The Trail and Error Podcast

Jay Grady and Lewis Ryan

Welcome to Trail & Error.

The podcast where together we'll explore the world of trail running, capturing the diverse perspectives of a range of guests, from professional and amateur athletes, event and race directors, coaches and scientists. Learning what works, what doesn’t, and having a few laughs along the way.

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102 episodes
Updated July 7
Explicit

Episodes102

Newest first

Jan 28, 2025 · 1 hr
#85 Lewis Ryan
In this episode I chat to Lewis Ryan, overall winner of the Arc of Attrition by UTMB 100 mile race. We cover how the race unfolded and his experiences along the route as well discussing comparisons between his 2024 victory on the 50 mile race and how that race unfolded this year with a victory from Tom Evans and also how he felt about the race being a UTMB World Series event. We also talk a little on his 2024 Dragons Back Race and how it went among other things and there's a little announcement about the future direction of Trail and Error tucked in there somewhere too for good measure.
Jan 28, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
#84 Julia Davis
On this episode I speak to ultra runner and coach Julia Davis. We turned this chat into a travelogue of sorts, talking about Julia's running experiences donning the GB vest to race in India, her love of a race over Cape Town's Table Mountain and her uncanny ability to attract snow and unseasonable weather as well as chatting about the Arc of Attrition podium and her coaching with Centurion Running. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Jay https://www.centurionrunning.com/section/coaching https://www.instagram.com/juliadavis101
Dec 29, 2024 · 1 hr 22 min
#83 Winter Downs 200: Race Special
In this episode of Trail and Error Tris is back on the start line... for the Centurion Running Winter Downs 200 race. 200 miles obviously an extremely long race, and Tris's longest attempted one’r distance to date. We go through all the details of his preparations, the race details and his plans in the first half of this episode before catching up with him again to hear how it all went. There's also an important announcement regarding the podcast in this episode so let us know your thoughts on it in the comments. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay #trailanderror #distancerunner #26point2 #fitnessmotivation #runningmotivation #marathon #ultratraining #ultrarunner #runnerofinstagram #runnerslife #instarunners #runhappy #runnercommunity #runningcommunity #iruntrails #trailrunning #trailrunner #type2fun #toetheline #running
Dec 29, 2024 · 50 min
#82 Chris Kelly
In this episode of Trail and Error we talk to endurance runner and coach Chris Kelly. A former footballer, hip surgery in 2016 forced Chris to look at sport in a new way and thankfully he discovered he was a runner! We talk about his running, injuries and rehab, 1st place on the GUCR and his epic 24 hour/169 mile feat as well as his sub 21 hour finish Arc of Attrition. Despite his injuries and surgeries Chris is one of the most positive runners in the sport and a true gent. Softly spoken and humble, it was a pleasure to chat with him. Join us as we spend an hour diving into his experiences. You can find more from Chris here: @chrisk_runs and @rts.coaching Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay
Oct 22, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
#80 Luke Grenfell-Shaw
In this episode we talk to Luke Grenfell-Shaw, a member of the Brooks Running trail running team and cancer survivor. Luke was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2018 at the age of just 24. Far from recoiling he launched himself out into the world on a mission to make the most of life. 8 years on and Luke has a tandem bike ride from Bristol to Bejing under his belt as well as competing on the world trail running scene as part of the Brooks team and his work as a motivational speaker. We talk training, coaches, adventures and about his recent race in China as well as his work with cancer charities. We hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a moment free perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay #trailanderror #distancerunner #26point2 #fitnessmotivation #runningmotivation #marathon #ultratraining #ultrarunner #runnerofinstagram #runnerslife #instarunners #runhappy #runnercommunity #runningcommunity #iruntrails #trailrunning #trailrunner
Sep 13, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
#79 UTMB: TDS Race Special
Jay heads over to Chamonix to take on the TDS. A race with 9400m of elevation change over 145km of remote alpine trails, the TDS has a formidable reputation for difficulty and testing the endurance of those seeking more of a challenge than the classic UTMB 100 miler can offer. TDS takes its participants from Courmayeur in Italy back to the iconic finish line in Chamonix, giving the runners a maximum of 44 hours for the journey. Its remote and exposed course includes sections of via ferrata with potentially fatal drops at 2600m and relentless climbs and descents at lung busting altitudes. In this episode we'll find out how Jay got on vs his pre race predictions. Will it be glory or will TDS claim another scalp? We hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a moment free perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay
