Best Vert Run Podcasts (2025)

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Healing Through Endurance: In Conversation with Courtney Chapman 1:46:07

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6h ago1:46:07

1:46:07

Seven years ago, I wrote about my friend Courtney Chapman as she prepared to take on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in riding: the Shahzada 400, held in St Albans in the Hawkesbury region. At the time, doctors had told Courtney she shouldn’t compete due to her autoimmune condition, Crohn’s disease. But she did it anyway. Now, seven y…

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The Dirt Vert Surfer: Jordan Nukunuku 1:21:54

3d ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Jordan Nukunuku suffered a heart break which kicked off his running journey, and it's been a journey of incredible ups and downs. The young Kiwi from Rotorua recently won The Guzzler Ultra, after the first placed finisher was handed a time penalty, but it's a win at Brisbane Trail Ultra 110 kilometre race in 2023, after suffering an ACL injury in t…

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174. Rosemary Mitchell | A Story of Pain, Tradition, and Community in South Africa’s Most Iconic Ultramarathon 1:03:23

12d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Rosemary Mitchell is a 62-year-old ultrarunner whose story with the Comrades Marathon is as powerful as the race itself. In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Rosemary for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about endurance, tradition, and what it truly means to run with purpose. We explored her personal journey—how challenges an…

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‘Run All Day, Run All Night’, with Jan Vleck

12d ago

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When my friend and almost neighbor ran Western States this past month I knew I had bring the podcast back out of hibernation and have him on the show. Here’s my chat with Jan Vleck from Olympia Washington, one of the oldest runners to have ever finished Western States. This one’s special. Links Jan on Strava…

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332: ‘Run All Day, Run All Night’, with Jan Vleck 1:14:02

12d ago1:14:02

1:14:02

When my friend and almost neighbor ran Western States this past month I knew I had bring the podcast back out of hibernation and have him on the show. Here’s my chat with Jan Vleck from Olympia Washington, one of the oldest runners to have ever finished Western States. This one’s special. LINKS Jan on Strava Connect with Singletrack on: Singletrack…

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Mind Games on the Trail Overcoming Mental Blocks with Coach Madeline Harms 43:22

18d ago43:22

43:22

On this episode of The Dirt Trail Running Podcast, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with special guest Coach Madeline Harms—developmental psychologist, professor, and running coach—to dive into the mental side of racing and training. We unpack what it means to “choke” during a race, how panic attacks can derail even the best preparation, and th…

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Why Every Street Matters: Peak2Soon R4R Podcast Takeover With Kim Elms 1:09:28

20d ago1:09:28

1:09:28

[This podcast was originally published on The R4R Podcast | Road To Zero, a big thank you to Lonsdale Street Studio for having us, as such the intro will be a little different to what you're used to.] Earlier this year Kim Elms and I connected again to talk about a solidarity run after a woman was assaulted on the trails at Tuggeranong Hill. It spa…

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The Dirt with Coach Lindsay & Coach Loretta – Vanlife, Heat, and Wild Preparedness 41:33

25d ago41:33

41:33

In this episode, Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay catch up on summer adventures and racing highlights. Coach Loretta shares stories from her vanlife travels out west—exploring new places, logging trail miles, and staying prepared just in case wild animals showed up (spoiler: they didn’t, but she was ready!). We dive into tips for running in the heat…

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173. Max Keith | Beyond the Finish Line: Racing, Resilience, and the Evolving Spirit of Trail Running 51:09

28d ago51:09

51:09

Max Keith is a trail runner, coach, and cofounder of Vert.run—and someone who’s been shaping the sport from both the frontlines and behind the scenes. In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with Max for a deep and honest conversation about racing, coaching, and the evolution of trail running today. We reflected on the emotional highs and low…

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Beyond the Cutoff Russell Strattons Resilience at WSER 50:00

1M ago50:00

50:00

Join hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay from Ornery Mule Coaching as they welcome athlete Russell Stratton to the Dirt Podcast. In this candid conversation, Russell shares his experience at the Western States Endurance Run, where he faced the tough reality of a DNF (Did Not Finish) after missing the cutoff at the Last Chance aid station. Togethe…

