Riley Brady | Black Canyon 100k Champion & Course Record Holder
Feb 28, 2025
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Riley Brady, a pro trail runner from Boulder, CO, recently conquered the Black Canyon 100k, setting a jaw-dropping course record. In this engaging conversation, he shares insights on the supportive Boulder running community and the importance of mental peace for peak performance. Riley reflects on his unconventional journey from the East Coast, the value of taking risks, and lessons learned from his win at Javelina. He also discusses the crucial role of personalized nutrition and coaching in preparing for grueling races like Western States.
Riley Brady's move to Boulder has significantly enhanced their training and performance, thanks to the supportive community and environment.
Finding personal peace has been crucial for Riley's athletic success, helping them enjoy running and reduce pre-race stress.
Riley actively prioritizes personal growth and the right sponsorships over immediate gains, reflecting a commitment to integrity in trail running.
Deep dives
Riley Brady's Rise in Trail Running
Riley Brady has recently made significant strides in the trail running community, marked by notable race victories, including a golden ticket at the Javelina 100 and an impressive 30-minute course record at the Black Canyon 100K. Growing up on the East Coast, Riley discovered a passion for the sport early in life and decided to commit to their running career by relocating to Boulder, a known hub for athletes. This move has allowed Riley to immerse themselves in a supportive community and train with like-minded individuals, enhancing both performance and overall happiness. The combination of strong community support and personal commitment has undoubtedly contributed to Riley's recent successes on the course.
The Importance of Being at Peace
Riley emphasizes the significance of being at peace in both personal life and competitive running, a state that they attribute to their current happiness and performance levels. Having a solid support system in Boulder and strong relationships has alleviated stressors that can often affect an athlete's focus and performance. This mental clarity fosters a more enjoyable training and racing experience, as Riley finds joy in their running instead of succumbing to the pressures often associated with competition. The result has been a newfound confidence in navigating challenging races successfully, like the recent Black Canyon 100K.
Nutrition as a Cornerstone of Success
Riley has recognized that proper nutrition is a critical component of their athletic success, particularly after facing challenges with race-day fueling in the past. After experiencing difficulties with nutrition during races, including incidents of vomiting, Riley has made strides to educate themselves on their specific dietary needs, leading to a more successful racing strategy. Their recent races have illustrated the importance of tailoring nutrition strategies to individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. As a result, a thorough understanding of fueling has allowed Riley to perform at their best and achieve remarkable results, as evidenced by their recent race performances.
Embracing Risks and Aspirations
Riley has taken the unconventional route of prioritizing personal growth and athletic integrity over immediate sponsorship opportunities, choosing instead to wait for a meaningful partnership that aligns with their values. This decision reflects a broader commitment not only to individual success but also to elevating the standards within the sport, ensuring that athletes are treated fairly and compensated for their contributions. The willingness to embrace risks and pursue ambitious goals illustrates Riley's dedicated mindset towards their running career, as they recognize the importance of being authentic in their pursuits. This philosophy encourages a focus on long-term growth over short-term gains, ultimately benefiting both Riley and the trail running community.
Looking Ahead to Western States
As Riley prepares for the upcoming Western States 100, they approach the race with optimism and a focus on maintaining consistent training while also managing their nutrition effectively. Having learned valuable lessons from their previous attempt at Western States, where nutrition played a significant role in a challenging day, Riley is now confident in their improved fueling strategies. Their goal is to not only compete but also to push the boundaries and aim for the course record, which demonstrates an ambition to continually elevate their performance. With the culmination of solid training, recent successes, and a clear approach to nutrition, Riley is poised to make a significant impact at Western States.
Riley Brady is a pro trail runner living in Boulder, CO. Riley has been building a solid resume over the years but has recently broken through to achieve two huge back-to-back wins at the Javelina Jundred and Black Canyon 100k. This is Riley's first appearance on the podcast.
Topics discussed:
Riley's move to boulder and the benefit of the community and training environment
Being at peace and its benefits to performance
Riley's background growing up on the east coast
The benefits of not taking the safe route and setting big goals in life
Riley's training and progression with coach David Roche
Riley's win at Javelina, a performance that Riley was surprisingly not totally satisfied with
The massive 30min CR at Black Canyon 100k
Training towards Western States
Being patient and waiting for the right sponsorship
