Singletrack With Mathias Eichler

It is almost time to race. Beast of Big Creek is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. To share a bit of the history of the race and what makes it such so a special event, I have fellow podcaster, trail runner, and Olympia local Ben Mead with me this week. Thank you Kevin Hayward State Farm, Tailwind Nutrition, and Wildernest Outdoor Store for sponsoring the 2022 Beast of Big Creek. And thanks to Olyfed and Club Oly Road Running for the year-round support. LINKS Ben Mead's Chasing Cutoff Rock Candy Running's Beast of Big Creek Beast of Big Creek on UltraSignup Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Just nine days before the race Melissa Tucker got the call off the wait list and got to fulfill her dream to run Western States. This week on Singletrack she shares how she dealt with being undertrained, how she was not being able to eat due to the heat and how she still made it to Auburn in one piece. Melissa is also the new race director for Secret Beach in Gold Beach, Oregon and we chat about the challenge and beauty of putting on a race right on the beach. LINKS WS Twitter announcement of Melissa getting picked off the wait list Melissa Tucker on Instagram All Terrain Adventures, Melissa's racing company Secret Beach on Instagram Secret Beach on UltraSignup Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

In this episode of Singletrack I am chatting with Tomasz Drybala from Poland. He's a long, long, long distance runner, motivational speaker and book author. Searching for a new direction, Tomasz discovered running, and through it a new perspective on life, while covering huge distances in Asia, the UK, and Poland. LINKS Tomasz Dryballa's website Flow Up – the book The US Tour Electric Cable Car Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Historian, Bavarian, author and ultra runner Andrea Löw joins Singletrack to talk about running as balance to lots of work and a full life. She shares adventure stories from multi-day races in Mozambique and Australia, the festival feeling at UTMB - CCC and the joy of spontaneously signing up for a local overnight 50 Miler. LINKS Andrea Löw's blog Andrea Löw on Instagram Andrea Löw on Twitter Andrea Löw on Asics Frontrunner Team Cover photo credit: Canal Adventure Rock Candy Running's Summer Races

Just a handful of runners finished this year's Mount Baker Ultra race and Jeremy Anderson was one of them. He joins Singletrack to talk about one of the nuttiest racing days the Pacific Northwest has seen in awhile. Jeremy shares his motivation to find that flow state while running long in the mountains. And we talk about the practical preparation and planning required to keep one safe. LINKS Jeremy Anderson on Strava Jeremy Anderson on Instagram Mount Baker Ultra Mount Baker Ultra race director Daniel Probst on Singletrack Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Adam Lee, "Substacker" and fellow trail podcaster joins me this week on the show. In between interval training sessions he talks about discovering trails in Vancouver, BC and launching a newsletter for the trail running community, and a podcast, where I was guest on a couple of weeks ago. LINKS Adam Lee on Substack Adam Lee on Instagram Ultrapostie, with yours truly La Sportiva – Vento Joshua Tree Skincare – CBD recovery salve Electric Cable Car – a commentary on the evolution of the mountain sport trail running Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Riley Nachtrieb joins Singletrack to share her incredible journey to set a new FKT on the Olympic Discovery Trail. This 135 mile trail leads from Port Townsend long the northern side of the Olympic Peninsula to La Push and the Pacific Ocean. Riley has been dreaming of completing this project for several years and a couple of weeks ago she did just that. LINKS Riley Nachtrieb on Instagram Riley Nachtrieb on Fastest Known Time Arc'teryx Aerios 30 Pack Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

