Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!This past Saturday night at 11:53 PM, Tara Dower set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail in 40 days 18 hours 5 minutes, besting Karel Sabbe's 2018 mark by 13 hours and 32 minutes.Starting August 12th at 5:47 AM, Dower averaged 54+ miles per day over 2,197.4 miles of rugged and relentless terrain from Maine to Georgia to set the mark.In masterfully riding a fine line of passion, grit, faith, and resourcefulness, Tara and her crew have set a new standard on this trail. I said this on an Instagram post shortly after the news broke, but I’ll say it here as well - it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially in a year that has seen the likes of the first female Barkley finisher, a UTMB course record, and a Hardrock course record - but is this the female performance of the year? Or better yet, is this the overall performance of the year regardless of gender? This is an amazing time to be in the sport. With all that said, we were fortunate to have Tara on the podcast shortly after her feat. In this conversation, we cover topics all about the Appalachian Trail record around her background, preparation, strategy, execution, mindset, and processing of this monumental achievement. If you want more long-distance hiking trail or Appalachian Trail trail-specific content, be sure to check out our interviews with Will Peterson, Warren Doyle, and Jennifer Pharr Davis from the past year. Hope you enjoy this one!Timestamps:00:00 - How Tara Is Feeling Post-Appalachian Trail FKT, Expressions of Gratitude05:06 - Worry About Falling Too Far Behind Karel Sabbe's Mark Early On14:00 - Tara's Thru-Hiking And Ultrarunning Background21:21 - Preparation For The Appalachian Trail Record33:00 - Appalachian Trail FKT Strategy45:23 - Daily Schedule57:59 - Highlights From Various Sections Of The Appalachian Trail 68:15 - Making A Statement For Female Athletes, Mindset, Launching PointsPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Related Episodes:#335 - Will Peterson | Inside The Fastest Known Time On Vermont’s Long Trail#329 - Exploring Appalachian Trail History and Endurance Records with Warren Doyle#284 - Jennifer Pharr Davis | Appalachian Trail Reflections, State of FKTs, Pursuits of EnduranceAdditional 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!After reading her book, "The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team", I was eager to connect with Kara Goucher for an in-depth conversation.For those less familiar with the road running scene, Kara was one of the top American distance runners of the 2000s and 2010s, achieving podium finishes at prestigious events like the Boston and New York City Marathons, as well as the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials. She also claimed victory at the US Half Marathon Championships the same year, among numerous other accolades. In 2004, she joined the Nike Oregon Project, led by distance running legend Alberto Salazar. Behind the scenes, however, Salazar was pushing the boundaries of anti-doping regulations while fostering a toxic culture of misogyny and athlete abuse. Despite the risk of losing everything and facing immense pressure, Kara found the courage to speak out and successfully advocate for meaningful change.In our discussion, we explore various themes from The Longest Race, and we also discuss current events, including her podcast with Des Linden - "Nobody Asked Us", and the challenges with today’s anti-doping investigative models.Before we dive in, please note that this episode is a crossover from my guest-hosting stint on the Run To The Top podcast earlier this spring. Be sure to check out Run To The Top for their excellent coaching resources and content here: https://runnersconnect.net/running-podcast/Timestamps:02:00 Introduction and Podcasting, Creative Freedom and Speaking Freely10:05 Lack of Change at Nike, Perception of Nike and Possibility for Change13:39 Support for Athletes and Career Transitions, Effects of Pregnancy Clause19:36 Impact on Career and Olympic Trials, Taking Responsibility and Speaking Up23:32 The Appeal of the Oregon Project, The Motivational Climate of the Group25:31 Staying Silent in an Abusive System, The Charisma of Alberto Salazar34:38 Healing and Reconciliation, Moving On and Confronting the Past, Trusting in the Sport38:40 The Challenge of Catching Dopers, Need for an Investigative Model, Future of Anti-DopingPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Additional Links:Check out RunnersConnectFollow Kara on Instagram, Podcast, BookFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Matt Trappe to the show. If you’ve been following ultrarunning media over the past decade, Matt’s name might ring a bell. He’s been behind some fantastic content over the last decade, including Jim Walmsley’s "Lighting The Fire" series, "Droddy," and "Leadman: The Dave Mackey Story," among other influential projects.Matt has recently launched a new brand called Auteur Sportif, which we’ll link to in the show notes below. He’s also an insightful follow on LinkedIn, where he shares valuable commentary on the latest news inside the creative and business realms of endurance sports.In our conversation, we dive into a range of topics, such as the role of storytelling in brand marketing, the significance of context and human connection in athlete narratives, and how the digital age is reshaping marketing in the trail running space. We also discuss the fragmentation of cultural conversations and the need for brands to engage with their audiences in new ways. Additionally, we explore the potential split between professional and participant markets in ultrarunning, and have some fun exploring open job roles in the sport, like the PR position at UTMB and the Global Creative Director role at Salomon.Timestamps:02:24 The Power of Filmmaking in Athlete Narratives07:45 Balancing Brand Marketing and Performance Marketing15:01 The Rise of Niche Brands in the Digital Age19:08 Navigating the Fragmented Cultural Conversation21:12 The Value of Long-Term Brand Marketing27:38 The PR Opportunity of a Lifetime at UTMB37:19 The Power of Storytelling44:52 The Evolution of Races54:14 Marketing Activations and Moments58:08 Decoupling Athletes from RacesPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Additional Links:Follow Matt on LinkedIn, Personal Website, Auteur SportifFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Katie Schide returns to the show a week removed from her historic, record-setting win at the 2024 UTMB. Given that Katie will be on the media circuit fielding many interviews over the next few days and weeks, we focused on some unique angles in this conversation - getting the inside scoop on what the immediate aftermath looks like for pro runners finishing at the front of this