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In this episode Sim and Vlad are joined by Sam Noble from Muscle Freedom to recap Sim's 48hr/202km/14,4000 +- adventure as she battled it out for Queen of The Hill. Hear a deep dive of the prep, mental challenges, and what went down over the 48hrs from both Sim and Sam's perspective.  Vlad then recaps his four days of SUPER close racing at Four Peaks, chatting through his nutrition, recovery, and racing strategies to survive the four days and come away with the overall win by a mere 7 seconds.  In news, UTMB announces two more Majors being added to the calendar, and we discuss this article by Kilian Jornet that has plenty of cool insights on pacing for mountain ultras.  Finally there were LOADS of results to cover, from GPT to Triple Tops to the QLD Mountain champs. What a weekend of racing!!  Interviews from GPT already up on Patreon - join us HERE for early releases, priority questions, and ad free listening. Results: Grampians Peaks Trail Race (GPT100) (VIC) Mt Glorious Mountain Trails (QLD) Triple Top Mountain Run (TAS) Marysville Marathon Festival (VIC) Bouddi Coastal Run (NSW) Sydney Trail Half Marathon – Night Edition (NSW) Sydney Trail Spring Series 3: St Ives (NSW) Bare Creek Trail Run (NSW) Feral Pig Ultra (WA) SEQ Trail Series: Numinbah Valley (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** 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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Muscle Freedom: Instagram | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Welcome back to Peak Pursuits and episode 134. This week Jess and James are joined by Patrick Clark, fresh off four days of battling our very own Vlad Ixel at Four Peaks. Pat takes us through how that unfolded, including a wrong turn that proved pretty costly, and how he’s balancing finishing school with preparing to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific Champs. We also chat training with Blake Hose, his love of uphill racing, and his side project turning road super shoes into trail shoes. Elsewhere, Jess talks recovery from Roller Coaster and preparing for the stairs in China, and James finally got some positive news on the running front. We also get into the action at King of the Hill and the debate around its prize money, plus a listener question about national champs: should funding go towards helping athletes get to the start line, or rewarding performances when they get there? We finish off with the Patreon Bonus and Caroline's question on book recommendations! Plenty to get through, along with the weekend’s results and what’s coming up. Let’s get into it. Follow Pat Clark: Instagram | Strava | Currockbilly Cobbler IG ***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 Jess: Instagram | Strava Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

The internationals are coming, but can the Aussies take it to them on home soil? James and Brodie welcome Sophie Broom back to Peak Pursuits for a deep dive into the 2026 Grampians Peaks Trail 100 Miler and 50km fields. With World Trail Majors points on the line, we unpack the international contenders, local challengers and dark horses who could shake up the podiums. Beyond the start lists, we break down what makes GPT such a demanding race, from cambered rock slabs to the Mount William climb and the challenges of navigating technical terrain through the night. Brodie shares his experience racing the 50km, while Sophie brings insights from time on the course and getting to know some of the visiting athletes. We also get stuck into a bigger question: should podium contenders be allowed pacers when international runners don’t have the same access to local support? Plus, course-record potential, poles, pacing and why attracting a world-class field doesn’t necessarily mean more Australians on the start line. Whether you’re racing, crewing or preparing for a few very unproductive days of dot-watching, settle in for a big preview! https://www.gpt100.com.au/ https://worldtrailmajors.com/ ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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 Sophie Broome: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In  this ep with Sim, Vlad and Zoe Manning, we catch with Zoe about her year so far, how she is juggling study and training, and what her prep for APTRC has been like. Then we chat through a big weekend of racing between Vlad tackling Four Peaks and Sim tackling Legends of The Hill, before covering results from GTWS and domestic races. We hope you enjoy! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: Pemby Trail Fest (WA) Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Run (WA) Great Ocean Trail Ultra (VIC) Paluma Ultra (QLD) Heysen Trail Ultra Marathon (SA)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** 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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Zoe: Instagram  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Running fast up one mountain is one thing. Backing it up for four days is another. James Sieber and Brodie Nankervis are joined by Kellie Angel to preview the 2026 Four Peaks Bright Alpine Climb, taking in Mount Buffalo, Mount Feathertop, Mount Hotham and Mystic. We break down the courses, the challenge of racing on consecutive days, and how alpine weather could shake things up. We also look back at some seriously quick course records and discuss what makes this weekend such a special part of Australian mountain running. In the women’s field, we discuss Tori Thomas and a strong contingent of orienteers, including Grace Crane. On the men’s side, returning winner Nathan Lawson faces a field featuring Pat Clark, Toby Lang and our own Vlad Ixel. Who has the climbing speed, and who can keep delivering as the days add up? Plus, Kellie shares her experience of completing all four races, we discuss using the weekend to prepare for the Asia Pacific Championships, and Brodie comes to terms with more of his Strava crowns disappearing. Whether you’re racing, following the results or considering a future trip to Bright, this is your guide to the weekend ahead. ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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 Kellie Angel: Instagram | Endurance Edge Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Brodie, James, and Jess sit down to recap Jess' course record run at Roller Coaster 46km over the weekend, as well as all the other results from the weekend! Plenty else going on to talk through too including Aus performing brilliantly and the backyard ultra team champs, Moab 240 being cancelled mid-race, and Innsbruck Alpine Trail being added to World Trail Majors.  We hope you enjoy! Results: Blackall100 (QLD) Roller Coaster Trail Run (VIC) GC50 (last week)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE 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  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

