Singletrack

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

In this annual State of Singletrack episode, Finn Melanson sits down with longtime collaborator Scott Hickenlooper to reflect on where Singletrack has been, what defined 2025 from multiple angles, and how the business, media projects, and personal priorities are evolving heading into 2026.The conversation covers why the State of Singletrack format exists, how Finn thinks about transparency and building in public, and what listening habits and creative influences shaped the show over the past year. Finn looks back on the biggest accomplishments of 2025, including the release of Singletrack’s first feature-length film The Finisher and the launch of Twisted Fork Trail Festival, while also addressing where things fell short, from missed product ideas to community initiatives that never fully materialized.The episode examines the realities of building a trail running media company, including the fragility of sponsorship-driven business models, how partnerships are structured, and why diversification through events and race coverage has become essential. Finn and Scott also discuss the growth of Singletrack’s YouTube channel, the challenges of sustaining that momentum, and open questions around future video projects and personal storytelling.Looking ahead, Finn shares what excites him most about 2026, including Jules Campanelli joining Singletrack full-time, upcoming race directing responsibilities, coverage plans for major events, and his own racing focus on Scout Mountain 100 and the Bear 100.The episode closes with audience questions, reflections on how Finn’s perspective on the sport has changed, advice for aspiring creators and athletes, and a look at dream interviews that remain at the top of the wish list.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/)Support the show

Rachel Entrekin, a professional trail and ultrarunner celebrated for her 200-mile performances, shares her insights on the evolution of racing strategies. She details how high mileage training has changed, emphasizing the importance of time on feet. Rachel discusses the shift to full-time running, highlighting self-care as a priority. She reflects on her Cocodona 250 victory and the competitive dynamics of gender categories. With advice for 200-mile newbies, she underscores the need for aggressive racing starts and optimizing performance in a rapidly evolving sport.