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. 13M AGO

    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

  2. 3D AGO

    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
  3. Nathan Pearce | From Track Talent to World Trail Championships

    FEB 28

    Nathan Pearce | From Track Talent to World Trail Championships

    Nathan Pearce has moved fast in trail running, but the story starts long before the trails. In this episode, Nathan takes us back to his junior years on the track and in cross country, and the early signs that he could race hard on unpredictable terrain. We talk about the rough patch too. The pressure, the injuries, stepping away for a while, and what changed when he came back with a healthier mindset and a clearer relationship with racing. We also zoom out on what separates domestic racing from World Champs racing, and why Australia needs more consistent head to head competition if we want athletes better prepared for the true international level. And to finish, Nathan shares what is coming up next, with a stacked block that includes Buffalo, Skyrun, the Rootburn in New Zealand, a World Cup race in China, and UTA 22. If you are into performance, racing craft, and the real conversations behind results, you will get a lot out of this one. ***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 Nathan: Strava | Instagram Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    2h 5m
  4. Aus Short Trail Champs, Equality in Event Structures, and Tarawera Learnings feat. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 98

    FEB 25

    Aus Short Trail Champs, Equality in Event Structures, and Tarawera Learnings feat. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 98

    In Episode 98 of Peak Pursuits brought to you by ASICS, Sim and Vlad start out by chatting through Vlad's experience at Tarawera, including what led to his DNF and his lessons for moving forward.  They are then joined by Sarah Ludowici to go through the results of the weekends Australian Short Trail Championships, followed by a discussion on equality and inclusion after event policies rendered Sarah unable to participate in the 30km event she was registered for due to the timing of the race briefing, her need to look after her beautiful 10month old Aurora at that time, and inflexibility on accommodating this need. It sparks a larger discussion around what inclusion and equality looks like, and the effect it can have on groups of people when policies  inadvertently disadvantage their ability to compete.  The team then relay some of the results from what was a busy weekend, before previewing next week which is just as busy. We hope you enjoy!  Results: Snowy Mountains Trail Run Hut 2 Hut Run the Lighthouse Takayna Trail Ultra ATR Summer Series 4: Cleland National Park  Sydney Trail Summer Series 2: Manly Dam***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, or email at peakpursuitspodcast@gmail.com. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits! Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Sarah: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1h 26m

  5. FEB 17

    Holly's Golden Tarawera, Barkleys Wins Again, and When to DNF or Push On | Episode 97

    In Episode 97 of Peak Pursuits Holly Ranson sits down with James to talk through her Tarawera run and that unforgettable moment of being handed a Golden Ticket to Western States on the finish line after her 4th place finish! Hear about Holly's training, approach to the race, and everything that goes into Holly's impressive running career so far.  The duo then touch on the Barkley Marathons, with no finishers in this years event, before chatting through a listener question on when to DNF vs when to push on and finish if a race isn't going to plan.  As usual you'll also hear a bunch of results and a brief preview of this weekends Australian Championships and Hut2Hut! Results: Australian Alpine Ascent  Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra  SEQ Trail Series Round 6: Wyaralong Dam  Upper Beaconsfield Tower Run***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 Holly: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1h 40m

  6. FEB 10

    Skimo, The State of Trail, and Remembering Your 'Why' feat Winter Olympian Lara Hamilton | Episode 96

    In this episode of Peak Pursuits Sim and Jess are lucky enough to be joined by not only one of the best trail runners in Aus but now a Winter Olympian to boot Lara Hamilton! Lara is currently in Italy in the days leading up to her two Skimo events in the Olympics, and she joins us to chat briefly through her journey so far and what it is like being named on her first Olympic team.  Hear how Lara trains, how she stays in touch with what she loves about sport and music, and plenty of the fun stories that always come with any time spent with Lara! Also hear an update from Jess with answers on her long term gut troubles, Sim's update as she gets moving again, and a discussion on the 'State of Trail Running' articles that have been popping up recently before results and a Tarawera preview. A big episode - Enjoy! Results: Sydney Trail Summer Series 1: Manly Dam (NSW) John Forest Trail Run (WA) Wentworth Falls Trail Run (NSW) Robe Run ***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 Jess: Instagram | Strava  Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Lara: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R Show less

    1h 47m

  7. FEB 3

    South West Traverse FKT feat Piotr Babis | Episode 95

    In this episode of Peak Pursuits, Brodie and Sim sit down with Piotr Babis to unpack one of the boldest endurance feats ever attempted in Tasmania’s southwest: a first-ever continuous FKT linking the Eastern Arthurs, Western Arthurs, Port Davey and the South Coast Track. Piotr breaks down the brutal reality of 240km and 12,000m of elevation across some of Australia’s most remote and overgrown terrain, covering navigation challenges, weather windows, crew logistics and multi-day fueling in true wilderness conditions. The team dives into why Tassie’s Arthurs remain among the toughest environments in Australian trail running, what it takes to plan FKTs, and how this adventure fits alongside Piotr’s 2026 race calendar including Gone Nuts, KMR and UTA. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by FKTs, Tasmanian trail running, and the outer edges of endurance adventure. The team then dives into some chats around the changes in the trail running scene as it gets bigger and social media influence brings new people to the trails, as well as some results and a listener question around race pressure.  Results: Kilcunda Running Festival (VIC) Beerwah at Night (QLD) SEQ Trail Series Round 5: Bunyaville  Perth Trail Summer Series***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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Piotr: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1h 32m

  8. JAN 28

    Tarawera 100 Preparation, AUTRA Performance OTY, and Low Carb Study Bold Claims feat Zoe Manning | Episode 94

    This week on the podcast Brodie and Vlad are joined by Zoe Manning, up and coming ultra trail specialist. We get to know Zoe before diving into her preparation for the upcoming Tarawera 100km, contrasting her playful and intuitive training style to Vlad's data driven approach for the same race! We then cover the AUTRA Performance of the Year award and how it may have been a missed opportunity to engage the trail running community, discuss a controversial study released this week making bold claims about low carb and touch on the many current “runner of the year” awards and trail runner rankings. We finish this weeks podcast by chatting about the HK 100, the first stop of the World Trail Majors in 2026. James gives us a somewhat controversial question to answer before we let you know what's coming up this weekend! Results: Hong Kong 100  Hong Kong 50***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 Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Zoe: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

    1h 32m
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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
    173
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Peak Pursuits

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