In this episode, Rachel is joined by Francesco Puppi and Matt Daniels. These two just finished first and second at the Chuckanut 50k, both breaking the previous course record set by Max King. In this episode, they talk about their head to head battle at the Chuckanut 50k and what transpired over the race. They talk about what it was like to be so close to a competitor for such a long time and the special connection that they developed by racing one another.

What we talked about:

1:25- Catching up with Matt and Francesco and how they are feeling coming off of the race

3:40- What’s next for Matt, racing at the Gorge Waterfalls 100k

4:50- What’s next for Francesco, racing Lake Sonoma

6:20- Their rivalry origin story

9:15: Francesco’s race plan for Chuckanut 50k

11:45- Matt’s race plan for Chukanut 50k

14:20- The breakdown of their head to head

21:50- The value of having each other to compete against

24:00- The connection in trail running

28:20- Their reflections on their experience going head to head

Show notes:

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The Trail Network Podcast is edited and produced by ⁠Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network⁠

Photo Credit: Somer Kreisman