Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits
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Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you. Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

  1. Buffalo Stampede, Aussie Champs Recap, UTMB pregnancy policy ft. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 103

    1 DAY AGO

    Buffalo Stampede, Aussie Champs Recap, UTMB pregnancy policy ft. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 103

    This week on Peak Pursuits, Brodie Nankervis and Jess Jason are joined by Sarah Ludowici, fresh off 2nd place and first Aussie at the Buffalo Stampede 100km, which also doubled as the Australian Long Course Trail Champs. Sarah takes us through her race day, from training in the lead up to how it all played out on course. We chat through the highs, the tough moments, and how she handled the mental side of a 100k effort. We also dive into UTMB’s updated pregnancy policy. It now extends beyond pregnancy to include IVF, surrogacy and adoption, offering more flexibility for athletes. As the only parent on the show, Sarah shares her thoughts on what this means. We recap Buffalo Stampede, including the APTRC spots. Ben Leeson and Gerald McPherson secured the men’s tickets, while Alice McGushin and Nicole Paton took the women’s. Jess also gives a quick recap of her 20km race, and we highlight big runs from Jo Hepton, James Barnett and George Knight. Down in Tas, the Kunanyi Mountain Run doubled as the Australian Mountain Running Champs and delivered huge performances. Meg set a new course record in the 25km, while Piotr and Sophie both broke records in the 42km. Kaitlin Rennie and Toby Lang won the open titles, with Liana Stubbs and Elijah Gosby taking out the U20s. We also cover results from Xterra Asia-Pacific Champs, Perth Trail Summer Series and the Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Festival. This week’s shoe review is the ASICS Trabuco 14, which Sarah raced in at Buffalo. We chat through how it held up over 100km. To finish, we look ahead to what’s coming up including Sydney Trail Half Marathon, Falls Creek and Beechworth, and Brodie gives a quick update before heading to the Orienteering Australian Champs. A big episode with race insights, honest chat and all the latest from the Aussie trail scene. Results:Buffalo Stampede (VIC) Kunanyi Mountain Run (TAS) Xterra Dunsborough (WA) Perth Trail Summer Series: Stay Puft (WA) Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Run Festival (NSW) The Great Volcanic Mountain Challenge (NSW) ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod or join our Patreon Here Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Follow Sarah: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 43min
  2. Vibes Based Training, Long Race Logistics, and KMR Preview feat. Ben Butler | Episode 102

    25 MAR

    Vibes Based Training, Long Race Logistics, and KMR Preview feat. Ben Butler | Episode 102

    In this episode brought to you by ASICS, Sim and James sit down with young gun Ben Butler to hear all about his approach to running and why he has chosen to tackled the longer stuff while still so young. We think many people could learn from his calm, mature mentality and approach to training and hope it takes him far! Then we have a preview of this weekends Kunanyi Mountain Run, focussing on the Australina Mountain Running Champs, before the rest of the weeks results and a listener question about  preparing drop bags/crew for longer races.  We hope you enjoy! To join our Patreon head HERE Results: Noosa Ultra Trail (QLD) Run The Rock (VIC) Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Night Edition (NSW) Sydney Trail Summer Series 3: Manly Dam (NSW) Washpool World Heritage Trail Race (NSW) Tamworth Trailblazer (NSW) Conquer the Summit (SA)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Ben: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 28min

  3. 23 MAR

    Buffalo Stampede Festival 2026 Preview | 100k, 42k and 20k Race Predictions

    In this Buffalo Stampede Festival 2026 preview episode, James and Brodie break down one of the deepest fields we’ve seen for an Australian trail running weekend this year. They preview the 100k, 42k and 20k races, unpack the course changes, discuss the key contenders, and give their podium predictions across all three distances. From national championship implications in the 100k to stacked and highly competitive fields in the 42k and 20k, there is plenty to get excited about heading into race weekend. If you enjoy these preview shows and want access to early releases of them and where all the post-episode banter goes down, join the Patreon and support the podcast. And once you’ve listened, send us your own top three picks for the 100k, 42k and 20k over on Instagram. We’d love to see who you’ve got. ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    2hr 1min

  4. 18 MAR

    Meet Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, Ultra Trail Snowdonia Mayhem, Do Historic Times Limit Our Potential? | Episode 101

    In this episode Brodie and Jess get the pleasure of getting to know Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, a world class trail runner from Iceland and the recent winner of the GTNS Donna Double. Hear about Andreas running journey and some of her incredible results, and make sure you get behind her as we hope to see more of her in Aus! Then the team cover news from Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Results, and a listener question about how focussing on historic times may limit our potential.  We hope you enjoy! Results: Razorback Run (VIC)  Six Foot Track Marathon (NSW) Trail Run Australia: Tathra (NSW) ATR Summer Series 5: Port Elliot Surf Run (SA) SEQ Trail Series Round 8: Daisy Hill (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Andrea: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 23min