Aug 26, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
#78 Arc of Attrition by UTMB
In this episode Tris and Jay talk to the team behind the iconic Cornish winter endurance race the Arc of Attrition and learn about what's changing and what's staying the same with 'The Arc' now that it has joined the UTMB stable of races as part of their World Series. We're joined by Hayden, Jane and Ferg as we discuss the logistics of adding the additional 25 mile race and how the race rules have been adapted to match the standardised system across all the UTMB races worldwide and what that means for those hoping to support their runners on the rugged clifftop trails of Cornwall in the middle of winter. With fanzones, rules changes and new races this episode is a whistle stop journey through the first stage of this race’s evolution and its journey to become a race that's sure to have global appeal for those wanting to test themselves on the jagged coastline of Cornwall. We hope you enjoy this extended episode. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a moment free perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay
Aug 7, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
#77 How Not to Fail at TDS
In this episode Jay is joined by Stephen Cousins of Film My Run and friend and runner Richard Hurdle as they discuss their experiences of TDS over the past 5 years. Starts tactics, the never ending climbs, and the tragic fatalities this race has seen over the past few years all come up as they impart their wisdom and knowledge of this iconic mountain race. At approximately 94 miles and 30,000ft of elevation and with a start and finish at opposite ends of the Mt Blanc tunnel this event has a deservedly fearsome reputation.
Jun 18, 2024 · 1 hr 47 min
#76 Cape Wrath - Bonus Material
As promised, here is the bonus audio recorded by Jay with guests Stephen Cousins and James Forbes, after each day on the Cape Wrath 2024 Ultra. And at the end there is an interview with Event Director and Ourea founder Shane Ohly, where he discusses how the event team managed an infectious outbreak in the race camp and how they managed to keep it’s infection rate to a mind blowingly low 12.8%. Low enough to be the basis of a future scientific research paper on infection control no less!
Jun 17, 2024 · 1 hr 56 min
#75 Cape Wrapup (Cape Wrath 2024 Race Special)
Jay takes on the 400km Cape Wrath Ultra along with friends Stephen Cousins and James Forbes Winding along the route of the historic Cape Wrath Trail from Fort William at the base of the Great Glen this race heads north into the Knoydart region over 8 days. As with all mountain races the weather and its unpredictability can affect the conditions massively and this edition of the race was to prove challenging in unexpected ways. Tris takes the role of interviewer and Jay as guest alongside James and Stephen as we chat about our experiences of the Cape Wrath Ultra and (SPOILER ALERT) its companion event the Cape Wrath Explorer. Jay recorded daily content each evening too including an interview with Event Director and Ourea founder Shane Ohly where he discusses how the event team managed an infectious outbreak in the race camp and how they managed to keep it’s infection rate to a mind blowingly low 12.8%. Low enough to be the basis of a future scientific research paper on infection control no less! Day 1 to 8 round ups and the interview with Shane are included as bonus content at the end of the podcast. We hope you enjoy this extended episode. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a moment free perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay
May 15, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
#74 Cape Wrath Ultra Prep
Jay takes on the Cape Wrath Ultra by Ourea Events from May 19th and he’s joined on this episode by fellow race participants James Forbes of Trench Foot Cream and Stephen Cousins of the YouTube channel Film My Run. You can hear more from James on episode 59 and from Stephen way back on episode 4 and again on episode 35. They chat about their race preparations (or lack of), the kit required to take on 400km of the UK’s most remote wilderness and their expectations of how the race will go. If you’d like to learn more about this event you can check out episodes 69, 70 & 73 where we chatted to Shane Ohly the event director and previous Cape Wrath Ultra participants David Barry and Laura O’Driscoll respectively. Equally, if Cape Wrath Ultra sounds interesting be sure to check out all of our coverage of Ourea’s Dragons Back Race from last year to learn about another epic wilderness race in the UK. Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a moment free perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated! Tris and Jay
Apr 5, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
#73 Laura O'Driscoll
This is available as a video episode on the Trail & Error YouTube channel. Laura O’ Driscoll is an ultra runner, cyclist, swimmer and yoga instructor. Laura has clocked up numerous races in her time, including 1st place female at Cape Wrath, 1st place at the Kerry Way Ultra, 1st at Seven Sisters Skyline ultra, 1st place at Waterville WFT 3day, and many more. Following a car accident in 2012, she embraced yoga during her recovery from a serious knee injury. This journey led her from an Ironman hopeful to a certified yoga instructor through Ashtanga Yoga Mysore in 2013. On the episode we talk about Cape Wrath and Dragon’s Back (which Laura is entering this year) with focus on camp life, recovery and map reading. We then move onto the totally epic Himal Race in Nepal, which traverses the entire Himalayas. Laura is competing in the short version of this race later in Spring, which is only 8 days!
