Singletrack

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

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! This is a crossover podcast from the Conversational Pace YouTube channel (hosted by my good friend, Brett Hornig) in which we talk about my gear, nutrition, and overall strategy for the 2025 Cocodona 250. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro2:21 Gear from 2024 you won’t be using in 20256:58 Starting pack of choice13:04 Starting shoe of choice18:09 Gaiters or no gaiters?19:34 Need to be fit enough to play the game22:00 What makes the f...

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the Singletrack Podcast to preview the final golden ticket chase for the 2025 Western States 100 at this weekend’s Canyons 100K in Auburn, CA. Six golden tickets are up for grabs, with standout athletes like Marianne Hogan, Anthony Costales, Hannes Namberger, Katie Asmuth, and Erin Clark adding serious depth to the competition. They discuss recent administrative updates surroundin...

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. Timestamps: 00:00 Gorge Waterfalls Race Recap25:11 Katie Schide and Germain Grangier Move To On39:20 Dez Linden's Transition to Ultra Running46:11 LeBron James and the Five-Minute Mile Debate54:50 Unbreakable 2: The Anticipation of a Sequel01:12:20 The Evolution of Ultra Running and Regional Competitions01:27:28 The...

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Drew Darby and Rob Fisher join the show to unpack the making of The Finisher, our new documentary chronicling Jasmin Paris’ historic completion of the 2024 Barkley Marathons. We reflect on the creative process, the unique storytelling challenges of the Barkley, and what we learned along the way. Timestamps: (0:00) – Background, intros(2:53) – Why Barkley is a media nightmare (and dream)(7:03) – Do we have a film? Short for...

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! John Kelly returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to reflect on the 2025 Barkley Marathons and the insights he has gained from the notorious event over the past decade. He then dives into announcing and discussing his plans to attempt the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail later this year. Timestamps: (0:00) - the difficulty of the 2025 Barkley Marathons course(1:36) - the importance of a "pipeline" of Ba...

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! We've got another classic edition of the Long Run Archives on deck, but it's been a minute. We've been fully immersed in all things Barkley Marathons, working hard to bring a few key projects to the finish line. Two big shoutouts here: First, The Finisher, a long-form documentary about Jasmin Paris’ three-year journey to become the first female finisher at the Barkley. Huge credit and gratitude to Jules Campanelli, Drew Da...

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! In this episode, I'm joined by ultrarunning filmmaker Dylan Harris for a special conversation. Dylan is the director of an upcoming film called "The Chase", which tells the story of the epic six-way battle for victory at the 2024 Cocodona 250, featuring Jeff Browning, Harry Subertas, Michael Versteeg, Joe McConaughy, Arlen Glick, and Michael McKnight. We've had almost all of these guys on the pod before — some of my favori...

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig convene for another edition of the Long Run Archives. They talk about business ideas for trail running, the rise of breathing sensors in training and racing contexts, Grand Slam Track, the continued golden ticket chase at Tarawera, the final year of Pine to Palm, and the Barkley Marathons. Timestamps: (0:00) - business ideas for trail running(17:43) - breathing sensors(35:28) - Grand Slam T...

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Caleb Olson returns to the show to discuss his dominant win at the Transgrancanaria Classic this past weekend. We dive into his conscious transition in racing style from hunter to race leader, the pack dynamics with Jon Albon and Josh Wade, the unique challenges of the TGC course, whether he feels different after such a significant career victory, and what might be next for him in 2025. Timestamps: (2:35) - small talk, i...

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt return to the show to recap highlights and takeaways from the Black Canyon 100K and 50K races in Arizona this past weekend. We talk about the rise of the 50K, "race shapers", evidence for high-carb failures, gear takeaways, moving the women's start before the men's race, and top performances from the likes of Seth Ruhling, Riley Brady, Tara Dower, and Will Murray. Timestamps: (0:00) - 50K Recap...

