Singletrack

Caley Fretz is the Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Escape Collective, a member-funded independent cycling media company.  As Caley says in his LinkedIn bio, he's “used everything learned over a decade in journalism to build a more sustainable media company”. And that’s what we discuss in this episode - whether his experiences in the cycling space translate over to what current operations and the future of media look like in the trail running world. If you’re interested in the business of sports and have enjoyed our conversations on these topics in the past, you’ll enjoy this one too.Timestamps:(0:58) - Escape Collective backstory, Caley's sports journalism background(10:05) - explaining how we got to the current state of endurance sports media(23:38) - pros and cons of owned versus rented media channels(33:03) - pros and cons of alignment with fans versus versus partners, advertisers(39:11) - what happens next for the middle of the media market(43:03) - replicating parts of the Athletic business model(53:38) - future of endurance sports media, possible business modelsSponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order. Links:Follow Caley on LinkedInEmail Caley (editor@escapecollective.com)Escape CollectiveEscape Collective Transparency ReportKetone StudyFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

This episode is dedicated to my crew: Julia Campanelli, Sherman, Ned Melanson, Jeremiah Mullane, Joey Campanelli, Caleb Olson, Morgan Olson, and Scott Hickenlooper. Without you all, this wouldn't have been possible. I'm forever grateful. - Finn Timestamps: 02:02 - The Physical and Mental Challenges of a 200-Mile Race09:06 - The Importance of Crew Support and Nutrition23:29 - Overcoming Isolation and Low Moments in the Race33:42 - Strategic Use of Live Tracker and Pacers41:31 - Celebrating Checkpoints Instead of Fixating on the Finish Line52:31 - The Evolving Competitiveness of 200-Mile Races57:00 - Streamlined and Minimalist Gear Choices in the Future01:26:35 - The Promising Future of The Cocodona 250Sponsors:Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Gorewear - use code Singletrack30 at checkout on their website (https://www.gorewear.com/us/en-us/home) to get 30% 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).deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order. Links:Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Ansel Dickey joins the show to talk about his experience making “Walmsley”, what it was like getting to know and work with Jim, what it’s like working as a creative in the endurance sports industry, and his role as a Race Director for Vermont Overland. 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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Follow Ansel on Instagram, LinkedInOverland Studio, Overland RacesWalmsley FilmFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join Singletrack to riff on the latest news in the ultra-trail running world.Timestamps:(1:42) - Canyons 100K Highlights(32:35) - Regional Trail Team Competitions (Like Boulder vs Salt Lake)(52:36) - UTMB Americas Major Moving From Canyons To Kodiak In 2025(63:49) - Merrell's Campaign To Get Trail Running In The Olympics(78:39) - Jim Walmsley Returning To UTMB In 2024?(93:31) - Spring Energy Gel ControverseySponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Additional Links:Follow Jeff on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at the 2024 Canyons 100K.    Timestamps:(0:00) - course strategy, weather conditions, historical performance data, competitive race context(30:22) - women's field preview, storylines, analysis, predictions(66:07) - men's field preview, storylines, analysis, predictionsSponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Jeff Browning joins the show to talk about his history in the sport, competitive relevance over the last two decades, and insights on his training and preparation leading into the 2024 Cocodona 250. Timestamps:(0:00) - Wasatch 100 Reflections(11:49) - Competitive Relevance of Older Ultrarunners(29:19) - Patagonia Days(36:55) - 200 Mile Racing Discussion, 2024 Cocodona 250 SpecificsSponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Jeff's Personal Website and Coaching BusinessFollow Jeff on Instagram and StravaFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, Youtube Support the show

Simon Freeman is the Co-Founder of Like The Wind Magazine. In this episode, we talk about differences in running culture across the globe, the nuts and bolts of building and maintaining a media brand in the sport, and conclude with some of his insights on the professional scene in Iten, Kenya. Timestamps:(0:26) - US Tour, Differences In Running Cultures Across The World(9:03) - Inspirations for Like The Wind Magazine, Fulfilling Content Creation(25:12) - Taking A Point Of View In Running Media(35:47) - More Discussion Of Running Media Trends(68:41) - More Like The Wind Magazine Discussion(74:50) - 70s and 80s US Marathoning Scene, Duel In The Sun, Iten, KenyaSponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Like The Wind MagazineConnect with Simon on LinkedInPeople vs Algorithms PodcastPodcast Graveyard PodcastFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Jasmin Paris returns to the Singletrack Podcast to talk about her historic, limits-defying finish at the 2024 Barkley Marathons.Timestamps:1:59 The Story Behind the Gear6:57 Sponsorship Status, The Green Runners, Promoting Sustainability10:13 Hardrock 100, Future Races and Travel13:31 Harnessing the Media Spotlight23:25 Discovering the Barkley After The 2019 Spine, Laz Remarks29:14 Mock Barkley Courses In Training37:48 Reflections and Moving Forward44:24 Final Thoughts and GratitudeSponsors: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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:The Green Runners2022 Jasmin Paris Singletrack InterviewIRunFar Interview, Freetrail InterviewFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

Jared Campbell is a 4-time finisher of the Barkley Marathons, a past winner of the Hardrock 100, the creator of the Running Up For Air series, and the genius behind classic FKT routes like the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup and Millwood 100. Timestamps:(1:39) - Barkley Marathons Insights(52:09) - Wasatch FKT Scene, Under-The-Radar Cool Races(66:19) - Environmental Discussion 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.deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Follow Jared on Instagram, WebsiteRunning Up For AirCity Home Collective ArticleFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

This episode was recorded in-person at Brooks HQ in Seattle, Washington with Joe McConaughy at the Brooks Trail Team training camp shortly after the 2024 Barkley Marathons. We recount Jasmin Paris’ finish and the historical significance of that moment for our sport, the impact of 5 finishers this year, what makes Barkley so interesting, Joe’s race recap with training, nutritional, and racing insights for future editions, and reflections on a few other memorable moments across the 3 day stretch.Timestamps:(2:08) - Jasmin Paris (14:15) - Impact of 5 Finishers(36:32) - Joe's Barkley Report - Crew, Training, Nutrition, Gear, Racing(68:32) - Final Thoughts, Lazarus Lake, Barkley ThoughtsSponsors: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).deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website (https://www.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20) to get 20% off your next order.Links:Jared Campbell BlogMedia In The Wilderness by Lazarus LakeFollow Joe on Instagram, Strava, CoachingFollow Singletrack on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show