This week I am joined by Eva Sperger - mountain athlete, ultra runner, psychotherapist from München, Germany. She's part of the Salomon Trailrunning team, the German Ultratrail Champion, and she stood on many podiums across the Alps. Eva takes us from the Zugspitze to Mont Blanc and we talk about her incredible high-alpine mountain project from last year, and her preparation and training for big races all over the Alps. As a psychologist she brings a unique focus to her training and we talk about the all important mental game especially during a race when things go sideways. LINKS Eva Sperger on Instagram Eva's practice Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Nick Coleman from the Miles, Mountains and Brews podcast joins Singletrack to share his personal story of pain, perseverance and triumph. His journey takes us to a military base in Germany, a DNF at Badger, and a climb up Mt. Hood in freezing cold winter conditions. LINKS Miles, Mountains & Brews podcast Miles, Mountains & Brews on Instagram Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Alex Bond is back on Singletrack and after his season kickoff race, the Yakima Skyline 50K he has stories to tell and questions to ask. This race is not an easy one but Alex's training was on point. So, what do you do during the a race when the doubts start creeping in? How do you respond and fight back when things turn out the way you hoped? And how do you pick yourself up afterwards and look into the future? LINKS Alex Bond on Singletrack Alex Bond on Instagram Alex Bond on Strava Yakima Skyline by Rainshadow Running Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

German pro trail running athlete Moritz auf der Heide joins us from Innsbruck, Austria today talk about his stellar performance at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail trail marathon. We talk about balancing priorities as a pro athlete, training philosophies and the real challenge of the shorter race distances. LINKS Moritz auf der Heide on Instagram Moritz auf der Heide on Strava Madeira Island Ultra Trail Cover photo by Raphael Weber

Gretchen Ta is back to talk injury recovery, race directing and giving back to the trail community. She shares the origin story of this fun and gnarly race outside Bremerton and what it takes to put on this community celebration at Green Mountain year after year. LINKS Dirty Turtle website Dirty Turtle on UltraSignUp Dirty Turtle on Facebook Fall Trail Work Parties with Evergreen Turtle Rockets

This week Brian Morrison from Seattle shares some insights into the challenges of running a brick and mortar running store and what it takes to turn the dream of a 100 Mile race in the Teanaway Country into reality. These first few years of this epic race were bumpy, but if you're looking for a truly tough race in a truly beautiful place you gotta check out the Teanaway Country 100. LINKS Fleet Feet Seattle Teanaway Country 100

Zion 100 double finisher Aum Gandhi joins Singletrack this week to share what it takes to actually finish this race, why he runs for a higher purpose and how you can support him in raising funds for a cause near and dear to his heart. We also unveil the new Beast of Big Creek race for 2022. Come race Mt. Ellinor with me. LINKS Aum Gandhi on Instagram Zion 100 On Singletrack: 70 is the new 100 Richstone Family Center Richstone Fundraiser Cover photo by Brandon Stutzman Beast of Big Creek

This week I chat with running legend David Papineau from Vancouver, BC about mask collecting, running every single street, designing logos and running marathons. Oh, and David's Chuckanut 50 story is one for the history books. You're welcome. LINKS David Papineau on Instagram Vancouver's Broadway Run Club Schindell Gallery Coast Mountain Trail Running Squamish 50 Perverted Ice Cream Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

Michael Linscott joins Singletrack this week again to share his experience at this year's Badger Mountain Challenge. This time I get to be the sounding board and hear all about the challenges a 100 mile race can throw at your even if you're a seasoned and experienced ultra runner as Michael. But, not all is lost as new plans are already in the works with Lumberjack 100 looming large in the not so distance future. LINKS Jason Reathaford on Singletrack Keith Yates on Singletrack Gretchen Walla on Singletrack Michael Linscott on Singletrack Lumberjack 100 race report on Singletrack Gear Singletrack Spring Shirt Drop: 'Servus' La Sportiva – Vento Nathan Sports – Quickstart 2.0 Coros – Apex Connect with Singletrack on: Instagram | Twitter | Website

In this episode of Singletrack I meet up with German superstar ultra runner Hannes Namberger from Bavaria. We chat about the differences in support systems for professional athletes, races in Germany and his sponsor Dynafit. We also talk about his Watzmann FKT, his breakout performance at UTMB in 2021, and what's on the horizon for Hannes for this year and beyond. Danke Hannes für's Gespräch! LINKS Hannes Namberger on Strava Hannes Namberger on Instagram Hannes Namberger on Dynatfit +++++ Connect with Singletrack on Instagram | Twitter | Website