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes! Tara Dower returns to the show to talk about life after setting the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail, re-signing with Altra, building a high-performance team to support her ultrarunning goals, the Black Canyon 100K experience, and her outlook on this year’s Western States 100. Timestamps 01:12 Setting Ambitious Goals04:05 The Grind of The Black Canyon 100K07:12 Bouncing Back from the AT10:25 Building a High-Pe...

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 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 Black Canyon 100K. Timestamps: (0:00) - Catching Up, Partnership News(5:27) - Listener Questions For Black Canyon(36:53) - Women's Field Analysis(1:07:33) - Men's Field Analysis(1:41:37) - Final Thoughts Partners: Norda - one giant leap for trail-kind (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - ...

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and David Roche return to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives.Timestamps:(2:35) - shoe contracts, trial by miles vlog, future content ideas(27:51) - cycling to trail crossover talk, pending competitive edge of full-time athletes(01:13:24) - rivalry in trail running, the role of authenticity in competition(01:58:49) - open questions on doping, fairness in trail running, anxieties...

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jamil Coury joins the show to talk about the reasons behind his renewed passion for running, some inner workings of the Cocodona 250, various eras of Aravaipa Running, and his relatively recent acquisition of Ultrarunning Magazine. Timestamps:(0:50) - Chipotle Challenge(13:35) - Cocodona 250(37:51) - Reflecting On Eras Of Aravaipa Running(92:57) - Ultrarunning MagazinePartners:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on th...

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig returns to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, we discuss Finn's recent appearance on the Boulder Boys Show, the marketing beef between Nike and Satisfy, movement on the free agent market, and questions about the reach of European trail running media.Timestamps:(0:00) - Catching Up, Boulder Boys Appearance, Coffee Club Inspiration, In-Person Podcasts(29:12) - N...

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Get the inside scoop on what’s coming to the Singletrack Podcast in 2025! Host Finn Melanson shares exciting updates on podcast plans, race coverage, event projects, and more. Got ideas or requests for future behind-the-scenes episodes? We’d love to hear from you—DM us on IG or email Finn directly at [email protected]. Don’t miss this peek behind the curtain!Timestamps:(0:00) - Introductions(15:30) - 2024 Reflections, La...

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2025

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jack Kuenzle and Will Peterson join the show to reflect on an exciting year in the world of 'fastest known times' on the trail running scene. Fair warning: this episode contains some profanity, so listener discretion is advised!Timestamps:(2:00) - Top FKT-related storylines of 2024(30:15) - Best New FKT Developments / Themes of 2024 (43:05) - Advances In Gear, Nutrition, Etc for FKTs(53:33) - Male FKT Of The Year(67:31...

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling join the show to reflect on an exciting year in ultrarunning. We dive into standout storylines, major sports shifts, and rookie athletes' breakout performances. We highlight runners who staged remarkable comebacks, discuss key candidates in TROY and UROY voting, and highlight unsung performances and athletes of the year. Additionally, we share personal highlights and make bold predictions for ...

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!This is a two-part episode from conversations recorded at the Running Event in Austin, TX this past November. First, I'm joined by Tim Tollefson who provides a race-directing behind-the-scenes look at the Mammoth Trail Fest. Then I'm joined by Lauren Osbourne who shares lessons learned from building a modern speciality running retail store - Exchange Running Collective - in Nashville, TN. Timestamps:(1:48) - whether trail r...

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!In this episode, we’re joined by returning guests Abby Levene of Outside Magazine and Kelly Newlon of RAD Boulder. Together, we dive into the big news of Tara Dower’s groundbreaking sponsorship deal with Altra, which positions her as one of the higher-paid athletes in the ultra-trail running world. Timestamps:00:30 Introduction to Tara Dower's Contract with Altra06:22 Gender Pay Inequality in Sports09:26 The Role of Non-Dis...