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172. Ken Seals | Content, Community & Change: Navigating Trail Running Media with The Ultra Minute 1:05:39

1M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Ken Seals is a trail runner, storyteller, and the creator of The Ultra Minute, a newsletter and media platform that covers the evolving world of trail and ultra running. I was a guest on Ken’s platform to dive deep into the state of running media today—and we had such a rich conversation that it felt like a necessary one to share. We talked about h…

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Kettles Grit and Getting Through It Lily Medinas Midwest Super Slam Journey 42:48

2M ago42:48

42:48

On this episode of The Dirt with Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay, we’re joined once again by Ornery Mule Coaching athlete Lily Medina for a raw and inspiring recap of her second race in the Midwest Super Slam: the Kettle Moraine 100. Lily opens up about the tough patches she faced on the trail and how she pushed through the lows to make it to the f…

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171. Katie Asmuth | Identity, Resilience & Racing: A Journey Through Western States and Beyond 1:14:03

2M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

In this episode, Katie Asmuth—elite ultrarunner and Western States finisher—joins Francesco to reflect on the emotional highs and lows of racing, recovery, and personal growth in the sport of trail running. They explore Katie’s connection to Western States, the identity challenges athletes face, and how she balances motherhood with high-level train…

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Midwest Super Slam Madness with Ornery Mule Coaching athlete Lily Medina 48:59

2M ago48:59

48:59

This episode of The Dirt, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay sit down with special guest and Ornery Mule Coaching athlete Lily Medina, who’s deep into one of the craziest ultra running challenges out there—the Midwest Super Slam of Ultras. That’s five 100-mile races—Mohican, Kettle Moraine, Burning River, Hallucination, and Indiana Trail—crammed into just…

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Katie Dall: Founder Of Club KT, Brisbane's Premier Run Club 1:19:31

2M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Katie Dall is ultra endurance athlete, personal trainer, and founder of Club KT, Brisbane's biggest run community empowering runners of all levels. With an impressive racing resume that includes 100 kilometre and 160 kilometre trail finishes, backyard ultras, and podium spots across Australia, Katie opens up about how she got to where she is today.…

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170. Kameron Harder | Strength Training for Runners: Principles, Performance & Integration 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

In this episode, Kameron Harder—physical therapist and strength training expert—joins Francesco to dive into the world of strength training for runners. They explore why strength training is essential for trail and road runners, how to structure it efficiently, and common mistakes to avoid. Kameron also shares insights from his work in remote physi…

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Running on Passion 35:44

2M ago35:44

35:44

Join Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay as they share their latest race experiences and upcoming challenges. Lindsay reflects on her adventures and Cruel Jewel and upcoming races San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon and the Jackal -5 back to back marathons. Loretta discusses her time volunteering at the Love For Lily Charity event at Colfax Marathon and p…

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Downunder 135 Champion: Chris Wilder 1:07:36

3M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Chris Wilder won what could be the last edition of Australia's toughest ultra, it was redemption after a DNF in the race back in 2022. It is the cream on what is already a pretty impressive resume which includes a win in the BRUTUS, GUMBY, and AIS 24-Hour Track Invitational. Throughout those victories has been a number of different adventures, incl…

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Porta Potty Panic Other Trail Tales 36:50

3M ago36:50

36:50

From porta potty panic to legendary race shorts, Coaches Lindsay and Loretta share listener-submitted stories that prove every trail runner has a hilarious tale. Laugh with us — because if it’s not weird, it’s not ultrarunning. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or just here for the chaos, this one’s for you. Because if you can’t laugh at yourse…

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169. Max & Moi | Vert.run Co-founders in the future of trail running coaching, AI coaching and the release of Vert Pro 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

🎙️ In this episode, Max & Moi sit down with Francesco to dive into the state of running and trail running coaching apps—and introduce Vert Pro, the first fully automated coach built specifically for trail runners of all levels. They break down how Vert Pro works, why it’s shaking up the coaching game, and how Vert.run is leading the way in innovati…

