recovery Process Mindset, 2022 UTMB #31 - Dani Moreno | Sub Ultra Trail Racing, Golden Trail Series, Overcoming Burnout, Female Participation Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 17, 2022 · 1 hr
Adam Merry | Bandera Reflections, Representation In Trail Running, State Of The Sport Talks
In this episode we talk with Adam Merry. Adam is a professional Trail Runner for Saucony based in Golden, CO. We reflect on his performance at the recent Bandera 100K, increasing representation in our sport, all the usual questions I have about the state of our sport because Adam is so tuned in, and more. Adam is a great dude and one of the most mission-oriented people in our sport I have come across. I think it will shine through in this episode. Timestamps (1:44) - running background (3:26) - Bandera 100K preparation, race execution (13:08) - whether Western States is still the goal, what's next (17:43) - ultrarunning media talk, brand investments (21:26) - social issues in trail running (27:28) - the training switch away from more is better (29:43) - continuing education as a coach (33:39) - organizing life to prioritize ultrarunning (38:36) - being a fan of ultrarunning (42:04) - outside influences on ultrarunning (46:57) - partnership with Saucony (54:25) - long-term thinking, self-belief Links Follow Adam on Instagram Follow Adam on Strava Get coached by Adam Watch the episode on Youtube Follow Singletrack on Instagram Additional Episodes You May Enjoy: #25 - Kyle Richardson | FKT Scene, Intersection Of Music And Movement, Trail Running Culture #18 - Moe Lauchert | Outdoor Entrepreneurship, Representation In Trail Running, Growing The Sport #16 - Logan Williams | Trail Running Philosophy, Athlete Sponsorships, Why We Run Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 15, 2022 · 49 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Jonathan Rea, Bandera 100K 1st Place Male
Welcome back to another episode of the Golden Ticket Talks in which we meet with the overall winner of the Bandera 100K, Jonathan Rea. Jonathan is currently unsponsored athlete - maybe that will change soon - based in Boulder, Colorado. In addition to race preparation, analysis, and aftermath, Jonathan and I talk about some of the parallels between trail running and his first love of baseball, the mindset and community-based strategies he leverages to execute good race performances, how his work on environmental policy influences his involvement in our sport, thoughts on competition and sponsorship in our relatively niche sport, and more. Jonathan strikes me as one of the more cool, calm, and collected runners I’ve come across. It’s a personality that I think bodes well for consistently good performances in our sport. Be on the lookout for a top-10 performance at Western in June. It would not surprise me one bit. Timestamps: (2:04) - athletic background in baseball, not running (6:29) - similarities between baseball and ultra running (11:06) - why Jon avoids most social media platforms (13:18) - why Bandera over other golden ticket races (17:33) - why Jon doesn't travel to a lot of races (21:47) - physical and mental training philosophies, race frequency (27:06) - memorable parts of Bandera (29:21) - thoughts about competition, teamwork (36:24) - preparation for Western States (38:10) - doubting ultrarunning talent (43:03) - ultrarunning sponsorship Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 13, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Tyler Fox, Bandera 100K 2nd Place Male
In this episode, we talk with the 2nd place male finisher at the 2022 Bandera 100k, Tyler Fox. Tyler is based in Lander, WY and has been quietly crushing some of the top mountain ultra trail races across the American West including the Bear 100, Bighorn 100, Never Summer 100k, and Speedgoat 50k to name a few. In addition to the recap of his race at Bandera and his initial thoughts on Western States, we talk about his coaching business and the state of that profession in our sport, the trail running scene in Lander, WY, what’s exciting and concerning him most about the trajectory of our sport, and the issue of eating disorders among trail runners. Multiple listeners of the show reached out beforehand to note that Tyler may very well be the most underrated athlete on the American scene right now and I think I agree. I’m excited to see what Tyler can do at Western States this coming June. Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show
Jan 13, 2022 · 52 min
Golden Ticket Talks | Ellie Pell, Bandera 100K 2nd Place Female
In this episode, we talk with the 2nd place female finisher at the 2022 Bandera 100k, Ellie Pell. Ellie is an East Coaster based in the Finger Lakes region of New York where she has put up strong results on the local circuit, as well as at the JFK 50 in recent years. In addition to the recap of her race at Bandera and her initial thoughts on Western States, we talk about her mental approach to ultras, the East Coast trail running scene, a relatively new media establishment - the Trails Collective - that caught my attention, and more. Ellie dropped a lot of memorable quotes in this one that I’ll be thinking about for some time. Her approach to racing is interesting, and I think it will bode well at Western States. We will see! As an East Coast expat, I will certainly be rooting for her. Timestamps: (1:16) - immediate golden ticket reaction (2:54) - this one is for the beast coast (6:31) - why the east coast doesn't get more trail running recognition (9:01) - why Ellie chose Bandera (14:52) - racing style, Bandera reflections (22:53) - Western States thoughts (26:05) - mental approach to ultrarunning (34:55) - ideas to raise the profile of east coast trail running (38:27) - trails collective (44:21) - expectations for Western States Support Singletrack: Patreon Support the show