Singletrack

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!John Kelly returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to reflect on the 2025 Barkley Marathons and the insights he has gained from the notorious event over the past decade. He then dives into announcing and discussing his plans to attempt the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail later this year.Timestamps:(0:00) - the difficulty of the 2025 Barkley Marathons course(1:36) - the importance of a "pipeline" of Barkley finishers(10:13) - the intentions of Lazarus Lake and Carl Laniak(14:58) - Barkley is not an orienteering event(23:00) - Brett Maune course record reflection(25:02) - whether Barkley will still be relevant after the Laz era(26:10) - Appalachian Trail FKT announcement(33:30) - the difficulty of beating the current fastest known time(37:21) - Appalachian Trail influences(43:14) - opportunities for improvement in the record approach(46:28) - building out support team(50:53) - how much it takes to prepare(01:04:15) - mental performance strategy(01:06:22) - final thoughtsPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow John on Instagram, Strava, WebsiteFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!We've got another classic edition of the Long Run Archives on deck, but it's been a minute. We've been fully immersed in all things Barkley Marathons, working hard to bring a few key projects to the finish line.Two big shoutouts here:First, The Finisher, a long-form documentary about Jasmin Paris’ three-year journey to become the first female finisher at the Barkley. Huge credit and gratitude to Jules Campanelli, Drew Darby, and Rob Fisher, who worked tirelessly to bring this piece to life. We wrapped it up in great form last week.Second, we turned around a 2025 Barkley recap vlog to get a window in this year’s event as quickly as possible. That’s now live on the Singletrack YouTube channel, thanks to the excellent work of my friend and colleague, Roo Smith.Anyways, in this edition of the Long Run Archives, Brett and I chat all things Big Alta, Chianti, Barkley, and Crown King before closing with the best stuff we found on the internet this week. Enjoy!Timestamps:(1:33) - Big Alta(25:14) - Chianti(41:41) - Barkley Marathons(64:06) - Courtney Dauwalter + Crown King(76:42) - Best Stuff We Found On The InternetPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:HypershellFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, Coaching, PatreonFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Dylan Harris, an ultrarunning filmmaker and director of 'The Chase,' shares insights on the competitive spirit and unique personalities of the racers in the upcoming 2024 Cocodona 250. He discusses the transformative experiences of featured athletes like Jeff Browning and Arlen Glick, emphasizing resilience and community in the sport. The conversation also critiques past ultrarunning documentaries and highlights the need for authentic storytelling in future films, celebrating the deep connections formed through these extreme challenges.

Discover groundbreaking innovations in ultrarunning gear, including revolutionary breathing sensors that enhance training. Explore the competitive landscapes of iconic races like Tarawera and the Barkley Marathons. Dive into exciting business ideas shaping trail running and the transformative potential of new footwear technology. The hosts share insights into the unique challenges faced by ultrarunners and the dynamic nature of athlete branding, along with personal anecdotes that add humor to their discussions. Tune in for an enlightening journey through the world of trail running!

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Caleb Olson returns to the show to discuss his dominant win at the Transgrancanaria Classic this past weekend. We dive into his conscious transition in racing style from hunter to race leader, the pack dynamics with Jon Albon and Josh Wade, the unique challenges of the TGC course, whether he feels different after such a significant career victory, and what might be next for him in 2025.Timestamps:(2:35) - small talk, in-person recording debacle(5:27) - impact of Tom Evans not racing, being overlooked(8:45) - the psychology of dictating the race, how he made that shift(13:53) - working with Jack Kuenzle, training approach, being Strava "dim"(22:39) - staying motivated to lead the race, pack dynamic with Jon and Josh(38:52) - race mantras, the interest and courage to evolve as a pro(56:05) - unique challenges of the Transgrancanaria course(63:50) - final reflections, what's nextPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Additional Links:Caleb's TGC FootageFollow Caleb on Instagram, Strava, SubstackFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to recap highlights and takeaways from the Black Canyon 100K and 50K races in Arizona this past weekend. We talk about the rise of the 50K, "race shapers", evidence for high-carb failures, gear takeaways, moving the women's start before the men's race, and top performances from the likes of Seth Ruhling, Riley Brady, Tara Dower, and Will Murray.Timestamps:(0:00) - 50K Recap(12:50) - Race Shapers(26:25) - High Carb Failures?(39:08) - Gear Stuff(48:20) - Riley Brady(66:23) - Joe McConaughy(74:42) - Seth Ruhling(80:27) - Tara Dower(90:34) - Livestream(96:02) - Moving The Women's Start?Partners:Norda - one giant leap for trail-kind (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACK30 at checkout on their website (https://www.gorewear.com) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Additional Links:Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Tara Dower returns to the show to talk about life after setting the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail, re-signing with Altra, building a high-performance team to support her ultrarunning goals, the Black Canyon 100K experience, and her outlook on this year’s Western States 100.Timestamps01:12 Setting Ambitious Goals04:05 The Grind of The Black Canyon 100K07:12 Bouncing Back from the AT10:25 Building a High-Performance Team13:46 Mindset Techniques for Success15:46 Nutrition and Race Day Preparation17:48 Navigating Media Attention24:12 The Role of an Agent26:01 Reflections on the Appalachian Trail40:35 Choosing Durango: A Runner's Paradise43:16 Mindset on the Start Line53:37 Reflections on Performance and Improvement01:02:19  The Golden Ticket Experience01:05:41 Compartmentalizing Pressure and Expectations01:08:50 Breaking Barriers in Ultra Running01:12:25 Future Goals: Long Trails and New AdventuresPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Tara on Instagram, YouTube, Website, Girls On The RunFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K.Timestamps:(0:00) - Catching Up, Partnership News(5:27) - Listener Questions For Black Canyon(36:53) - Women's Field Analysis(1:07:33) - Men's Field Analysis(1:41:37) - Final ThoughtsPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and David Roche return to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives.Timestamps:(2:35) - shoe contracts, trial by miles vlog, future content ideas(27:51) - cycling to trail crossover talk, pending competitive edge of full-time athletes(01:13:24) - rivalry in trail running, the role of authenticity in competition(01:58:49) - open questions on doping, fairness in trail running, anxieties of clean athletesPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow David on Patreon, SWAP, Strava, InstagramFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jamil Coury joins the show to talk about the reasons behind his renewed passion for running, some inner workings of the Cocodona 250, various eras of Aravaipa Running, and his relatively recent acquisition of Ultrarunning Magazine. Timestamps:(0:50) - Chipotle Challenge(13:35) - Cocodona 250(37:51) - Reflecting On Eras Of Aravaipa Running(92:57) - Ultrarunning MagazinePartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/) Additional Links:Follow Jamil on Instagram, Strava, YouTube, WebsiteFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show