One More K

Markus Gnirck
One More K

Your weekly show bringing you the latest news, insights, and chatter from the world of trail and ultra running, hosted by Ned Phillips and Markus Gnirck. As passionate entrepreneurs, investors, and trail runners themselves, Ned and Markus delve into the latest business stories in this fast-growing industry. They invite fellow entrepreneurs and business executives to provide behind-the-scenes insights. A show dedicated to exploring the business side of endurance sports.

  1. Reinventing Running Shoes: How Zen Running Club is Leading the Sustainability Movement

    15/12/2024

    Reinventing Running Shoes: How Zen Running Club is Leading the Sustainability Movement

    Markus hosts Andy Farnworth and Hans Koeleman of Zen Running Club to discuss their mission to revolutionize running shoes. With backgrounds at Nike and decades in the industry, they share how Zen is breaking the mold by creating bio-based, compostable shoes that balance performance with sustainability. The duo explains the challenges of disrupting an industry reliant on petroleum-based materials, from engineering durable bio-fibers to educating consumers. They highlight Zen’s focus on community and storytelling, building a brand that’s as inclusive as it is innovative. Whether you’re into running, sustainability, or just great stories, this episode dives into the future of running gear and why eco-conscious design is the way forward. Timestamps: (00:25) Introduction Hans and Andy (04:50) Hans’ Mystical Miles Magazine (09:10) The story behind Zen Running Club (17:30) The different approach to designing a running shoe (28:18) Zen’s customer groups and stories (35:50) How to build a shoe brand business (40:58) The vision for Zen Running Club Show Notes: https://mysticalmiles.nl/ https://zenrunningclub.com/gb/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-koeleman-oly-81a90a4/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-farnworth-897936a/ Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    52 min
  2. 07/12/2024

    Celebrating 50 Episodes: Ultra Insights, AI Coaching, and Robot Races

    Episode 50 of One More K is a milestone celebration for Markus and Ned, reflecting on the journey from starting out to becoming an “ultra-marathon” podcast. They revisit key themes from past episodes, like the evolving business of trail running, the passion behind ultra-endurance athletes, and how the sport’s growing popularity is shaping its future. The duo shares candid thoughts on industry trends, brand innovation, and even touch on quirky topics like AI in coaching and robot racing. Their humorous takes on government cuts to trail funding and the rise of trail lotteries keep the episode lively and relatable. Capping it off, Ned reads a heartfelt poem about the joy of podcasting and the parallels to running—a shared love that fuels their weekly conversations. With its mix of introspection, fun, and forward-thinking ideas, Episode 50 is a perfect blend of reflection and inspiration for endurance sports fans. Timestamps: (01:15) Review of the past episode (05:50) Investors in trail running (10:40) David Roche on the Rich Roll podcast (19:00) Ned’s ideas about storytelling (22:14) AI use cases in trail running (33:35) US hiring freeze in parks impacting trail runners (36:25) Western States lottery numbers (38:15) UTMB Chiang Mai taking place (40:00) Ned’s drop Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    44 min
  3. Foam, Fuel, and Fashion: Jonas Jacquet on the Future of Running

    03/12/2024

    Foam, Fuel, and Fashion: Jonas Jacquet on the Future of Running

    In this One More K episode, Jonas Jacquet, co-founder of Sporthunger.de, shares his journey from finance in Asia to building a top German endurance nutrition platform. He dives into why he returned to Germany, the gap he saw in high-quality sports nutrition, and how Sporthunger bridges that gap with curated products athletes love. Jonas reflects on his experience at The Running Event in Austin, where he observed booming trends like foam-soled shoes, trail running fashion, and the high-carb fueling revolution. He also highlights the rise of run clubs and the shift of running into a social, stylish movement. This episode offers insight into running industry dynamics, Sporthunger’s curated approach to nutrition, and Jonas’s passion for blending community, quality, and performance. Whether you're a runner, entrepreneur, or gear geek, it’s a must-listen! Timestamps: (00:25) Intro Jonas Jacquet (01:30) From Hong Kong to Germany founding sporthunger.de (07:30) Impressions from The Running Event in Austin, TX (14:45) More shoe brands are joining the market (23:50) Are we entering a running boom cycle now? (30:00) Nutrition trends at The Running Event (39:40) Brands with great story telling (46:20) How to grow sporthunger.de (57:04) Ned’s drop Show Notes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-jacquet-109164116/ https://www.sporthunger.de/ – Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    1 hr
  4. Short, Fast, and Thrilling: How SuperTri is Changing the Game with Michael Dhulst

    23/11/2024

    Short, Fast, and Thrilling: How SuperTri is Changing the Game with Michael Dhulst

    Markus and Ned sit down with Michael Dhulst, co-founder and CEO of SuperTri, to talk about shaking up the triathlon world. Michael shares his journey from working at Volkswagen in China to launching SuperTri, a short-course triathlon league that’s built for athletes and spectators. Compact courses, thrilling formats, and team-based racing are changing the game—and pulling in new fans. He also dives into the business side: how to connect with participants on an emotional level, the growth of SuperTri E (their e-sports triathlon platform), and the challenges of scaling globally. With a focus on the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, Michael explains how SuperTri is bringing triathlon to new heights, all while keeping the drama and grit of racing alive. Packed with insights and fresh ideas, this episode is a must-listen for endurance sports fans and innovators alike Timestamps: (00:25) Intro Michael Dhulst (01:25) From Volkswagen China to doing triathlons (05:30) Why starting Super League Triathlon in the world of triathlon (14:00) The format of Supertri racing (16:50) The business behind Supertri & building teams (23:20) Focusing on the customer in triathlons (30:40) The power of storytelling (35:00) Expanding Supertri into different markets (39:25) The vision for Supertri (41:55) Ned’s Drop https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdhulst/ https://supertri.com/ – Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    46 min
  5. Building Asia's most successful trail racing team, with Ryan Blair

