Singletrack With Mathias Eichler

Doug rants about how he feels about British history before Mathias brings the whole Crown talk into an important lesson for trail runners and reaching our goals. the McRib is making yet another feature on the show, as is wildlife talks and dealing with those pesky, dirty soft-flasks. Have you picked up your Tribute to the Trails calendar yet? If not, head to Seven Hills Running for your copy and great gear.

Sometimes planning an adventure is almost has exciting as actually adventuring, and on some adventures things go sideways and still offer the best memories and a thirst for more. This is the story of Steph Decker who almost spontaneously invited Calvin Kuo and Freddie Most to an attempt of the fabled and rarely travelled R2R2R alt route down into the Grand Canyon and back. And yes, the alt route is the one without the bridge over the river, so as swimming across is the only option.

We're moving to L.A. where podcasting is essential and McRibs are plentiful. In this potpourri episode of seemingly-random-and-yet-perfectly-on-brand news Doug and Mathias discuss Kilian's 24hr track run, the McRib locator map, leaf blower's devastating effect on the environment and this week's deadly fall by Swiss ultra runner Andrea Huser. A lot is going on and the holidays are almost here.

Cyber Monday is here and Doug decides to immediately derail the conversation. Mathias' new iPhone is reviewed, before the talk transitions to Kilian running 24 hours around a track. How would Doug and Mathias do a long 24 hour or full day run properly? With shaved ice, of course. Listen and learn about the failed Tour d'Trump that was supposed to run from Albany to Atlantic City. Share, subscribe and review wherever podcasts are found.

In this episode, we once again ask the hard hitting questions: Do you like braids or twists for your bread? How big do you like your turkey? Do your wrap your meat in dough. Once the food talk subsides, Mathias and Doug quickly transition to responsibility of race directors during Covid, diving into a serious discussion about the outrage over the JFK50 continuing on, forgetting JFK's words. Share, subscribe and review wherever podcasts are found. Happy Thanksgiving y'all. Thanks for listening, we truly appreciate it!

History is made on this episode, as the guys somehow start the show on topic and stay there nearly the entire time. Mathias and Doug chat about Ricky Gates' Transamericana book and movie, look at the new Brooks shoe colors and explore Mathias' Nike aversion. We know. We can't believe that this was a serious show either.

We've all heard of the Smashing Pumpkins, but have you heard of Smashed potatoes? After a much needed cooking and baking conversation, Mathias and Doug dive deep into the pressing topics of the day. Will Mathias be able to overcome his lack of motivation for fun, will the two survive the political anger on Strava posts and what exactly is the Streisand effect. Keep your eyes and ears open for the Q for race directors forum and let us know if you need any turkey medals.

This week on Singletrack, Abram Dickerson sits down with Mathias and Doug to share the origins of Aspire Adventure Running. The company gives runners who want the challenge of distance running without the congestion and structure of a races, in some of the prettiest spots around. How'd it start? What do they have planned for 2021? All that and more will be answered.

Is it too early to say "gobble gobble?" Doug talks shuttles coming to Yellowstone, while Mathias wants to ask Rick Steves a question. Thanksgiving is discussed, as is the idea of running in the shape of a turkey. Cancel your holiday plans, plan an appetizer wear a mask and get ready to use those yaktrax.

Not new: Singletrack loves Tailwind. New: In this episode of Singletrack Jenny and Jeff Vierling, cofounders of Tailwind Nutrition give your friendly podcast hosts a unique inside view of how the company was started and the product developed and produced. Come along for the ride and hear how this unique business deals not just with the everyday challenges in today's world, but also how Jeff and Jenny take care of their employees, their immediate community in Durango, Colorado and our outdoor community at large. Must listen audio nutrition!

Election talk seeps into Singletrack, but have no fear! We also talk about sparkling water, the McRib and even mention running! It is the on point, always focused show that you know and love! Count all the votes and eat all the McRibs.

The election is upon us, but so are new episodes of baking shows, so you know this has all the ingredients for a good show. Boston and London Marathons are discussed, before we dive into the future of virtual races in the coming year. We also wonder why we can't pay for an all access pass to stream every Olympic event?

No tricks, treats or monsters mashing here. Just another solid, ground breaking episode. Mathias and Doug talk about about flu shots and then have a real, honest discussion on ways to stay positive and run through the darker days of fall and winter. There is warmth and light ahead. Keep seeking out those trails and gravel roads.

It is tech talk, but no tiktok talk. Mathias is debating the new iPhone mini, Doug has questions about the camera and both are thinking about the upgrade to the brave new world. We also take a quick dive into Strava's now optional flyby feature. Links and more at outdoor-society.com.

