The Threshold Podcast

The 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships are 40 days away, and Team USA’s 15-runner roster is officially taking shape. Garrett and Tanner break down Harvey Lewis, Jon Noll, Mark Dowdle, Megan Eckert, Nick Steel and the rest of the American team, where its depth stacks up, and why several runners may need massive PRs if the U.S. wants to contend with the strongest teams in the world. Phil Gore also pushed the limits of the backyard format with Project 168, completing 152 consecutive yards and 633.75 miles (1,019.92 km) over six days and eight hours. We talk about what the attempt proved, the debate around solo continuation outside a traditional backyard race, and why Gore’s performance gives the rest of the sport a completely different number to chase. We also discuss: Jeff Browning suffering a heart attack during TDS at UTMB Mont-Blanc, the emergency response that likely saved his life, and the enormous response from the ultrarunning community as he begins his recovery The inaugural SISU Backyard Ultra at Lake Rebecca, where 55 runners started, Mark Rosen won with 28 yards, Allie Vale assisted with 27, six runners reached 100 miles, and Garrett and Tanner got their first shot at live race commentary Ben Dhiman winning UTMB in 18:16:29, Caleb Olson nearly chasing down second place, Rachel Entrekin finishing second, and Blandine L’Hirondel becoming the first woman to break 22 hours at UTMB Cristian Minoggio and Yngvild Kaspersen winning CCC, Hans Troyer hanging onto a podium finish after another aggressive start, Jennifer Lichter finishing fourth, and what we learned from our UTMB, CCC and OCC predictions Plus, Taper Talks: With the Superior 100 only days away, Tanner and Garrett talk about the mental side of tapering. The work is already done, but that doesn’t stop runners from second-guessing their training, noticing every little ache and wondering whether they did enough. We talk about keeping some intensity, protecting recovery, dialing in sleep and trusting the training once the hay is in the barn. If you follow the Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, the athletes pushing the limits of the format, or the biggest stories happening across ultrarunning right now, you’re in the right place. Links 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/world-team-championship-2026/ Team USA Satellite Championship — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/big-dogs-satellite-championships-team-usa/ Project 168 / Phil Gore — https://philgore.com.au/ SISU Backyard Ultra / The SISU Project — https://www.sisuprojectmn.com/ SISU Backyard Ultra Athlete Guide — https://www.sisuprojectmn.com/new-page Support Jeff Browning and his family — https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-and-the-browning-family UTMB Mont-Blanc — https://montblanc.utmb.world/ UTMB — https://montblanc.utmb.world/races/utmb CCC — https://montblanc.utmb.world/races/CCC OCC — https://montblanc.utmb.world/races/OCC

The Superior 100 returns September 11, sending runners point-to-point across Minnesota’s North Shore on the Superior Hiking Trail from Gooseberry Falls to Lutsen. Eight-time finisher Aaron Hansen joins Tanner and Garrett before his ninth attempt to break down what makes Superior one of the defining 100-mile races in the Midwest, and what it takes to finish the, sometimes grueling, race. We talk through the course section by section, from the opening miles out of Gooseberry through Split Rock, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Tettegouche and County Road 6; into the night through Finland, Sonju Lake and Crosby-Manitou; and through the final push over Carlton Peak, Moose Mountain and Mystery Mountain before the Poplar River and the finish at Lutsen. We also discuss: Why the first 20 miles can wreck a runner’s race, and how historical splits can tell you when you’re moving too fast Training for Superior’s roughly 17,000 feet of climbing when you don’t live in the mountains, including why Aaron puts so much emphasis on downhill strength and consistent mileage Where the course gives runners chances to move, where it punishes them, and why Crosby-Manitou can completely change the race Crewing and pacing Superior, when Aaron likes a pacer behind him, what a good pacer actually does, and why the runner still has to “own your own race” Problem-solving after 50, 70 or 90 miles: fueling problems, trail math, sleep deprivation, bad stretches and deciding which problems actually need to be fixed The 2026 field, Neal Collick’s 18:56:02 course record, defending champion Jacob Wortman, Tyler Morey and Tyler Kobliska making their 100-mile debuts, Andrew Warg, Shannon Hogan — and Jessie Diggins taking on Superior Plus, backyards: Aaron gives his take on the growth of backyard ultras, why the format works for runners at completely different ability levels, what went wrong for him at Elm Creek this year, and whether we’ll see him back for a fifth straight appearance. If you’re running Superior, pacing or crewing someone on the North Shore, or just want to understand why runners keep coming back to this trail year after year, you’re in the right place. Links Superior Fall Trail Race — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/ 2026 Superior 100 participant guide — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/100-mile-info/ Superior course maps, aid station chart & crew directions — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/maps-and-data/ Superior 100 GPS / GPX files — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/gps-gpx-files/ Superior crew & pacer information — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/crew-pacer-family-member-spectators-information/ Superior 100 results & historical finishes — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/100-mile-results/ Kevin Langton’s detailed Superior 100 course description — https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/superior-100-detailed-course-description-written-by-kevin-langton/ Rocksteady Running — https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/ #Superior100 #SuperiorHikingTrail #Ultrarunning