This week we're traveling east to meet up with Virtual VERT finisher Lou D'Onofrio. Learn about deciduous forests, famously rocky trails and pretzel races. This episodes makes us long for a cross country train ride to the other coast. LINKS Lou D'Onofrio on Facebook C&O Canal 100 Pretzel City Sports Hammer Nutrition Ultraspire Early Bird Pricing is ending March 31st for Rock Candy Running's Little Backyard Adventure Six Hour Challenge. Sign up today! Follow Singletrack on Instagram. Visit Singletrack.fm for the full episode archive, guest pages and gear listings.

This week I'm sharing miles and the mic with good friend of the show Keith Yates. He's about to run Badger and turned this 100 mile adventure into a fundraiser for his local summer food program for kids in need. Running creates community and Keith runs for his local community. Please do check out the fundraiser and support him in any way you can. LINKS Running for Yelm GoFundMe Running for Yelm – Instagram Keith Yates – Instagram Yelm Rotary Nathan Sports Tailwind Nutrition Coros

Alex Hasenohr Borsuk brings cabbage noodles, nutrition advice, and rad stories of mountain adventures to this week's episode of Singletrack. She holds multiple massive FKTs in the Pacific Northwest and her adventure lust for big days out in the mountains is intoxicating. Exactly what we need to get the season in the high country kicked off on the right foot. LINKS Alex Borsuk (Hasenohr) Alex Hasenohr on Instagram #204: 'Top FKTs in Washington for 2021' ALEX'S GRANDMA'S CABBAGE NOODLES: Sauté grated or finely chopped cabbage in butter with some onions. Toss with your favorite pasta. Salt and pepper to taste. Yum!

Breaking news from this morning: Fastest Known Time sells to Outside Interactive. Here's a first commentary by Alex Bond, Ashly Winchester and Jason Hardrath on the possibly exciting changes and the worries for the trail running community. LINKS New Owners of Fastest Known Time Outside Interactive, Inc. Acquires Fastest Known Time Alex Bond Instagram Ashly Winchester Instagram Jason Hardrath Instagram

For this special episode Thomas Reiss returns to Singletrack to share the story of his epic climb of Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. What a perfect inspiration to chase vert during Virtual VERT Challenge weekend. LINKS Thomas Reiss Thomas Reiss on Instagram #208: 'Schinken, Eier und Nudeln' Thank you Tailwind Nutrition, COROS and Nathan Sports for supporting the Virtual VERT Challenge.

Zooming in from the beautiful Methow Valley Alison Naney is a trail runner, running coach, massage therapist and owner of Cascade Endurance. We chat about running a business and running the Grand Canyon. LINKS Cascade Endurance Alison Naney on Instagram Women of Distance podcast

Keith Laverty is back on the show to talk about his win at last weekend's Fat-Ass style Burt 55K on Bainbridge Island, Washington. We chat about how to build a race and adventure run calendar for the year and we share some fun new gear for 2022. LINKS Coach Keith Laverty Keith Laverty on Instagram Gorge Waterfalls Javalina Jundred Rabbit Poulsbo Running Salomon Soft Flask XA Filter Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Speedland PDX Rock Candy Running's Virtual VERT Challenge

Trail Legend Krissy Moehl joins Singletrack to talk about circumnavigating Mt. Baker, her upcoming book release and Chuckanut 50. It's Krissy's 20th year directing this classic ultra in the Chuckanut Mountains outside Bellingham, Washington. We chat about the history of the race, the gritty details of permitting and rules during COVID and what this race means to her and the trail community here in the PNW and beyond. LINKS Chuckanut 50 Chuckanut 50 on Instagram Krissy Moehl Krissy Moehl on Instagram Running Your First Ultra – Krissy Moehl Cover photo by Glenn Tachiyama. Tailwind Nutrition is sponsoring the Virtual VERT Challenge!

