Singletrack

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!🗣️ “The more I’m exposed to better athletes and better people and their unique things, the more obsessed they are. The more it drives their day-to-day, it drives their minute-to-minute, and nothing else kinda matters.”Widely recognized as one of America’s best middle-distance runners in the 2010s, Ben Blankenship joins the Singletrack Podcast to talk about his move into ultra-trail running, racing the Rabid Raccoon 100 miler in March, the nature of obsession and the willingness to push limits at the top of the sport, the allure of the dirtbag runner lifestyle, and his experience at the 2015 UTMB watching the likes of David Laney, Tim Tollefson and Zach Miller throw down.Timestamps:(1:21)  - witnessing the 2015 UTMB with Nike Trail (5:17) - running background, the opportunities he seized to build a career(9:46) - the psychological builds of elite runners, bougie versus dirtbag distinctions(17:02) - how to watch running (21:10) - grappling with a running career at a crossroads(24:03) - being coached by Ryan Hall, trail running training (30:04) - Rabid Raccoon 100, testing the ultra scene, Grayson Murphy's influence(36:47) - Endless Mileage ProjectSponsors: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.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack). Links:Follow Ben on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Endless Mileage ProjectFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Sam Parsons returns to provide an update on Tinman Elite, a professional running team based out of Boulder, CO. We get into the challenges of building, maintaining, and growing the team, influencing the greater professional culture in running, and reflections on Sam’s athletic mortality and what the future might hold for him. Note - Earlier this month we reposted a conversation with Sam from November 2021 that queues this one up nicely. Go check it out, if you haven't already.  Timestamps:(0:48) - there's still no co-located ultra-trail running team (3:24) - the wins and losses for Tinman Elite over the last 2 years(9:06) - why it's still worth it(11:54) - the dark side of discipline(19:26) - the requirements to keep at it in yours 30s(29:20) - changing the culture of pro running(34:38) - rivalries in running, recruiting runners with fire(44:34) - stock up or stock down, the next road runner to go to trail, next stepsSponsors: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.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack). Links:Follow Sam on Instagram, StravaFollow Tinman Elite on Instagram, YouTube, Website Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Zach Miller is a professional trail runner for the North Face. In this conversation, we cover this latest thoughts on training, racing, and UTMB.Timestamps:(1:06) - UTMB Thoughts(35:56) - Training, Racing, Career Thoughts(89:53) - Miscellaneous Topics, Next StepsSponsors: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.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Links:Follow Zach on Instagram, Strava, IRunFarFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Way back in November 2021 when this show was just getting off the ground, we did an episode with Sam Parsons - a professional runner and cofounder of the Tinman Elite team based in Boulder, CO. At the time, I was surprised that we had not seen the formation and widespread existence of a truly professionalized, co-located team in the trail running world. So I reached out, he gave me an hour, and I tried to fit in as many questions as I could about how they operate, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what it would take to create something similar in our community.I have never done an episode re-run before, but I’m doing it now because (a) it’s been over 2 years and we’re in a similar position to where we were in 2021, (b) the show didn’t have many listeners when the original episode aired so there was little to no reach for the message, and (c) this re-run may queue up a potential part 2 later this winter.Lastly, I’m well aware of the unique challenges that our sport presents for this idea to work, but I’m still convinced it’s a good idea. So, I hope that in the coming months and years a band of motivated people run with this idea and make something happen.  Timestamps(1:46) - the story of Tinman Elite(4:01) - speculating on the potential for trail running teams (7:09) - the Tinman playbook for recruiting team members(12:17) - how Tinman coordinates training, racing schedules(17:34) - why aspiring pro runners still default to the roads and track(22:54) - how Sam would grow the sport of trail running(26:47) - Adidas internship(32:17) - brand marketing inspirations for running teams(34:08) - how Tinman creates content for social media(46:08) - lessons from Tinman for the next trail running teamSponsors: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.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack). LinksFollow Sam Parsons and Tinman Elite Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Trail Tea is back! In this edition, I am once again joined by Jack Kuenzle, Dan Curts, and Abby Levene. There is a fair bit of profanity used in this episode, so you are forewarned on that front. And one issue to be aware of before listening - I neglected to catch an audio issue with Dan’s microphone early in the episode that persists and ultimately, gets worse through the end of the conversation. I looked into possible fixes in post-production, but could not find an adequate solution.  We will make sure the 3rd edition (and all future editions of TT, for that matter) have immaculate audio quality. Timestamps:(2:33) why Jack is not racing UTMB next year, general thoughts on whether to opt out of the UTMB system(62:06) doping in trail running, genetic predetermination of success in the sport(81:05) debating the value of trail running media Sponsors: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.Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Links:Follow Jack on Strava and InstagramFollow Abby on Strava and InstagramFollow Dan on Strava and InstagramFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!I am joined by co-hosts Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling to recap the year in mountain ultra trail running. We cover our favorite storylines, biggest changes in the sport, the rookie athletes that burst onto the scene, runners that had "comeback" type seasons, our thoughts certain candidates inside TROY and UROY voting, unsung performances and runners of the year, personal highlights, and our predictions for 2024. Timestamps:(1:44) - top storylines of 2023(11:02) - rookies of the year(18:18) - comeback runners of the year(24:03) - unsung performances of the year(40:01) - internal TROY and UROY placement debates(47:48) - biggest changes in ultra-trail running this year(57:31) - predictions for 2024Sponsors: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.Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jennifer Pharr Davis is perhaps best known in our community for her two fastest known times set on the Appalachian Trail in 2008 and 2011. The latter record, in my humble opinion, stands as one of the most important and influential feats in the ultra-endurance community during the 2010s.Jennifer is also the author of an excellent book called 'The Pursuit of Endurance', which profiles well-known athletes from the long-distance Fastest Known Time (FKT) scene, including Scott Jurek, Heather Anderson, David Horton, and Warren Doyle. During this conversation, we gain insights from Jennifer on the state of the FKT world. We discuss whether the current media attention, regulations, and styles that drive many modern athletes are a net positive for this space. And Jennifer also shares how she approached the trail and provides updates on what she's currently involved in.Sponsors:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% off your next order.Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Links:Follow Jennifer on Instagram, Personal Website, Pursuit of Endurance BookFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and special guest Jeff Colt talk about UTMB parting ways with Corrine Malcolm, the latest, Hardrock 100 and Black Canyon 100K start lists, reactions to the new Strava messaging feature, race performances that defined the 2010s, and lower-key races that we want to see gain popularity.Timestamps:02:00 - Introduction and UTMB Parting Ways with Corrine Malcolm06:47 - Speculating UTMB's Future in North America27:43 - Discussion on Hardrock 100 and Black Canyon45:26 - Discussion on Shoe Innovation and Replication52:35 - Introduction of Strava Messaging Feature59:41 - Memorable Race Performances from the 2010s01:05:02 - Impact of Media on Trail Running01:19:18 - The Role of Storytellers in the 2020s01:21:19 - Up and Coming Races in the Next 3-5 Years01:28:52 - Race Ideas: Starting Point and Distance ChallengeSponsors:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% off your next order.Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Additional Links:Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Spike Eskin is the VP of programming for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio and the host of a popular basketball podcast called “The Rights to Ricky Sanchez”. Given the proliferation of ultra-trail running media coverage in recent years, I figured this would be a good time to talk with an expert in sports programming and commentary from the major sports world that we can take lessons and insights from to bring back to our growing world. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, a race director, a brand manager, or a media operator yourself, I think you’ll have many takeaways from this one. And as always, I’d love to continue the conversation and hear those thoughts. Shoot me a message @runsingletrack on Instagram. Sponsors:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% off your next order.Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Links:Follow Spike on Twitter and LinkedInListen to Spike on Stratechery and Making Media Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Christina Henderson serves as the Executive Director for the Running Event, the premier trade show for the running industry which takes place annually at the end of November in Austin, TX.At the time of this recording, we were just a few weeks away from the 2023 edition, so I figured this would be a good time to chat with Christina and get a better understanding of how the event serves our community, what's new for this year, and the implications of the social and commercial trends she's noticing.Timestamps:(2:44) - Running Event backstory(12:58) - Running Event business model(28:04) - running industry trends(51:04) - Running Event expansionsSponsors:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Rabbit - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.runinrabbit.com/) to get 20% off your next order.Oladance - use code ST at this link (https://oladance.com/ST) to get $30 off the Oladance OWS2 headphones.Brooks Running - check out their High Point clothing collection and new and improved Cascadia 17 shoe at this link (https://www.brooksrunning.com/singletrack).Kodiak Cakes - use code Singletrack15 at checkout on their website (https://kodiakcakes.com/singletrackpodcast) to get 15% off your next order.Links:Register for the Running EventFollow Christina on LinkedInEmail Christina (chenderson@divcom.com)Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show