One More K

This is a special episode in which Markus shares some thoughts on how meditation has benefited him during ultrarunning. He invites you to a 10-minute simple breathing exercise focused on breathing through the nose.

Meditating is training the mind's muscles. Ultra running is a mental game. Include simple meditation in your training to reduce stress, have a better recovery and improve endurance.

Eenjoy

This week, hosts Markus and Ned banter through their current challenges—Ned’s backyard ultra race and Markus’ upcoming 10-day Vipassana meditation. Ned hilariously reflects on the absurdity of his running life, having completed 26 marathon-plus runs this year despite feeling underprepared for his next race. Markus, on the other hand, is gearing up for a complete contrast in physical activity—sitting still for 10 days straight. The duo jokes about combining their experiences into one podcast episode of pure silence.

They dive into some big topics, too. From the latest scandals in the ultra-running world, such as Camille Herron’s Wikipedia controversy, to discussions about the rise of coaching in trail running, there’s plenty to keep listeners entertained. Ned, with his trademark humor, contemplates becoming a coach himself, only to be horrified by the rising cost of hiring one these days. Yet, he admits the value of having a cheerleader, whether in running or in life.

As they wrap up, the hosts reflect on the growing demand for running documentaries, lamenting the lack of originality in the genre. Ned offers his suggestions for must-watch films while poking fun at the overused "waking up at 4 a.m. for a race" trope. The episode ends on a thoughtful note, with a poetic tribute to kindness and the importance of mental well-being, tying together the highs and lows of the ultra-running world with a bit of humor and heart.

Timestamps:

(00:40) Backyard World Championships are coming up

(04:50) Celebrating over 3000 downloads

(05:30) Ironman Group ownership

(08:16) Camille Herron & Stine Rex

(19:05) Deep dive into professional coaching

(31:10) Reflections on documentaries

(39:30) Stock price comparison On, Adidas, Nike & Hoka

(42:20) Ned’s drop

Show Notes:

https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a62390250/camille-herron-lululemon-wikipedia-scandal/

https://www.irunfar.com/will-stine-rexs-48-hour-world-record-ever-be-ratified

https://www.irunfar.com/a-data-driven-environmental-scan-of-the-trail-and-ultra-coaching-industry

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Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com)

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Available on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Spotify. 

Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus

In this lively episode of the One More K Podcast, hosts Markus and Ned welcome David Lloyd, the man behind Vietnam’s thriving trail running scene and Topas Trail Series. From his early days of exploring the rugged Welsh mountains to creating Vietnam’s first major trail races, David shares the unexpected journey that led him to establish the Vietnam Mountain Marathon and other iconic races. With a mix of humor and insight, David recounts how a passion project that started with a handful of runners has now grown into a full-fledged movement, attracting thousands of participants from around the world.

David reveals the unique challenges of organizing trail races in a rapidly developing country like Vietnam, where new concrete roads often encroach on traditional trails. Despite these obstacles, he and his team have built a series of trail races that highlight Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, from the remote jungles of Phu Luong to the towering peaks of Sapa. He explains how the races have evolved over the years, balancing the influx of international tourists with the growing number of local runners who have embraced the sport with enthusiasm.

But the episode isn’t just about logistics and race organization. David reflects on the vibrant sense of community that sets Vietnamese races apart, where runners stay long after crossing the finish line to enjoy local food, cold beer, and new friendships. With plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode offers an inspiring look at how one man’s love for the mountains has sparked a trail running revolution in Southeast Asia.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction of David Lloyd

(06:05) David’s journey to Vietnam

(07:50) The story behind Topas trail races

(10:40) Role of tourism in trail running

(14:50) The highlights of Topas’ races

(19:30) Managing rural development and changes in trails

(24:05) Working with local governments

(27:30) How to deal with the growth in trail running & events

(34:30) Where to take the Topas Trail Series?

(37:00) What’s special about Vietnam trail running?

(39:45) David speaks Vietnamese

(42:40) Ned’s Drop

- https://www.instagram.com/vietnamtrailseries/

- https://www.instagram.com/d.a.v.i.d_l.l.o.y.d/

- https://vietnamtrailseries.com/

Supported by Lecka Nutition (www.getlecka.com)

In this episode of the One More K Podcast, hosts Markus and Ned sit down with Sabrina de Nadai, a trailblazing figure in Asia’s trail running scene and the director of UTMB Asia. Sabrina shares her unique journey from a corporate career at L’Oréal to becoming a key player in the region’s trail running community. Starting with the humble origins of the TransLantau race in Hong Kong, she describes how her passion for trail running led her to co-found Asia Sport Connection, growing TransLantau into one of Asia’s premier trail events. Her story offers a fascinating look into the entrepreneurial spirit and determination it takes to transform a passion project into a widely recognized brand.

As the conversation unfolds, Sabrina delves into UTMB’s expansion into the Asian market and how the acquisition of TransLantau paved the way for further growth. She talks about the evolving trail running culture in China, the importance of staying connected to local communities, and the crucial role safety plays in organizing these challenging events. Sabrina also reflects on the differences in trail running enthusiasm pre- and post-COVID, highlighting how the pandemic reshaped the landscape of long-distance races across the region. Her insights provide a unique glimpse into the complexities of merging a grassroots movement with a globally recognized brand.

The episode closes with an exciting discussion on the future of trail running in Asia. Sabrina and the hosts explore the possibility of a UTMB final being held in Asia, the rise of elite Chinese trail runners, and the growing influence of tourism on the sport. From navigating partnerships with Ironman to working with local governments, Sabrina offers an inspiring vision of what’s next for the trail running community. Whether you're an avid runner or simply curious about the sport, this episode is packed with insights and passion that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

(00:00) Welcome back and introduction of Sabrina de Nadai

(01:53) Transition from L'Oréal to trail running and event organizing

(08:33) Growth of TransLantau and the rise of trail running in Asia

(10:37) Community evolution in Hong Kong and the effects of COVID-19

(14:56) How the UTMB acquisition of TransLantau came about

(19:34) Timeline of the UTMB and Ironman partnership

(23:17) Division of responsibilities between UTMB Asia and Ironman

(24:43) Profitability challenges for race directors in Asia

(26:41) Commercial realities in trail running: Ironman’s approach

(28:11) China’s potential as a key market for trail running

(29:52) Building a brand in China & getting feedback

(32:28) Expansion plans for Greater China

(33:19) Insights into the Chinese government plans for mass events

(38:00) Safety measures improved in China

(41:25) Potential of Asian runners is growing

(46:50) Ned’s Drop

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Brought to you by Lecka Nutrition (www.getlecka.com)

Follow Us On Twitter: @OneMoreK_ 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorek_

Subscribe To Our Newsletter: www.onemorek.com

Reach Out: [email protected]

Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneMoreK_

Available on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Spotify. 

Hit the review button, subscribe and be part of our community. Thanks, Ned & Markus