Singletrack

Discover the rise of agents revolutionizing ultra trail running and the evolving dynamics of athlete representation. Get the latest scoop on the exciting UTMB highlights and the allure of the Fastest Known Time scene. Dive into the challenges of balancing traditional racing with FKTs, while exploring innovative training techniques and gear. Hear personal stories from the Mahoosuc Traverse and the transformative experiences from the Appalachian Trail. Plus, enjoy a playful take on the use of poles and fueling strategies in the thrilling world of trail running.

Tom Evans, the 2025 UTMB Champion, shares his insights on conquering extreme fatigue and soreness after rigorous races. He dives into altitude training, revealing how genetics and environment shape optimal strategies. Nutrition takes center stage as he emphasizes personalized fueling approaches and the importance of carbs for endurance. Mental ease and enjoyment in racing are discussed, highlighting the joy of running and preparation. Evans also shares race tactics, focusing on pacing, hydration, and the strategic use of supplements for peak performance.

Ruth Croft, the Professional trail and ultra runner, recently crowned the 2025 UTMB champion, shares her journey to success. She reflects on the challenges of managing post-race chaos and the resilience shaped by her upbringing in remote New Zealand. Ruth discusses the joy of natural running surfaces compared to synthetic tracks and the importance of mindfulness in daily life. She also emphasizes structured training, personal intuition, and the support of the running community in overcoming the mental and physical trials of ultra running.

Hillary Gerardi, a skyrunner and alpinist based in Chamonix, shares her thrilling journey of racing and risks in the mountains. She discusses her record-setting feat on Mont Blanc and the cultural contrasts between skyrunning in Europe and America. Hillary dives into her experiences navigating visa challenges in France and the emotional growth that ensued. The conversation reflects on community building through running, the intricate connection to Chamonix's history, and how athletes can advocate for societal change while enjoying nature's beauty.

Anton Krupicka, a professional endurance athlete known for his connection to mountain landscapes, shares insights on his history with the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) and his new role at La Sportiva. He reflects on the balance between competitive running and personal enjoyment, emphasizing meaningful experiences in the Alps. The conversation also touches on influential mountain athletes, the ethics of outdoor pursuits, and the challenges of maintaining a connection to nature. Plus, he recounts a humorous tale involving a vehicle named 'Deerslayer' on a training journey.

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Michael Versteeg is racing UTMB on Friday. We hosted him for a long-form conversation at our Chamonix studio and somehow didn’t spend much time talking about that fact at all. Instead, we covered topics like public lands, the Barkley Marathons, building houses, his deep connection to Cocodona, following curiosity wherever it leads, and the importance of checking obsession. Enjoy!Partners: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 SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Michael on Instagram, BlogFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Fresh off a transformative victory at Western States earlier this summer, Abby Hall returns to the show ahead of UTMB. We discuss her decision to take on the sport's de facto 100-mile world championship, the afterglow winning one of ultrarunning's biggest races, her relentless pursuit of excellence at the sharp end of competition, and - of course - the importance of curating the perfect playlist for the journey around the rooftop of Europe.Partners: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 SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Abby on Instagram, StravaFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Lucy Bartholomew, an accomplished Australian ultrarunner known for her consistent performances at UTMB, chats about her thrilling experiences in the world of ultra marathon racing. She dives into her adventures at GPT100 and reflects on the unique challenges of crewing Ryan Sandes at Cocodona 250. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of women's ultra running and the importance of community and personal connections in the sport. Lucy also shares her ambitions for future races, including aspirations for a sub-24-hour finish.

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Max Jolliffe is in Chamonix—and that was all the excuse we needed to sit down for a chat at our Chamonix studio. In this conversation, we reflect on our shared experiences at the Cocodona 250, look ahead to our reunion at The Mammoth next month, talk about playing the content game, and discuss the outlook for a professional career in ultrarunning.Partners: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 SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Max on Instagram, Youtube, and StravaFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!For the first time since 2017, Katie Schide will not be racing of the UTMB World Series final events. Instead, she's set to represent Team USA at the Long Trail World Championships in Canfranc, Spain next month. It felt like the perfect moment to catch up. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about her recent results at Hardrock and Sierre-Zinal, her history with stage racing, the prospect of elite-only race fields, her career progression, and the unique allure of Vermont's Long Trail. Partners: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 SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Katie on Instagram and StravaFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show