James and Brodie are joined by guest host Sophie Broome to preview this weekend’s Roller Coaster Run in the Dandenongs. With Sophie returning to the 23km start line, we break down the course, the key climbs and the men’s and women’s fields across the 23km and 46km races. Can Mike Carroll and Kate Avery lower their own course records? We discuss the stacked young men’s 23km field, the final climb that could decide the podiums, and the athletes using Roller Coaster to prepare for the Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships. Plus, why hasn’t this race grown bigger given its location, trails and atmosphere? ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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 Sophie Broome: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week Sim and Vlad sit down with Toby right after he has completed this years Inward Bound 100km to chat through that adventure and how he is now shifting into the build towards APTRC. Her about Toby's year so far, what Inward Bound entails, and how Toby will prepare to race with the awesome Junior team we have headed to China in November! You will then hear a brief update from Vlad before we get into some chats about the growth of the junior side of the sport and answer your questions about preparing for 100km and some of the Melb Mara chatter. Also don't  forget 2027 Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships athlete support applications close 18 October. Finally plenty of results to get to before we launch into a post show patreon bonus, talking about how to prepare your legs for downhills and what the few weeks after a big race should look like for training if you want access join us on Patreon HERE .  We hope you enjoy! Results: Mount Bold Trail Run / SA Trail Championships (SA) Hume + Hovell Ultra (NSW): Sydney Trail Spring Series 2: St Ives (NSW) Budj Bim Lava Blast (VIC) SEQ Trail Series Round 1: Enoggera Reservoir (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** 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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Toby: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode sim and James sit down with Lara Hamilton after she surprised everyone to not just complete but also win the Ultra Trail Sud Pyrenees 120k, her longest race by 70km! Hear about her decision making behind doing the event and how Lara mentally and physically tackled going further than she had ever gone before. Then hear an update from James about some recent back challenges before Sim details her next big adventure at a last one standing event! Results Barkin Mad Ultra (VIC) Beechworth Beer Run (VIC) Macedon Trail Run (VIC) Sydney Trail Marathon (NSW)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE 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 Lara: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode Jess and Brodie sit down with Kellie Angel to talk through her recent races, her impressive longevity in the sport, and what it means to be competing in her 8th Australian team as Co-Captain. Hear about Kel's recent coaching change, how her year has been so far, and what her prep for APTRC will look like.  In news the crew discuss the athlete support and state team competitions announced for the Aus champs at KMR 2027, as well as changes to the UTMB Age Group Qualifying structure ad some insane prize money at Run Rabbit Run in USA.  Finally listen in for the speedsters of the week at our domestic events - we hope you enjoy! Results Kunanyi Trail Series: Ridgy Didge (TAS) Lamington Classic (QLD) Lonely Mountain Ultra (NSW)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE 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 Kellie: Instagram  Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