Mark Dowdle won Last Soul Ultra 2026 with 94 yards — 391.7 miles (630.4 km) — after nearly four days of backyard racing in Germany. Ayyoub “Ello” El Osrouti reached 93 yards, and Garrett and Tanner break down the finish, the bizarre Loop 87 battle, Dowdle’s gamesmanship, and a livestream that may have raised the bar for how backyard ultras are covered. Nick Steel followed with a win at Tartarus Backyard Ultra, completing 53 yards and securing the final U.S. Silver Ticket for the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships. With the at-large qualifying window now closed, we go through Team USA, the difference between the Silver Ticket and at-large qualifiers, who could actually push toward 80, 90 or 100+ yards, and what the final qualifying races in Australia revealed about the international field. At the Leadville Trail 100, Adrian Macdonald won for the third time in 15:47:23 on a wildfire-modified 99.7-mile course with 13,357 feet of climbing. McKendree Hickory won her Leadville debut in 19:39:12 after erasing a late deficit and taking the lead around mile 84. We also discuss: Caroline Maria Bolte setting a German women’s backyard record with 52 yards in her first backyard ultra, plus Andrew Glaze finding out firsthand how different the format is after 20 yards Sam Christie and Jayden McCormack stopping together at 68 yards at the Clint Eastwood Backyard Ultra, Yuko Sato reaching 65, and the calculated qualifying strategy from several Japanese runners Aaron Kubala winning the Bigfoot 200 in 47:21:11 despite a three-hour pacer penalty — putting him two-for-two heading into Moab in his attempt at the Triple Crown of 200s Run Bum announcing a last-man and last-woman-standing backyard race with a starting $15,000 prize purse — and how much money it would actually take to attract the best backyard runners in the world “Strava doping,” manipulated GPX files and why fake activities become a much bigger issue when Strava data is being used as evidence for Fastest Known Times Plus, Project 168: At the time we recorded, Phil Gore was 26 hours into Project 168 and starting loop 28 of his attempt to run 4.167 miles (6.71 km) every hour for seven consecutive days. We check in on the early stages, the livestream, runners joining Phil on course and the Telethon fundraiser behind the 700-mile (1,127 km) attempt. If you follow backyard ultras, 100-milers, 200-milers or the athletes changing what endurance racing looks like in real time, you’re in the right place. Links: Last Soul Ultra — https://www.lastsoulultra.com/ Last Soul Ultra 2026 results — https://ultramarathondatabase.com/races/last-soul-ultra/2026 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/world-team-championship-2026/ Team USA Satellite Championships — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/big-dogs-satellite-championships-team-usa/ Tartarus Backyard Ultra — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/tartarus-backyard-ultra/ Clint Eastwood Backyard Ultra — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/the-clint-eastwood-last-one-standing/ Leadville Trail 100 Run — https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/ Bigfoot 200 — https://www.destinationtrailrun.com/bigfoot Triple Crown of 200s — https://www.destinationtrailrun.com/triple-crown Project 168 / Phil Gore — https://www.philgore.com.au/ #LastSoulUltra #BackyardUltra #Ultrarunning Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CZXRYPP9U6ZVFWWL

UTMB 2026 brings the trail-running world to Chamonix for 108 miles (174 km) and roughly 32,500 feet (9,900 m) of climbing through France, Italy and Switzerland. Garrett and Tanner break down UTMB, CCC and OCC, the biggest names in every field, and make full podium picks, winning-time predictions, dark-horse calls and DNFs before race week begins. UPDATE — Episode recorded Tuesday, August 18. Since recording, Kilian Jornet has withdrawn from UTMB because of his ongoing knee injury, and Jim Walmsley is also out. You’ll hear discussion on both runners and predictions based on the field as it stood when recorded. We also discuss: How Running Stones, the UTMB Index and the lottery determine who gets to the starting line in Chamonix Courtney Dauwalter vs. defending champion Ruth Croft, with Rachel Entrekin and Riley Brady trying to break into the UTMB women’s podium Vincent Bouillard attempting the Western States–UTMB double and Caleb Olson going all-in on Mont-Blanc after skipping his Western States title defense Why Garrett predicted a Kilian DNF and neither host had Jim Walmsley in the top five before the late withdrawals Jennifer Lichter entering the 62-mile (100 km) CCC after winning Western States, plus a men’s field with 18 of the top 19 entrants carrying a UTMB Index above 900 Tove Alexandersson at OCC and Francesco Puppi vs. Rémi Bonnet over roughly 37 miles (60 km) and 11,500 feet (3,500 m) of climbing Plus, Project 168: Phil Gore begins Project 168 on August 23: one 4.167-mile (6.71 km) lap every hour for 168 consecutive hours. If he completes the full seven days, he’ll cover 700 miles (1,127 km) while raising money for Telethon. We talk about joining Phil for a virtual lap and our group order for the official Project 168 shirt. If you want the names, numbers and picks to know before UTMB, CCC and OCC , you’re in the right place. Links Watch and track UTMB live — https://live.utmb.world/ HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc — https://montblanc.utmb.world/ UTMB Index, Running Stones and qualification — https://utmb.world/ Phil Gore / Project 168 — https://philgore.com.au/ Rafael Hidalgo YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@rafaelhidalgo #UTMB2026 #UTMBMontBlanc #TrailRunning

