Singletrack

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

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!This conversation with Warren Doyle might need a bit of context if you’re not well-versed in the long-distance thru-hiking scene in North America. Warren is a prominent figure in the Appalachian Trail community. While there's some debate about the exact beginning of the modern fastest known time (FKT) scene on the AT, Warren's impressive 1973 record of 66 days and change is widely considered a significant milestone.Warren’s contributions to the trail are extensive. Over a 45-year period, he led eight large-group “circle” expeditions with near 100% completion rates. He founded the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and established the Appalachian Trail Institute, which has helped thousands of hikers achieve their thru-hiking goals. He has also played a key role in preparing notable figures like Jenn Pharr Davis and Liz Derstine for record-setting endurance attempts, and has advised many other prominent endurance athletes, including Karel Sabbe.I’m excited to have Warren on the show for several reasons. First and foremost, my deep love for the AT and my ongoing quest to understand its history. Warren has been a central figure in shaping the trail’s scene over the past 40 to 50 years. In our conversation, we’ll explore topics like the nature of endurance records on long trails, the purpose of the AT, social change, the impact of the outdoor industry on thru-hiking culture, the relationship between government and nature, and much more.Regardless of your familiarity with the scene, I think you’ll find this episode engaging. Warren is a vibrant and generous conversationalist, and I’m sure you’ll gain a lot from our discussion.Timestamps:02:00 Introduction and Backlash on the AT10:34 The Commercialization of the Outdoor Industry17:48 The Relationship Between the Trail and the Government25:22 The Importance of Substantive Conversations on the Trail40:10 Regulations and Policing of Mount Katahdin44:39 The Amateur Aspect of Endurance Hiking47:26 The Role of Support Crews in Endurance Record Attempts01:03:36 Challenges of Reintegrating into Society after the AT01:11:54 Embracing a Wilderness State of Mind01:17:04 Supporting Dreams and Moving Forward01:24:05 The Role of a Social Change Educator01:31:55 Concerns about the Future of the Appalachian Trail Sponsors: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.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.shop/) to get 15% 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. Additional Links:Warren's Website, Outside FeatureSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. We talk about the prospect of the backyard ultra format being added to the Olympic games, insights for trail runners from the Tour de France, a Western States 100 with no automatic returning top-10 runners, the value of increasing popularity in fastest known time attempts, and speculate where top runners like Zach Miller and Courtney Dauwalter might race next.   Timestamps:00:00 Imagining the Backyard Ultra Format in the Paris Olympics08:28 Tour de France Nutrition Strategies for Trail Running27:29 Training Partners vs. Crew Service39:40 Changing the Invitation System for Western States44:40 The Impact on Race Dynamics and Strategies48:04 The Role of Team Support and Camaraderie53:51 Improving the World Trail Majors' Team Format1:15:09 Harnessing the Power of Self-Talk in Sports Performance1:31:50 The Strava Pro Badge Purge1:35:34 The Worth of Increasing the Popularity of the FKT Scene Sponsors: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.Pillar Performance - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout on their website (https://pillarperformance.us/) to get 15% 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. 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!This episode was recorded live at Singletrack’s Olympic Valley studios ahead of the 2024 Western States 100.We were joined by Nick Bare and even though this was technically a pre-race interview, so much of what we talked about was only peripherally related to the event, so similar to the Scott Jurek and Sally McRae conversations from that week I wanted to save it for a stand-alone podcast a few weeks on.Specifically, we talk about creating portals online for people to find the sport of trail running, what it means to be a hybrid athlete, some of his favorite books about mental and physical strength, how to make our sport cooler or more memorable, his advice for athletes and creators from a content marketing standpoint, and what’s exciting him about a race like Western States.Sponsors:Brooks - check out their new Cascadia 18 shoe and High Point apparel collection (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack)Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% 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.   Additional Links:Follow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!This episode was recorded live at Singletrack’s Olympic Valley studios ahead of the 2024 Western States 100.We were joined by Sally McRae who probably needs no introduction. Sally is another person I've wanted to talk with since the inception of this podcast and even though this was technically a pre-race interview, so much of what we talked about was only peripherally related to the event, so similar to the Scott Jurek conversation I wanted to save it for a stand-alone podcast a few weeks on.Specifically, we talk about the trajectory of her career starting with her Nike trail contract signing in the mid-2010s, how to think about the business side of trail running as a creator or athlete, and some of her favorite Western States 100 stories dating back to some of those great Billy Yang films a few years ago.Sponsors:Brooks - check out their new Cascadia 18 shoe and High Point apparel collection (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack)Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% 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.   Additional Links:Follow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show