Singletrack

Scott Frey of Cerebral Performance joins the show for a deep dive into the next frontier of athletic performance. Scott believes the biggest breakthroughs of the coming decade won’t come from physiology alone, but from the brain and psychological sciences - and that belief anchors this conversation. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 1...

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2025

Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more. Chapters: 02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting1...

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2025

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to discuss the advent of the "Vertical" Backyard Ultra and recap the results at Ultra Trail Cape Town and the JFK 50, which took place this past weekend. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website t...

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

First up, Tim Tollefson returns to the show. In some ways, trail running is still having its “What Are We Even Doing?” moment. Through that lens, we take a look at the UTMB era, the rise of pro circuits, what the pros care about, and what happens when a grassroots sport takes bigger steps towards big-time structure. After that, I'm joined by Alyssa Clark for a roundup of trail running business news and ideation. Enjoy! Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable ...

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. We walk down memory lane, reflect on the World Championships, dig into his insights from Western States and UTMB, riff on his idea for a “Black Shorts Series,” and explore his training theories for success in the constantly evolving world of ultra-trail running. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLET...

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Will Murray joins the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his dominant, course-record victory at the 2025 Javelina Jundred. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/) deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Ra...

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

David Roche returns to the Singletrack Podcast fresh off his 12:18, second-place performance at the Javelina Jundred. In addition to the race report, David dives into how high-carb fueling, recovery science, and fearless pacing are rewriting what’s possible in trail and ultrarunning, why overtraining and under-fueling are essentially the same thing, how athletes like Will Murray, Canyon Woodward, and Tara Dower are redefining performance ceilings, and what the next five years of the sport mi...

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

After setting a course record at 2025 Javelina Jundred, Tara Dower joins the Singletrack Podcast to talk about the strategy behind perhaps her biggest win yet — and how she’s using it to fuel a Western States comeback in 2026. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at ...

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig share their observations from all the racing action at yesterday’s Javelina Jundred. They discuss Tara Dower’s massive course-record performance, how all three men’s podium finishers — Will Murray, David Roche, and Canyon Woodward — shattered the previous marks, and what it all means for the Western States 100 Golden Ticket Series. They also analyze this year’s livestream numbers, highlight their favorite racing moments, and explore how the 2025 edition of Javel...

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Javelina Jundred. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your pu...

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

Trail running is growing fast — but is the money for athlete deals keeping up? In this episode, athlete agent Kelly Newlon returns to the show to unpack the latest economics behind athlete-brand partnerships in 2025. From $10K rookie contracts to six-figure base deals, Kelly breaks down who’s getting paid, why it’s finally improving for pros, and which brands and races hold the most weight in negotiations. We cover: How athlete compensation has shifted in the last two yearsThe truth about soc...

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show, sharing insights from the World Trail Championships in Canfranc, highlights from the inaugural year at The Mammoth, and their favorite internet finds of the week. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 3...

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Earlier this month, Jeff Garmire set a new self-supported fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail: 45 days, 8 hours, 37 minutes. He shaved more than three hours off Joe McConaughy’s 2017 mark—long regarded as one of the most impressive endurance feats in ultrarunning. With that context, I was excited to have Jeff on the podcast to unpack the experience. We cover the essentials—gear, logistics, nutrition, trainin...

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this edition of the Long Run Archives, we talk about the rise of agents in ultra-trail running, our takeaways from UTMB week, the increasing allure of the fastest known time scene, our dream co-hosts on this show, and some cool tech that has arrived at Singletrack HQ (spoiler alert: Tymewear). Chapters 00:00 The Role of Agents in Athletics20:40 The Mahoosuc Traverse, personal projects vs racing38:38 UTMB Highlights ...

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Tom Evans joins the show fresh off his victory at the 2025 UTMB. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for ...

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Ruth Croft joins the show fresh off her victory at the 2025 UTMB. With this win, she completed the trifecta of finals victories (adding to her titles at CCC and OCC). In this conversation, we briefly reflect on the race but also take some time to explore her background and the transformative decisions she’s made to reach this moment. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Hillary Gerardi joins us in our Chamonix studio during UTMB week for a wide-ranging conversation. We talk about her skyrunning career, setting a FKT on Mont Blanc, the modern history of the Chamonix valley, differences between French and American culture, and the risks, uncertainties, and small windows of opportunity that define some of her most memorable mountain projects. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lighte...

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Anton Krupicka returns to the show in person at our Chamonix studio, where we dive into his history with UTMB, his new role at La Sportiva, skyrunning, the Grand Teton, and the increasing appeal of backyard endurance projects. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 3...