The inaugural SISU Backyard Ultra starts September 5 at 9 a.m. at Lake Rebecca Park in Rockford, Minnesota, on a 4.167-mile hourly loop. Co-race directors Ryan and Steve Koivisto join Garrett and Tanner to explain how the race went from a text sent while mowing the lawn to a permitted backyard event, and what runners can expect on race weekend. We also discuss: How Sydney Backyard Ultra helped spark the idea for a new Minnesota backyard race The Lake Rebecca course, including the paved climb, trail sections, and debate over reversing direction every six hours Why the backyard format works for someone chasing four yards just as well as someone chasing 40 Pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheese, live timing plans, and a sauna at the start/finish The larger Sisu Project mission to “create moments that demand growth” Plus, race predictions: Ryan and Steve predict 51 runners on the starting line, 10 reaching 24 hours, a winning total of 37 yards, and at least one runner doubling their previous backyard PR. If you’re looking for another Minnesota endurance event or want to see what goes into building a new race from year one, you’re in the right place. Links Sisu Backyard Ultra registration — https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=140416 Sisu Project MN — https://www.sisuprojectmn.com/ Sisu Backyard Ultra Athlete Guide — https://www.sisuprojectmn.com/new-page Sisu Project MN Strava Club — https://www.strava.com/clubs/sisuprojectmn Sisu Backyard Ultra course on Strava — https://www.strava.com/routes/3504592220097932820 Sisu Backyard Ultra on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/sisubackyardultra Official Backyard Ultra race listing — https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/sisu-backyard-ultra-at-lake-rebecca/ #SisuBackyardUltra #BackyardUltra #MinnesotaRunning

Phil Gore holds the Backyard Ultra World Record at 119 laps and is the reigning Big's Backyard Ultra World Champion, having taken the title with 114. This week on The Threshold Podcast, Tanner and Garrett sit down with him three weeks before the biggest feat he's ever attempted: Project 168 — a solo, seven-day, 700-mile run. We also discuss: How a back-of-the-pack high school cross country runner turned a 2015 commitment to run 5K every day into a marathon, then his first ultra in 2019, then a 39-yard assist finish at his first backyard ultra in 2020 that hooked him for good The evolution of his race plan, from a notebook with no strategy to a dialed three-fast-one-slow lap rotation, a nutritionist calculating every calorie and sodium gram, and a mindset coach and hypnotist who joined the crew almost by accident and never left What it actually felt like inside his head during the roughest overnight stretch of his Big's Backyard Ultra win, including a patch where he genuinely couldn't remember what country he was in The full shape of Project 168: why seven days and not six, the lake-loop course fifteen minutes from his house, his eight-person crew running on color-coded wristband roles, and the one thing he says could actually stop him Why he's framing this as his own four-minute-mile moment: not an official record, but a number he wants the rest of the sport to start chasing Plus, how you can actually be part of it: Booking a lap to run alongside Phil in person if you're near Perth, or a "virtual lap" from wherever you are in the world Where every dollar of the fundraiser goes — Telethon, supporting sick and disadvantaged kids in Western Australia If you've been wondering what's actually possible with hard work, consistency, and the right mindset... you're in the right place. Links: Project 168 — live stream, donate, book a lap, virtual laps: https://philgore.com.au Donate directly to Telethon via Project 168: https://project-168.raiselysite.com/ Project 168 tee ($10 from every shirt goes to Telethon): https://occlothingco.com.au/shop/project-168 Phil Gore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil.gore.ultrarunner/ Background — Phil's world record at Dead Cow Gully (ABC News): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-26/phil-gore-backyard-ultra-world-record-at-dead-cow-gully/105461266 Background — Phil's Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship win (ABC News): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-23/phil-gore-wins-backyard-ultra-world-championship/105757780 Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 274H9DMD4ZWGKN4I

