Singletrack

Finn Melanson
  • 4.9 (944)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

  1. 7H AGO

    Hans Troyer Delivers, Molly Seidel’s Wild Debut + Historic Women’s Race (Black Canyon Recap)

    What a wild weekend in the Arizona desert. Brett Hornig and Leah Yingling return to the show to break down everything that unfolded at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K. We dive into course-record performances from Hans Troyer and Jennifer Lichter, Anne Flower’s front-running strength, Anthony Costales’ return to form, the drama of Molly Seidel’s 100K debut, and one of the deepest Golden Ticket distributions in recent memory. Timestamps: 00:00 Opening + On-the-Ground Experience (Livestream, Aid Stations, 50K PR)04:34 “Course Records Are Contagious” - Women’s Race Explodes06:47 Anne Flower’s No-Cooling Strategy + Heat Management Debate10:18 Is This the Most Competitive Women’s Western States Field Ever?11:14 Hans Troyer’s Course Record + Race Dynamics13:06 Golden Ticket Chaos in the Men’s Field16:20 Depth vs. Density - Are Fields Actually Getting Tighter?16:47 Split Analysis: Men vs. Women Slowdown Percentages22:49 Molly Seidel’s Mid-Race Mistakes + “Controlled Micro Fade”26:49 Is Gloriana - Deep Canyon the Most Dangerous Section?29:50 “Random Ballers” + No Intimidation at the Start Line33:59 How Many Guys Could’ve Run Sub-7:30?36:07 Fantasy Picks + Predictions (Sub-8 Call)37:33 Underrated Performances: Tracen Knopp, Hans’ Next-Gen Status43:00 Tara Dower Interview + Emotional Finish Line Moments49:39 Anthony Costales Is Back50:47 Francesco Puppi’s Fall + What It Means for Western States53:29 Gear Talk + 50K Pace Explosion55:29 Golden Ticket Impact on Western States 202658:28 Who Still Needs a Ticket? (Chianti / Canyons)1:00:10 Final Thoughts - Media, Molly’s Impact, The Women’s Depth Partners: * Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack) * Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/) * Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack) * Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack) Support the show

    1h 5m

  2. 1D AGO

    Golden Tickets Decided at Tarawera + Black Canyon, February Barkley Shocks the Sport (Singletrack News)

    In one of the most action-packed weekends of ultrarunning in recent memory, we followed Tarawera, Black Canyon, and the Barkley Marathons as they unfolded simultaneously. Jeff Colt joins the show to break it all down. We also cover the PTRA’s advisory vote on pacing at championship-level races, crowdfunded prize purses, Outside Interactive’s profitability, the 603 Endurance sale to Marathon Sports, Mount to Coast’s pro team announcement, and Broken Arrow’s Trail Futures initiative. Timestamps: 00:00 Black Canyon 100K + 50K Highlights04:04 Tarawera 102K Insights08:06 Barkley Marathons Update12:08 Crowdfunded Prize Purse Initiative15:54 Pacer Vote and Its Implications19:58 Outside Interactive's Profitability23:57 603 Endurance Acquisition25:46 Mount to Coast Team Announcement Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)Support the show

    29 min

  3. 6D AGO

    2026 Black Canyon 100K Preview | Analysis, Storylines, Predictions

    Finn Melanson, Brett Hornig, and Leah Yingling provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and predictions for the competition at this year’s Black Canyon 100K. Timestamps: 02:12 Black Canyon 100K Storylines05:35 Training Strategies and Race Day Tactics10:13 Course Characteristics, Projected Weather Conditions 19:06 Race Execution and Aid Station Strategies35:33 Women's Field Analysis58:40  Men's Field Analysis01:27:06 Final Thoughts and Race Day Responsibilities Partners: Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)Momentous - use code SINGLETRACK for up to 35% off your first order (https://livemomentous.com/)  Additional Links: Follow Leah on Instagram,  Strava, TwitterFollow Brett on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show

    1h 43m

  4. FEB 9

    UTMB’s Utah Expansion, Prize Purse Rush, and Global Series Shakeups (Singletrack News)

    This is the February 9th, 2026 edition of Singletrack News. Timestamps: 01:28 Golden Trail World Series Schedule Announcement05:44 Sky Running Series Announcement09:17 Tarawera 102K12:54 New UTMB Race at Snowbasin17:25 David Goggins signs up for Cocodona19:31 Debate on Pacer-Free Golden Tickets22:41 Diadorra's Sub Four Mile Challenge Announcement25:33 Prize Money News27:56 Open Athlete Manager role at The Feed30:58 Courtney Dauwalter to Naak33:56 Jennifer Lichter, Adam Merry, Meg McKenzie moves36:20 Bear Tags and Silver Tickets38:45 Opportunities for Involvement in Trail Running Organizations Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/pages/singletrack)Support the show

