Is This Wearable About To Revolutionize Ultrarunning? (Long Run Archives #23)
Mar 3, 2025
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Discover groundbreaking innovations in ultrarunning gear, including revolutionary breathing sensors that enhance training. Explore the competitive landscapes of iconic races like Tarawera and the Barkley Marathons. Dive into exciting business ideas shaping trail running and the transformative potential of new footwear technology. The hosts share insights into the unique challenges faced by ultrarunners and the dynamic nature of athlete branding, along with personal anecdotes that add humor to their discussions. Tune in for an enlightening journey through the world of trail running!
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores innovative business ideas for trail running, emphasizing the potential for brands tailored to endurance athletes' unique needs.
Breathing sensors are highlighted as a groundbreaking technology for runners, offering advanced insights into breathing patterns and training optimization.
The discussion covers the excitement surrounding major upcoming races, reflecting on the potential for new records and the evolving landscape of competitive running.
Deep dives
Dollar Poppies and Grocery Finds
The episode opens with a lighthearted discussion about a local deal on 16-ounce poppy drinks available at 99 cents. The co-host recalls the joy of discovering such bargains at their favorite grocery store, emphasizing the experience of finding unexpected deals while shopping. There’s a sense of camaraderie among locals familiar with the grocery store's offerings. This mention serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and how effective local promotions can draw people in.
Starting a Trail Running Brand
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the challenges and opportunities associated with starting a trail running brand. The co-host shares insights from a discussion with a friend who recently launched a nutrition brand focused on trail running. They explore whether the strategy should involve influencer marketing or more grassroots approaches. This leads to a broader contemplation of what categories within the running industry could be explored today, though both speakers concede that while they have ideas, they hesitate to commit to any one of them.
The Untapped Strength Equipment Market
There's an intriguing proposal regarding the creation of a strength training brand specifically targeting endurance athletes. The co-host highlights the lack of strength equipment brands that cater to the endurance community's specific needs and comfort levels. The conversation emphasizes the unique opportunity to create a brand that offers properly marketed strength equipment tailored for runners. Given the growing awareness of the importance of strength training among endurance athletes, developing this niche could yield significant benefits for health and performance.
Innovation in Treadmill Technology
The podcast delves into the potential for innovation in treadmill technology, especially regarding interactive running experiences. One idea discussed is a treadmill that connects with a platform similar to Zwift, allowing for simulated outdoor running experiences with real-life terrain changes. The speakers contemplate how such technology could transform indoor training and enhance the running experience. This highlights a gap in the market for more engaging treadmill experiences that could attract runners who want variety and excitement during their workouts.
Breathing Sensors in Training
An interesting discussion arises around the concept of breathing sensors as a future trend in training technology for runners. These sensors are said to offer insights into breathing patterns and metabolic output, potentially providing data that rivals current performance metrics like heart rate. This emerging technology could help athletes optimize their training and performance in a way not previously possible. The conversation reflects a growing interest in integrating advanced technologies into running and fitness, signaling a shift towards more data-driven training methodologies.
Looking Ahead to Major Races
As the podcast draws to a close, there’s anticipation about upcoming races, particularly Cascade Crest and western states. The speakers discuss how various athletes could potentially impact course records, especially under changing conditions. They reflect on previous records, the pressure on current athletes, and the historical significance wrapped around these prestigious races. This final segment captures the excitement and unpredictability that comes with competitive running, as well as the reverence for those who have set the bar high.
Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig convene for another edition of the Long Run Archives. They talk about business ideas for trail running, the rise of breathing sensors in training and racing contexts, Grand Slam Track, the continued golden ticket chase at Tarawera, the final year of Pine to Palm, and the Barkley Marathons.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - business ideas for trail running
(17:43) - breathing sensors
(35:28) - Grand Slam Track
(44:45) - Nnormal
(57:07) - Tarawera
(68:49) - Pine to Palm
(87:09) - Barkley Marathons
(91:02) - records that won't be broken anytime soon
Partners:
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