Max Jolliffe just became the first man in history to break 21 hours at Badwater 135, running 20:53:41 in a photo finish up the final climb to Whitney Portal. This week on The Threshold Podcast, Garrett and Tanner break down a historic weekend in Death Valley, where Carmen Maria Perez also set a new women's course record at 21:05:32 — finishing second overall, ahead of every runner except Jolliffe himself. We also discuss: Minnesota Voyageur 50's deep field on a brand-new start/finish venue, including 57-year-old John Bauer finishing 4th overall in 8:02 Nick Petterson's course-record 63-yard win at Ode to Laz, and where Team USA's backyard roster stands with the qualifying window closing in two weeks Josh Kerr breaking Hicham El Guerrouj's 27-year-old mile world record at 3:42.66, then backing it up with Commonwealth Games gold five days later The Michael McKnight/Sage Canaday doping controversy shaking up the ultrarunning community Plus, we shift gears to the backyard ultra world: 99 Laps, the new 100-runner elimination race out of Germany where the last-place finisher gets cut every 15 minutes Phil Gore's Project 168 — a solo, seven-day attempt to run a backyard ultra loop every hour for 700 miles straight Garrett's next backyard ultra this October, and why he's already back in the format after Elm Creek Why sitting in a hot car after a summer run might be the free heat training you're missing If you've been chasing a new PR, curious about your first backyard ultra, or trying to figure out how to actually use this summer heat to your advantage, you're in the right place. Links: Badwater 135: http://www.badwater.com Minnesota Voyageur 50: https://www.voyageur50.com Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra: https://odetolaz.com Josh Kerr's world record (World Athletics): https://worldathletics.org/competitions/diamond-league/news/london-athletics-meet-2026-josh-kerr-world-mile-record Big's Backyard Ultra World Team Championship: https://bigsbackyardultra.com/world-team-championship-2026/ 99 Laps: https://99laps.com Phil Gore's Project 168: https://philgore.com.au Running Magazine on the McKnight/BPC-157 story: https://runningmagazine.ca/trail-running/pro-ultrarunner-opens-up-about-taking-banned-peptide-bpc-157/

Ludovic Pommeret just became a three-time Hardrock 100 champion at age 50, breaking his own course record by 22 minutes with a 21:11:36 finish. This week on The Threshold Podcast, Garrett and Tanner break down a historic weekend at Hardrock, where Courtney Dauwalter also set a new clockwise course record at 26:03:10 for her fourth win, and Tara Dower completed a brutal Western States-Hardrock double, finishing third just 13 days after taking sixth at States. With 147 runners taking on 33,000 feet of climbing through the San Juan Mountains, this year's edition delivered one of the most dominant performances the race has seen. We also discuss: Tom Evans' DNF at mile 58 due to altitude sickness, after leading the chase pack through the early miles Jimmy Elam and David Ayala rounding out the men's podium in 23:48 and 24:28 The Willow Fire forcing Life Time to cancel Leadville's Silver Rush events, and what it means for the Leadville 100 in August Plus, we shift gears to the backyard ultra world: Lazarus Lake voiding the men's and women's world records set at Russia's Biotropika Backyard Ultra, after video showed non-competitors accompanying runners on course What the voided results mean for Dmitry Klimov, Dmitry Sheremet, and Ivan Zaborsky, who all ran further than the previous 119-loop world record Our full 10-point breakdown on how to run your first backyard ultra, covering training, race strategy, nutrition, crew, gear, and the mental side of a race with no finish line From record-breaking runs in the San Juans to a voided world record in Russia, this episode covers a wild stretch for ultrarunning, plus everything you need to run your first backyard ultra this season. Links: iRunFar's 2026 Hardrock 100 Results: https://www.irunfar.com/2026-hardrock-100-results Hardrock 100: https://hardrock100.com Colorado Sun on Colorado's fire-affected races: https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/09/colorado-fires-race-events/ Leadville Race Series: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com Marathon Handbook on the voided Biotropika records: https://marathonhandbook.com/backyard-ultra-records-voided/ Big's Backyard Ultra: https://bigsbackyardultra.com

Hardrock 100 is six days from its scheduled start in Silverton, and for the first time in years, it may not happen at all. This week on The Threshold Podcast, Garrett and Tanner break down the Gold Mountain Fire's threat to the race, the same fire that already forced the Ouray 100 to cancel less than two weeks before its own start. If Hardrock goes down too, it's only the fourth cancellation in the race's 34-year history. Is proactive cancellation the responsible call? We also discuss: Boston Marathon cutting its qualifying times by five minutes across the board The new downhill penalty coming to 2027 qualifying, adding up to 10 minutes back onto times run on steep net-downhill courses Results from the Afton Trail Run 50K and 25K, including Nick Marshall's seventh-fastest 50K in the race's history Plus, we shift gears into training and mindset: A Bangor University study showing runners who added a 40-minute hot bath after workouts ran about 5% faster in a 5K time trial in hot conditions Kara and Nate's backyard ultra documentary, "The Race That Finally Broke Me," and a moment from race director Tim Walsh that stuck with us Garrett's new running streak, one mile minimum every single day for a year, inspired by John Naslund completing all 50 Grandma's Marathons this June An early look at Tanner's plan for Superior 100 in September, including where Garrett steps in to pace him From wildfire watches to backyard ultra breakthroughs, this episode covers a little bit of everything happening in the sport right now. Links: Hardrock 100: https://hardrock100.com iRunFar's 2026 Hardrock Preview: https://www.irunfar.com/2026-hardrock-100-preview Colorado Sun on the Ouray 100 cancellation: https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/05/colorado-fires-aspen-acres-willow-gold-mountain-ouray-100/ Boston Marathon qualifying standards: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify/ The heat acclimation study (Zurawlew et al., 2016): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26661992/ Kara and Nate — "The Race That Finally Broke Me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgKmIVEytNI Afton Trail Run: https://www.aftontrailrun.com Superior 100: https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com John Naslund's 50th Grandma's Marathon (MPR News): https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/17/with-50-years-of-grandmas-marathon-only-one-man-will-have-ran-them-all