    45 min

  5. FEB 4

    Sabrina Stanley on Ovarian Cancer and the Long Way Back to Elite Ultrarunning

    In this conversation, Sabrina Stanley reflects on returning to competition after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the peak of her ultrarunning career. She recounts the medical uncertainty that followed her initial diagnosis, the surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing immunotherapy that reshaped more than a year of her life. Stanley discusses racing again while still in recovery, including her recent return at the Arc of Attrition 100, and what it meant to simply reach the start line. She also speaks candidly about her complicated relationship with the sport itself -why she doesn’t closely follow ultrarunning, how she intentionally limits her exposure to public opinion, and how she has built a professional career largely insulated from external narratives. The conversation touches on her partnership with OnlyFans, her views on athlete autonomy and body regulation, and the tradeoffs of stepping outside traditional sponsorship models while continuing to pursue elite performance. Timestamps: 00:00 Sabrina's Unique Perspective on Ultra Running06:14 The Misunderstood World of OnlyFans12:03 The Impact of Ovarian Cancer on Sabrina's Career24:30 Navigating Cancer and Social Connections27:55 Training Through Treatment: A Personal Journey39:01 The Ongoing Battle: Living with Uncertainty44:56 Racing Again, Arc of Attrition 100 Miler Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)Support the show

    1h 1m

  6. FEB 3

    Molly Seidel Isn’t Chasing the Same Things Anymore

    In this episode, Olympic medalist Molly Seidel reflects on the aftermath of success at the highest level of the sport. She discusses the pressures of elite marathoning, why that model became unsustainable, and the personal decisions that led her away from the roads. The conversation touches on injury, identity, sponsorship, social media, and the early stages of her transition into trail running. Timestamps: 00:00 The Influence of Business School on Personal Growth03:02 Redefining Success in Running05:52 The Unsustainable Nature of Elite Sports09:01 Navigating Pressure and Performance12:01 The Challenge of Public Perception14:54 Building a Life Beyond Running17:56 The Artistic Side of Sport20:40 Transitioning to Trail Running23:54 The Business of Being a Professional Runner26:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes29:49 Comparing Media Coverage in Running35:46 Training Philosophy and Mental Game38:54 Nutrition and Gear for Trail Racing41:45 Looking Ahead to Future Races Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/) Support the show

    56 min

  7. FEB 2

    Sabrina’s Back, Molly’s All-In, and Courtney Goes Olympic (Singletrack News)

    In the first-ever edition of Singletrack News, Finn Melanson and co-host Alyssa Clark break down the biggest stories in trail running from the past week. We start with Sabrina Stanley’s return to racing after a year away from the sport, react to Molly Seidel’s decisive leap into trail running, and discuss what it means to see Courtney Dauwalter carrying the Olympic torch as trail running’s profile continues to rise. Plus: major race results from around the world, notable performances, sponsorship news, and a look at where the sport is heading as competition and professionalization continue to accelerate. Singletrack News is our weekly news and conversation show covering the stories, debates, and moments shaping trail and ultrarunning right now. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Singletrack News01:07 Sabrina Stanley's Comeback02:31 Courtney Dauwalter Carries Olympic Torch03:43 Gambling Scandal in Track and Field06:05 Podcast Highlights: Coleman Cragun and Ben Dhiman09:41 Anne Flower Signs with Hoka, Grayson Murphy Leaves Saucony14:48 UTMB's Future18:45 Results Rundown: Hurt 100 and Winter Spine, Hong Kong 100K28:00 Notable Performances: Molly Seidel, Rachel Entrekin, Erin Ton31:18 Final Thoughts  Partners: Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/singletrack)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)Support the show

    37 min

  8. JAN 27

    What the Best Ultrarunners Are Still Getting Wrong About Fueling and Hydration (Andy Blow Interview)

    In this episode of the Singletrack Podcast, I sit down with Andy Blow, CEO and founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration, for a wide-ranging conversation about what athletes at all levels still get wrong about fueling and hydration in ultrarunning.  A note up front: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a major partner of the Singletrack Podcast — a partnership we’re proud of and want to fully disclose. That said, this conversation isn’t contractually obligated. It’s the exact discussion I would want to have with Andy regardless, driven by a growing curiosity around nutrition, technology, and performance in endurance sports. Andy brings a deep and unique background to the conversation, with a degree in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Bath, experience working as a sports scientist with Formula 1 teams, and a role helping establish the Porsche Human Performance Centre before founding Precision Fuel & Hydration. We explore both fundamentals and frontiers, including: Why many ultrarunners — including elite athletes — succeed despite gaps in nutrition knowledgeCore hydration concepts like sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration, and blood volume contractionThe danger of chasing marginal gains before mastering the basicsWhy real-time sweat tech still isn’t quite ready for prime time “Ballpark accuracy” vs perfect precision in fueling and hydrationAid-station decision-making, guardrails, and crew strategy in ultra racesThe emerging challenges of fueling and hydrating for multi-day eventsI learned a lot in this one, and hope you do too. Partners: Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Janji - premium trail running apparel (https://janji.com/)Support the show

    1h 31m
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
944 Ratings

About

Singletrack is a podcast covering the professional trail and ultrarunning scene.

Information

  • Creator
    Finn Melanson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    441
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Singletrack
  • Show Website
    Singletrack

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