Mar 25, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
#72 Sam Downing
Sam Downing is a Cornwall based trail and ultra runner and the founder of the Ponnek trail running brand. On the episode we talk about the ethos behind Ponnek, how it was founded and where it’s going. He gives some hints as some new products in the pipeline and products that will never make it into the pipeline. We talk about the most useless bits of running gear and getting the longest lifespan out of kit. Sam talks about the beginning of his running journey, his recent experience at the Cheviot Goat, injuries and training, and we give the results of great Garmin vs. Sonos poll.
Mar 7, 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
#71 Lewis Ryan
Lewis Ryan is a Scarpa sponsored ultra runner who recently won the Arc 50 in Cornwall, resulting in is his fifth race win in the past year. On the episode we talk about cramping in Hayle, Lewis’ past races and upcoming challenges (including the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB and Dragon’s Back). We also talk about training around a young family and balancing a life in the alcohol industry with running - something that Lewis and Tris both share in common.
Feb 19, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min
#70 David Barry
David Barry is the host of the Film My Trail Run YouTube channel and an ultra runner currently based in LA. On the episode we talk about some of David’s recent racing experiences, including the UTMB Canyons race, Transgrancaria, Cape Wrath Ultra, and running some of the biggest marathons in the world (including Kelvin Kiptum’s record breaking Chicago Marathon in October of last year). We also have a mildly heated debate around watches, pitting Coros against Garmin - which do you think is better?
Feb 9, 2024 · 52 min
#69 Shane Ohly
Shane is a former elite mountain runner and the founder of Ourea Events, which organise some of the toughest races in the UK including the Dragons Back and Cape Wrath Ultra. This is his second appearance on the podcast. On this episode, which was recorded between Christmas and New Year, Jay is hosting solo and chats to Shane about his experience running the Dragon’s Back race in Autumn 2023 and looks forward to the racing in the Cape Wrath Ultra in a few months. Shane delves into his race and event philosophy, the differences between DB and CW and the incredible logistical challenges of operating these events.
Jan 18, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
#68 Loyd Purvis
Loyd Purvis is the host of the Run4Adventure YouTube channel and a prominent member of the Cornish trail running community. On this episode Jay and Loyd talk about the Cornish trail running scene, UTMB, Loyd’s transition into content making and the birth of Run4Adventure, what it takes to run his channel, pushing the limits, the Arc of Attrition, and much more….
Jan 3, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
#67 Victoria Cousins
Victoria Cousins is an ultra runner who has had a dramatic rise to running supremacy over the past couple of years, going from knee surgery to completing Centurion’s Grand Slam of 100 milers in 2023 and running three marathons in three weeks in three countries. Spurred on in part by her husband and previous podcast guest Stephen Cousins, we think she’s one to watch, however as you’ll see Victoria is extremely humble about her achievements. A lot of races get shout outs here - we discuss the GU36 race in Guernsey, The Brecon Beacons Ultra, Suffolk Backyard, SDW50, Thames Path 100, South Downs Way 100, North Downs Way 100 and the Autumn 100… and much more.
Dec 11, 2023 · 52 min
#66 Jay Medway
On this special episode which was held at the pop-up Ponnek Running Store in Falmouth on 28th October (yeah, took a while to get this out!) Tris records the first every live episode of Trail & Error with Jay Medway from Left Handed Giant Running Club in Bristol. On the episode we talk about the Arc of Attrition, Jay’s philosophy on running clubs and the details of how LHG running club operates with its typical number of 150 runners per week. We talk injury and recovery, adventuring over racing, crewing a 200 mile race around a town square, and how running clubs can support communities. Plus much more!
Oct 26, 2023 · 1 hr 18 min
#65 Allie Bailey
Allie Bailey is an ultra runner, and endurance and mindset coach. She has run across Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia, crossed the Namibia Desert, run the full length of the Panama Canal, run the length of the UK and was the winner of the Wild Horse 200 mile race in the Brecon Beacons. On top of that she has run over 200 marathons. So it’s all the more incredible to hear that much of this was achieved under the cloud of an alcohol addiction. On the episode Allie talks to us about her road to recovery, what running can (and cannot) do for mental health, what constitutes a ‘good runner’, speed walking, and much sillier stuff besides.