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‘Big in Japan’, with Marcel Höche

3M ago

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Marcel Höche is back on the show and he’s calling in from Japan with an update on his never ending racing season. We talk what races he’s ran in between finishing is masters degree and he gives us an behind the scenes look at his exciting new business venture: Sunn Nutrition, a brand new high carb drink mix. Links Marcel on Singletrack Marcel Höche…

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331: 'Big in Japan', with Marcel Höche 1:19:03

3M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Marcel Höche is back on the show and he’s calling in from Japan with an update on his never ending racing season. We talk what races he’s ran in between finishing is masters degree and he gives us an behind the scenes look at his exciting new business venture: Sunn Nutrition, a brand new high carb drink mix. LINKS Marcel on Singletrack Marcel Höche…

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Fail Fast: Ultrarunning & Problem-Solving 44:26

4M ago44:26

44:26

Ultrarunning teaches us how to adapt, stay calm in chaos, and turn failure into fuel. In this episode, Loretta and Lindsay share real race stories, quick-thinking strategies, and how to carry lessons from the trail into everyday life. Whether you're chasing a finish line or navigating challenges off the trail, this one's for you. Listen now to embr…

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‘Where Did (and Does) the Livestream Go?’, with Jeff Pelletier

4M ago

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This weekend is a massive weekend of trail racing with several high profile events all over the world. The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB is happening in Auburn, California, and unlike last year, there’s no livestream. I sit down with Jeff Pelletier, king of trail storytelling to discuss the history and the challenges for current version of livestr…

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330: ‘Where Did (and Does) the Livestream Go?’, with Jeff Pelletier 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

This weekend is a massive weekend of trail racing with several high profile events all over the world. The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB is happening in Auburn, California, and unlike last year, there’s no livestream. I sit down with Jeff Pelletier, king of trail storytelling to discuss the history and the challenges for current version of livestr…

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168. Rod Farvard | Every dog has its day. Reflections, hopes and expectations ahead of the 2025 Canyons 100k 1:07:12

4M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

I had the pleasure and privilege to share three weeks of altitude training in Mammoth Lakes with Rod, seeing his hard work, commitment and self believe, learning a lot from him. It’s been roughly a year since Rod Farvard's name really came into the spotlight. Rod definitely had a breakthrough season in 2024, with the win at Canyons and the second p…

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Trail Runner University - Training Plans Unpacked Speed - Vert Couch to 5k and mileage challenge 13:05

4M ago13:05

13:05

In this episode of *The Dirt Podcast*, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay explore essential training programs tailored for Trail Runner University. Whether you’re aiming to improve your speed, conquer vertical climbs, or embark on your first 5K, this episode has something for everyone. We’ll break down: **Speed Development**: Discover our 10-week program …

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Mid to Back Pack: Embracing the Journey of Every Runner 46:53

4M ago46:53

46:53

In this episode of **The Dirt**, Coaches Loretta and Lindsay dive into the unique journey of mid to back of the pack runners. They explore the challenges faced during training, from pacing to mental hurdles, and share practical tips to enhance your running experience. What You'll Learn: - **Understanding Your Journey**: Discover the common obstacle…

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The Long Run with Simon Dent, Todd Liubinkskas and Joe Ward 57:56

4M ago57:56

57:56

On the 19th of July 2025, Simon Dent and Todd Liubinskas will run from Brisbane to Sydney as part of the Lions’ Tour Down Under to raise money for Dallaglio RugbyWorks and The British & Irish Lions Trust. Joe Ward who previously held the fastest known time for the route is currently coaching the lads, and showing them what it takes to run one thous…

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167. The Biggest Races to Watch in 2025: What’s Coming in Trail Running 1:02:38

4M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

What’s Coming in Trail Running in 2025? Clearly, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for trail running. In this episode we examine the key races and their storylines, athletes to watch, new trends and predictions, strategies and advancements in performance. Guest: Max Keith For those of you who want to give training with Vert.run a try, you c…

