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.
In this episode Jess and Vlad are joined by Christie Lori to chat about the recent Mixed Team Stirling Range Ridge FKT Christie was part of. Hear about Christie's journey into running, her impressive results so far, and the wild adventure the FKT was. The team also discuss the AUTRA survey (Found here) on shaping the future of the sport and what they would love to see progress, before plenty of results from a big weekend! ***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 Christie: Instagram Follow Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
Luke Nelson is back for one of our deepest conversations yet. After the response to his first appearance on the podcast, we wanted to go beyond injury diagnosis and dive into the practical decisions that actually keep runners healthy and get them back to doing what they love. We unpack why injuries are rarely as simple as they first appear, how stress, sleep and life outside of running influence recovery, and why return-to-run programs shouldn't finish the moment you can jog for 30 minutes. Luke also shares how he approaches rebuilding trail runners, including when to reintroduce hills, technical terrain, speed work, strength training and plyometrics. Along the way we discuss the rise of AI coaching, why gait changes are often overprescribed, and the growing prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) and REDs in endurance athletes. To finish, Luke opens up about his own injury and the lessons he's taking from experiencing rehab from the athlete's perspective. In this episode we cover: • Why most running injuries are more complex than they first appear. • The role stress, sleep and life load play in pain and recovery. • How to build an effective return-to-run program. • Reintroducing hills, technical trails and speed after injury. • When running gait matters, and when it probably doesn't. • How strength training and plyometrics improve performance and resilience. • The opportunities and limitations of AI-generated training plans. • Recognising low energy availability (LEA) and RED-S. • What Luke has learned from his own rehabilitation journey. If you haven't already, we'd recommend listening to Luke's first appearance on the Pod before this episode, as the two conversations complement each other well. Listen to the first Podcast on Spotify Listen to the first Podcast on Apple ***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 Luke Nelson: Instagram | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
This week on the pod we have a double guest special as Jess is joined by Kate Avery and Nath Pearce. Hear how Kate's recent euro races including her win at Monte Rosa 15km went, and catch up on what Nath has been up to since UTA and his plans for the rest of the season. Also hear some listener questions answered and the usual results for the week - plenty of good chats in this one! RESULTS: Australian Outback Marathon Sydney Ultra Marathons Burralow Bush Run ***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 Kate: Instagram Follow Nath: Instagram Follow Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this ep Sim is joined by Brodie (the day before he is due to become a dad!) and Toby Sparkes to talk through Toby's route into the sport, his journey so far, and how is preparing for OCC this year. Hear about Toby's adventures all over the world and how he combines them with training to get the most out of himself. Then Brodie's update sparks a conversation around mindsets in the return from injury and how our relationship with the sport changes before sim details her peak training week before Europe that ended with a hitout at You Yangs half mara. Results as usual with a massive weekend o races around Aus! We hope you enjoy! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: The Guzzler Ultra Trail Running Festival (QLD) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Aranda Meander (ACT) Boyne Valley 50 (QLD) Wildhorse at Night (QLD) You Yangs Trail Running Festival (VIC) Maher's Hill Trail Run RTRS 4 (VIC) Goldfields Pipeline Marathon (WA) North West Trail Running Series 1 (TAS) ***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 Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava Follow Toby: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
This week, James sits down with your Peak Pursuits co-host Jess Jason for a deeper conversation. We know the 'high-level' Jess from the main show, but this episode goes deeper into her own story. From growing up in the track world, to moving into road marathons, to finding trail running and suddenly being selected for Australian teams, Jess talks through the moments that have shaped how she sees herself as both a runner and a person. They get into the good stuff, but also the harder parts: body image, food, stress fractures, coaching environments, sponsorship pressure, race anxiety, and the constant work of trying to keep running fun when it starts to feel heavy. It’s an open, thoughtful conversation between two people who spend a lot of time talking about the sport, but this time with Jess on the other side of the interview. At its heart, this one is about confidence, pressure, enjoyment, and why running tends to work best when you don’t let it become your whole identity. Let us know your thoughts in the comments ***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 Jess: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode of Peak Pursuits Brodie and Jess are joined by race director Lincoln Quilliam to discuss the recent announcement of the first combined Australian Mountain and Trail Championships to be held at Kunanyi Mountain Run 2027. Being a world championships year, this announcement is huge as any athletes vying for a spot on the Australian team for Cape Town will now converge for one big weekend in Hobart, hopefully seeing some of the most competitive fields on Aussie soil across all distances. Lincoln talks through some behind the scenes of making this happen, goes through the new championship courses, and the team talk through what this means for the sport in Australia. Also covered is the awesome prize money announced for Transcend Ultra (real gold anyone?), the Hardrock 100 results, some Aussie results at Chongli Trail Race in China, and then bringing it home for the domestic results. Results: Raffertys Coastal Run (NSW) Howling Dog After Dark Trail Run (SA) Ultra Adelaide (SA) ***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 Lincoln: Instagram Follow KMR: Instagram | 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