Change is afoot! Plus, Doug returns to Washington and explores Staircase, Mathias walks Olympia and both reminisce about the stunning trails in the South Puget Sound. Links and more at outdoor-society.com.

Podcasters are scared of a little bit of weather and Peloton get's dumped on again, apologizes. Also, trail races are coming back in 2021, we hope. But we do wonder what this will look like. Are you going to race? Check out Tailwind Nutrition's Seasonal Flavor Drop at Tailwindnutrition.com.

Training goals are adjusted, and pizza is baked. Fall is here. We're dreaming slowing down for the colder month eating copious amount of delicious cake, and are debating the best pizza toppings. Apologies to the dieters.

Doug bakes zucchini bread, Mathias whines about dentist appointments. Fall is here and while Mathias still enjoys is downtime Doug sneaks in a couple more epic adventures. Buffalos, cornices, and boulder surfing, all this and more!

In this week's episode Doug finds trails after a rest period and Mathias submits is run to the Fastest Known Time database. Philipp Reiter's Alpfronttrail project is discussed and the future of the American shopping mall decided.

...smoke on the water, a fire in the sky... Doug discovers backcountry camping bliss on, not off 'the beaten path' and Mathias finally knocks off his biggest project to date: The Cushman 6: 6 peaks in one, probably-never-before-completed run along the mountains above Lake Cushman in the Olympics. These big projects deserve a big show, and this one lives up to it.

It's smoke and fire season in the west and everything is burning.... ugh, your favorite podcast hosts had plans, and great plans for one more big adventure run before the winter. We also dive deep into the questionable inspiration of one of the most popular trail races in the world. Deep stuff, as always.

Doug gets almost blown off a mountain top and Mathias sneaks in a mid-week climb of the beloved Mt. Ellinor. And he find goats. Yes, there are still there, as well as photographers or at least people with camera gear. Oh, and the trail is getting spruced up, which is very nice, thank you Mt. Rose Trail Crew. Let's get some more mountains in before snow falls, shall we?

Recent Wonderland running achievements have us all in awe. You ran how fast around that awesome mountain of ours? Speaking of mountains and running, there's a lot of that happening right now, and we're all here for it. Also, a long conversation about that post-adventure run fast food visit. What's your poison? Let us know via the usual channels.

Jason Hardrath joins the show to share his journey to 100 FKTs. Calling in from Yosemite after just having completed the insane and awe-inspiring 'Yosemite Picnic' he shares his thoughts on how our adventures and physical exercise shape us as people and make us better humans.

Doug takes a deep dive into the usefulness of the Strava subscription and gives us an update on his new running belt. Mathias talks about gondolas and UTMB, of course. Neither of them talk about IPAs.

Enjoy this random picture of a bonfire on the beach to match the randomness of this episode. Douglas tries on a new running belt, Mathias wins a shirt, both are in a running low as summer is slowly turning. Peak Week starts Monday - come and join us!

Are we seriously talking about the Enchantments again? Yes, yes, we are. We also share stories about running away from thunderstorms and into sunrises. Rock Candy hats are finally in stock and books are ready to ship. Get some! Links at outdoor-society.com

Skating where the puck is going to be, your hosts discuss local sports news ad nauseam , say 'farewell and good riddance' to John Muir, and take a deep dive into their respective weekend adventures. Doug climbs the stunning Elephanthead Mountain in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Area and Mathias explores a sneaky little trail linking up the Ellinor trail system with the Mt. Rose summit loop in the Olympics.

Mathias climbs Mt. Skokomish above Lake of Angels, well, almost, with Brent Miller for the Summer of Vert Vertical K+ Challenge. Doug shares stories of bear encounters and becomes a Local Legend, thanks to a new Strava feature. This, and so much more in today's episode of your favorite trail, mountain and adventure running podcast.

Doug scrambles on ridge lines, Mathias hosts another virtual race and tries to find a route to run himself. Socks are tested and shoes are evaluated. Good times. Links to gear reviewed on outdoor-society.com

More big races are cancelled for the year. The Enchanted Valley Chalet's final fate is being decided. The Enchantments are overrun, again. Oh, and Hamilton is on Disney+.

What flavor do you want your hydration fuel to be? Why are watch straps so expensive? What happens when you wear sandals in the sun? How fun is it to run through an entire night? This and many other important life lessons are being discussed in this week's episode of your favorite trail running podcast.

Doug and Mathias discuss their respective runs for last weeks Summer of Vert 4HR Vertical event. Doug finds bliss in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and Mathias stands twice on the summit of Mt. Rose. Also discussed are route building skills, beer encounters and how to overcome the fear of the unknown outdoors. Feels like a real running podcast around here.

The time is right for Doug and Mathias to go 'there'. In this deep and serious episode we address the issues of the day. We're also buying running socks in outdoor stores and listening to cassette tapes of our past.