This week I am chatting with Daniel Probst, race director of the one of a kind Mt. Baker Ultra. After racing Tor De Geants Dan was inspired to bring this race with a 100+ year history back to life. Hear about the challenges and beauty of creating a race route that traverses glaciers, crosses rivers and requires serious mountain expertise by the participants and volunteers alike. LINKS Mount Baker Ultra Mount Baker Ultra on Instagram Tor des Géants Tifosi Swank XL sunglasses Cover photo by Chris Duppenthaler.

High altitude mountaineer and explorer Andrew Hughes joins us for a very special episode of Singletrack to share his story and journey from growing up in the shadow of Mount Rainier to climbing the Seven Summits. LINKS Andrew Hughes Andrew Hughes on Instagram First Ten to the Top – Brand new Singletrack Shirt now available.

World traveller and running coach Matt Urbanski joins Singletrack this week. He's the co-founder of Team Run Run the popular online marketplace for running coaches. I asked him to try to convince me that I should get myself a running coach for this upcoming year of running. Will he succeeded? LINKS Team Run Run Team Run Run on Instagram Brought to you by the Virtual VERT Winter Challenge 2022

When I stumbled upon the 'Women who FKT' project I got super excited and needed to know more. Instigator Marta Fisher is here to tell her story, the inspiration behind the project and the call to action. Here's to a summer filled with adventure, and FKT chasing. LINKS Women who FKT Women who FKT on Instagram Brought to you by the Virtual VERT Winter Challenge 2022

Jason Reathaford joins us from the other side of the state to share his story into ultra running, from conquering 100 milers himself to becoming the race director for the Badger Mountain Challenge in Richland, WA. We chat about challenges for race directors to keep being a UTMB qualifying race to the love for this sport way beyond the comfort zone. LINKS Badger Mountain Challenge Badger on Facebook La Sportiva Bushido II GTX

Trent Banks of the Trail Film Festival and Aspire Adventure Running joins our first episode of the year. The Winter Edition 2022 of the Virtual Trailrunning Film Festival is coming up and you should get your ticket – the lineup of films looks absolutely stellar. So, jump to trailfilmfest.com and get your tickets and enjoy the show! LINKS Trailrunning Film Festival Aspire Adventure Running Trent on Instagram Trent on Soundcloud

Happy Christmas everyone. It's this special time of the year and you know what that means? Holiday movie review time! Alex Bond and I take a dive into the big screen sensation The Alpinist. A climbing movie that follows the story of Canadian Marc-André Leclerc. Sit back, grab some eggnog and don't forget to hug your loves ones. LINKS The Alpinist The Alpinist on Apple TV The Alpinist on Netflix NEED GEAR FOR THE NEW YEAR?

Gretchen Walla joins the show to share what makes the trail running community so special in her hometown Bellingham, Washington. We also talk about the challenges of hosting trail races in this, yes, still pandemic times, and what we hope 2022 will bring for us trail runners and racers. LINKS Walla Trails and Community Walla Trails on Instagram Gretchen Walla on Instagram HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Epic Water Filter Virtual VERT Challenge Winter 2022

This week I'm joined by longtime friend of the show Stephen Johnson, creator of the popular app Topo Maps +. We talk about the origins of his business Glacier Peak Studios, how to navigate in the backcountry, and to use maps to smartly plan your summer adventure projects. LINKS ​Glacier Peak Studios ​Topo Maps+ on the Apple App Store ​Circle, Venus, Spade lakes loop The Talk Show: 'Scotland Board of Tourism', with David Smith ​David Smith's Blog Post about the Apple Watch HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Salomon – Agile Long Tights La Sportiva – Triumph Tight

Baker and mountain athlete Elisa Laverty joins us this week to talk about her off season plans including pie baking and her casual solstice event at Mt. Walker. Who's ready to chase some vert in the Olympics? LINKS Elisa on Strava Elisa on Instagram HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Sea to Summit Dry Sacks Orange Mud Transition Wrap Opinel knives

