Singletrack The AI Frontier in Ultrarunning + Technology Doping (Nick Thompson Interview)
Dec 7, 2025
01:00:42
Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more.
Chapters:
- 02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running
- 05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training
- 08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI
- 10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting
- 14:08 The Impact of Analytics on Sports
- 20:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Running
- 31:44 The Complexity of Commitment in Sports
- 37:11 The Luddite Perspective on Modernity
- 38:55 Sketches of Meaningful Lives
- 43:12 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience
- 45:54 Ambition vs. Spiritual Awakening
- 53:32 Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Races
- 57:42 Influencing Public Figures in Ultra Running
Partners:
- Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
- Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
- deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)
- Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
- Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.
Additional Links: