Singletrack

A rip-roaring recap of course-record runs and why the women’s race suddenly exploded. Heated debate over Anne Flower’s minimalist cooling strategy and Molly Seidel’s dramatic 100K debut mistakes. Deep dive into Hans Troyer’s record-setting performance and chaotic Golden Ticket drama shaping Western States qualifiers.

Jeff Colt, trail and ultrarunning commentator known for sharp race analysis, breaks down Tarawera, Black Canyon and the Barkley Marathons. He walks through podiums, course records and Western States golden-ticket roll-downs. They also cover crowdfunded prize purses, a pacer advisory vote, industry acquisitions, and new youth and pro race initiatives.

Race storylines and who needs a breakout performance. Early-season training mismatches and tactical pacing into mile 20. Course quirks like the fast descent, heat risks, and the Venus Flytrap. Aid station strategy, crew transitions, and how small delays change outcomes. Deep women's and men's field analyses with time forecasts and golden-ticket implications.

Quick rundowns of major race schedule changes and a lucrative $435K prize pot. A new Utah UTMB race and its local impact get unpacked. Conversation about a U.S. Skyrunning series and big-name signups stirring media attention. Debate over pacer rules and creative marketing stunts like a $40K sub-four mile challenge. Notices about athlete management roles, sponsor moves, and board openings.

Sabrina Stanley, a professional ultrarunner who returned to competition after an ovarian cancer diagnosis, shares her medical journey in brief. She talks about training through chemo and immunotherapy. Sabrina explains why she limits social media, her OnlyFans partnership as an alternative sponsorship, and how racing the Arc of Attrition 100 marked a meaningful step in her comeback.

Molly Seidel, Olympic medalist turned trail and ultrarunner, reflects on leaving elite marathoning for a healthier, more sustainable path. She talks injury, identity, sponsorship changes, and why trail racing’s community and media appeal drew her in. Short, honest takes on social media, training shifts, and building a new racing future.

A lively roundup of big moves in trail running, including Sabrina Stanley’s comeback and Molly Seidel’s bold switch to trails. They unpack Courtney Dauwalter carrying the Olympic torch and what that means for the sport’s profile. Racing results, sponsorship shifts, and debates about event growth and integrity also get quick, punchy attention.

Andy Blow, founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration and sports scientist with F1 and Porsche Human Performance Centre experience, breaks down fueling and hydration myths. He explains carbs, gut training, sweat-rate and sodium basics. He critiques current sweat tech, warns about compounded errors in multi-day races, and outlines practical race-day guardrails for crews and pacers.

They debate whether mental toughness or raw fitness actually wins ultra races. They unpack team tactics, pacer ethics and the rise of super-domestiques. A heated rivalry between Ben Dehmon and the Boulder Boys gets aired. The conversation questions 200-mile race status, media narratives, and what truly signals elite performance.

Brett Hornig and Mike McMonagle join the show to reflect on the 2025 Ultrarunner of the Year and Trail Runner of the Year rankings, plus some way-too-early hype for our showdown at this year's Bear 100.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)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) Additional Links:Follow Mike on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show