In this episode Vlad and Sim sit down with Britt Harriden to get to know her journey into running. Achieving an incredible 3rd at this years short trail champs while conducting research for her PhD and working full time, Britt has plenty of stories to share about her unconventional training pathway into trail running that explain why her endurance is so good now! Also get an update from Vlad on why he didn't end up running GC marathon, and Sim details an adapted endurance week as she prepares for Trofeo Kima! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: The Trail Running Series Race 2: Anglesea (VIC) Mt Misery Trail Run (SA) Sydney Trail Half Marathon - Winter (NSW) Saturday Result , Sunday Results North Head Night Run (NSW) ***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 Britt: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
Billy Curtis returns to the pod for a deeper conversation with James on the path that has taken him from rugby league and hiking in Tassie to becoming one of Australia’s most exciting trail runners. We talk through Billy’s early sporting background, how he found trail running almost by accident, and why he chose to learn the sport through shorter, competitive races before stepping further into the longer mountain events. Billy also opens up about his World Championships experience, the bee/wasp incident that derailed his race, and the lessons that shaped his approach to training, travel, recovery and decision-making after that. From there, we dive into his time living and racing across Europe, how he made it work on a tight budget, and the training blocks that led to his standout second place at Madeira. This is a conversation about patience, durability, low-ego racing, cheap travel, high-volume training, and finding a way to chase big goals without overcomplicating the process. ***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 Billy Curtis: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode of Peak Pursuits Jess and Brodie sit down with Mikey Dimuantes to talk through his recent move to Turkey, his races so far in Europe, and his big goals for CCC. Jess and Brodie then talk through the wild events that went down at Western States including Holly Ransons incredible 15th place, before recapping the Aussie results of the week. Results: World Masters Mountain Champs Laverado 120k : Marathon du Mont Blanc 23km Byron Rainforest Run (NSW) Newcastle Cross Country: King of the Mountain (NSW) Lofty's Revenge Ultra Marathon (SA) Wondai Country Running Festival (QLD) King of the Mountain (WA) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Ainslie Amble (ACT) ***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 Mikey: 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
In this episode of Peak Pursuits Sim, Brodie and James sit down to deep dive their current training, discussing the phase, mindsets, and sessions that they are doing right now. Then hear some WSER predictions and Broken Arrow results before we recap some awesome racing around Aus over the weekend! Results: Broken Arrow Skyrace Surf Coast Trail Marathon (VIC) Mt Baranduda Trail Run: RTRS Round 3 (VIC) Kowen Winter Trails (NSW) Kiama Coastal Classic (NSW) Freycinet Circuits Trail Run (TAS) Kunanyi Trail Series: Knockers Solstice (TAS) Curtis Island Trail Run (QLD) Snakes N Ladders (WA) ***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 Brodie: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode Jess and Sime sit down with Holly Ranson to walk through her journey towards Western States which is now just two weeks away. They talk through her approach to training and racing, her incredible 3rd place finish at UTA50k in the lead up, and how Holly feels being in America preparing among some of trail running's greatest athletes. News items include a brief preview of Broken Arrow SkyRace this weekend as well as the AUTRA Uniform Sponsorship tender announced HERE. Then stay tuned for the results from the week and some updates from Jess and Sim! Results: Wild Boar Trail Run (VIC) Tower Trail Run (SA) Yandina Five ‘O’ (QLD) Four Corners Trail Run (NT) ***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 Holly: 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
In this episode, James sits down with Nigel Preston from Singletrack Events for a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build, grow, and deliver some of Australia’s biggest trail running events. Nigel shares his journey from growing up in Bendigo’s cross-country scene, to working in events and sponsorship, before helping launch Singletrack Events out of the chaos of COVID. From the early days of taking over Buffalo Stampede and Roller Coaster, through to the growth of GPT100, Hounslow, Running Wild, Wonderland and the World Trail Majors, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the business, logistics, risk, and passion behind modern trail events. James and Nigel also dive into some of the bigger questions facing the sport: whether the Australian trail calendar is becoming saturated, how we bring more young runners into trail running, why shorter distances matter, what role prize money should play, and how events can better support both elite athletes and the back of the pack. They also cover the importance of volunteers, the Singletrack Trail Team, live streaming, national championships, international athletes, and why creating a great event experience is about far more than just putting flags in the ground. A big conversation on race directing, community, growth, and the future of trail running in Australia. ***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 Nigel: Instagram | Strava Follow Singletrack: Instagram | Website Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
