Singletrack

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 and storytelling are influencing the culture, and what role platforms like Freetrail play in that transformation.We also discuss Dylan’s role as a lead broadcaster for the Western States 100 live stream, what goes into bringing the race to a global audience, and how coverage has evolved since his own racing days. With one foot in the athlete camp and the other in media and community-building, Dylan brings a nuanced perspective on where the sport is heading.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.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

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 sacrifices to developing her voice as both an athlete and a creator. As one of the few pro runners who has built a loyal community through content, coaching, and entrepreneurship, Sally offers a blueprint for what the modern trail athlete can become.We also discuss her role at this year’s TrailCon, where she’s set to speak about the evolving intersection between athletic identity and personal branding. Sally is a thoughtful voice on how athletes can—and must—take control of their stories in the social media era, and why the future of trail running belongs as much to storytellers as it does to speedsters.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.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Jeff Colt and Mike McMonagle, professional trail and ultrarunners, dive into the thrilling shake-up of the Western States 100 race due to high-profile withdrawals. They highlight emerging talents and evolving strategies, particularly with David Roche's influence. The conversation stretches into elite rivalries, the importance of pacing in women’s racing, and Des Linden’s exciting transition to trail running. They also tackle the challenges of documenting ultra running amidst the dynamic community and the nuances of the Wilderness Act and its implications for future events.

Joey Berriatua, a former pro runner with Tinman Elite, now delves into the world of trail running and self-expression through his substack, 357. He shares candid reflections on the emotional challenges and dynamics behind the team's breakup. Berriatua discusses financial struggles in professional running, contrasting collegiate support with the harsh reality for pros. He emphasizes the importance of community and genuine storytelling, while exploring the balance between authenticity and sponsorship in the running world, all while contemplating his future in trail running.

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.Timestamps:01:14 Black Canyon 100K Controversy44:16 Is UTMB Snowdonia cool?01:11:54 Burnout in Professional Running02:01:44 Rivalries and Future Challenges in Ultra RunningPartners: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 efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Mike on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and CoachingFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Jeff Colt, an ultrarunner and outdoor enthusiast, shares his rich insights on the transformative Cocodona 250 race. The discussion highlights how this event reshapes ultrarunning dynamics, particularly through media influence and evolving athlete experiences. They explore the emerging concept of brand-funded teams and speculate on future race formats. Colt also recounts personal challenges faced during ultrarunning, emphasizing the mental resilience required. In a lighthearted twist, they dive into naming trends in the growing ultrarunning culture.

Tom Hooper, Owner of 603 Endurance and key player in USATF's team selection, dives into the intricacies of Team USA's long trail strategy for the 2025 World Trail Championships. He addresses controversial race selection processes and the exciting dynamics of selecting a diverse women's team, especially amidst the notable absence of a star athlete. Hooper also reflects on the revitalization of Team USA’s spirit, the competitive challenges athletes face, and the pressing need for greater support in trail running.

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 previewPartners: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 efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

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 first day interesting24:13 Day two25:36 Lighting choices27:33 Day two shoes33:24 Poles35:08 Significant mid-race gear pivots from last year40:28 Final miles of the course47:52 The 2025 Cocodona crewPartners: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.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

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 surrounding the event—including its new status as a "super" golden ticket race, the lack of a live stream, and its recently revoked designation as the Americas Major in the UTMB World Series. They also break down how the course and weather could impact the outcome before diving into the women’s and men’s fields and sharing their podium picks and golden ticket predictions.*Note - we recorded this episode 9 days before the race, so we apologize in advance for not being able to factor last-minute entrants between then and now into our analysis and predictions.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.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show