Singletrack

Finn Melanson

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

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

493 episodes
Updated July 21

Support the show

Support this Podcast

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes493

Newest first

March 30 · 35 min
Bugs Cancel a Race, Cocodona 250 Lottery System + Emma Bates Dropped While Pregnant? (Singletrack News)
This week on Singletrack News, Finn Melanson and Alyssa Clark cover one of the wildest race cancellations in recent memory, a brewing sponsorship controversy, a landmark change at one of ultra running's most iconic events, and a full roundup of results from Crown King, Buffalo Stampede, and the Arizona Monster 300. Timestamps: 02:54 Antelope Island Buffalo Run Cancellation 05:51 Trailhouse Announces New Head Coach 08:59 Emma Bates Controversy 11:40 Cocodona 250 Lottery System 14:46 Trail Super Shoe Power Rankings 17:43 Crown King, Buffalo Stampede Race Results 20:42 London Marathon Two-Day Format 23:40 UTMB Parenthood Policy 26:21 Content Finds of the Week Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Support the show
March 23 · 28 min
Courtney Dauwalter’s Next-Level Final Kick: Rachel Entrekin Breaks Down Chianti 120K
In this episode, Rachel Entrekin returns to the show immediately following her 3rd place finish at Chianti by UTMB and gives a firsthand account of one of the most dramatic finishes of the season. We start with the moment everyone’s talking about: Courtney Dauwalter’s decisive late-race surge. Rachel walks us through how the race unfolded from the front, what it felt like to be running all day shoulder-to-shoulder, and what made Courtney’s final move so shocking even to the athletes in the race. From there, we zoom out to what this performance means for Rachel’s trajectory. We discuss the narrative around her being a “200-mile specialist,” the pressure she felt coming into the race, and why this result felt like a long-overdue validation of her ability across distances. We also break down the competitive dynamics at the front of the field, including what makes both Courtney Dauwalter and Ingvild Kaspersen uniquely difficult to race against, and why Chianti stands out as the most competitive - and most enjoyable - race of Rachel’s career so far. In the second half, we get into the performance details: fueling breakthroughs (including a surprising shift toward gels), gear choices, and how improved nutrition may be unlocking a new level of speed and durability. We close with a look ahead to Cocodona and what this race might signal about Rachel’s ceiling in 2026. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Support the show
March 23 · 32 min
Chianti Recap, Trail House Project + Golden Ticket Shakeups (Singletrack News)
In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, we break down a massive weekend of racing across Chianti by UTMB, Chuckanut 50K, and Big Alta, highlighted by Golden Tickets awarded at Chianti and a highly anticipated showdown between Courtney Dauwalter and Rachel Entrekin. We discuss the winners, key performances, roll-down implications, and what it all means for the rapidly taking shape Western States field, along with early-season signals from some of the sport’s top contenders. Elsewhere, we dig into one of the most interesting new concepts in the sport: the “Trail House”, a Boulder-based initiative aiming to create a pipeline for post-collegiate runners into professional trail running, with built-in support, structure, and storytelling. We also cover: Lotti Brinks accepting a Western States Golden Ticket via roll-down from CCC François D’Haene’s 2026 schedule and his decision to center the season around an FKT attempt on the GR20 The “Hardcore Harry’s” challenge, a last-person-standing-style event that has athletes running 80+ km on consecutive days A grassroots “Community Traverse” stepping in to support runners after the Northern Traverse disruption A wild FKT story out of North Carolina involving a broken wrist and a finish anyway Previewing the Arizona Monster 300 and what to expect from one of the most extreme races on the calendar And our content picks of the week, including a new long-distance route in the UK and a broader conversation around “right to roam” and trail access. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Support the show
March 22 · 1 hr 39 min
Is UTMB Still a Net Positive for Trail Running? James Elson Weighs In (Sunday Conversation)
In this episode, Centurion Running founder James Elson joins the show to unpack one of the most complex moments in trail running right now. We examine the collapse of high-profile events like Dragon’s Back and what it reveals about the economics of modern race organization - including rising operational costs, participant trends, and why certain race formats may no longer be sustainable. James also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how race directors actually think about pricing, no-show rates, and business viability. In the second half of the conversation, we turn to UTMB and its growing influence on the sport. We discuss the tradeoffs between scale and safety, the risks of removing qualification standards, and whether the current growth model is aligned with the long-term health of trail running. We also explore who is ultimately responsible for runner preparedness, the role of media and culture in shaping expectations, and whether UTMB is, for now, still a net positive for the sport. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show
March 16 · 37 min
UK Trail Running Shock: Ourea Events Collapse + UTMB Broadcast Confusion (Singletrack News)
