Welcome back or welcome to the single track podcast.

On today's show, we have Eric Sensman.

Eric is a professional trail runner for Hoka Oneoneone, Rabbit, and Goo Energy.

Alongside Jim Walmsley, Tim Ferricks, Stephen Kirsch, Jared Hayeson, and Cody Reed,

Eric is also a member of the Kokanino Cowboys, the famous training group based in the

American Endurance Sports Mecca of Flagstaff, Arizona. Like previous guests of the pod, one of the

things I appreciate about Eric is how willing and excited he is to comment on some of the biggest

issues, opportunities, and questions around our sport. We dive into some of them in this episode.

Let's see, we discuss the factors required to create the Coconino Cowboys,

the similarities and differences of their setup to counterparts like Hoka Naz Elite

in the track and field space, as well as the conditions needed to build similar training

groups elsewhere in the U.S.

Eric reflects on his strategy of surrounding himself with better runners to fast track his own assent in the U.S. Eric reflects on his strategy of surrounding himself with

better runners to fast track his own ascent in the sport. We talk about the makings of a good trail town,

and we cover how media coverage is evolving in our sport and what innovation will look like in

that space in the near and long terms. Before we get started, though, in the spirit of getting to know the guest better, I want

to share this excerpt from I Run Far contributor in Solomon Trail Runner Dakota Jones.

Whether it was said in jest or taken out of context, I don't know.

But it is the vibe I got from our conversation, so I'm rolling with it.

Quote, to spend time with Eric Senseman is to feel truly and finally understood.

He looks at you with concern and interest, clearly indicating that what you're saying is

revelatory and wise.

...