Welcome back or welcome to the Single Track podcast. I'm your host Finn Melanson, and in this episode we talk with Ruth Croft, a professional trail runner for Adidas Terricks based in New Zealand.

Ruth is returning to the Western States 100 following a second place finish at last year's event.

Before we get started though, this episode of Single track is brought to you by SOAR Running.

SOAR Running, that's SOAR running, are a London-based high-performance running apparel brand.

Why am I excited to partner with SOAR?

Well, if you're like me, you take pride in your running gear and you want the best.

That's why I'm stoked about this brand.

They are pushing the running apparel boundaries when it comes to producing gear that we

care about like wet and cold weather layers and racing kids.

I'm also excited because they are finally moving into the trail running space.

After years in a figurative lab, they have launched a trail-specific clothing line that I've had a chance to test.

Specifically, their half-zipped t-shirts, trail race vests, and trail shorts, all out on multi-hour runs in my backyard of the Wasatch Range.

This apparel is the real deal.

If you want help getting kidded out for your training and racing needs, SOAR is offering us an exclusive 20% savings at SOAR running.com.

All you got to do is enter the code single track 20 at checkout, but act fast.

This code is only valid through June and July.

I'm stoked to people, and I care about you all.

I wouldn't be endorsing something if I didn't believe in it and use it myself.

So go check out sore running when you get a chance. With that, let's get on with the show.

Ruth Croft, welcome to the single track podcast. Thanks for having me. It's good to be here.

I know that in New Zealand in particular, it's been tough to be an athlete during the pandemic.

So I'm curious to get your experience during that time and how you're able to train.

...