Singletrack

Latest Episodes:

Max King Talks About Projecting The Barkley Marathons (Sunday Conversation) Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Max King reflects on his experience at the Barkley Marathons and why he now views it as a multi-year project rather than a one-off attempt. He breaks down the realities of navigation, collaboration, foot care, cold exposure, and the mental calculus required to decide whether to continue deeper into the course.
In the second half of the conversation, Max discusses where he sits in his career at 45, how his relationship with competition has evolved, and what it means to keep racing while letting go of certain expectations. He talks about durability, motivation, adapting training as an aging athlete, shifting sponsorship dynamics, and the balance between performance and adventure.

Partners:

Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)

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A 100-Mile World Record, Satisfy Apparel Drama + Maine’s New 200 (Singletrack News) Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

In this week’s edition of Singletrack News, Ashley Paulson runs 12:19 at the Jackpot 100 to set a new 100-mile world record, averaging 7:34 pace and continuing the rapid evolution of speed at the distance. We discuss the course dynamics, surface differences from Tunnel Hill, and what this means for the future of flat-course ultras.
We also unpack a very public dispute in the performance apparel space after Satisfy founder Brice Partouche shared private messages accusing emerging brand Currently of copying product designs. Where’s the line between inspiration and imitation, and are there winners in a social-media-fueled fallout?
Elsewhere, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut with trail crossover athletes Cam Smith and Ana Gibson narrowly missing the podium, Golden Trail doubles down on global expansion and broadcast ambitions, and Gorge Waterfalls releases the full breakdown of its $75,000 prize purse.
Plus: a new 200-miler called the Maine Moose Ultra is announced for 2027 with significant local backing, Desert Rats expands access through the North American Para Trail Summit, and the skyrunning season begins.

Partners:

Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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Hans Troyer Delivers, Molly Seidel’s Wild Debut + Historic Women’s Race (Black Canyon Recap) Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory.
Timestamps:

00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR)
04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes
06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate
10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever?
11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics
13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field
16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter?
16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages
22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade”
26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section?
29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line
33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30?
36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call)
37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status
43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments
49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back
50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States
53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion
55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 2026
58:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons)
1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth

Partners:
* Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
* Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
* Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
* Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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Golden Tickets Decided at Tarawera + Black Canyon, February Barkley Shocks the Sport (Singletrack News) Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative.

Timestamps:

00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights
04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights
08:06 Barkley Marathons Update
12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative
15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications
19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability
23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition
25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement

Partners:

Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

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2026 Black Canyon 100K Preview | Analysis, Storylines, Predictions Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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:

02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines
05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics
10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions
19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies
35:33 Women's Field Analysis
58:40 Men's Field Analysis
01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities

Partners:

Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)
Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)

Additional Links:

Follow Leah on Instagram, Strava, Twitter
Follow Brett on Instagram, Strava, Youtube
Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube

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UTMB’s Utah Expansion, Prize Purse Rush, and Global Series Shakeups (Singletrack News) Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

This is the February 9th, 2026 edition of Singletrack News.

Timestamps:

01:28 Golden Trail World Series Schedule Announcement
05:44 Sky Running Series Announcement
09:17 Tarawera 102K
12:54 New UTMB Race at Snowbasin
17:25 David Goggins signs up for Cocodona
19:31 Debate on Pacer-Free Golden Tickets
22:41 Diadorra's Sub Four Mile Challenge Announcement
25:33 Prize Money News
27:56 Open Athlete Manager role at The Feed
30:58 Courtney Dauwalter to Naak
33:56 Jennifer Lichter, Adam Merry, Meg McKenzie moves
36:20 Bear Tags and Silver Tickets
38:45 Opportunities for Involvement in Trail Running Organizations

Partners:

Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)

Support the show

Sabrina Stanley on Ovarian Cancer and the Long Way Back to Elite Ultrarunning (Sunday Conversation) Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

In this conversation, Sabrina Stanley reflects on returning to competition after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the peak of her ultrarunning career. She recounts the medical uncertainty that followed her initial diagnosis, the surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing immunotherapy that reshaped more than a year of her life. Stanley discusses racing again while still in recovery, including her recent return at the Arc of Attrition 100, and what it meant to simply reach the start line.