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Chris Chavez returns to the Singletrack Podcast to discuss the latest developments at Citius Mag, the influence of Netflix's Sprint series on Track and Field, shifts in the sports media landscape, his key content and event strategies for 2025, and his perspective on Michael Johnson's "Grand Slam Track" league.Timestamps:2:00 The Evolution of Citius Mag and Track and Field Media9:49 Retaining Talent in a Competitive Media En...

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Finn Melanson and Brett Hornig share their initial reactions to the Hardrock 100 and Western States 100 lotteries, discussing their impact on the competitive fields in both races.Didn't get into the Western States 100 or Hardrock 100? Come race Twisted Fork on June 14th, 2025 in Park City, UT. Check it out here.Timestamps:00:00 Instant Reactions to the Race Lotteries03:03 Exploring Content Opportunities in Trail Runni...

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!We’ve officially stepped into the role of Race Directors! In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I sit down with my wife and business partner, Jules Campanelli, to share an inside look at our trail running festival, Twisted Fork. Join us in Park City, UT, on June 14, 2025, for an unforgettable day with the Singletrack trail running community. Ready to be part of the excitement? Visit massifrunning.com to secure your sp...

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig returns to the Singletrack Podcast for a crossover episode from his YouTube show (Conversational Pace) recapping our takeaways from the 2024 Running Event in Austin, TX earlier this week. Categories Covered:Standout brand (overall)Standout shoe Standout tech Standout conversation Standout newcomer brand Biggest brand surprise Biggest brand turnaround Bet on this (brand,...

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig returns to the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. In this episode, we discuss the upcoming Running Event in Austin, Courtney Dauwalter’s entry into the 2025 Cocodona 250, Gorge Waterfalls 100K being selected as the US Long Trail World’s team qualifier, and insights into the trail running contract season, among other topics. Timestamps:(5:50) - Gorge Waterfalls 100K hosting wo...

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Welcome to part 2 of our two-part conversation! If you haven’t listened to the first half yet, be sure to check it out—it aired last week and features nutrition coach Vic Johnson, known as the "Mountain Sports Dietician" on social media.You might recognize Vic’s name; he has collaborated with several prominent athletes in our sport, including Rod Farvard, to address the critical fueling strategies for ultrarunning.In part 1...

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Welcome to part 1 of our two-part conversation featuring nutrition coach Vic Johnson, known as the "Mountain Sports Dietician" on social media. You might recognize Vic’s name; he has collaborated with several prominent athletes in our sport, including Rod Farvard, to address the critical fueling strategies for ultrarunning.In part 1, Vic offers valuable insights into the evolving role of nutrition in endurance sports, discu...

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Though he probably needs no introduction, in addition to being a stellar coach and podcaster, David Roche has been lighting it up on the 100 mile ultra scene these past few months with impressive wins at Leadville and Javelina. Honestly, these breakthroughs were just an excuse to reach out. Over two hours, we dive into a broad range of topics in the trail running world. There was no set agenda—just a fun, free-flowing chat ...

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Leah Yingling and Jeff Colt join Finn Melanson on this episode of the Singletrack Podcast to recap the 2024 Javelina Jundred. They discuss the race livestream, share their experiences pacing frontrunners Riley Brady and Jeff Mogavero, and reflect on the event's significance within the broader ultra community. They also delve into the excitement of the golden ticket chase and explore the various internal and external factors...

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Max Jolliffe joins the show to talk about his thrilling come-from-behind win at last week's Moab 240, his journey to sobriety, and the dedication and intensity that has contributed to his rapid ascension in the ultrarunning world.Timestamps:06:56 Preparing for Moab 24010:05 Overcoming Adversity in TDS14:02 The Influence of Jesse Haynes16:53 The Beauty of the Moab Course19:57 The Hail Mary Moment at Mile 20033:37 The Role of...

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

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 Javelina Jundred.Timestamps:(0:00) - course strategy, weather conditions, historical performance data, competitive race context(15:40) - women's field preview, storylines, analysis, predictions(49:09) - men's field preview, storylines, analysis, predictionsPartners:Naak - use code SINGLETR...

