Katie Schide & Germain Grangier | The Next Chapter with On
Apr 14, 2025
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Katie Schide, the reigning Trail Runner of the Year and UTMB champion, is joined by Germain Grangier, a UTMB podium contender. They celebrate their long-term partnership with On, sharing insights into their experiences with the brand and their product testing journey. The duo discusses their winter training, the thrill of preparing for the Hard Rock race, and the evolving dynamics of teamwork in trail running. They emphasize the importance of collaboration in navigating sponsorships and the excitement of upcoming competitions.
Katie Schide and Germain Grangier have re-signed with On, reflecting the brand's evolution and improved product quality in trail running gear.
Their partnership not only enhances their individual racing performances but also underscores the importance of mutual support and communication in teamwork.
Deep dives
Major Signing Announcement
Katie Scheid and Germain Granger have made headlines in the trail running community by signing with the brand On, marking a significant return after previously leaving due to concerns about product quality. Both athletes are considered at the pinnacle of the sport, with Scheid being a champion of notable races such as the Western States and UTMB, and Granger also achieving podium finishes at prestigious events. The episode highlights the evolution of On's products, showcasing their recent advancements, especially in trail running gear, such as the upcoming launch of the Cloud Ultra Pro super shoe. This merger signifies On's commitment to enhancing their presence in the outdoor category, reflecting a strategic investment in top talent to push the brand forward.
Transformation of On’s Product Line
The conversation emphasizes the remarkable transformation of On's trail running products since Katie and Germain's initial tenure with the company. Scheid expresses her confidence in On's new direction, equating their swift success in track and field to their potential in trail running, considering the brand's ability to develop high-quality shoes swiftly. Germain adds that the company's approach is all-in when committing to product innovation, particularly emphasizing how their efforts are athlete-focused. This approach contrasts with their earlier experience, where they felt the products didn't meet the rigorous demands of trail running, ultimately showing the brand's evolution and increased dedication to this segment.
Challenges and Training Adjustments
Katie and Germain discuss their winter training routines, emphasizing their adaptability as professional athletes by engaging in various sports, such as road racing and ski mountaineering. Both athletes share experiences of navigating injuries, including Germain's recent rib injury, while maintaining a focus on prepping for the upcoming trail racing season. Katie recognizes the overlapping nature of different types of racing and training, highlighting how these varied experiences can benefit their performance in trail events. Their diverse training approach showcases their dedication to ensuring they are well-prepared for their main goal—competing in the Hard Rock race this summer.
Building Team Dynamics and Support
The episode also delves into the dynamics of Katie and Germain's partnership, which is characterized by mutual support and shared goals, allowing them to navigate sponsorship deals together. They express the importance of having an established system where they both support each other's race preparations, highlighting how their teamwork enhances their performances. Both athletes emphasize the necessity of clear communication, planning, and collaboration, which has evolved as they have gained more experience in the sport. Their commitment to racing together serves not only personal ambitions but also creates a stronger collective presence within the trail running community.
Katie Schide is the reigning Trail Runner of the Year, a Western States and UTMB champion, and Germain Grangier is a UTMB and Diagonale des Fous podium performer -- they are two of the best trail runners in the world.
This episode goes deeper into the major breaking news that they have officially re-signed a long term partnership with On, the Swiss performance juggernaut and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. We discuss their history with On, testing and developing confidence in the new product, On’s increased investments in the outdoor and trail categories, the excitement of working with such a fast growing brand, navigating the process together as a team and all the considerations that went into this huge decision. Of course, at the end we talk about their upcoming trail season which will be highlighted by their participation at Hardrock
Congrats to Katie and Germain on this big new step. Hope you enjoy the show.