  5. 14 MAR

    Vlad Ixel | From Master of Giving Up to Professional Runner and Entrepreneur

    You hear Vlad Ixel every week on Peak Pursuits, but this episode is the deeper story behind the mic. Vlad takes us back to the early days: the lifestyle he was living, the moment he decided to make a clean break, and how signing up for a marathon became the switch that changed everything. We get into the family thread too: his dad’s ultra background in the Soviet Union, and why that planted the seed for Vlad to chase the marathon and bigger challenges later on. From there, Vlad explains what hooked him: the simple power of finishing something, and how that turned into an obsession that’s now led to hundreds of races. Then we go behind Bix Nutrition.  We also touch on his North Face sponsorship chapter: how it started, how it ended, and what he learned from that period. If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Vlad into the runner, coach, and founder he is now, this is the episode. And if it hits, share it with a mate,  especially someone who’s in that “new chapter” phase and needs a nudge to back themselves. Check out Bix ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    2h 26m
  6. Peak Pursuits Turns 100!! Plus Donna Double Recap and a Big Announcement | Episode 100

    11 MAR

    Peak Pursuits Turns 100!! Plus Donna Double Recap and a Big Announcement | Episode 100

    Episode 100 of Peak Pursuits!Today, James, Jess, Brodie, Simone and Vlad come together for a special milestone episode to reflect on how the podcast started, the moments that have stood out across the first 100 episodes, and what it has meant to help grow and spotlight trail running in Australia. From behind-the-scenes stories and early doubts to favourite interviews, community support and plenty of laughs, it’s a fun look back at the journey so far. The team also dive into a big weekend at Warburton Trail Fest, with Simone sharing the full story behind her emotional return to Donna, why the race carried so much meaning, and the huge life change that is just around the corner. Jess talks training with new coach Kate Avery and what’s changed in her approach, while Brodie recaps his Donna Double experience after somehow forgetting his shoes on race morning. There’s also discussion around different coaching styles, how athletes respond to training in different ways, ASICS Trabuco Max 5 review, results from the weekend, including the Donna Double, and a look ahead to races like Six Foot Track and Razorback. As always, there’s plenty of banter along the way — and a big thank you to everyone who has listened, supported and helped Peak Pursuits reach 100 episodes. Results: Trans Gran Canaria Warbutron Trail Run Festival Pinnacles Classic***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits - Join us on Patreon! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Check out the Trabuco Max 5 Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Simone: Instagram | Strava Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1hr 59min

  7. 9 MAR

    Gary Mullins & Geoff Russell | Why They Stepped Down From AUTRA

    AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell have stepped down — and it’s sparked a lot of questions across the trail community. In this episode, Gary and Geoff share what led to the decision, the internal challenges they faced, and why athlete advocacy, selection, and governance direction became major pressure points. We also look ahead to what the AGM means, what they hope happens next, and what needs to change to keep Australian trail running moving forward. If you care about the future of trail running in Australia, this one’s worth a listen — and if it helps, share it with a mate who’s been following the story. AUTRA Announcement  ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    45 min

  8. 3 MAR

    Aus Short Trail Champ Michael Tosin, Resignations at AUTRA, and Donna Double GTNS Preview | Episode 99

    In Episode 99 of Peak Pursuits, James, Jess and Brodie all sit down with Australia’s newly crowned short trail national champion, Michael Tosin, after his surprise victory at Snowy Mountains 50k. From a rapid progression to a 2:18 marathon to stepping up and winning on the trails, Michael’s story is one of raw talent, smart training, and huge potential. We unpack his unconventional race-day nutrition, training approach, and what’s next with Asia Pacific selection on the line. The team then discuss the recent resignations of the President and Vice President of AUTRA, Gary Mullins and Geoff Russell, before previewing the fields for this weekend's Donna Double at Warburton Trail Fest  - with a huge $21,000 prize purse on the line! This week’s listener questions are on topic for Warby Trail Fest with questions about poles on the Donna Double course and what to eat before a race. As usual results from the past weekend are also outlined and there is plenty of banter along the way - we hope you enjoy! Results: Mt Bogong Conquestathon (VIC) SEQ Trail Series Round 7: Ewen Maddock  Whale Rock Trail Run  Perth Trail Summer Series: Chitty Chitty Run Run  Belair Marathon ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Follow Michael: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    2h 7m
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About

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you. Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

Information

  • Creator
    Peak Pursuits
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Peak Pursuits

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