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Michael Versteeg is racing UTMB on Friday. We hosted him for a long-form conversation at our Chamonix studio and somehow didn’t spend much time talking about that fact at all. Instead, we covered topics like public lands, the Barkley Marathons, building houses, his deep connection to Cocodona, following curiosity wherever it leads, and the importance of checking obsession. Enjoy! Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Fresh off a transformative victory at Western States earlier this summer, Abby Hall returns to the show ahead of UTMB. We discuss her decision to take on the sport's de facto 100-mile world championship, the afterglow winning one of ultrarunning's biggest races, her relentless pursuit of excellence at the sharp end of competition, and - of course - the importance of curating the perfect playlist for the journey around the ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Lucy Bartholomew has been a model of consistency at UTMB in recent years, steadily raising her game as women’s ultrarunning enters a new era of performance. In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics—from one of the most exciting 100-milers in her backyard (the GPT100), to her experience crewing Ryan Sandes at the Cocodona 250, to Salomon’s High Performance System, and her own process for chasing the next level ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Max Jolliffe is in Chamonix—and that was all the excuse we needed to sit down for a chat at our Chamonix studio. In this conversation, we reflect on our shared experiences at the Cocodona 250, look ahead to our reunion at The Mammoth next month, talk about playing the content game, and discuss the outlook for a professional career in ultrarunning. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable tr...

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! For the first time since 2017, Katie Schide will not be racing of the UTMB World Series final events. Instead, she's set to represent Team USA at the Long Trail World Championships in Canfranc, Spain next month. It felt like the perfect moment to catch up. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about her recent results at Hardrock and Sierre-Zinal, her history with stage racing, the prospect of elite-only race fields, ...

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Ben Dhiman returns to the show ahead of ultra-trail running's de facto 100 mile championship, Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Fresh off a course record at Lavredo and an impressive multi-year stretch in the sport, he arrives in Chamonix as one of the most intriguing contenders in the field. In this conversation, we dive into his nomadic background, training philosophy, and whether his third attempt at UTMB will finally b...

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Tom Evans returns to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on his return to Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB), the joys of fatherhood, his favorite events on the UK trail running circuit, and the long-term development of ultrarunning as a professional sport. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD...

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Dani Moreno returns to the show ahead of the 2025 CCC, taking place next Friday in Chamonix, France. We discuss her philosophy of boldness, the landmark performances that could push the sport forward, and the mentality required to line up at high-caliber races in the UTMB World Series. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use...

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss new angles on races like Western States and Hardrock, "course record pace", and a new media opportunity in the works for pro ultrarunners. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code S...

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss a fascinating hypothetical scenario: If you were starting a brand-new ultrarunning company (whether shoes, gear, nutrition, or anything else), and every athlete in the market was a free agent, which four would you prioritize adding to your team, and why? The trio explores the s...

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this clip from the latest edition of the Long Run Archives on the Singletrack Podcast, Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Jeff Colt discuss a fascinating hypothetical scenario: If you were starting a brand-new ultrarunning company (whether shoes, gear, nutrition, or anything else), and every athlete in the market was a free agent, which four would you prioritize adding to your team, and why? The trio explores the s...

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Andrew Drummond returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to recount his latest adventure: setting a Fastest Known Time on the White Mountains Direttissima, one of New England's iconic multi-day routes. We explore the aesthetics of the route, what inspired him to return after his previous attempts in 2016 and 2024, his strategies around gear, nutrition, rest, and the execution that led to his new record. Ad...

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Topher Gaylord is the newly appointed President of the Western States Endurance Run—arguably the most iconic ultramarathon in the world. A seven-time WSER finisher, Topher brings decades of experience in global outdoor industry leadership and a deep well of insight from more than 75 ultramarathons run across the globe. In this conversation, we discuss: – The direction he wants to steer Western States in – His views on th...

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this live pre-race episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Scott Jurek back to the show—recorded in-person from our studio in Olympic Valley, CA, just days before the 2025 Western States 100. For many, Scott needs no introduction. A seven-time winner of Western States, bestselling author, and true icon of the sport, his impact on trail and ultrarunning is undeniable. But this conversation goes far...

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Jim Walmsley returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a live, in-person conversation from our Olympic Valley, CA studio during Western States week—only this time, he’s not lining up to race. In this exclusive interview, Jim opens up about his decision to bow out of the 2025 Western States 100, offering insight into what went into that choice and where his mind and body are at as one of the most iconic runners in the sport. ...

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Caleb Olson joins the Singletrack Podcast crew in our Auburn, CA, studio to recap his victory at the 2025 Western States 100. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.na...

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Abby Hall joins the Singletrack Podcast crew in our Auburn, CA, studio to recap her victory at the 2025 Western States 100. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak...