This week on Peak Pursuits, Vlad and Jess are joined by WA trail runner Ben for a big episode covering training updates, national champs news, European racing, and what is happening in the West. We chat through AUTRA’s announcement of the EOI for the 2027 National Championships, with trail, long course, mountain running and 100-mile racing all potentially coming together for the first time in one all-distance event. We also unpack the European Off-Road Running Championships in Slovenia, including wins from Frédéric Tranchand, Judith Wyder, Hanna Gröber and Jan Torrella. Ben gives us a look into the WA trail scene: the rising stars, must-do events, best training spots and what the broader trail running community might be missing from the West. We also cover recent results from Biwako Valley Skyrun, Run Forrest, Red Hill Ramble, Unbreakable, Cape2Cape and more, plus a look ahead to upcoming races around the country. In our Patreon-only show, Ben answers a listener question from Jeremy Rankin on how to approach steep fire trail climbs on race day, when hiking becomes more efficient, and how mid-packers can learn to make those decisions in training and racing. ***Don’t forget, use code PPP 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! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode brought to you by Erniold, Brodie and James sit down with Bridget Lunn to cover her amazing 2026 season so far, including representing Australia at the World University Cross Country Championships, 2nd at Buffalo 20km and 1st at the recent UTA 22! The group then discuss a recent instagram post from Ruth Croft, diving into the topic of junior/youth participation in ultras, before Brodie and James review the Erniold Melbourne Trail Tee. We finish by covering results from across Australia and the Oceania athletes in action at the Maxi Race in France. Results: Charlie Hamilton racing Maxxi Race in France Rapid Ascent Trail Series Rd 1: Blackwood (VIC) Myponga Loop (SA) Jolly Jumbuck Trail Run (WA) Off The Beaten Track Series Rd 3: Eungella - Rainforest Run (QLD) In The Raw Trail Run (QLD) Dead Cow Gully BYU (QLD) Introducing the 'MELBOURNE Trail Tee' Key features; Anti-piling technical fabric, an oversize-cropped fit, made in Melbourne. As a Melbourne-born brand, producing this garment locally is core to who they are. Supporting local makers and keeping production close to home is part of what makes this range so meaningful. Developed for all runners, the Melbourne range combines premium technical fabrics with functional detailing to elevate the running experience. Explore more at http://erniold.com/ 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 James: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Brodie: Instagram | Strava | Website Follow Bridget Lunn: Instagram | Strava Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode Sim and Vlad sit down with Beth McKenzie fresh off her second pace at UTA 100 to hear how her last 12 months have been and a recap of how the race went down. Beth also answers a question about balancing training and family, before Vlad gives a brief rundown of his 50k race and poses the question of whether the elite field should be allowed external support. Keep listening for news about Wonderland Trail Run, results from Aus and around the globe, and what's coming up this weekend. Results: Magnetic Island Two Bays Trail Run - QLD Run the Gap - VIC Albury Ranges Trail Run - NSW South Bremer Trails SA ***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 Vlad: Instagram | Strava Follow Sim: Instagram | Strava Follow Beth: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
In this episode Jess and Brodie are joined by Blake Turner to recap all things UTA, including what went into Blake's 3rd place in the 50k and Jess' 4th place in the 22 plus all the other incredible runs of the weekend!! The crew also recap all the other local results of the weekend plus the wild times run at Zegama. We hope you enjoy! Join us on Patreon HERE Results: UTA (NSW) West Macs Monster (NT) Great Ocean Road Running Festival (VIC) runher Lake Manchester Trail Run (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 Blake: 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
In this episode of Peak Pursuits, Sim and James are joined by Nicole Paton to recap her win at Margaret River Ultra and update us on how her season so far has gone. The chat then turns to the ITRA and UTMB ranking systems as we still try to figure out exactly how it all pieces together, before recapping the very high highs and very low lows of Cocodona 250. Keep listening for some final UTA chat before the weekend including updates of starting lists, hear how James is feeling before he tackles the 22, and some incredible results from Aussies around the globe! Results: Transvulcania Margaret River Ultra Marathon (WA) Wandi Cross (VIC) Run Narawntapu (TAS) Springsure Mountain Challenge (QLD) Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series: Tidbinbilla Thriller (ACT) ***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 Nicole: Instagram Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R
A race that breaks people — and this year, some new challengers. Lin Chen and Antonina Iushina headline a women's race that is shaping up as a genuine international showdown, with UTA veterans like Steph Austin and Emma Timmis ready to make it a fight. On the men's side, Piotr Babis has Brodie convinced he could win the whole thing. He’s up against Aleksei Beresnev and Aleksei Tolstenko, both having serious 100-mile pedigree. James and Brodie dig into who has the course knowledge, who has the fitness, and who might just be lining up for a ticket to UTMB. Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI
The marquee race. With a field that matches the hype. Guidu Qin and Guomin Deng headline the international men's field fresh off the Hong Kong 100, but Mike Carroll, Matt Crehan, and Michael Dunstan won’t let them have it easy. On the women's side, can the up-and-coming Meg Sinclair and experienced Beth McKenzie take on international stars Katarzyna Dombrowska and Emily Mann? James and Brodie go deep on who can bridge the gap to the internationals, and why this year feels different. Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana License code: MFJHTO0ZMVHA84WI
James said it best — he was tingling. The 50K field this year is on another level, stacked on both the men's and women's sides with incredible international runners. Miao Yao. Ruth Croft. Dan Jones. Add most of the best 50km trail athletes in Australia, Demi Caldwell, Kate Avery, Blake Turner, Vlad Ixel (just to name a few), and almost impossible to pick a top three. If there's one race this weekend where the result could genuinely surprise everyone, it's this one. Strap in. Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments!
