The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Ruth Croft | 2025 UTMB Champion Post-Race Interview

12 snips
Aug 31, 2025
Guest
Ruth Croft
Ruth Croft, a professional ultrarunner from New Zealand and the 2025 UTMB Champion, shares her journey to victory at one of trail running's biggest events. She discusses the strategic decisions she made during the race and the mental and physical challenges she faced. The conversation delves into the evolution of competitive racing, the crucial role of coaching, and innovative training strategies, including the fun side of recovery, like celebrating with peanut butter whiskey. It's an inspiring peek into the world of elite trail running!
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ADVICE

Use A Data-Backed Pacing Plan

  • Do follow a data-driven pacing plan when targeting a specific result in a long race.
  • Adjust the plan for conditions and be willing to back off if weather risks burning matches.
ANECDOTE

Transvulcania Taught Thermoregulation

  • Ruth DNF'd Transvulcania in bad cold/wet conditions and used that experience to prepare gear and thermoregulation strategies.
  • She packed heavier layers and practiced putting them on proactively to avoid getting cold again.
ADVICE

Prioritize Warmth And Backup Kit

  • Do prioritize staying warm over immediate time gains when cold threatens your finish.
  • Bring backups for critical kit like headlamps and change batteries before they fail in wet conditions.
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