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Des Linden joins us live in Olympic Valley the week before the 2025 Western States 100 for a wide-ranging conversation about her deepening relationship with the trail and ultrarunning scene. In this episode, we dig into Des's recent adventures off-road — from training with Ruth Croft in New Zealand, to participating in the Western States Training Camp last month, to her pacing duties this year for Joe McConaughy. With eac...

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! We’re live in Olympic Valley, CA for a special Western States Week edition of Long Run Archives, with pro trail runner Hayden Hawks joining regular co-hosts Brett Hornig, Jeff Colt, and Finn Melanson in the Singletrack Podcast studio for a wide-ranging, spirited conversation on the state of trail and ultrarunning, as well as Hayden's status in the sport. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most st...

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Marianne Hogan is one of the fiercest and most resilient athletes in the world of ultra-trail running. With podium finishes at both Western States and UTMB, she’s already proven she can perform on the sport’s biggest stages. But that elusive win — that signature victory — still hangs just out of reach. Live from our Olympic Valley studio in the week leading up to the 2025 Western States 100, Marianne sits down to talk abo...

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s women's field at the Western States 100. With big names like Katie Schide (2024 Champion) and Courtney Dauwalter (2023 Champion) not returning, the fight for the win is wide open. Tune in as we break it all down and get you hyped for race day. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: ...

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this special live episode of the Singletrack Podcast, we sit down with Abby Hall in our Olympic Valley studio just days before the 2025 Western States 100. Abby’s path back to the start line of this iconic race is anything but typical—and it’s a story of resilience, determination, and a little bit of fate. After enduring a traumatic injury in 2023 that sidelined her from the sport she loves, Abby made a courageous retu...

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Rod Farvard joins the Singletrack Podcast live from our Olympic Valley, CA studio during Western States race week to discuss what it really takes to compete at the highest level in trail and ultrarunning—and why he may be the biggest threat to the Western States crown in 2025. In 2024, Rod turned heads by going toe-to-toe with one of the sport’s greatest athletes, Jim Walmsley, at the Western States 100. His fearless fron...

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Note - we had audio issues during parts of this episode. Working to resolve those ahead of our remaining shows this week. Thanks for your patience! Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, Jeff Colt and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Cocodona 250. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordar...

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Sally McRae joins the Singletrack Podcast live from our Olympic Valley, CA studio in the days leading up to the 2025 Western States 100 for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to go pro in trail and ultrarunning—beyond the podiums, Strava segments, and sponsorship deals. Sally shares the lesser-told story of building a sustainable career in the sport, from early sacri...

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Dylan Bowman returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a wide-ranging, in-person conversation from our Olympic Valley, CA studio just days before the 2025 Western States 100. As the founder of Freetrail and a key figure behind TrailCon, Dylan has spent the last few years shaping the conversation around what trail and ultrarunning can—and should—become. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of the sport, how media ...

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Jeff Colt and Mike McMonagle join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on the latest lineup changes at the Western States 100, the current status of Unbreakable 2, the influence of BPN's Backyard Ultra, and the impact of the Wilderness Act. Timestamps: (0:00) - Western States 100 Lineup News(32:57) - High Mileage Training Discussion(46:1...

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Joey Berriatua joins Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast to reflect on his time with Tinman Elite, share his journey through the professional running scene, and explore why trail running might be his future path. Related Episodes: #26 (Sam Parsons | How To Build A Trail Running Team) #289 (Sam Parsons | The Trials and Tribulations of Pro RunningTimestamps: 01:00 Tinman Elite Reflections24:02 Financial Realities o...

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Mike McMonagle join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on a retroactive controversy surrounding a runner's time penalty (instead of DQ) at this year's Black Canyon 100K, the majesty of UTMB Snowdonia, the sustainability of pro ultrarunning, and whether there will be a "next venue" for the Mike-Finn-Brett ultra rivalry. ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, the trio reflects on the evolving media landscape in ultrarunning, using the wildly popular Cocodona 250 as a case study to examine its impact on race organizers, athletes, and fans. They also share personal takeaways and recap the key storylines from this year’s event. Finally, the conver...

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Tom Hooper joins the show to publicly announce and analyze the men's and women's long trail teams that will represent the USA at the World Trail Championships in Canfranc, Spain, this September. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background02:09 Selection Race Controversies, The Future of Selection Races08:05 Team Composition: Women's Team Overview12:16 Team Composition: Men's Team Overview16:39 Building a Strong Team19:...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Cocodona 250. Timestamps: (0:00) - Cocodona 250 hype, general conversation(27:58) - Course analysis(45:41) - Women's field preview(72:56) - Men's field preview Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gor...

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025