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Running Stronger with Age Tips for Longevity in the Sport 51:35

4M ago51:35

51:35

In this episode of "The Dirt," hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay dive into the critical topic of aging athletes. Join us as we explore the physiological changes that come with age, effective injury prevention strategies, and the importance of nutrition for maintaining performance. We’ll also discuss how to adjust your training to accommodate th…

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DNF Growth Recovery Mindset 55:50

5M ago55:50

55:50

Join hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay on The Dirt Coaches Edition as we explore the DNF (Do Not Finish) recovery mindset. Discover how to process your feelings and grief, tackle common DNF reasons and implement effective strategies moving forward. *In this episode you'll learn: *How to embrace a growth mindset *Practical do's for training, fue…

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166. Florian Reiter | Running is for everyone. Reasons why we run, vulnerability and comparison, growth and success 1:16:17

5M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

Florian Reiter is a runner, coach, podcaster and physiotherapist from Austria. I was a guest in Florian’s podcast Running Free and it was a great chance to touch on many relevant topics related to running, so we thought it would be fun to do a follow-up episode, and here we are. We talked about the reasons why we run, how these reasons change over …

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165. Josh Wade | Transgrancanaria Classic podium finish, strategy and preparation 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

Josh Wade is a professional trail runner for The North Face coming from England. Josh took third at the Transgrancanaria Classic this year, running an incredible race and surpassing all his expectations. In this episode we go into the details of Josh’s race, from how he managed his strategy to how he handled the preparation leading up to it. We als…

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‘Through the Lows to the Highs’, with Michael Eaton

5M ago

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Michael Eaton, Brooks Trailhead store manager and host of the Trail Running Film Festival in Seattle joins Singletrack to share his person running journey from running cross country in his youth back in Kentucky to this year’s training block for OCC in Chamonix. We chat about the challenges of life, the highs and lows that come with that, and the p…

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329: ‘Through the Lows to the Highs’, with Michael Eaton 56:20

6M ago56:20

56:20

Michael Eaton, Brooks Trailhead store manager and host of the Trail Running Film Festival in Seattle joins me to share his person running journey from cross country in his youth back in Kentucky to this year’s training block for OCC in Chamonix. We chat about the challenges of life, the highs and lows that come with that, and the peace that can be …

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164 | Personal updates, racing plans and what we're looking forward to ahead of the 2025 season - with Max Keith 56:41

6M ago56:41

56:41

Today I’m sitting down with Max Keith to share some reflections as we approach the core of the 2025 season, which kicked off in big fashion with races like Black Canyon, Tarawera and Transgrancanaria. Athletes are racing as fast as ever, races are getting more competitive, brands are investing more and more, participation in trail races is increasi…

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‘Beast Joins the Vert Running Series’, with Scott Sowle

6M ago

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Exciting announcement incoming! Rock Candy Running’s Beast of Big Creek joins the Vert Running Series for the 2025 season. Scott Sowle is on the show to share the news and give us the details. Let the racing season in the PNW begin! Links Beast of Big Creek Vert Running Series Scott Sowle on Singletrack…

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328: ‘Beast Joins the Vert Running Series’, with Scott Sowle 46:39

6M ago46:39

46:39

Exciting announcement incoming! Rock Candy Running’s Beast of Big Creek joins the Vert Running Series for the 2025 season. Scott Sowle is on the show to share the news and give us the details. Let the racing season in the PNW kick off! LINKS Beast of Big Creek Vert Running Series Scott Sowle on Singletrack Connect with Singletrack on: Singletrack.f…

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A Gaby Villa Nutrition Masterclass 1:29:20

6M ago1:29:20

1:29:20

Gaby Villa is a sports nutritionist, dietitian and founder of IntensEATfit. She specialises in optimising performance for triathletes and ultra-runners by making food their best ally in sport and life. Over the past decade, Gaby has supported hundreds of athletes, including former backyard ultra world record holder Phil Gore, to overcome lack of en…