Doug sees a bear and Mathias walks on snow. Both events are eye-opening and a bit more unsettling than they should be. But lessons are learned and pictures takes.

Mathias sleeps in his new tent and welcomes summer. Doug discovers trails and worries about bears after a long winter. The two discuss best practices to stay safe in the backcountry when traveling beyond cell coverage and especially lately, solo. Links at outdoor-society.com

Doug gets a haircut, Mathias a Strava subscription, and UTMB gets cancelled. This week is full of new stuff, fun stuff, and sad stuff. The future of trail running is discussed and how timber harvesting changes local trails. Links at outdoor-society.com

Let's have a podcast to talk about another podcast - that's new. But seriously, in this week's episode we dive int0 the phenomena of the "Fastest Known Time" run, and find obscure routes for ourselves. Good Times. Five Stars. Links on: outdoor-society.com

Our first virtual race was an incredible success and we're excited to sit down with women's race winner Tabatha Collins who shares her challenges with teaching first graders during this time, overcoming injury and running up and down her backyard hill 188 times. The show includes bacon, torrential downpours and lots of unfinished paperwork.

Some state parks and other public lands are slowly being opened up for outdoor activity. What does this mean for us trail runners and how should we behalf when heading for the trail heads? This and other hard hitting questions are being discussed in this week's show. Also: Virtual Vert Challenge is happening this weekend and the Virtual Trail Running Film Festival is coming to your living room. Exciting times in quarantine-land.

Year three of Singletrack kicks off with a bam. James Varner of Rainshadow Running and Abram Dickerson of Aspire Adventure Running stop by to talk about the upcoming Virtual Trail Running Film Festival. Of course, there's other stuff too, like injury talk, exciting!

Aside from the weather your favorite podcast hosts don't talk about running, yet again. Here are their favorite songs currently on their playlist, so you get something out of listing to this. And go for run already! Link to playlist in Apple Music on outdoor-society.com.

Doug and Mathias discuss how to venture into the outdoors in a safe manner. They celebrate the ingenious backyard projects and our endless yearning for adventure. The mountain will wait for us, but will be patient to wait for them. OUR RULES: - Behave like you're the carrier of the virus – stay way from people. - Be flexible with your plans, avoid crowded places, find routes where you can easily avoid people. - Stay within your community. - Don't put yourself in a place where 'Search and Rescue' might need to be called , no risky adventures. - Don't run with anyone outside your immediate household – adventures alone. Did we miss anything? Let us know on Twitter or via email.

Doug finds bags of flour to bake and shares a story of one of his favorite runs in Glacier National Park. Mathias contemplates running every single street in Olympia again and shares some of his favorite Tailwind flavors... buzz buzz...

We've started the next 100 episodes with a special SingleTrack, after dark. What was different? We added drinks and recorded after the sun set. Mathias ran a 5k around his house, which led us to a conversation about how to interact with the trail running community during Covid-19. We chat about Unbreakable: the Western States 100 feature film, hear about Doug getting back to running after an injury and finally get to incredible recipes to make. We decided to mixed things up a bit and invited four friends of the show to share their favorite quarantine/lock down recipes and talked about a few of our own. This show made us hungry to run and eat. Six feet apart, of course. Links to all our guest's recipes at outdoor-society.com

For this 100th episode, amidst a global pandemic Doug and Mathias don't have much to celebrate. Trail races are cancelled all over the world, people are discouraged to congregate and Mathias is slowly running out of flour... But, we still have each other, we still have adventures out our back door, we still have daylights, and sunsets and cups of coffee... How do you measure, measure a year podcast?

It's a show for the end of the world... or so it it feels. Doug is injured, Kaiser Woods dances with Mathias, races are canceled and training plans are made for these desperate times. Stay healthy, friends, stay healthy.

Doug suspends his campaign, finally. Mathias forgets his water on his long run, like a noob. They discuss Walmsley at the Olympic Trials, proper nutrition on long runs and what adventure experiences do to the human psyche. We need more of it. Thanks for tuning in every week - means the world to us!

The recent search and rescue event out at the Duckabush on the Olympic Peninsula make your favorite podcasters re-up the conversation about safety in the backcountry. Do not be complacent. Go prepared, check things twice, bring your stuff and tell people where you're going. Also, running shoes are purchased, orientation runs are organized and jokes are made about tiny houses.

Hey, Doug and Mathias got to run together, in real life, that was fun, and it was at Kaiser. The team discusses all the new 100 mile races that are popping up in the PNW and Mathias reviews the Nathan ExoDraw handheld from last week in more details. The first orientation run at Kaiser is announced. All the fun in the neighborhood!