Western States 2026 may go down as one of the most historic editions in race history. This week on The Threshold Podcast, Tanner and Garrett break down a record-shattering day at the Western States 100, highlighted by Vincent Bouillard's stunning 13:46:15 victory. Bouillard not only smashed Jim Walmsley's course record by more than 23 minutes, but became the first athlete ever to break the 14-hour barrier at Western States. With Francesco Puppi, Ryan Montgomery, and Thomas Cardin all running under the previous course record, was this truly "The Year of the Euros?" On the women's side, Jennifer Lichter continued her incredible rise by setting a new course record of 15:28:05, while Riley Brady and Marianna Hogan rounded out an impressive podium. We also discuss: • The massive performances from 100-mile debutants Francesco Puppi and Thomas Cardin • Whether Zach Miller silenced burnout concerns • Major DNFs from Jim Walmsley, Kilian Jornet, Hans Troyer, Abby Hall, and Yngvild Kaspersen • Is Walmsley's DNF the beginning of a changing of the guard in men's ultrarunning? • How unexpectedly cool weather impacted race strategies and performances • Our pre-race predictions vs. what actually happened Plus, we shift gears to the backyard ultra world: • Harvey Lewis captures the Mid-State Mile Backyard Ultra with an incredible 147 yards as backyard livestream production continues to elevate the sport • We discuss why professional race coverage matters and what races deserve the spotlight next • The Biotropika Backyard Ultra in Russia delivers arguably the most controversial and historic backyard ultra ever, with both the men's and women's world records falling—and questions surrounding race procedures igniting debate across the global backyard community From course records to controversy, this episode covers one of the wildest weekends ultrarunning has seen in years.

Connect with Patto and follow the Backyard Ultra Podcast community: 🎙️ Listen to the Backyard Ultra Podcast on Spotify: Backyard Ultra Podcast on Spotify 📸 Follow on Instagram: @backyardultrapodcast on Instagram In this episode of The Threshold Podcast , we sit down with one of the most recognizable voices in the world of Backyard Ultras—Patto, host of the Backyard Ultra Podcast . Patto shares his journey from a recreational marathon runner to becoming one of the sport's biggest storytellers and advocates. After discovering the Backyard Ultra format and realizing there were virtually no resources dedicated to the discipline, he launched his own podcast to fill that void. Today, his show has become essential listening for athletes, fans, and anyone fascinated by the unique challenge of last-person-standing racing. We dive deep into: • How Patto discovered Backyard Ultras and what drew him to the format • The story behind starting the Backyard Ultra Podcast • Lessons learned from his first races and the steep learning curve of the sport • The evolution of his training, nutrition, and race strategy across 18 Backyard Ultras • The mental and physical demands of competing deep into multi-day events • His personal best of 38 yards and what it takes to push beyond perceived limits • The growth and future of Backyard Ultra racing worldwide Whether you're training for your first Backyard Ultra, chasing a 100-mile finish, or simply fascinated by endurance, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of running's fastest-growing disciplines. If you enjoy conversations about ultrarunning, Backyard Ultras, endurance training, race strategy, and the stories that unfold when athletes test their limits, this episode is for you. Be sure to follow The Threshold Podcast for more conversations with runners, coaches, race directors, and personalities shaping the endurance world.

The Threshold Podcast is back with a special Running News Rundown , covering the biggest stories from the world of running, ultrarunning, trail racing, backyard ultras, and Hyrox. In this episode, Tanner dives into the headlines shaping the endurance community this week. We reflect on Threshold Podcast surpassing 1,000 downloads , address the conversation sparked by our recent Instagram post, and discuss what accountability and open dialogue look like in today's running culture. On the racing side, we break down Aaron Kubala's incredible course-record performance at the Tahoe 200 , where he clocked a blistering 48:09 to take the win and strengthen his pursuit of the coveted Triple Crown of 200s . We also recap the action from the legendary Kettle Moraine Endurance Trail Races , including the grueling 100-mile event, the 51% buckle rate, standout podium performances, and a new course record in the 100K. We head to Minnesota for the latest results from FANS Ultra , where athletes pushed their limits in the 24-hour format, including a massive 128-mile performance from previous Threshold Podcast guest Nick Steele . Looking ahead, we preview one of the most unique events in ultrarunning: the Mid-State Mile . Imagine a backyard ultra with one-mile loops every 20 minutes and relentless elevation gain. With elite names like Mark Dowdle, Harvey Lewis, Cody Eubanks, and Luke Bollschweiler toeing the line, could we see the 133.1-mile course record fall? We also unpack the controversy coming out of the Suffolk Backyard Ultra , where runner George Rickwood was disqualified more than 50 hours into the race for allegedly violating companionship rules. The situation has sparked debate across the backyard community: should rules be enforced exactly as written, or should intent matter when no competitive advantage was gained? Finally, we turn our attention to the rapidly growing world of Hyrox , as the Hyrox World Championships take place in Stockholm. With over one million competitors participating this season, we discuss the athletes to watch, Tanner's podium predictions, and why Hyrox may be one of the fastest-growing endurance sports on the planet. Whether you're training for your first 5K, preparing for your next ultramarathon, obsessed with backyard ultras, following Hyrox, or simply trying to stay connected to the running community, this episode has something for you. If you're enjoying The Threshold Podcast, be sure to follow the show, leave a 5-star rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow runner. Your support has helped us reach more than 1,000 downloads—and we're just getting started. Topics Covered: • Running news and ultrarunning headlines • Tahoe 200 results and Aaron Kubala's course record • Triple Crown of 200s discussion • Kettle Moraine 100 Mile, 100K, 50K, and 38 Mile results • FANS Ultra 24-hour race results • Mid-State Mile preview and predictions • Suffolk Backyard Ultra controversy and rule enforcement debate • Hyrox World Championships preview and picks • Trail running, endurance racing, and the running community