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Jason Schlarb is a professional athlete sponsored by Norda and Ultimate Direction, based in Durango, CO.If American ultrarunning had All-Decade teams, Jason would undoubtedly be a starter for the 2010s, boasting impressive victories at races like Hardrock and Run Rabbit Run, along with a top-five finish at UTMB, among numerous other accolades.Even in his 40s, Jason continues to deliver outstanding performances. Earlier this...

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Last month, Tara Dower achieved a monumental fastest-known time on the Appalachian Trail. In a follow-up interview, she emphasized the importance of teamwork in this accomplishment. To delve deeper into that aspect, we spoke with her Crew Chief, Rascal.In our conversation, we explore the learning curve of supporting multi-week efforts, the physical and emotional challenges involved, and what a typical crew stop and pacing s...

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Brett Hornig joins the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. We talk about some personal life updates before offering up our takes on Tara Dower's FKT on the Appalachian Trail, the Camille Herron Wikipedia Controversy, Mammoth Trail Fest, and "Way-Too-Early" Western States 100 Picks. Timestamps:(8:55) - Tara Dower Appalachian Trail Record(50:25) - Camille Herron Wikipedia Controv...

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Anton Krupicka is back on the podcast! Few athletes in ultrarunning generate as much excitement as Anton, and he’s returned with a bang—recently setting a fastest known time on the iconic LA Freeway route and securing second place finish at the Grindstone 100 this past weekend.Beyond his impressive athletic achievements, which notably helped shape the ultrarunning culture in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Anton is a though...

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!This past Saturday night at 11:53 PM, Tara Dower set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail in 40 days 18 hours 5 minutes, besting Karel Sabbe's 2018 mark by 13 hours and 32 minutes.Starting August 12th at 5:47 AM, Dower averaged 54+ miles per day over 2,197.4 miles of rugged and relentless terrain from Maine to Georgia to set the mark.In masterfully riding a fine line of passion, grit, faith, and resourcefulness, ...

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!After reading her book, "The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team", I was eager to connect with Kara Goucher for an in-depth conversation.For those less familiar with the road running scene, Kara was one of the top American distance runners of the 2000s and 2010s, achieving podium finishes at prestigious events like the Boston and New York City Marathons, as well...

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Matt Trappe to the show. If you’ve been following ultrarunning media over the past decade, Matt’s name might ring a bell. He’s been behind some fantastic content over the last decade, including Jim Walmsley’s "Lighting The Fire" series, "Droddy," and "Leadman: The Dave Mackey Story," among other influential projects.Matt has recently launched a new brand called Auteur Sportif, which w...

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Katie Schide returns to the show a week removed from her historic, record-setting win at the 2024 UTMB. Given that Katie will be on the media circuit fielding many interviews over the next few days and weeks, we focused on some unique angles in this conversation - getting the inside scoop on what the immediate aftermath looks like for pro runners finishing at the front of this race, the psychology of handling near constant ...

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2024

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 prepara...

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

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 Potenti...

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

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 o...

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Abby Hall’s journey to the 2024 UTMB start line is, in my opinion, one of the most compelling storylines of this year’s race. It’s been a while since she was last on the podcast—roughly about two years ago, around this same time, before the same race. This hiatus was not due to a lack of interest on my part. I closely follow her career across various social media platforms; she’s an exceptional writer and excels at doc...

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2024

Text us your thoughts about this episode or ideas for future episodes!Tom Evans returns to the Singletrack Podcast to talk about the influence of work and travel in Kenya on his ultrarunning career, how he plans to bounce back from last year's UTMB, his new approach to social media and in-person engagements before race day, and some of the latest training and racing science he's incorporating into his 2024 schedule.Timestamps:(1:35) - influence of the military and Iten, Kenya on his ultrarunn...

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

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.Timestamp...

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2024

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...

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2024

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 an...

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

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 tal...

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2024