race, the psychology of handling near constant media attention from start to finish on this course, whether it makes sense to separate start times for the men’s and women’s races at UTMB, what to do once you’ve succeeded at the pinnacle of the sport, and more. It’s always great to have Katie on the show and stay tuned because our "Eurotrack" series will be returning in early October when we get together to preview the high-profile races at Les Templiers and Grand Raid. Timestamps:02:00 The Challenges of the UTMB Finish Line06:49 Navigating the Livestream Spotlight and Performative Expectations12:24 The Increasing Competitiveness of the Women's Field18:59 Constantly Striving for Improvement30:44 Contemplating Hardrock, Trail World ChampionshipsPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Additional Links:Follow Katie on Instagram, Strava, North FaceFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Will Peterson joins the show to talk about the fastest known time he set this past weekend on Vermont’s Long Trail, the oldest continuous footpath in the United States and the setting for many notable performances over the years from top athletes in the ultrarunning scene like Nikki Kimball, Joe McConaughy, Jennifer Pharr Davis, and John Kelly. We talk about all aspects of Will’s effort including mental and physical preparation, multi-day strategy, highlights from his race report, the skillset to accomplish something of this stature, whether he plans to stay in this type of arena in the future, and some fun topics generated by listeners and viewers (like whether he’d do the full Appalachian Trail).Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Initial Feelings06:40 The Long Trail and Other Routes10:38 Background and Skillset15:17 Motivation and Competition19:14 The Evolving FKT Scene24:17 Creating a Competitive Narrative and Mental Strategies27:04 Training and Preparation36:22 Planning and Adaptability in FKT Attempts55:46 The Future of FKTs: Amateurs and Professionals01:01:41 Data-Driven Goals for Optimal Performance01:09:18 Instigating Participation in the Multi-Day Scene01:11:06 Future in Multi-Day FKTs01:17:21 The Debate on Expanded FKT Leaderboards01:19:32 The Appalachian Trail and Future Challenges01:23:38 Reflections on FKT of the Year Snub01:26:06 The Unique Challenges of the 100 Mile Wilderness01:31:24 Regulating External Communication on Unsupported Efforts01:41:11 Gratitude for the CrewPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Additional Links:Follow Will on Instagram, Strava, From The Backcountry PodcastFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join Singletrack to recap the 2024 UTMB. We talk about the impressive performances of race winners Katie Schide and Vincent Bouillard, the standout achievements of the top 10 women, DNF culture in big-stage events, and the challenges of fueling during overnight races among other topics. Timestamps:03:53 DNF Culture 31:38 Comparing the Impressive Performances of the Women's Top 10, The Potential for Improvement on the UTMB Course, The Future of Women's Racing at UTMB, Shoutouts to Sabrina Stanley, Lucy Bartholomew, and Marianne Hogan48:22 The Background and Future of Vincent Viet, The Compelling Nature of Unknown and Unlikely Winners, Balancing a Breakthrough Result with a Previous Life01:23:14 The Presence of Prototype Shoes, The Evolution of UTMB into a Trade Show01:31:25 Fueling Challenges in Overnight Races, Questioning the High Carb Fueling Trend01:48:57 The Importance of Constructive Dialogue in the Sport, Improvements in the Coverage of the Women's Race, Positive Changes Arising from Controversies, Receptiveness to Criticism and GrowthPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order.Additional Links:Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow 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!Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling retunr to the Singletrack Podcast to help preview the women's and men's fields at the 2024 Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). In both fields, we cover top storylines and what to watch for, we answer some listener mail about the race, provide analysis of top contenders, categorize who we see as candidates for the win, for the podium, and the top 10, and we make bold predictions across a number of other fun categories.Timestamps:(0:43) - Course Strategy(18:57) - Women's Field Preview(73:12) - Men's Field Preview Partners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order.Additional Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Abby Hall, an exceptional writer and athlete, shares her inspiring journey toward the 2024 UTMB after recovering from a serious injury. She discusses the challenges of rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and structured routines. Abby highlights the emotional aspects of recovery and the impact of sports psychology, including unique coping strategies that helped her heal. She reflects on building supportive relationships and finding joy in both training and racing, offering listeners valuable insights into resilience and passion.

Tom Evans, an accomplished ultrarunner, shares insights from his unique journey that began in the military and found inspiration in Kenya. He discusses overcoming last year's challenges at UTMB, the impact of media and social media on performance, and his evolving training strategies incorporating the latest sports science. Evans emphasizes mental preparation and the delicate balance between engagement and focus leading up to a race, while also reflecting on nutrition tactics that optimize his endurance.

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast to talk about his upcoming title defense at Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB), final takeaways from his win at the Western States 100 in June, observations from spectating this year's Hardrock 100, whether he would ever do a full season on the Golden Trail series circuit, and how his career in ultrarunning has progressed to date both from training and race standpoints.Timestamps:00:00 The Increasing Competitiveness of Western States09:02 The Importance of Mental Strength in Racing15:19 Considering the Golden Trail Series18:22 Adjusting Strategies for Future Races22:50 The Challenges of the UTMB Course27:56 Keeping Training Private for Focus33:25 Approaching UTMB with Caution 35:30 Considering the World Trail Championships39:31 The Longevity of a Successful Career49:29 Finding Inspiration in Other SportsPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack10 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 10% off your next order.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% off your next order. Additional Links:Follow Jim on Instagram, StravaFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show