Garrett and Tanner are back for episode 13. Dead Cow Gully just wrapped in Australia and Sam Christie took the win at 66 loops on a 1,600-acre working cattle farm. We break down the race, McCormick's heartbreaking calf injury that likely cost him a silver ticket to the Australian national team, and why Bagman might just be the people's champ of backyard ultra. Also, if you finish Dead Cow Gully, you get a vacuum-sealed bag of cow manure. True story. Cocodona held its first ever lottery. Nearly 2,000 applicants, 475 spots, 80% first-time starters, all 50 states represented, 42 countries, and one runner drawn at age 76. We break down how Aravaipa built their own lottery system, how the weighted draw works in favor of women until the field hits 50/50, and why the financial commitment of a 250-mile race probably explains why the applicant pool isn't ten times bigger. Runners World dropped their 2026 shoe awards after testing 107 shoes across 300 runners. We get into the biggest themes, carbon-plated trail shoes arriving in a serious way, the super trainer era officially taking over, Brooks coming back, Puma making a real push, and Sketchers somehow landing on a racing shoe list. Finally, we talk Western States. Everything you need to know before June 27th. The history of the race, the course breakdown from escarpment to Placer High School, the lottery structure, course records, and a full men's and women's field preview with Tanner's picks and podium predictions on both sides. If you've been waiting for a reason to tune into Western States this year, then you're in the right place. LINKS 🏁 Western States 100 Live Stream: https://www.wser.org 🏁 Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra: https://www.deadcowgully.com.au 🎟️ Cocodona 2027 Lottery Results: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona/lottery/ 👟 Runners World 2026 Shoe Awards: https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/shoe-reviews

Garrett and Tanner are back for episode 12, and this week we bring the heat. The Cam Hanes and Sage Canaday saga keeps developing. Cam fired back with his own take on the PED situation. We break down his response, what it means for the brands backing him, and whether race organizations are going to hold influencer athletes to the same standard they hold everyone else. Then, the Enhanced Games came and went. Fred Curley ran clean and still won. The entire enhanced field couldn't get close to Usain Bolt's world record. We get into what it all means and whether performance enhancement is really moving the needle the way people think it is. Creatine has been a gym supplement forever. The running world may just now be catching up. We get into the recovery data, the cognitive performance research, what it does during sleep deprivation in overnight race segments, and why Tanner saw his HRV jump 20 points within 48 hours of getting back on it after his race. The back half of the episode is yours. We put out a call for stories, questions, and anything else our listeners want to know. We cover mid-race problem solving with real examples, what sodium imbalance actually feels like when you're bonking in the heat, how to survive a training block when motivation goes completely dark, and a wild story from a Minnesota trail running OG about a volunteer pacing situation that went very sideways. If you want the drama, the reason to keep pushing naturally, and more tips and tricks straight from the trail... you're in the right place.

Tanner and Garrett are back for episode 11. This time, we lay out the blueprint for building your own training plan, the "why" behind it, and the 5 areas where you'll experience growth through training intentionally. Plus, in the Rundown: Cocodona 250 just dropped their viewership numbers and they are staggering. 247,000 live viewers in 2023. 303,000 in 2024. 841,000 in 2025. 1.42 million this year. We break down what Aravaipa is doing differently from every other race organization in the sport and why other races should be paying attention. Brian Calloff, a Minnesota runner who trains at Elm Creek, just won Cruel Jewel 100 in Georgia. 25 hours, four minutes, 28 seconds across 33,000 feet of elevation gain. Kirk Duwent took down the Superior Spring 50K in 4:12 at 8:07 per mile pace on one of the more technical stretches of the Superior Hiking Trail. And Mason Wright, 45 years old, just ran a thousand miles on a track in 18 days, 13 hours, and 11 minutes to raise money for single parents. Wrap your head around that one. Then the Satisfy x Adidas shoe launch. The circle pit, the rave aesthetic, the $300 price tag, the DMs asking people to stop talking about it. We get into all of it. The main segment is where we reveal a foundational guide to building a structured training plan. Plus we break down the actual building blocks and why they work. Easy runs, long runs, tempo and threshold, intervals, hill repeats, recovery, strides -- we break down what each one does, how they fit together in a week, and how to build a plan from your first 50K all the way up to hundred mile distances. Tanner also walks through the four phases of a training block from foundation building to race day execution. If you've been running without a real plan and want to get intentional... you're in the right place. LINKS 🏃 Cocodona Panel Discussion + Q&A: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/18v2co18Ff/⁠ 🏁 Cruel Jewel 100: https://www.crueljewel100.com 🏁 Superior Spring Trail Race: https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/superior-spring 🧵 Satisfy Running: https://www.satisfyrunning.com 📊 Final Surge Training App: https://www.finalsurge.com