    16/11/2024

    Building Asia's most successful trail racing team, with Ryan Blair

    Ryan Blair, one of the OGs of trail running in Asia, takes us on a wild ride through his journey. From organizing adventure races in the 90s to building Asia’s first professional trail running team, Ryan shares how he turned passion into purpose. Whether it’s pulling off events against all odds or fighting for better opportunities for Asian athletes, Ryan’s been at the heart of it all. He talks about Sunmaya Buddha, his star runner from Nepal, whose story is as gritty as her racing. Ryan doesn’t hold back on the challenges—like the lack of prize money and global recognition for athletes from the region—but he’s all about creating change. This episode is packed with honesty, history, and a whole lot of heart, straight from someone who’s been in the trenches (and on the trails) for decades. Timestamps: (00:30) Intro Ryan (01:00) Why One More K? (03:05) Ryan’s story coming to Asia from the US (08:30) Building the Action Asia Race Series (18:00) Comparing trail running now to 30 years ago (26:40) The North Face Racing team, including Sunmaya Budha (39:00) Sunmaya is an outstanding athlete (43:30) How to improve the trail industry (50:50) Ned’s drop Show Notes: www.AsiaPacificAdventure.com www.PCI-Asia.com www.HotReels.tv www.apa.co – Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_ Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms. Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    55 min
  6. From Ski Slopes to Ultra Trails: The LEKI Story with Michael Brechtelsbauer

    08/11/2024

    From Ski Slopes to Ultra Trails: The LEKI Story with Michael Brechtelsbauer

    Markus and Ned sit down with Michael Brechtelsbauer from LEKI, the legendary pole brand that’s been helping adventurers tackle mountains, trails, and everything in between for over 75 years. Michael dives into LEKI's backstory, from a WWII refugee’s dream of building better gear to becoming a go-to for serious skiers and trail runners worldwide. He talks about LEKI’s quirky evolution—from clunky early models to today’s ultra-light, high-tech trail running poles. And did you know LEKI experimented with hemp poles? Yes, they’re on a mission to mix sustainability with performance, working with elite athletes who’ll test everything from grip comfort to pole lengths (hint: longer is trending!). The episode wraps up with some fun insider talk on where LEKI is headed, including experimenting with materials that are as tough as they are eco-friendly. Whether you’re a casual hiker or ultra-endurance junkie, Michael’s insights on LEKI’s journey and his passion for the niche world of poles will have you itching to hit the trails. Timestamps: (00:28) Intro Michael & background (03:20) The LEKI founding story in Germany (10:55) LEKI’s venture into trail running (15:55) How to differentiate poles & staying focused (18:32) Importance of trail running within LEKI (23:50) Customer and trends are changing, everything is growing (29:00) How LEKI connects to consumers (36:11) What innovations are happening? Go below 100g per pole? (44:35) New products coming in 2025 (47:30) Ned’s drop Show Notes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brechtelsbauer-45431b104/ www.leki.de – Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    52 min
  7. Trail Running, Memes, and Rap: Ruairi Moynihan on Building Trail Gangstaz

    01/11/2024

    Trail Running, Memes, and Rap: Ruairi Moynihan on Building Trail Gangstaz

    Yo, it’s One More K, Markus and Ned, With Ruairi on the mic, here’s what he said: Teacher turned runner, now trail scene king, Reppin' Trail Gangstaz, where the memes do their thing. He’s raced in Vietnam, from mountains to heat, Coaching young guns, keeping ‘em on their feet. Memes got the laughs, but the message runs deep, From calling out brands to the secrets we keep. Creative hustle, posts that hit right, Rap videos poppin’ every Friday night. Gotta boost the biz, let the humor shine through, In the world of trails, he’s bringing the new. And yeah, he dropped bars, live on the show, Spittin’ his story, making that flow. Authentic and real, he’s raising the game, From runners to jokers, he’s changing the frame. So if you love trails and you’re down for a laugh, Tune in to One More K, follow the path. (created by ChatGPT, no human to blame for this rap) Timestamps: (00:20) Intro to Ruairi (02:35) Ruairi’s running in Vietnam (06:45) Being part of the Aravaipa Running Team (09:20) Review of Javelina Jundred race (14:00) Ruairi’s running career in track & road (17:23) An overview of the running meme accounts (20:28) Business model of meme accounts (25:22) The in’s and out’s of running memes (29:25) What’s the journey ahead? Focus on collabs (34:20) Getting into rap in NYC (40:10) How to compete with AI to create good content (45:00) Importance of satire and parody (48:30) The first rap on One More K (52:52) Ned’s drop Show Notes: https://www.instagram.com/trailgangstaz/ https://www.instagram.com/lilrunnerboiii/ https://aravaiparunning.com/network/javelinajundred/ – Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com) Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_  Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_ Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com Reach Out: team.onemorek@gmail.com Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_ Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other major platforms.  Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

    58 min

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About

Your weekly show bringing you the latest news, insights, and chatter from the world of trail and ultra running, hosted by Ned Phillips and Markus Gnirck. As passionate entrepreneurs, investors, and trail runners themselves, Ned and Markus delve into the latest business stories in this fast-growing industry. They invite fellow entrepreneurs and business executives to provide behind-the-scenes insights. A show dedicated to exploring the business side of endurance sports.

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