This week, James welcomes Shane Johnstone back to the podcast to chat about the story behind Transcend and what goes into building a trail event in WA’s Avon Valley. After joining this year’s live broadcast, James wanted to hear more about why Shane and his business partner Mitch do things the way they do. From experiences racing overseas to finding a way through the valley, Shane shares how Transcend came about and the details they’ve put into making it special for everyone in the field. We get into the realities of running an independent event, why they keep investing in live coverage, and how much thought goes into everything from aid station food to the finish village. There’s also plenty on growing the WA trail scene, attracting competitive fields, and giving East Coast runners a reason to head west. If you’ve ever wondered where your entry fee goes, or what makes a race worth coming back to, there’s plenty in this one. Find out more about Transcend: https://transcendtrails.com/ ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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 Shane Johnstone: Instagram | Transcend Website Follow Peak Pursuits: Instagram Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

We hope you enjoy this ep as Brodie and Sim sit down with Billy Curtis after his recent races at Transcend Ultra and Vietnam Mountain Marathon 50km to hear what he has been up to. Billy details the change in pace as he switched into full time work mode and the training changes he made around that, his strategies going in to each race, and what is coming up both on the trails and off. Then we cover the exciting news of the Aus team being announced for APTRC! We will be sending a super strong team to China in November and we couldn't be more excited to follow along. It has also been a rough month in the trail running community as we mourn the losses of both Kalie McCrystal and Ida Amalie Robsham. A sad reminder that the mountains that give us so much joy and life have also taken a lot of beautiful souls along the way. Our thoughts with their families, friends, teammates and anyone who knew them. Keep listening for a listener questions about the supplements we use, before Brodie covers the results from the week! Results:Run Upper Murray (VIC)Pilliga Ultra (NSW)Duval Dam Buster Trail Run (NSW)The Great North Walk Trail Running Festival (NSW)Labilladiere Peninsula Trail Run (TAS)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** Join us on Patreon HERE 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 Billy: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this episode brought to you by ASICS, Sim, Vlad and Jess are all back in Aus and sit down to recap where they are at. Hear about Vlad's last VK race in Europe, Jess' weekend at Hownslow and trip to Perth, and Sim's Trofeo Kima and Euro trip recap.  The team then discuss an interview with the Mayor of Chamonix about the sustainability of UTMB in it's current format, and talk through Salomon's move into triathlon as the major global partner of Ironman.  Then hear a review of the new ASICS MetaFuji 2 before we dive into results from the weekend - particularly at Hownslow where Julia Anderson set a 13minute course record! Domestic: Hounslow (NSW) Surf Coast Century (VIC) Sydney Trail Spring Series 1: St Ives (NSW) Mighty Jarrah Trail Run (WA)Join us on Patreon HERE ***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** 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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Ben Burgess returns to the podcast nearly a year after producing the biggest performance of his career at the World Championships. But what came next wasn’t straightforward. Ben talks openly about the pressure and attention that followed Worlds, losing some of the drive that had taken him there, and the challenge of rebuilding his fitness and confidence while adjusting to life as a sponsored athlete with NNormal. We get into his difficult day at UTA, learning to trust a lower-volume approach with a new coach, the missed opportunity to join the NNormal team in Mallorca, and why choosing races that genuinely excite him matters more than chasing the biggest start lines. We then break down his win at the Transcend 40K, the emotional rollercoaster of the race, and the relief of finally feeling like he might be finding his way back. Ben also shares what’s next, including Five Peaks in South Korea, Old Ghost 80K and his growing interest in FKTs and bigger mountain adventures. ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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 Ben Burgess: Instagram | Strava Follow Peak Pursuits: Instagram Follow James: Instagram | Strava | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

In this Episode Brodie and Jess are joined by Sophie Linn to get to know Sophie and recap OCC. Hear about Sophie's transition from elite triathlon to trail, her approach to training and racing, and how both Sophie's and Jess' races went.In news topics the crew discuss the release of the 2027 WMTRC criteria on AA, and touch on the upcoming World SkyRunning champs. Then listen in to some awesome results around the global and domestically - with even more to come next weekend at Hownslow!Join us on Patreon for ad-free early releases and bonus episodes HERENews Topics: 2027 WMTRC Selection Criteria live on AA World Sky Running Champs 18-20th Sept AUTRA EOI for State RepresentativesResultsDomestic: Coastal Classic (NSW) Running Works 3 Valleys Marathon (WA) Cleland Trail Run (SA) Trail Run Epic (QLD)***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!*** 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 Sophie: Instagram  Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R