Garrett & Tanner are back for double-digit episode 10 of The Threshold Podcast - the podcast for the everyday runner. We kick it off with Free Trail 2025 trail performances of the year and there are some names on the list that surprised us, and a few notable ones missing. Jim Walmsley had three performances of the year while reportedly battling injury heading into Western States. Ludwig Pomeré won Hard Rock at 50 years old. Ann Flowers broke a 31-year course record at Leadville. David Roche broke his own Leadville course record and didn't crack the list. The backyard ultra world got almost no mention. We get into all of it and make a promise to do our own version for 2026. Then... headphones or no headphones. It started as a debate and ended up being more of a conversation about what we're actually running for in the first place. The main segment is something runners don't talk about enough. The internal side of this sport. Ourfour pillars: psychology, identity and ego, culture, and meaning and purpose. Why people show up to start lines. What imposter syndrome feels like when you're new to ultras. How the mind can DNF a race before it even starts. Post-race emptiness and why it's real. The fine line between confidence and arrogance. What Strava is doing to the way we run and whether we'd still run without it. Both Garrett and Tanner get honest about addiction, purpose, and what running has given them that nothing else could. We also announce the first ever Threshold run club meetup on May 23rd at Crowhassen Park Reserve in Rogers, Minnesota. All paces, all distances. Details below. If you've ever wondered what your running buddies feel inside, you're in the right place. LINKS 🏃 Free Trail 2025 Performances of the Year: https://freetrail.com/trail-performances-of-the-year-2025/ https://freetrail.com/trail-runner-of-the-year-2025-first/ 📍 Threshold Run Club — May 23rd, 8am Crow Hassan Trailhead, Rogers, MN45.18529525818769, -93.62975588049817

Tanner and Garrett are back for episode 9, where we cover the most comprehensive Midwest race preview you'll find anywhere. We start with Cocodona 250. Rachel Entrekin won the race overall. New course record: 56 hours, 9 minutes, 28 seconds. We break down her race, the full podium, the fueling, what Mount to Coast is building, and whether a sub-50-hour Cocodona is eventually possible. We also take a moment at the top to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred during the race. Then we get into Jim Walmsley taking a Hoka sponsor bib into Western States. He didn't run a Golden Ticket race. He asked for help and was honest about it. The field might be the deepest in Western States history. We talk through who's dangerous and why. We spend some time on Mark Dowdle signing with BPN. We're rooting for him. The question is what happens if the brand starts needing the content more than the results. We also announce something BIG. The Threshold boys are eyeing an FKT on 108 miles of paved trail through central Minnesota. We break down what an FKT is and what we're targeting. More details coming. The back half of the episode is the Midwest race preview. Race by race, early season through late fall, across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. 5K to 200 miles. Gateway races, Western States qualifiers, backyard ultras, and a race where every finisher picks a random safety deposit box at the finish line. Races we've run, races we're running this year, and a few we can't stop thinking about. If you've been trying to figure out what Midwest running actually has to offer, you're in the right place. RACES MENTIONED — EPISODE 9 🏁 Zumbro Endurance Run (Theilman, MN — April) https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/zumbro 🏁 Chippewa Trail Races (New Auburn, WI — April) https://www.chippewatrailraces.com 🏁 Elm Creek Backyard Ultra (Maple Grove, MN — April) https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116082 🏁 Rumble on the Ridge (Central Wisconsin — Spring) https://www.driftlessendurance.com/rumble-on-the-ridge 🏁 Superior Spring Trail Race (North Shore, MN — May) https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/superior-spring 🏁 Endless Summer Trail Series (Minneapolis Metro — Summer Wednesdays) https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/endless-summer-trail-series 🏁 Kettle Moraine 100 (La Grange, WI — June) (Western States Qualifier) https://www.kmseries.com 🏁 Six Days in the Dome (Milwaukee, WI — June) https://www.sixdaysinthedome.com 🏁 Black Hills 100 (Sturgis, SD — June) https://www.blackhills100.com 🏁 Afton Trail Run (Afton State Park, MN — July 4th) https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/afton 🏁 Gene Curnow Trail Marathon (Duluth, MN — July) https://www.voyagerultra.com/gene-curnow 🏁 Voyager Ultra Trail Marathon (Jay Cooke State Park, MN — July) https://www.voyagerultra.com 🏁 Marquette Trail 50 (Marquette, MI — August) https://www.queencityrunning.com/marquette-trail-50 🏁 Baby Backyard 5K to 50K (Elm Creek Park Reserve, MN — August 8) https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=119955 🏁 Midwest States 100 (Westboro, WI — August) https://www.midweststates100.com 🏁 Superior Fall Trail Race (North Shore, MN — September) (Western States Qualifier) https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/superior-fall 🏁 Cowboy 200 (Norfolk to Valentine, NE — September 25) https://www.cowboy200.com 🏁 Fire Tower Trail Races (St. Croix State Park, MN — October 3) https://www.northernwandererevents.com/fire-tower 🏁 Break the Bank (Duluth, MN — October 10) https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=122345 🏁 Mines of Spain 100 (Dubuque, IA — October 16-17) https://www.suntrailrunning.com/mines-of-spain 🏁 Wild Duluth Races (Duluth, MN — October 17-18) https://www.wildduluth.com