This week I am joined by Viktor Marohnic, founder of 57Hours. The startup that invites you to 'own your weekend' and make the most of the these magical 57 hours between Friday afternoon and Monday morning. Get out there and explore. After the interview I share with you my thoughts on the Coros Apex Pro GPS sports watch. LINKS 57Hours.com – Own your Weekends HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Coros Apex Pro

Steph joins the show again to follow up on her injury that sidelined her summer project. We talk about traveling to France, visiting family and drinking wine. Amidst gratitude for the time we get to spend on trails we carefully hatch some dreams about next year's summer adventures. NEW SHIRTS: Get your Singletrack shirt and support the show. LINKS Steph on Instagram Steph's summer project HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Salomon – Outrack Waterproof 2.5L jacket Nathan – Pinnacle 12L Hydration Vest

This week Thomas Reiss joins Singletrack to share a glimpse into his epic journey from a small town in Germany to opening a design shop in Californian wine country. We talk about running Western States, hiking to Everest Basecamp, and punk music and great German food. Delicious. LINKS Thomas Reiss Thomas Reiss on Instagram Kraftwerk Design Snowman Race HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE La Sportiva – Karacal Blesswell – CBD skincare Bee's Wrap – food wrappers Singletrack – the shirt

One of my favorite outdoor companies redesigns their logo and overhauls their brand and I had to hear the story behind it all. Jeff Vierling, co-founder of Tailwind Nutrition joins Singletrack to share the process, the design decisions, and the challenges to keep all the various pieces of a undertaking like this moving. The designer in me loves stuff like this. The runner in me loves their endurance fuel and recover mix. NEW SHIRTS: Get your Singletrack shirt and support the show. LINKS Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel: Matcha HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Swiftwick – National Park socks Nathan – Summit polarized sunglasses Rumpl – Blankets

While the rain and cold is embracing the Pacific Northwest, Maria Dalzot joins Singletrack to talk about summer and sunshine, cows and cheese in Switzerland. We chat about racing along steep alpine trails through cow pastures and cute mountain villages. We reminisce about the incredible food and discuss what races to pick when dreaming of running in the Alps. Thank you Maria for taking me back one more time to this glorious summer. NEW SHIRTS: Get your Singletrack shirt and support the show. LINKS Maria Dalzot Maria Dalzot on Instagram OCC at UTMB Trail Des Dents Du Midi DDM at Trailrunner HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE IBEX – baselayers BGreat – Hemp skincare products

Podcast producer, host, and trail runner Emily Holland joins this week's episode of Singletrack from Boulder Colorado. We talk about the peace, adventure, and community trail running brings us. In the second half of the show we dive into a meta conversation around the future of podcasting. Also: the Singletrack Holiday Gift Guide is live, go check it out. LINKS Emily Holland's podcast: Nature Untold Emily Holland's podcast consulting business Emily Holland on Instagram Outdoor Podcasters on Facebook Holiday Gift Guide Sea to Summit – Alto TR 1 ultralight tent Jack Wolfskin – Lakeside jacket for women and men

Alex Bond and I are taking a look at the best mountain running performances in Washington State submitted to Fastest Known Time for the year 2021. And wow, there are some inspirational efforts put up by incredible runners. From Alex Borsuk's blistering run up Glacier Peak to Alex King's dethroning of Uli Steidl's long-held FKT at Mt. Rainier. And yes, we found some cool runs in the Olympics as well. What's up with all the Alexes in this episode? Links Alex Borsuk & Jenny Abegg - Sawtooth Ridge Slam Alex Borsuk - Glacier Peak Sunny Stroeer - Mt. Stone Kristina Randrup - Mailbox Peak Robyn Reeder - Mt. Adams Jason Hardrath - Washington's Bulgers Timothy Olsen - Pacific Crest Trail Nick Folwer - Pacific Northwest Trail Alex King - Mt. Rainier Kyle McCrohan, Nick Danielson, Tara Fraga, Jenny Abegg - Alpine Lakes Crest Traverse Anna Maxwell, Charlie Levy - Buckhorn Wilderness Loop Alex Bond on Strava and Instagram Seattle Running Club

