Singletrack

In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I chat with sport scientist and physiologist Geoff Burns to unpack one of the biggest open questions in trail running right now: why shoe technology hasn’t produced a single, decisive “Vaporfly moment” on the trails - and whether it ever will.Geoff explains why trail running is fundamentally different from road running when it comes to performance gains. While road shoes can be optimized for straight-line efficiency on uniform surfaces, trail shoes operate in a far more complex system - one shaped by uneven terrain, gradients, stability demands, traction, weight, and constantly changing conditions Geoff explains:* Why super-shoe logic breaks down on trails* The real role of foams, plates, and energy return off-road* Why shoe tech gains often disappear on uphill, downhill, or technical terrain* Whether trail shoes are nearing saturation—or still wide open for innovation* How weight, traction, durability, and stability compete with pure efficiency* Why different trail races may require entirely different “optimal” shoes* What shoe tech might be changing in the sportPartners: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)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Support the show

Jeff Pelletier, a renowned running filmmaker and YouTube creator, shares insights into David Roche's game-changing approach to trail running content. He discusses how Roche's personal brand and compelling narrative arcs captivated audiences. Jeff emphasizes the power of relatable stories, including failures, over traditional highlight reels. He critiques why many brands miss the mark on YouTube and highlights successful athlete-driven channels. Expect trends towards TV-style storytelling to evolve endurance sports media further.

Leah Yingling, an esteemed ultrarunning commentator, joins the discussion to reflect on the transformative year of 2025 in ultrarunning. They analyze the biggest storylines, from the rise of elite athlete agents to media trends like Substack. The group celebrates breakthrough performances from newcomers and highlights dramatic race moments that left fans buzzing. Leah also delves into evolving training trends and the impact of technology in the sport, all while pondering what these changes mean for the future of ultrarunning.

Scott Hickenlooper, producer for Massif Running, joins to share exciting news about the acquisition of the Antelope Island Buffalo Run, a beloved trail race in Utah. They discuss preserving the race's unique spirit while enhancing the participant experience. The legacy of founder Jim Skaggs is honored as they outline race distances and the pause of the 100-mile category for 2026. Hickenlooper also highlights the stunning geography of Antelope Island and plans for community engagement and partnerships to ensure a vibrant running culture.

In this engaging discussion, neuroscientist Scott Frey, who coaches endurance athletes, delves into the pivotal role of the brain in ultrarunning. He explains how the central governor theory limits performance before physical failure and highlights the importance of mental traits like willpower and emotion regulation. Scott emphasizes the risks of data overload from wearables and advocates for training cognitive skills under fatigue. He also discusses the interplay of CNS fatigue and racing preparation, suggesting innovative strategies to optimize performance and recovery.

Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more.Chapters:02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting14:08 The Impact of Analytics on Sports20:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Running31:44 The Complexity of Commitment in Sports37:11 The Luddite Perspective on Modernity38:55 Sketches of Meaningful Lives43:12 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience45:54 Ambition vs. Spiritual Awakening53:32 Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Races57:42 Influencing Public Figures in Ultra RunningPartners: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)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Additional Links:Follow Nick on LinkedIn, The Running GroundFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to discuss the advent of the "Vertical" Backyard Ultra and recap the results at Ultra Trail Cape Town and the JFK 50, which took place this past weekend.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Additional Links:Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, CalibreFollow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

First up, Tim Tollefson returns to the show. In some ways, trail running is still having its “What Are We Even Doing?” moment. Through that lens, we take a look at the UTMB era, the rise of pro circuits, what the pros care about, and what happens when a grassroots sport takes bigger steps towards big-time structure. After that, I'm joined by Alyssa Clark for a roundup of trail running business news and ideation. Enjoy!Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Additional Links:Follow Tim on Instagram, Strava, Mammoth Trail FestFollow Alyssa on Instagram, Strava, Website Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

In this conversation, Jim Walmsley, a renowned professional ultra-trail runner, shares his insights on the transition from marathon to trail racing and the nuances of pacing in ultra events. He introduces the innovative 'Black Shorts Series,' aimed at elevating trail running's profile with team sponsorship and marquee races. Jim reflects on the evolution of the sport, the importance of managing low points during races, and his training strategies in a competitive environment. He also discusses athlete representation and the depth of the current racing field.

Will Murray joins the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his dominant, course-record victory at the 2025 Javelina Jundred.Partners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Additional Links:Follow Will on StravaFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show