Garrett and Tanner are back for episode 8 of The Threshold Podcast, the podcast for the everyday runner. We kick things off with the Rundown: Legends Backyard Ultra just wrapped in Belgium with a 114-yard, 475-mile finish that spanned nearly five days. Sydney's Backyard Ultra drew 645 starters and produced one of the more unhinged race stories you'll hear this year. And Sebastian Sawe ran 1:59:41 at London, the first official sub-2 marathon, on two slices of toast and a cup of tea. Next, we get into Cocodona 250, starting May 4. We break down both fields, talk through who's dangerous and why, and give our full podium picks for men's and women's. Courtney Dauwalter was leading overall last year before dropping. Kilian Korth has three straight DNFs despite being one of the best 200-mile runners alive. Max Jolliffe has unfinished business. Rachel Entrekin is the two-time defending champ and she's coming back. This race has more storylines than any 200-miler we've seen. Finally, we close out with something we've been wanting to do for a while — our Top 10 trail running gear essentials. We go item by item through what we actually run in, what's made a real difference, and what we're still figuring out. From a $25 Amazon gaiter to why you need to ditch the Apple Watch, this is the gear conversation we wish someone had with us sooner. If you're trying to keep up with what's happening in the sport, follow Cocodona, or figure out what gear is actually worth it... you're in the right place. GEAR LINKS — EPISODE 8 🧤 GaitersAonijie Breathable Trail Gaiters — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=aonijie+trail+gaiters 🥢 Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Distance Z Carbon Poles — https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/distance-z-trekking-poles/LEKI Poles — https://www.leki.com/us/trekking/ 💧 HydrationSalomon ADV Skin 6 Running Vest — https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/adv-skin-6.html 🔦 HeadlampPetzl Swift RL — https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/SWIFT-RLFenix HL18R-T — https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hl18r-t-rechargeable-headlamp ⚡ FuelSiS Beta Fuel Gel — https://www.scienceinsport.com/us/shop-sis/go-range/beta-fuel 🎧 HeadphonesShokz OpenRun Pro 2 — https://shokz.com/products/openrunpro2 🧦 SocksInjinji Trail Toe Socks — https://www.injinji.com/collections/trailPair of Thieves Athletic Socks — https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=pair+of+thieves+athletic+socks ⌚ GPS WatchGarmin Fenix 7X Solar — https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/741530/ 👟 ShoesNike Wildhorse — https://www.nike.com/t/wildhorse-trail-running-shoesSalomon GRVL 4 — https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/gravel-4.htmlAltra Olympus 5 Trail — https://www.altrarunning.com/footwear/olympusNike ACG Zegama Trail — https://www.nike.com/t/acg-zegama-trail-running-shoesBrooks Cascadia Elite — https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/cascadia-elite-trail-running-shoes

Garrett DuPont & Tanner Elmore are back for episode 7 of The Threshold Podcast, joined by James Smith to break down the Elm Creek Backyard Ultra in Maple Grove, Minnesota. This one is a full race recap. We get into what the backyard ultra actually feels like once you’re in it — the loops, the pacing, the decisions, and how quickly things can shift over the course of a long day (and night) of running. We talk through how the race played out for each of us, what changed as the hours stacked up, and what started to matter more the deeper we got into it. From pacing decisions to managing time between loops, this is a real look at how the format unfolds in the moment. It covers: • what a backyard ultra really looks like hour by hour • how pacing and decision-making evolve deep into the race • what starts to matter more as the race goes on • the role of crew, community, and support during long efforts Also in this episode: • a full breakdown of the Elm Creek Backyard Ultra and what makes this Minnesota race special • shoutout to the race directors and volunteers who make the magic happen • James Smith joining the conversation with his perspective on the race and format If you’ve been curious about backyard ultras, thinking about running one, or just want to understand the in's and out's... you're in the right place.

In this inspiring episode, ultra runner Nick Steel shares his incredible journey of pushing physical and mental limits through relentless ultra marathons, overcoming personal struggles, and finding purpose in running. Discover how his mindset, community support, and unique challenges shape his pursuit of the youngest athlete to complete one hundred 100-mile races. We Cover: Nick Steel's ultra running journey and goals Overcoming sickness and physical challenges during races Innovative challenges like the Water Tower Ultra Week The mental and emotional aspects of ultra endurance Community support and the impact of running for others Follow Nick: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicksteelruns/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicholasSteelEndurance Strava: https://strava.app.link/WizonvCRt2b