The challenges of the last 1/4 at Squamish 50, the joys of the flat interurban trail at Chuckanut, the relentless heat at R2R2R and the brutal beauty of Teanaway Country 100. This and more with PNW running legend and coach Keith Laverty, who finally made it on the show. Links: Coach Keith with Team Run Run Keith's Instagram Keith sponsor: rabbit

Aspire Adventure Running's Abram Dickerson joins the show to share a glimpse into his jam-packed summer. Gathering trail runners in stunning scenery, feeding them delicious food and showing them unique places all over the West Coast is what Aspire does best and Abram is the mastermind behind it all. Links: Aspire Adventure Running Aspire Adventure Running Instagram Tailwind Nutrition Tailwind Nutrition Instagram Check out the new website at singletrack.fm

Mountain Goat and otherworldly human being Jason Hardrath joins the show to share his little summer project. No stranger to crazy mountain adventures, for his 100th FKT attempt Jason picked the insane idea of climbing all 100 peaks of the Washington Bulgers list. We bushwhack, asleep on trails and traverse crevasse-filled glaciers. Let's go climb some mountains. Bring your ice axe and a snickers bar. Links: Jason's website Jason's Instagram Fastest Known Time – Washington's Bulgers FKT Country Highpoints – Route Overview Jason on Singletrack

After an incredible year of running Michael Linscott joins a very special episode of Singletrack to talk about his fabulous fifth finish at Cascade Crest. We also of course dissect my UTMR 100K DNF and talk about what makes racing in the Alps so special. Links: Michael Linscott on Instagram Seattle Mountain Running Group on Facebook Ultra Tour Monte Rosa Orange Mud Transition Wrap

In this brief summer intermission show Mathias shares his travel stress and gear choices for his upcoming trip to the Alps and his 100K race at Ultra Tour Monte Rosa around the mountains of Grächen, Switzerland. Hello Alps, baby! Links to all the gear at outdoor-society.com

Friend of the show Tabatha Collins is back and she brought her trail running partner and fellow mountain slayer Mary Flinders with her. They were the first folks who attempted my epic Cushman Six route in the Staircase region of Olympic National Forest/Park. And yes, I said attempted. When Tabatha contacted me a few days prior I felt comfortable sending them out into these mountains. These ladies are strong, experienced and know what they were doing. But these mountains aren't easy, and there's a lot of backcountry off trail travel. Links: Cushman Six FKT Cushman Six

Fresh off his 5th Hardrock100 finish Mike Ehredt is back on the show to share his latest adventures in the San Juans. The veteran Hardrocker reflects on this beautiful route and what it takes to successfully complete this extreme race as a back of the pack runner. We dive into what makes this community special and what the future holds for him in Silverton. Mike's also a race director, and so of course we talk about the challenges and joys of organizing a trail race. Links: Mike Runs Idaho Mike on Instagram Hardrock 100 Endurance Run Little Backyard Adventure Swantown Inn & Spa OlyFed Tailwind Nutrition Kevin Hayward Statefarm Eastside Big Tom HomeLight Club Oly Road Running Squirrel's Nut Butter Heritage Bank

Mountain goat Steph Decker joins the show to talk about the latest adventure project she's been working on. Inspired by ultra uber runner Christof Teuscher she's working on a variation of his "Olympic Loops" in Olympic National Park. The project is a beast and while rendering somewhat speechless is inspiring me hugely to dream of new adventures. And of course, no conversation about massive adventures would be complete without a good conversation around shoes and gear. Links: Christof Teuscher - The Olympic Loops Steph's slightly altered route Steph's Instagram Topo's Instagram Steph's Strava Gear