In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, we break down a major development in the UK trail running scene after Ourea Events - the organizers behind races like Dragon’s Back, Cape Wrath Ultra, and the Northern Traverse - announced they are ceasing trading, putting several iconic races in jeopardy and leaving athletes uncertain about the future of some of the sport’s most ambitious point-to-point events. We also discuss confusion surrounding UTMB’s new broadcast partnership with FloSports. After speculation online that UTMB races could move behind a paywall, organizers clarified that the UTMB livestream will remain free, with FloSports serving as a simulcast partner in the United States. Elsewhere, we dig into UTMB’s 2026 live broadcast schedule, which includes 10 races across the World Series - but notably excludes Golden Ticket events like Chianti and Canyons. We also cover: UTMB CEO Fabrice Perrin raising concerns about “ambush marketing” in trail running The debut of the Big Alta 100K in Marin Headlands Previewing the Chianti by UTMB Golden Ticket battle Courtney Dauwalter lining up at Tenerife Blue Trail as an early season test Nike recruiting ultrarunners for a 15-week research residency at the Nike Sports Research Lab And our content picks of the week, including a conversation between Harry Styles and Haruki Murakami on how running fuels creativity Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show
March 12 · 1 hr 35 min
Backyard Ultra Callouts, Snowdonia Controversy & Are Elite Runners Boring? | Long Run Archives #37
In this edition of Long Run Archives, Finn Melanson is joined by Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the biggest debates circulating in trail and ultrarunning right now. We begin with a viral moment from the sport: Charlie Lawrence being called out to run a backyard ultra. Could a 100K record holder actually threaten the backyard ultra world record, or is the discipline too specialized for that kind of crossover? The group discusses what determines success in the backyard format and why the event continues to fascinate runners across disciplines. Next, we explore a provocative question making the rounds online: are elite trail runners boring? Are influencers better storytellers than professional athletes, or is that narrative missing the point? Along the way we discuss historical tensions between performance and storytelling in the sport and what audiences actually respond to. In the second half of the episode, we unpack two recent race controversies: • Ultra Trail Snowdonia’s major course change after registration opened • The possibility that the historic JFK 50 Mile could move from its traditional course due to funding disputes What responsibility do race organizers have when circumstances force major changes after runners have already committed? Finally, we play a round of Overreaction / Underreaction, reacting to statements like: • Molly Seidel is already a Western States podium contender • Jen Lichter could enter the top echelon of the sport with a Western States win • Crowdfunded prize purses may surpass traditional race payouts • Kilian Jornet could still win both Western States and UTMB in the same season Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order Support the show
March 10 · 1 hr 6 min
LA Marathon Experience / Gear Recap + Future of Conversational Pace Chatter
This is a crossover episode from Conversational Pace. Brett Hornig interviews me about my LA Marathon experience + we speculate a bit in the second half about the future of CP. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparel Kodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show
March 9 · 33 min
Is It Fair to Change a Race Course After Selling Out? Snowdonia Drama + JFK 50’s Future (Singletrack News)
In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, controversy erupts around the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100K after organizers announced a major course change - which removes roughly 2,000 meters of climbing from the originally advertised route - after the race had already sold out. We also discuss the uncertain future of the historic JFK 50 Mile, which could relocate from Washington County, Maryland, for the first time in more than 60 years after the county ended hotel-tax funding that traditionally covered police and medical services. Elsewhere, we break down Kilian Jornet’s 2026 season preview, including his plans to race Sierre-Zinal, Western States, and UTMB, and what he said about the training stimulus from last year’s States of Elevation project. We also cover: A chaotic finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships after lead runners were sent off course The Los Angeles Marathon, where the men’s race came down to 0.18 seconds at the line Speedgoat by UTMB adding a new uphill race Transgrancanaria, where Jon Albon and Henriette Albon claimed victories in brutal weather Lotti Brinks and Sean Riedel winning Way Too Cool 50K New athlete signings - Hunter Leninger (Only Fans) and Tessa Chesser (Merrell) Hayden Hawks’ pivot to Canyons 100K and what it could mean for Western States Cirque Series teasing a new championship format Prize money across major trail series surpassing €1.15 million Plus, we share our favorite content from the week, including Francesco Puppi’s latest vlog about his background, training philosophy, and upcoming projects. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
March 8 · 1 hr 47 min
Have 200-Mile Ultras Earned Their Place in the Sport Yet? Kilian Korth Weighs In (Sunday Conversation)
In this episode, Kilian Korth joins the show to discuss the evolving competitive landscape of 200-mile ultramarathons. We examine whether performances at the distance can currently be used to judge greatness in the sport, how the depth of competition compares to more established races like Western States and UTMB, and what it will take for the discipline to gain broader legitimacy. Kilian also shares his own philosophy around pursuing ambitious goals, the “No Limits” mindset, and why he believes the 200-mile scene represents a collective experiment in testing the boundaries of human endurance. In the second half of the conversation, we explore Kilian’s path into the sport, his recent success across multi-day races, and the realities of racing at this distance - from sleep strategy and pacing philosophy to logistics, fueling, and managing the psychological demands of moving for multiple days. We also discuss the role of competition in pushing the sport forward, the future of races like Cocodona, and how the next generation of athletes may redefine what’s possible in 200-mile racing. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
