We're always happy to have Tamira Jenlink -- Race Director for the LT100MTB -- on the program, but this time she brings some news that you will NOT want to miss. Seriously. We mean it. We're also detailing out the course --both strategy and mile-by-mile tactics -- from Twin Lakes Dam to the Goat Trail on Columbine. And since this includes the segment of the course that is different (and longer) as of last year, you'll want to pay special attention to how it's changed and how these changes will affect your race. 

How difficult can it be to drink? Judging by the number of hydration problems you see on race day, pretty darned difficult indeed. Dr Kevin Sprouse joins us to talk about how to stay hyrdrated on race day. We also dig into the surprisingly challenging 12 miles between Pipeline and Twin Lakes Dam, and how to achieve your goal for this part of the race: to get to the base of Columbine fueled, fast, and ready to climb.

When people talk about Leadville, they rarely rhapsodize about the flattish segments that connect the iconic climbs. And that's too bad, because how you ride between the climbs determines how you feel when you get to those climbs. In this episode of The Course, we help you ride smart on the road, seting a strategy for maximum gain with minimum effort. We're also pleased to have Dr Justin Ross join  to talk about a critical part of your Leadville prep: training your brain. Considering that most Leadville veterans agree this race is (at least) 80% mental, this conversation could make a real difference to you on race day. We'll see you at the starting line!

Considering that it represents only a tiny fraction of the time you spend on the LT100 course—just a few minutes, really—the Powerline descent deserves an outsized amount of preparation. Why? well if you ride it right it'll be behind you in a moment. If you ride it wrong, however, the Powerline descent can absolutely ruin your day. So of course we're going to give this quick downhill trip the time it deserves on The Course. We also meet up with Coach Cody of Waite Endurance, this time to talk about your next phase of training: high-intensity workouts. Follow his advice now and, come race day, you'll be glad you did.

Jason Tullous -- coach of 2x LT100 Champ Rose Grant -- joins the show to detail how Rose's pacing strategy helped her win the Leadville 100...and how some of the same techniques can help you have a great day out on the course too. Speaking of The Course, we cover mile 8 to 19 today, which means rolling by Merilee, through the Carter aid station, down the fastest 4 miles of the day, and working with others so you can all get to the big Sugarloaf climb a little faster and fresher. It's a great episode, full of info you can use. We'll see you at the starting line!

We deep dive into St. Kevens, the first big climb of the day, talking race strategy and what it feels like to climb 700 feet in 1.5 miles on a cold morning at 10,000' Hottie and Fatty also welcome Rohit Bery — one of the hundreds of racers starting from the White Corral in 2021 — to get a sense of how much of a funneling effect the back third of the race experiences when hitting the dirt and then turning onto the first big climb. Finally, Kimo Seymour joins to explain how the LT100 MTB race experience will be different with the introduction of the Life Time Grand Prix.  There's a ton of great info this episode. Don't miss it!

We finish every episode by saying, "See you at the starting line" -- but this episode, we deep dive into what you should do while you're AT the starting line. Kathy Waite of Waite Endurance makes a strong (ha) case for strength training, and Fatty talks about riding the Leadville 100...on his trainer. 

When we think about Leadville, we think about climbing. And when we think about climbing, we think about watts/Kg. And that makes us think about losing a few pounds to be a little faster on race day. But do we over-emphasize weight for this weight? And if we do diet, what's the right diet to do? This is a great episode for everyone who (like one of the hosts of this show) worries about weight.

We start every episode of this show by describing the LT100MTB race as "the highest and hardest 1-day race in the country." We stand by that...but how much of "hardest" is due to "highest?" Can you give yourself an advantage in the race by spending more time in Leadville before the race? If so, how much time, and how much does it help? We have an in-depth conversation with TrainerRoad CEO Chad Timmerman about altitude acclimation, and talk about how you should spend your days before the race. Don't miss it!

The Leadville Podcast is back, and this year we are focusing on making sure you know everything you need to have a successful race in the highest and hardest one-day mountain bike in the country. Hottie and Fatty return to The Course with a detailed look at your corral and qualifier strategy, as well as deep expertise with Coach Cody Waite of Waite Endurance. If you care about this race, this is a season -- and episode -- you will not want to miss.