Singletrack

Cat Bradley | Reflections On Professional Trail Running

Oct 14, 2022

01:04:17

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Cat Bradley is a professional trail runner for Brooks based in Boulder, CO.

In this conversation, we reflect back on her experience winning the 2017 Western States 100, navigating the professional trail running world after that event, her thoughts on social media and decision to start a podcast, her decision to change sponsors last year, and the balance between passion and professionalism when setting goals in the sport.

Sponsors:

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Timestamps:

(2:33) - what’s exciting her most these days
(5:26) - UTMB Puerto Vallarta
(9:27) - how life changed after the 2017 Western States 100
(13:18) - the negative aspects post-2017 Western States
(18:29) - the sponsorship experience post-Western States
(22:13) - gender pay disparity issues
(23:38) - the benefits of processing the Western States experience
(29:55) - starting a podcast, the importance of self-expression
(34:44) - social media obligations for pro runners
(39:16) - the conversations Cat’s interested in having on her podcast
(44:10) - creating opportunities in the running world separate from her athletic performances
(47:13) - the process of changing sponsors, how to know when its time to make a change
(52:29) - advice for fellow athletes when it comes to navigating the sponsorship side of trail running
(55:02) - the benefits of having an agent
(59:37) - balancing passion and professionalism, goals for 2023
(63:14) - final thoughts

Links:

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#129 - Des Linden | Sports Psychology, Running Commentary, Trail and Ultrarunning Interests
#96 - Clare Gallagher | Leadville 100 Focus, Social Media Perspective, Next Career Steps

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