March 2 · 32 min
Is the Double Back? Kilian’s 2026 Schedule, Ironman’s Content Ban + Western States Depth (Singletrack News)
In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Kilian Jornet announces he’ll attempt the Western States–UTMB double in 2026, reviving a strategy some thought was fading from elite playbooks. We also examine Ironman’s decision to ban in-race content creation, including smart glasses, GoPros, and phones. Is this about safety, competitive fairness, or the beginning of a broader shift in endurance sports culture? Could trail running follow? Elsewhere, we break down Abby Levine’s analysis of the Western States 2026 field - including the surprising stat about back-to-back women’s champions, the depth emerging from Golden Ticket races like Black Canyon and CCC, and what still remains up for grabs at Chianti and Canyons. Plus: Chuckanut announces a first-ever livestream in partnership with Mountain Outpost Transgrancanaria preview Nike ACG’s experimental “smallest backyard ultra” activation in Milan ITRA’s 2025 Women in Trail Running participation report Aravaipa launches The Cutoff film tour UTMB postpones its Puerto Vallarta event following regional unrest Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
February 26 · 1 hr 5 min
Max King Talks About Projecting The Barkley Marathons (Sunday Conversation)
In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course. In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Support the show
February 23 · 27 min
A 100-Mile World Record, Satisfy Apparel Drama + Maine’s New 200 (Singletrack News)
In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras. We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout? Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse. Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins. Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
February 17 · 1 hr 5 min
Hans Troyer Delivers, Molly Seidel’s Wild Debut + Historic Women’s Race (Black Canyon Recap)
What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory. Timestamps: 00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR) 04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes 06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate 10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever? 11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics 13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field 16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter? 16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages 22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade” 26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section? 29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line 33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30? 36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call) 37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status 43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments 49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back 50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States 53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion 55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 2026 58:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons) 1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth Partners: * Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) * Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) * Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) * Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
February 16 · 28 min
Golden Tickets Decided at Tarawera + Black Canyon, February Barkley Shocks the Sport (Singletrack News)
In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative. Timestamps: 00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights 04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights 08:06 Barkley Marathons Update 12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative 15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications 19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability 23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition 25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
February 10 · 1 hr 43 min
2026 Black Canyon 100K Preview | Analysis, Storylines, Predictions
Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K. Timestamps: 02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines 05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics 10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions 19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies 35:33 Women's Field Analysis 58:40 Men's Field Analysis 01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links: Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show
February 9 · 44 min
UTMB’s Utah Expansion, Prize Purse Rush, and Global Series Shakeups (Singletrack News)
This is the February 9th, 2026 edition of Singletrack News. Timestamps: 01:28 Golden Trail World Series Schedule Announcement 05:44 Sky Running Series Announcement 09:17 Tarawera 102K 12:54 New UTMB Race at Snowbasin 17:25 David Goggins signs up for Cocodona 19:31 Debate on Pacer-Free Golden Tickets 22:41 Diadorra's Sub Four Mile Challenge Announcement 25:33 Prize Money News 27:56 Open Athlete Manager role at The Feed 30:58 Courtney Dauwalter to Naak 33:56 Jennifer Lichter, Adam Merry, Meg McKenzie moves 36:20 Bear Tags and Silver Tickets 38:45 Opportunities for Involvement in Trail Running Organizations Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show