She also speaks candidly about her complicated relationship with the sport itself -why she doesn’t closely follow ultrarunning, how she intentionally limits her exposure to public opinion, and how she has built a professional career largely insulated from external narratives. The conversation touches on her partnership with OnlyFans, her views on athlete autonomy and body regulation, and the tradeoffs of stepping outside traditional sponsorship models while continuing to pursue elite performance.

Timestamps:

00:00 Sabrina's Unique Perspective on Ultra Running
06:14 The Misunderstood World of OnlyFans
12:03 The Impact of Ovarian Cancer on Sabrina's Career
24:30 Navigating Cancer and Social Connections
27:55 Training Through Treatment: A Personal Journey
39:01 The Ongoing Battle: Living with Uncertainty
44:56 Racing Again, Arc of Attrition 100 Miler

Partners:

Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

Molly Seidel Isn’t Chasing the Same Things Anymore (Sunday Conversation) Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Olympic medalist Molly Seidel reflects on the aftermath of success at the highest level of the sport. She discusses the pressures of elite marathoning, why that model became unsustainable, and the personal decisions that led her away from the roads. The conversation touches on injury, identity, sponsorship, social media, and the early stages of her transition into trail running.
Timestamps:

00:00 The Influence of Business School on Personal Growth
03:02 Redefining Success in Running
05:52 The Unsustainable Nature of Elite Sports
09:01 Navigating Pressure and Performance
12:01 The Challenge of Public Perception
14:54 Building a Life Beyond Running
17:56 The Artistic Side of Sport
20:40 Transitioning to Trail Running
23:54 The Business of Being a Professional Runner
26:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes
29:49 Comparing Media Coverage in Running
35:46 Training Philosophy and Mental Game
38:54 Nutrition and Gear for Trail Racing
41:45 Looking Ahead to Future Races

Partners:

Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

Sabrina’s Back, Molly’s All-In, and Courtney Goes Olympic (Singletrack News) Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In the first-ever edition of Singletrack News, Finn Melanson and co-host Alyssa Clark break down the biggest stories in trail running from the past week.
We start with Sabrina Stanley’s return to racing after a year away from the sport, react to Molly Seidel’s decisive leap into trail running, and discuss what it means to see Courtney Dauwalter carrying the Olympic torch as trail running’s profile continues to rise.
Plus: major race results from around the world, notable performances, sponsorship news, and a look at where the sport is heading as competition and professionalization continue to accelerate.
Singletrack News is our weekly news and conversation show covering the stories, debates, and moments shaping trail and ultrarunning right now.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Singletrack News
01:07 Sabrina Stanley's Comeback
02:31 Courtney Dauwalter Carries Olympic Torch
03:43 Gambling Scandal in Track and Field
06:05 Podcast Highlights: Coleman Cragun and Ben Dhiman
09:41 Anne Flower Signs with Hoka, Grayson Murphy Leaves Saucony
14:48 UTMB's Future
18:45 Results Rundown: Hurt 100 and Winter Spine, Hong Kong 100K
28:00 Notable Performances: Molly Seidel, Rachel Entrekin, Erin Ton
31:18 Final Thoughts

Partners:

Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)
Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

What the Best Ultrarunners Are Still Getting Wrong About Fueling and Hydration (Andy Blow Interview) Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I sit down with Andy Blow, CEO and founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration, for a wide-ranging conversation about what athletes at all levels still get wrong about fueling and hydration in ultrarunning.
A note up front: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a major partner of the Singletrack Podcast — a partnership we’re proud of and want to fully disclose. That said, this conversation isn’t contractually obligated. It’s the exact discussion I would want to have with Andy regardless, driven by a growing curiosity around nutrition, technology, and performance in endurance sports.
Andy brings a deep and unique background to the conversation, with a degree in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Bath, experience working as a sports scientist with Formula 1 teams, and a role helping establish the Porsche Human Performance Centre before founding Precision Fuel & Hydration.
We explore both fundamentals and frontiers, including:

Why many ultrarunners — including elite athletes — succeed despite gaps in nutrition knowledge
Core hydration concepts like sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration, and blood volume contraction
The danger of chasing marginal gains before mastering the basics
Why real-time sweat tech still isn’t quite ready for prime time
“Ballpark accuracy” vs perfect precision in fueling and hydration
Aid-station decision-making, guardrails, and crew strategy in ultra races
The emerging challenges of fueling and hydrating for multi-day events

I learned a lot in this one, and hope you do too.

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 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)
Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)
Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)

Support the show

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