February 4 · 1 hr 1 min
Sabrina Stanley on Ovarian Cancer and the Long Way Back to Elite Ultrarunning (Sunday Conversation)
In this conversation, Sabrina Stanley reflects on returning to competition after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the peak of her ultrarunning career. She recounts the medical uncertainty that followed her initial diagnosis, the surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing immunotherapy that reshaped more than a year of her life. Stanley discusses racing again while still in recovery, including her recent return at the Arc of Attrition 100, and what it meant to simply reach the start line. She also speaks candidly about her complicated relationship with the sport itself -why she doesn’t closely follow ultrarunning, how she intentionally limits her exposure to public opinion, and how she has built a professional career largely insulated from external narratives. The conversation touches on her partnership with OnlyFans, her views on athlete autonomy and body regulation, and the tradeoffs of stepping outside traditional sponsorship models while continuing to pursue elite performance. Timestamps: 00:00 Sabrina's Unique Perspective on Ultra Running 06:14 The Misunderstood World of OnlyFans 12:03 The Impact of Ovarian Cancer on Sabrina's Career 24:30 Navigating Cancer and Social Connections 27:55 Training Through Treatment: A Personal Journey 39:01 The Ongoing Battle: Living with Uncertainty 44:56 Racing Again, Arc of Attrition 100 Miler Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show
February 3 · 56 min
Molly Seidel Isn’t Chasing the Same Things Anymore (Sunday Conversation)
In this episode, Olympic medalist Molly Seidel reflects on the aftermath of success at the highest level of the sport. She discusses the pressures of elite marathoning, why that model became unsustainable, and the personal decisions that led her away from the roads. The conversation touches on injury, identity, sponsorship, social media, and the early stages of her transition into trail running. Timestamps: 00:00 The Influence of Business School on Personal Growth 03:02 Redefining Success in Running 05:52 The Unsustainable Nature of Elite Sports 09:01 Navigating Pressure and Performance 12:01 The Challenge of Public Perception 14:54 Building a Life Beyond Running 17:56 The Artistic Side of Sport 20:40 Transitioning to Trail Running 23:54 The Business of Being a Professional Runner 26:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes 29:49 Comparing Media Coverage in Running 35:46 Training Philosophy and Mental Game 38:54 Nutrition and Gear for Trail Racing 41:45 Looking Ahead to Future Races Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show
February 2 · 36 min
Sabrina’s Back, Molly’s All-In, and Courtney Goes Olympic (Singletrack News)
In the first-ever edition of Singletrack News, Finn Melanson and co-host Alyssa Clark break down the biggest stories in trail running from the past week. We start with Sabrina Stanley’s return to racing after a year away from the sport, react to Molly Seidel’s decisive leap into trail running, and discuss what it means to see Courtney Dauwalter carrying the Olympic torch as trail running’s profile continues to rise. Plus: major race results from around the world, notable performances, sponsorship news, and a look at where the sport is heading as competition and professionalization continue to accelerate. Singletrack News is our weekly news and conversation show covering the stories, debates, and moments shaping trail and ultrarunning right now. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Singletrack News 01:07 Sabrina Stanley's Comeback 02:31 Courtney Dauwalter Carries Olympic Torch 03:43 Gambling Scandal in Track and Field 06:05 Podcast Highlights: Coleman Cragun and Ben Dhiman 09:41 Anne Flower Signs with Hoka, Grayson Murphy Leaves Saucony 14:48 UTMB's Future 18:45 Results Rundown: Hurt 100 and Winter Spine, Hong Kong 100K 28:00 Notable Performances: Molly Seidel, Rachel Entrekin, Erin Ton 31:18 Final Thoughts Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show
January 27 · 1 hr 30 min
What the Best Ultrarunners Are Still Getting Wrong About Fueling and Hydration (Andy Blow Interview)
In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I sit down with Andy Blow, CEO and founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration, for a wide-ranging conversation about what athletes at all levels still get wrong about fueling and hydration in ultrarunning. A note up front: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a major partner of the Singletrack Podcast — a partnership we’re proud of and want to fully disclose. That said, this conversation isn’t contractually obligated. It’s the exact discussion I would want to have with Andy regardless, driven by a growing curiosity around nutrition, technology, and performance in endurance sports. Andy brings a deep and unique background to the conversation, with a degree in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Bath, experience working as a sports scientist with Formula 1 teams, and a role helping establish the Porsche Human Performance Centre before founding Precision Fuel & Hydration. We explore both fundamentals and frontiers, including: Why many ultrarunners — including elite athletes — succeed despite gaps in nutrition knowledge Core hydration concepts like sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration, and blood volume contraction The danger of chasing marginal gains before mastering the basics Why real-time sweat tech still isn’t quite ready for prime time “Ballpark accuracy” vs perfect precision in fueling and hydration Aid-station decision-making, guardrails, and crew strategy in ultra races The emerging challenges of fueling and hydrating for multi-day events I learned a lot in this one, and hope you do too. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show